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People You've Never Heard of
Who Changed the World
It is a fact that most people live their lives unremarked by history. Whether by design or by accident, there are always some pioneers whose achievements changed the course of history but whose names are unknown to us.
James Harrison
James Harrison has saved the lives of over two million people by donating his blood 1,173 times, a Guinness World Record. His blood produces a rare antibody (抗体) which cures the deadly Rhesus disease in unborn children. It has also been used in the development of a medicine anti-D, which will cure the Rhesus disease in children forever.
Lewis Latimer
After helping Alexander Graham Bell obtain his patent for the telephone, Lewis Latimer patented a carbon filament (碳灯丝), which allowed light bulbs to burn for hours before burning out, much more useful than that invented by Thomas Edison at that time. Latimer went on to invent many other useful devices, including a device which cooled and cleaned patients' rooms in hospitals.
Maurice Hilleman
Not all achievements require bravery and self-sacrifice. Take Maurice Hilleman for example. He found another way to change the world. He developed the mumps vaccine (疫苗) after his daughter got the illness. And he didn't stop there. In total, he has single-handedly developed over 40 vaccines, including eight commonly given to children. His work has saved millions of lives and prevented serious consequences due to the diseases.
Nils Bohlin
In 1959 Nils Bohlin patented a revolutionary design that has saved millions of lives—the three-point safety belt. After the initial resistance from drivers who hated being told what to do, and even for their own good, the three-point safety belt has become a standard feature in new cars around the world.
1.Whose patent allowed light bulbs to burn for hours before burning out?
A.Alexander Graham Bell.
B.Lewis Latimer.
C.Thomas Edison.
D.Nils Bohlin.
2.What's the similarity between James Harrison and Maurice Hilleman?
A.They both had spirits of bravery and self-sacrifice.
B.Their contributions saved the lives of many children.
C.They devoted themselves to work because of family members.
D.They both set a Guinness World Record.
3.What were drivers' initial attitudes to the three-point seat belt according to the passage?
A.They refused to use it.
B.They were satisfied with it.
C.They were surprised at it.
D.They got excited about it.
