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Alexander Fleming

Scottish physician and microbiologist

Sir Alexander Fleming, a Scottish physician and microbiologist, discovered penicillin in 1928, a groundbreaking achievement in medicine. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1945 for this discovery. Fleming was also known for discovering the enzyme lysozyme and was knighted for his scientific contributions in 1944. He was recognized as one of the most important figures of the 20th century.

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Timeline

Discovery of Penicillin by Alexander Fleming

Alexander Fleming, born in 1881, is famous for discovering the antibiotic penicillin.

Fleming Qualifies for Medical School

In October 1901, Alexander Fleming qualified for medical school.

Fleming Becomes a Surgeon

On July 1, 1904, Alexander Fleming became a surgeon.

Fleming graduates with distinction

In 1906, Alexander Fleming successfully graduates from St. Mary's Hospital Medical School with distinction.

Winning the Gold Medal at University of London

In 1908, Alexander Fleming won the gold medal as the top medical student at the University of London. This achievement marked his excellence in the field of medicine during his academic years.

Fleming Qualifies for Surgical Work

In June 1909, Alexander Fleming qualified to do surgical work.

Marriage of Alexander Fleming

Alexander Fleming married Sally McElroy on June 1, 1915.

Fleming marries Nurse Sarah Marion McElroy

On December 23, 1915, Alexander Fleming marries Nurse Sarah Marion McElroy of Ireland.

Fleming serves in World War I

In 1916, Alexander Fleming serves as Captain of the Army Medical Corps during World War I, dedicating most of his time to working in battlefield hospitals.

Fleming's Experiment on Antiseptics

During World War I, Fleming conducted an experiment that revealed why antiseptics were ineffective in treating infected wounds. He found that antiseptics worsened injuries by removing beneficial agents and sheltering anaerobic bacteria in deep wounds.

Fleming returns to St. Mary's

In 1918, Alexander Fleming returns to St. Mary's after his service in World War I.

Discovery of lysozyme by Alexander Fleming

On June 1, 1921, Alexander Fleming discovered lysozyme, an enzyme with natural antibacterial properties found in many body fluids.

Discovery of Lysozyme

In May 1922, Alexander Fleming reported the discovery of lysozyme, a bacteriolytic element found in tissues and secretions. He named it 'Lysozyme' due to its ferment-like properties and its ability to dissolve certain bacteria.

Discovery of Lysozyme

After the First World War, Alexander Fleming discovered and demonstrated the natural antiseptic properties of the enzyme he named 'lysozyme'.

Discovery of Penicillin by Fleming

On September 1, 1928, Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin.

Discovery of Penicillin

In 1928, Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin when he noticed that a culture plate of Staphylococcus aureus had become contaminated by a fungus, Penicillium notatum, which inhibited the growth of the bacteria. This chance observation led to the discovery of one of the first antibiotics.

Alexander Fleming accidentally discovers antibiotic

On September 28, 1928, Fleming accidentally discovered the world's first antibiotic after mold he developed created a bacteria-free circle around itself.

First Clinical Trial of Penicillin by Alexander Fleming

In his first clinical trial in 1929, Alexander Fleming treated his research scholar Stuart Craddock with penicillin for a severe nasal antrum infection. This trial, although unsuccessful, marked the beginning of penicillin's medical use.

Presentation of Penicillin Discovery

On 13 February 1929, Alexander Fleming presented his discovery of penicillin before the Medical Research Club, but it did not receive much attention or comment at that time.

Fleming named antibiotic penicillin

In 1929, Alexander Fleming gave the name 'penicillin' to the antibiotic he discovered, which would later revolutionize the treatment of bacterial infections.

Fleming names his finding 'penicillin'

On March 7, 1929, Fleming named his discovery 'penicillin'.

Fleming published a report on penicillin

On May 10, 1929, Alexander Fleming published a report on penicillin, the antibiotic he had discovered, marking a significant milestone in the development of this groundbreaking treatment for bacterial diseases.

First Successful Medical Use of Penicillin by Cecil George Paine

Cecil George Paine, a pathologist, successfully treated eye infections in patients with penicillin on November 25, 1930. This marked the first documented successful medical use of the antibiotic.

Discovery of Fleming's Forgotten Paper

In 1938, Chain discovered Fleming's 1929 paper on antibacterial substances, which had been overlooked in scientific literature. This discovery intrigued Chain and led to further research.

Discovery of Penicillin as Therapeutic Agent

In 1940, Howard Florey and Ernst Chain demonstrated the therapeutic potential of penicillin in fighting bacterial diseases, a decade after Alexander Fleming's initial discovery. This marked a significant milestone in the history of medicine.

First Human Recipient of Penicillin

On February 12, 1941, Albert Alexander became the first human to receive penicillin after developing a life-threatening infection. Despite initial success, the drug supply ran out, leading to his unfortunate death.

First Patient Treated with Penicillin

By March 1942, enough penicillin had been produced under OSRD auspices to treat the first patient, Mrs. Ann Miller, in New Haven, Connecticut. This marked a significant milestone in the medical application of penicillin.

Fellow, Royal Society

In 1943, Alexander Fleming became a Fellow of the Royal Society, a prestigious scientific organization, in recognition of his groundbreaking work in the field of medicine.

Knighted by King George VI

In 1944, Alexander Fleming was knighted by King George VI for his significant contributions to the field of medicine, particularly his discovery of penicillin.

Availability of Penicillin to Consumers

As of March 15, 1945, penicillin became widely available to consumers through regular distribution channels, making it accessible in local pharmacies.

Alexander Fleming awarded Nobel Prize

In 1945, Alexander Fleming was awarded the Nobel Prize for his discovery of penicillin. Although he was involved in the development of penicillin, Fleming let Howard Florey and his team at Oxford University do most of the work leading up to mass production.

Nobel Lecture by Alexander Fleming

On December 11, 1945, Alexander Fleming delivered his Nobel Lecture on Penicillin, discussing the revolutionary impact of the antibiotic on medicine and society.

Penicillin First Goes on Sale in the United Kingdom

On June 1, 1946, penicillin was made available for sale to the general public in the United Kingdom as a prescription-only drug, marking a significant milestone in healthcare.

Annual Production of Penicillin in the United States

In 1949, the annual production of penicillin in the United States reached 133,229 billion units, with a significant drop in price from twenty dollars per 100,000 units in 1943 to less than ten cents.

Knighting of Alexander Fleming

In 1952, Alexander Fleming was knighted for his contributions to science, particularly for his discovery of penicillin.

Death of Alexander Fleming

On March 11, 1955, Alexander Fleming passed away at his home in London due to a heart attack. His contributions to the field of medicine, particularly the discovery of penicillin, left a lasting impact on healthcare.

Source of Fungal Contaminant Established

In 1966, the source of the fungal contaminant in Fleming's laboratory was traced back to La Touche's room, which was located directly below Fleming's workspace.

Sir Henry Harris Summarizes the Importance of Fleming, Chain, Florey, and Heatley in Penicillin Discovery

In 1998, Sir Henry Harris summarized the crucial roles of Alexander Fleming, Ernst Boris Chain, Howard Florey, and Norman Heatley in the discovery and development of penicillin. He highlighted the interconnected contributions that led to the groundbreaking antibiotic.

Designation of Alexander Fleming as International Historic Chemical Landmark

On November 19, 1999, Alexander Fleming was designated as an International Historic Chemical Landmark for his discovery and development of penicillin. The designation took place at the Alexander Fleming Laboratory Museum in London, U.K., and was also recognized at various locations in the United States.

Chosen as one of the 100 Greatest Britons

In 2002, Alexander Fleming was chosen in the BBC's television poll for determining the 100 Greatest Britons, recognizing his significant contributions to British history and culture.

Voted Third Greatest Scot

In 2009, Alexander Fleming was voted third 'greatest Scot' in an opinion poll conducted by STV, showcasing his enduring legacy and influence in Scotland.

End of the Timeline
Alexander Fleming

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