1953: Salk announces Polio vaccine
On 26 March 1953, American Dr. Jonas Salk reports that he has successfully tested a vaccine against poliomyelitis, the virus that causes the crippling disease of polio. Polio, a disease that mainly affects children, attacks the nervous system and can cause paralysis. Since the virus is easily transmitted, epidemics were commonplace in the first decades of the 20th century. Salk's discovery came in the midst of major polio epidemics in Europe, Asia and the United States. Two years later, a massive child inoculation program was underway. In 1957, the development of an oral vaccine by Polish-American researcher Albert Sabin greatly facilitated distribution of the Polio vaccine.
2006
A ban on smoking in public places comes into effect in Scotland.2005
In
Britain, the popular television programme Dr Who returns to the screens after a prolonged period of absence.
2000
Vladimir Putin is elected President of Russia for the first time. 1999
In Britain, the government reaches an out of court settlement with Ex-miners who have developed illness as a result of their jobs. The miners negotiate a deal worth £2 billion. 1998
In
Algeria, 59 people are massacred by fifteen men wielding axes and knives, in what is known as the Oued Bouaicha massacre.
1997
In California, America the bodies of 39 members of the Heaven's Gate religious cult are found dead, all having committed mass suicide. 1981
In Britain, Roy Jenkins, David Owen, William Rodgers and Shirley Williams launch a new
political party, the Social Democrat Party.
1979
President Sadat of
Egypt and Israeli Prime Minister Menachim Begin sign a peace agreement at the
White House.
1973
The first woman stockbroker is allowed on the floor of the London Stock Exchange.1971
Bangladesh declares independence form
Pakistan. 1958
The U.S. launches Explorer III into space. 1917
The First World War: The first Battle of Gaza takes place between allied and Turkish troops in
Palestine. 1199
Richard I, King of England, commonly referred to as Richard the Lionheart, is fatally wounded by crossbow bolt during a siege in
France. 1944
American singer Diana Ross1939
American
actor James Caan
1931
American actor Leonard Nimoy1916
English cricketer Bill Edrich1911
Author Tennessee Williams1891
Chico Marx, one of the famous Marx Brothers comedy team, is born in New York.1886
Al Jolson, singer1983
English spy Anthony Blunt, aged 751973
British playwright,
actor and songwriter Sir Noel Coward.
1945
British politician David Lloyd George1902
British imperialist and businessman
Cecil John Rhodes aged 49. Made his fortune in the Kimberley diamond fields of
South Africa. Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) was named in his honour.
1827
Deaf composer Ludwig van Beethoven, aged 57. His last words were reported as being: I shall hear in Heaven
