John Snow: Pioneering cholera scientist celebrated

Anaesthetist John Snow, who died 150 years ago aged 45, showed that cholera was transmitted in water, not air.

After mapping the pattern of cholera deaths in London, he identified a water pump in Soho as the source of the epidemic and took direct action to disable it.

The tribute, jointly organised by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and the charity WaterAid, took place on 17 June 2008 at the John Snow pub in Soho where the pump once stood where a special RSC Chemical Landmark blue plaque was unveiled. The plaques mark locations at which remarkable scientific achievements have been undertaken.

Mr Johnson was joined by TV news anchorman Jon Snow and others bearing the same surname for the event. Glasses of clean, uncontaminated water were served to all the guests in honour of the man whose foresight saved millions of lives.

Sources: Press Association, 15 Jun 2008 ; WaterAid, 17 Jun 2008