Google today celebrates Rudolf Weigl’s 138th birthday with a doodle. We introduce the Doodle and tell the story of the biologist.
Today’s Google Doodle was dedicated to Rudolf Weigl. He would have been 138 years old on September 2, 2021. Weigl in action in the laboratory is the subject of the doodle, in honor of the Polish researcher.
We will be discussing today’s Google Doodle in this article and explaining why Rudolf Weigl is such a special biologist.
Google Doodle Honored Rudolf Weigl
Today’s Google Doodle depicts Rudolf Weigl at his work. The biologist is clearly seen developing his vaccine for spotted fever. Rudolf Weigl is seen in his younger days when he was involved in zoology in his laboratory. The background of the Doodle also shows this.
Rudolf Weigl, who is the focus of the illustration, can be seen. However, Google lettering is also easily identifiable: While the capital “G” is depicted as a microscope and the two subsequent “o” by two pistons are shown below it. The test tube is the symbol for the “l”, while the “g” (and the last “e”) are symbols of the “g”.
Today’s Doodle is not only shown in USA, but also in Poland (Greece, Bulgaria, Germany), India, Australia, and many other countries.
Rudolf Weigl – Who are they?
Rudolf Stefan Weigl was a Czech Republic citizen, born September 2, 1883, in Przerow. He was educated in biological sciences at Lwow University in Poland, and was appointed in 1914 as a parasitologist to the Polish army.
Weigl used body lice for research into a vaccine against typhus. The active ingredient was made available to the first recipients in 1936. Weigl set up a vaccine production plant during World War II. He made friends with colleagues and others who were vulnerable to persecution under the new regime. Through his direct efforts, as well as the vaccination doses, he saved around 5000 people.
Weigl, a brilliant scientist and hero, is still revered today. His contributions were honored by two Nobel Prize nominations!
What is the cause?
Weigl lived in the mountains of Poland for most of his adult life after World War II.
In August 1957, at the age of just 74, the scientist passed away.
Weigl’s causes of death are still not known.
Rudolf Weigl was an expert about the importance and effectiveness of medicine in fighting epidemics.
