Named in memory of Martin Luther (1483–1546), German theologian and religious reformer. After studying law, he became an Augustinian monk and priest in 1507 and a professor of biblical exegesis in Wittenberg in 1508. On 1517 Oct. 31 he posted his famous 95 theses at the door of the university church. These theses were against the misuse of indulgences by the Catholic Church, and here the Reformation started. Luther also influenced the German language through his translations of the Old and the New Testaments into German. (M 33386) _ _.