Karl Landsteiner died on this day in 1943. He discovered the ABO blood group system, finally making successful blood transfusions possible, thereby saving countless lives. He also made one of the first breakthroughs in defeating polio when he discovered the disease was caused by a virus. He made breakthroughs in immunology, finding ways to boost the body’s production of antibodies, and at the age of 70 he announced the discovery of the rhesus factor, thus helping prevent potentially fatal medical complications in 1 in 200 Caucasian babies. He suffered a heart attack, pipette in hand, whilst working at his laboratory bench. He was 76.

Still, it’s not like he entertained millions.