Overview

Penicillin has affected the lives of everyone, and has exerted a hold on the imagination since its first use in 1941. The story of its development from a chance observation in 1928 by Alexander Fleming to a life-saving drug is compelling. This book tells the story of the man and his discovery.

Full Product Details

9780750931526

Table of Contents

Reviews

One of the world's first wonder drugs, penicillin, was discovered by accident and it saved countless lives during wartime. Yet the man who made the discovery, Alexander Fleming, was a shy and retiring type who disliked all the fame that came his way. Even so, he couldn't avoid the controversy about who should take the credit for penicillin - himself or fellow scientist Florey who developed the drug for general use. This book helps to answer that question. Kevin Brown, curator of the Alexander Fleming Laboratory Museum, writes an affectionate biography of Fleming who until his discovery was a humble scientist working at St Mary's Hospital, Paddington. But the book is as much a biography of penicillin and other antibiotics as it is about one man, for here was a drug that revolutionised treatment for a myriad of ailments and which even today is seen as a cure-all for practically everything. The book is written in a chatty, winning style that avoids scientific jargon. (Kirkus UK)

Author Information

Kevin Brown has been Trust Archivist and Alexander Fleming Laboratory Museum Curator, at St Mary's NHS Trust, Paddington since 1989. Educated at Hertford College, Oxford and at University College, London, he is chairman of the London Museums of Health and Medicine.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available