TOP 10

Blood transfusion

In 1818 , British obstetrician James Blundell first performed a human blood transfusion , but the essential blood groups were not discovered until 1901 , by Karl Landsteiner .

In the 1940s , the general public was first invited to donate their blood to help complete strangers in a medical emergency .

Condoms

Prior to the invention of modern condoms – linen , animal intestines and paper were used to prevent pregnancy and the transfer of sexually transmitted diseases . They failed – but the latex condoms used today ( with 30bn sold annually ) are helping to reduce HIV rates , decrease unplanned pregnancies and keep lovers safe and comfortable .

120 February 2022