Who proposed and helped establish the worldwide system of standard time zones that divided the Earth into regions with uniform standard times?

Introduction / Context:

Standard time zones make it possible to coordinate time across different regions and countries. Before their adoption, local times based on the position of the sun created confusion for railway schedules and communication. This question asks you to identify the engineer who proposed the system of worldwide standard time zones, a key piece of global infrastructure history.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The topic is worldwide standard time zones.
• The question seeks the person who proposed and promoted this global system.
• The options list various inventors known for medical, electrical and transport related innovations.
• You are expected to match the correct name with the specific contribution to timekeeping.

Concept / Approach:

Sir Sandford Fleming, a Canadian engineer, is credited with proposing the division of the world into twenty four standard time zones. He recognised that railways and telegraphs required a uniform system of time to avoid confusion and accidents. His proposal was presented at international conferences and eventually led to the adoption of standard time zones worldwide. The other names in the options are associated with blood storage, electric irons, escalators and communication devices, not with time zone planning.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Histories of timekeeping and global standards report that Fleming advocated for a universal system of time zones and coordinated world time. They describe his presentations at conferences and how his ideas influenced the eventual adoption of standard time as we know it today. No such recognition is given to the other listed inventors in the context of time zones, which confirms the correctness of this option.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Charles Richard Drew is known for developing techniques for blood storage and transfusion, especially during wartime, not for timekeeping.

Henry W. Seely patented an early electric clothes iron, which is unrelated to time zone concepts.

Jesse Wilford Reno patented the escalator, a moving staircase used in buildings and transport hubs.

Graham Bell is a variation of Alexander Graham Bell, famous for the telephone, not for proposing global time zones.

Common Pitfalls:

Students may be tempted to choose a very famous name like Graham Bell for any question related to communication or coordination. However, the specific contribution of designing standard time zones belongs to Sandford Fleming. To remember this, associate Fleming with railways and global time, and connect Bell with telephones and communication technology instead.

Final Answer:

The worldwide system of standard time zones was proposed by Sir Sandford Fleming.