Richard Lower: the origins of blood transfusion.

Millions of blood transfusions are performed yearly worldwide. With respect to its historical origins, this practice began in the 17(th) century with an English physician. In 1666, Richard Lower reported the first successful transfusion between animals.

Charles McBurney: McBurney's point.

Charles McBurney published a treatise on appendicitis in 1891, in which he described the exact point on the abdomen at which tenderness was maximal in cases of acute appendicitis--the point now known as "McBurney's point." He also described his approach to both the diagnosis and management of appendicitis, which at the time consisted of careful observation, total disuse of the stomach, and early laparotomy. Since 1891, many advances in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis have been made.

Encounters with venomous sea-life.

Background: Sea-life with envenomation capabilities are quite abundant and diverse worldwide, being predominantly found in tropical waters. Most envenomations occur not as an attack, but as a result of self defense when the animal perceives danger; and often when locals or tourists are engaged in recreational activities. Most of these cases have only minor injuries, and few are fatal.

Dominique-Jean Larrey: the effects of therapeutic hypothermia and the first ambulance.

The fields of emergency medicine and resuscitation are indebted to the Baron Dominique-Jean Larrey (1766-1842) for significant advances in patient care. Larrey was a great surgeon who served in the French army during Napoleon's rule. He developed one of the first ambulance services, utilized positive pressure ventilation, and introduced hypothermia as a form of therapy.