Historical Events on December 15

Birth of Niels Ryberg Finsen

On December 15, 1850, Faroese-Danish physician Niels Ryberg Finsen was born. He received the Nobel Prize in Medicine and Physiology in 1903 for his pioneering work in treating diseases such as lupus through the use of light radiation.

Birth of Maurice Wilkins

On this day in 1916, New Zealand-born British physicist and molecular biologist Maurice Wilkins was born. He is renowned for his significant contributions to the understanding of DNA’s structure.

Ratification of the 21st Amendment

On December 15, 1933, the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution officially came into effect. This amendment repealed the 18th Amendment, which had prohibited the sale, manufacture, and transportation of alcohol.