14 October is World Standards Day, World Environmental Education Day, World Spirometry and Lung Health Day.
On 14 October 1892, the first collection of Sherlock Holmes stories written by Arthur Conan Doyle was published.
World Standards Day
This day is dedicated to the importance of standardisation in the economy and technological development. It is a reminder of the key role that standards play in ensuring safety, product quality, environmental protection and innovation. The main purpose of this date is to honour the work of professionals who develop standards for various sectors, from industry to information technology.
Standards Day was first introduced in 1970 on the initiative of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). These organisations have been developing international standards for years to help all countries achieve the same quality and safety standards.
Interesting facts
Despite different languages and cultural differences, standards are a universal language that is understood in all countries. They facilitate trade and interoperability between different national systems.
The International Organisation for Standardisation, ISO, has developed more than 23,000 standards covering everything from energy efficiency to food and automotive production.
Many international standards aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote the development of renewable energy sources.
Standardisation has existed since ancient times. For example, the ancient Egyptians used standardised stone blocks to build the pyramids.
Without international standards, the Internet would not have become what it is today. Thanks to the TCP/IP communication protocol standards, people from different parts of the world can interact online.
World Environmental Education Day
Every year on 14 October, the world celebrates World Environmental Education Day, starting in 1991. This holiday was established to draw attention to the importance of environmental education and to spread awareness of the need to preserve the natural environment for future generations.
The main goal of World Environment Day is to raise awareness of environmental issues and the need to take action to protect the environment. This day emphasises that it is through education that changes in attitudes towards nature and environmental issues can be achieved.
The day was first celebrated in 1991 at the initiative of international environmental organisations. They set themselves the goal of not only informing society about global environmental issues, but also teaching it about environmental culture, which should be an integral part of upbringing and education.
Environmental education covers a wide range of knowledge: from understanding the processes of natural ecosystems to studying the human impact on the environment and finding solutions to protect it.
Interesting facts
Many educational programmes in schools around the world have environmental components, teaching children how to manage resources responsibly and protect nature.
This education is an important part of sustainable development, as it helps to create environmental awareness and responsible attitudes towards resource use.
Studies show that environmentally educated people are more likely to make choices in favour of environmentally friendly products, reduce waste and support environmental initiatives.
Environmental education is not limited to children. Many countries are introducing programmes for adults to teach people how to reduce their environmental impact and support environmental initiatives.
In many countries, environmental education is part of the public education curriculum, which allows citizens to develop environmental awareness from an early age.
World Spirometry and Lung Health Day
This day is celebrated to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining lung health and diagnosing respiratory diseases using spirometry. This medical test measures the volume and speed of inhalation and exhalation, which is important for detecting diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other respiratory problems.
Many respiratory diseases, such as asthma and COPD, can be detected in their early stages using spirometry. This day highlights the importance of regular lung examinations, especially for people who smoke or work in hazardous environments.
It is a simple and non-invasive diagnostic method that helps to detect lung problems before serious symptoms occur.
Many respiratory diseases can be avoided or alleviated if they are diagnosed early with spirometry. Regular testing can save lives, especially among high-risk groups.
Interesting facts
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), chronic respiratory diseases are one of the leading causes of death in the world.
Spirometry is one of the main methods for diagnosing respiratory diseases in patients who have breathing problems or are at high risk of developing such diseases.
COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the world, and regular use of spirometry helps to reduce this figure.
Historical events on this day
1066 – the Battle of Hastings (England) On this day, a famous battle took place in which the troops of William the Conqueror defeated the army of King Harold II Godwinson of England. This event was a turning point in the history of England, as William proclaimed himself king after the victory and founded a new dynasty. This changed the course of English history, laying the foundations for Norman rule, which brought with it new laws, culture and architecture.
1770 – Oleksandrivska Fortress is founded Oleksandrivska Fortress, which later became the modern city of Zaporizhzhia, was built to protect the southern borders of the Russian Empire. The fortress played an important role in the military strategy of the time, as it was located on the key route between Ukraine and Crimea.
1843 – Felix Mendelssohn’s ‘Wedding March’, which is often played during wedding ceremonies today, was performed in public for the first time. This piece of music has become a symbol of the wedding ceremony and one of the most famous melodies in the world.
1884 – George Eastman patents photographic film American businessman and founder of Eastman Kodak George Eastman made a revolutionary discovery by patenting photographic film. This invention made photography accessible to the general public, changing the way people preserve their memories.
1905 – Founding of the International Federation of Aeronautics In Paris, the International Federation of Aeronautics (FAI), the organisation that today develops and regulates air and space sports, was founded. This event marks the beginning of international coordination in aviation and promotes the development of aeronautical technologies.
1926 – Alan Milne’s book Winnie the Pooh is published On this day, the world saw one of the most famous literary characters – Winnie the Pooh. Alan Milne’s book has become a symbol of children’s literature, capturing the imagination of children and adults around the world.
1933 – Nazi Germany withdraws from the League of Nations This step by Germany was one of the first signals of future global changes. The withdrawal from the League of Nations under Adolf Hitler’s rule signalled the country’s growing isolation and the approach of World War II.
1942 – Creation of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) The UPA emerged as a military and political force that fought for Ukraine’s independence during and after World War II. It fought against both the Nazi occupation and Soviet forces, aiming to create an independent Ukrainian state.
1964 – Martin Luther King receives the Nobel Peace Prize Legendary human rights and equality activist Martin Luther King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent struggle for the rights of African Americans in the United States. His work had a global impact on civil rights movements around the world.
1970 – Adoption of the International Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Seizure of Aircraft In The Hague, an important convention was adopted that established international rules for combating aircraft hijacking. This document became the basis for combating aviation terrorism and ensuring passenger safety.
2017 – Terrorist attacks in Mogadishu (Somalia) On 14 October 2017, the capital of Somalia, Mogadishu, was rocked by two powerful terrorist attacks that killed more than 580 people. This is one of the most tragic terrorist attacks in Somalia’s history, which led to massive civilian casualties and a great resonance in the world.
The first collection of Sherlock Holmes stories
On 14 October 1892, the first collection of Sherlock Holmes stories written by the famous English and Scottish writer Arthur Conan Doyle was published. This collection, entitled The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, was the beginning of a series of investigations by the most famous detective in literature. In total, Conan Doyle wrote 4 novels and 56 short stories about this character, making Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson symbols of deduction and logical thinking.
Sherlock Holmes is the most filmed literary character in history. The prototype of his character was Dr Joseph Bell, with whom Conan Doyle worked at the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh. Bell was known for his ability to draw accurate conclusions by observing the smallest details, which became the inspiration for the creation of the Holmes character.
Interesting facts about Sherlock Holmes
The legendary Baker Street, 221b, London. At the time of Conan Doyle’s writing, this house did not exist – it was built later, and today the Sherlock Holmes Museum is located on this site.
The prototype of this character was the real-life Dr Watson, who lived on Baker Street. It was to him that Conan Doyle turned for dental care.
The phrase ‘Elementary, Watson’: Sherlock Holmes never uttered this phrase in any of Conan Doyle’s works. It appeared only in the first sound adaptation of the works.
Sherlock Holmes was quite unpretentious and indifferent to comfort, including food and luxury. He was noted for his high intelligence, excellent shooting and boxing skills. He was also proficient in the art of fencing and learned the technique of bartitsu, a mixture of jiu-jitsu, kickboxing and stick fighting. At the same time, he was a committed bachelor and self-proclaimed misogynist, although he always showed respect for women.
Holmes had a habit of smoking a pipe and used a seven per cent cocaine solution to fight boredom. He considered it a way to escape from the ‘daily routine of existence’.
Despite his lack of knowledge in some areas, such as literature, astronomy and philosophy, Holmes was thoroughly versed in forensic science, chemistry, criminal history and laws. His main investigative tool was the deductive method, which made him a symbol of logical thinking.
After the publication of Conan Doyle’s works, the deduction methods used by Sherlock Holmes were used by real forensic scientists around the world. In some countries, these works were even included in the mandatory curriculum for investigators.
Five Soviet films about Sherlock Holmes starring Vasily Livanov were recognised by the British as one of the best productions. The Baker Street Museum even plays the music composed by Vladimir Dashkevich for these films. In 2006, Livanov was awarded the Order of the British Empire.
Sherlock Holmes is not only a literary legend, but also a symbol that reason and logic can solve the most complex mysteries, and his legacy continues to live on in different parts of the world.
