18 August - Otto Wichterle death anniversary

Otto Wichterle was a Czech chemist and inventor best known for his groundbreaking work in the development of soft contact lenses. Born on 27 October 1913, in Prostějov, in what is now the Czech Republic, Wichterle showed an early interest in science and pursued a career in chemistry. He made significant contributions to polymer science, particularly in the field of hydrogels, which eventually led to his most famous invention.

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Wichterle developed the first soft contact lenses using a new hydrogel material he had invented, called polyhydroxyethylmethacrylate (pHEMA). This material was biocompatible and could retain water, making it ideal for contact lenses that were comfortable to wear for extended periods. Wichterle's innovative approach, which included using a homemade device built from a children's erector set and a bicycle dynamo, revolutionized the contact lens industry and made vision correction more accessible and comfortable for millions of people worldwide.

Despite the significance of his invention, Wichterle did not initially receive widespread recognition or financial benefit due to the political and economic conditions in Czechoslovakia at the time. However, his work eventually gained international acclaim, and he is remembered as a pioneering figure in both chemistry and medical technology. Otto Wichterle passed away on 18 August 1998, leaving behind a legacy of innovation that continues to impact lives today.

18 August - Genghis Khan death anniversary

 

Genghis Khan, born as Temujin around 1162, is one of history's most formidable and influential figures, known for founding the Mongol Empire, which became the largest contiguous empire in history. Rising from humble beginnings on the harsh Mongolian steppes, he united the fractured Mongol tribes through a combination of strategic alliances, military prowess, and ruthless tactics. In 1206, after consolidating his power, he was proclaimed "Genghis Khan," meaning "universal ruler," and embarked on a series of military campaigns that stretched from China in the east to the edges of Europe in the west.

Genghis Khan's conquests were marked by both unparalleled brutality and innovative military strategies, including the use of psychological warfare and superior cavalry tactics. His empire facilitated trade, communication, and cultural exchange across vast territories, effectively linking the East and West. Despite his fearsome reputation, Genghis Khan implemented significant administrative reforms, promoted meritocracy, and respected religious diversity within his empire.

He died on 18 August 1227, under circumstances that remain somewhat mysterious, during a campaign against the Western Xia dynasty in China. His death marked the end of his direct leadership, but his descendants continued to expand and govern the Mongol Empire, leaving a lasting legacy that shaped the course of world history.