William Bullock: Rotary Printing Press (1867)

On April 3, 1867, William Bullock, an American inventor – whose 1863 invention of the web rotary printing press helped revolutionize the printing industry due to its great speed and efficiency – was making adjustments to one of his new presses. Bullock tried to kick a driving belt onto a pulley. However, his leg was crushed when it became caught in the machine. After a few days, he developed gangrene.

On April 12, 1867, Bullock died in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania during an operation to amputate the leg.