In Vitro Fertilization and Cleavage of Human Ovarian Eggs

In August of 1944, John Rock and Miriam Menkin were the first researchers to fertilize a human egg outside of the body. This experiment proved that in vitro fertilization was possible in humans. Despite the absence of any pregnancies resulting from the embryos in their experiments, Rock and Menkin made their mark in the history of embryology, demonstrating the ability to manipulate embryos as well as providing an important look into the very earliest stages of human life.

Menkin, M F., Rock, J. Science. 1944, August 4; 100 (2588): 105-7. PMID: 17788930