Edward Jenner

Profession: Physician and Scientist

Biography: Invented the world's first vaccine to treat smallbox by using cowpox pus.

Often called "the father of immunology", Jenner and his work is said to have "saved more lives than the work of any other human".

At the time smallpox killed around 10% of the population, with the number as high as 20% in towns and cities where infection spread more easily.

Born: May 17, 1749
Birthplace: Berkeley, Gloucestershire, England
Star Sign: Taurus

Died: January 26, 1823 (aged 73)
Cause of Death: An apparent stroke