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TIL that Yugoslavia had smallpox outbreak in 1972. It was eradicated in three months after introducing Marshal law and vaccinating almost entire population of country (18 milion people) in few weeks

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w40o TIL in 1847 Robert Liston amputated a mans leg in under 2.5 minutes, operaterating so quickly he amputated the fingers of his assistant as well. Both later died from gangrene, and a spectator reportedly dropped dead from fright, making it the only known operation with a 300% mortality rate.
Z8N7a TIL that during the soviet era, Polish artists created official movie posters for international movies that were released in Poland. Bypassing governmental control, iconic and unique movie posters emerged, expressing the true spirit of the artists and looking nothing like the original posters.
J1X11 TIL that up to half of the current Cherokee nation can trace their lineage to a single Scottish fur trader who married into the tribe in the early 1700's.
78AKb TIL That there was a "professional, cuddler, kisser and hug enthusiast" called Anton Vasilov Tsvetkov, born in Bulgaria. He pioneered the field of "therapeutic touch" in Eastern Europe.
vPZ1K TIL that French composer and organist Jehan Alain joined the French Army in WWII, serving as a despatch rider. He was conducting reconnaissance by motorbike when he encountered German infantry. Refusing to surrender, he killed 16 enemies before being gunned down.