John Snow

Description

John Snow was a Victorian physician who helped to establish that cholera was spread by contaminated water (not bad air, as theory had it). He traced the source of a deadly cholera outbreak to one pump and was able to have it closed, ending the outbreak, despite deep resistance from the local authorities, who did not want to believe his theory. This was a massive event in public health and the founding event of the science of epidemiology. Snow was also an early pioneer of anaesthesia. A dedicated scientist, the results of his work are still evident. He saved untold lives. This is his story.

Jack studied physics, then trained as a science and maths teacher. He worked at London's Science Museum in the Education Unit, and in the museum's flagship interactive gallery, Launch Pad. He left the museum in 1991 to write science and technology books and to write and perform science shows in museums, libraries and schools. He has developed science television programmes for BBC Scotland. He is also a musician and singer.