Fascinating
facts about the invention
of the Penicillin by Alexander Fleming in
1928. |
PENICILLIN |
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AT A GLANCE:
Penicillin was
discovered by chance, in 1928, after Alexander Fleming accidentally left a
dish of staphylococcus bacteria uncovered for a few days. He returned to
find the dish dotted with bacterial growth, apart from one area where a
patch of mold (Penicillin notatum) was growing. The mold produced a
substance, named penicillin by Fleming, which inhibited bacterial growth and
was later found to be effective against a wide range of harmful bacteria.
Penicillin was finally isolated by Howard Florey and Ernst Chain. Fleming,
Florey and Chain received a Nobel prize in 1945, for their discovery which
revolutionised medicine and led to the development of lifesaving
antibiotics. Source:
chemsoc
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Invention: |
Penicillin |
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Function: |
noun / pen·i·cil·lin |
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Definition: |
Any of a group of broad-spectrum antibiotic drugs
obtained from penicillium molds or produced synthetically, most
active against gram-positive bacteria and used in the treatment of
various infections and diseases. |
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TO
LEARN MORE
RELATED INFORMATION:
Healthcare History from The Great Idea Finder
Alexander Fleming Biography from The Great Idea Finder
ON THE SCREEN:
Mavericks, Miracles and Medicine
DVD / 2 Volume Set / 200 Minutes / History Channel / Less than $40.00
The arsenals of today's hospitals are filled with complex and
technologically sophisticated tests and treatments that, only a
generation ago, would have been the exclusive province of science
fiction.
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trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. |
| Reference
Sources in BOLD Type. |
This
page revised November 16, 2006. |
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