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Who was the first test-tube baby?

Louise Brown, born on July 25, 1978, is the first baby produced from fertilization done in vitro—outside the mother's body. The method of in-vitro fertilization and early embryo development was designed by obstetrician (doctor specializing in the care of pregnant women and childbirth) Patrick Steptoe and biologist Robert Edwards.

In vitro fertilization is accomplished in a glass dish, not a test tube. Eggs from the mother's ovary are combined with the father's sperm in a salt solution. Fertilization should occur within 24 hours of egg production. Once cell division begins, the fertilized eggs are placed in the womb of the mother, or possibly another woman.

Sources: DuVall, Nell. Domestic Technology, p. 325; How in the World?: A Fascinating journey the World of Human Ingenuity, pp. 276-77; Magill, Frank N. Great Events from History II: Science...

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