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source:wikimedia.org
06 Aug, 1881
11 Mar, 1955
Heart attack
Scottish
Bacteriologist
73
Sir Alexander Fleming was a man whose accidental discovery changed the course of medical history. Renowned as the discoverer of penicillin, the first antibiotic, Fleming’s work laid the foundation for modern medicine, saving countless lives and revolutionizing bacterial infection treatments.
Fleming was born on August 6th, 1881, at Lochfield near Darvel in Ayrshire, rural Scotland, where he attended Loudoun Moor School, Darvel School, and later Kilmarnock Academy. His educational journey took a pivotal turn when he moved to London, where he attended the polytechnic. Before embarking on his medical career, Fleming spent four years working in a shipping office. However, his desire for something more fulfilling led him to St. Mary’s Medical School, London University.
At St. Mary’s Medical School, Fleming worked with Sir Almroth Wright, a pioneer in vaccine therapy. Wright’s influence on Fleming was profound, and it was here that Fleming began his lifelong journey into bacterial action and the development of antiseptics. His dedication to his studies earned him the M.B., B.S. degree from London University, with a gold medal in 1908.
During the outbreak of World War I, Fleming joined the Army Medical Corps as a captain. Throughout the war, he focused on developing substances that could kill bacteria without harming human tissues. His work during this period earned him recognition, as he was mentioned in dispatches for his contributions. After the war ended in 1918, Fleming returned to St. Mary’s and was elected Professor of Bacteriology in 1928.
In 1921, while researching antibacterial substances, Fleming discovered an enzyme in human tissues and secretions, which he named lysozyme. Though it was not the breakthrough he was hoping for, it was a step in the right direction and demonstrated his ongoing commitment to understanding bacterial infections.
Fleming’s most famous discovery came in 1928. While working on the influenza virus, he noticed that a mold had accidentally contaminated one of his staphylococcus culture plates. Upon closer examination, he observed that the mold, later identified as *Penicillium notatum*, had created a bacteria-free zone around itself. This chance observation led to the discovery of penicillin, a substance that could inhibit bacterial growth.
Despite its potential, penicillin didn’t initially receive the attention it deserved due to the difficulty of producing it in large quantities. However, in the 1940s, during World War II, a team led by Howard Florey and Ernst Boris Chain at the University of Oxford successfully isolated and mass-produced penicillin, bringing Fleming’s discovery to the world stage. For their contributions, Fleming, Florey, and Chain were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1945.
Throughout his career, Fleming received numerous accolades and honors. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1943, knighted in 1944, and became an emeritus Professor of Bacteriology at the University of London in 1948. Fleming was also a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and served as President of the Society of General Microbiology. His achievements were recognized worldwide with honorary degrees from nearly thirty universities and prestigious awards like the John Scott Medal, the Albert Gold Medal, and the U.S. Medal for Merit.
Fleming continued to work and teach until his death on March 11th, 1955. He passed away at his home in London due to a heart attack at the age of 73. His legacy is one of curiosity, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to improving human health, with penicillin standing as one of the most significant medical breakthroughs in history.
Alexander Fleming
Alexander Fleming
Male
Heart attack
Lochfield, Darvel, East Ayrshire, Scotland
London, England
Logician: Innovative inventors with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. Fleming was known for his innovative and analytical thinking, which led to his groundbreaking discovery of penicillin and his methodical approach to scientific research.
Fleming’s discovery of penicillin was accidental, occurring when he noticed mold killing bacteria in a petri dish.
Fleming warned about the danger of antibiotic resistance early on.
Penicillin was not used widely until the 1940s, after further research and development.
He initially pursued a career in shipping before turning to medicine.
Discovered penicillin in 1928.
Shared the 1945 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
Knighted in 1944 for his services to medicine.
Elected a Fellow of the Royal Society.
Pioneered research in antibacterial agents.