On September 7, 1896 the first successful heart surgery was conducted by Ludwig Rehn. Rehn was a pioneer in surgery. He also performed the world’s first thyroidectomy in 1880.

Rehn was also one of the first to recognize the correlation between chemical pollution and cancer. He reported cases of bladder cancer among workers downriver from local factories using aniline.

But he will always be remembered for his ground-breaking heart surgery when he repaired the heart of Wilhelm Justus, a gardener, after he suffered a stab wound.

Disclaimer: The information on this website is accurate to the best of my knowledge at the time of writing. I make no guarantee as to its accuracy. Its purpose is to inform, educate, and raise awareness about causes and opportunities around the globe. I also encourage civil debate in the comments.