Six Sigma was originally created by Bob Gavin at Motorola during the 1980s; however, it could be argued that a comparable methodology was in use as early as the 1850s. Florence Nightingale is known for founding the field of nursing, but few people outside of the field of mathematics appreciate her contributions to statistics during the Crimean War.

 To support Turkey in a war against Russia, England and France had invaded the Crimean peninsula. According to Bernard Cohen’s fascinating article, “Florence Nightingale” (Scientific American, March 1984), the French had sent nurses to care for their wounded while British troops did not even have material to make bandages. Nightingale went to the Crimea to train and lead a group of nurses at the Scutari military hospital.

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