Credé saved the eyesight of countless newborns by discovering that a common cause of infant blindness could be prevented by applying silver nitrate eyedrops at birth. He also implemented what was known as "Credé's method" for hastening delivery of the placenta (afterbirth) during the third stage of labor, which is still used in modern obstetrical practice.

Born in Berlin in 1819, where his father was a high-ranking education official, Credé obtained most of his medical training there. He graduated from the University of Berlin in 1842 and spent the next five years studying in and traveling throughout France, Belgium, Italy, and Austria.

Returning to Berlin, Credé then served as obstetrical assistant at a local clinic. He later was recognized as a teacher of obstetrics in 1850. Two years later he became director of the Berlin School of Midwives and physician-in-chief at the lying-in division at Berlin's...