Sometimes it happens that an outstanding invention does not find application in its home country, and then its author decides to try their luck abroad. This was the case with Russian doctor Vladimir Khavkin, who created an effective vaccine against cholera. But let's start from the beginning.

Vladimir Khavkin was born in March 1860. After finishing gymnasium, he enrolled in Novorossiysk University, where he found his calling. The future Nobel Prize laureate in physiology and medicine, Ilya Mechnikov, gave lectures there, which attracted Khavkin to medicine. Mechnikov noticed the promising student, and with his support, Khavkin was able to undergo an internship abroad.

Upon returning, at the age of 32, Khavkin developed a cholera vaccine and tested it on himself. He proposed to start its production in Russia but did not receive support. Disappointed, he left for abroad again, which can be called a "brain drain." England was interested in his development, as an epidemic of cholera was raging in India and urgent help was needed. Despite the dangers, Khavkin agreed to go to the British colony.

However, the Indians greeted him with hostility, and on the first day, he was almost stoned. Only when Vladimir gave himself an injection in front of everyone did the locals calm down a bit. But some, due to religious beliefs, refused vaccinations, stating: "our hospital, mosque." These sentiments were changed thanks to Imam Muhammad Shah Aga-Khan, who, in front of his congregation, voluntarily asked to receive an injection. Thus, mass vaccination began.

In two years of work, Khavkin vaccinated over 40,000 people, and the epidemic was halted. Upon returning to London, he became a hero and was awarded the highest British order by Queen Victoria. Chekhov wrote in a letter to Suvorin: "Regarding the plague, it is still uncertain whether it will come to us. Some hope is given by Khavkin's vaccinations, but unfortunately, Khavkin is not popular in Russia."