February 26

Richard Jordan Gatling patented the Gatling gun in 1862, introducing one of the first rapid-fire weapons to battlefields during the American Civil War. Driven by a belief that his invention could reduce the need for large armies and lower wartime casualties, he tirelessly promoted its adoption. Gatling's rotary barrel design laid foundational principles for future automatic firearms. He held over 70 patents in various fields, including agricultural machinery and steam plows, demonstrating wide-ranging ingenuity. Gatling's work profoundly influenced military technology and set the stage for modern small arms development.

Jean Lanfray shocked Switzerland and Europe when he brutally murdered five members of his family in 1905 after consuming a mix of alcohol and spirits. His high-profile trial focused public attention on the dangers of adulterated alcoholic beverages and led to widespread temperance campaigns. Lanfray was sentenced to life imprisonment, where he spent the remainder of his days in solitary confinement. The case prompted stricter regulations on alcohol production and inspired international debate on public health and safety. Lanfray's actions and their aftermath remain a dark chapter in Swiss legal history.