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2024-04-17 23:50:47

Selman Waksman

Inventor of streptomycin and other antibiotics
Inventor of streptomycin and other antibiotics

Selman Abraham Waksman was a Nobel Prize laureate biochemist and microbiologist known for discovering streptomycin and multiple antibiotics. His research at Rutgers University led to the development of many antibiotics, funding the Waksman Institute of Microbiology.

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1888-07-22
Discovery of Streptomycin and Other Antibiotics

Selman Abraham Waksman, a Jewish Ukrainian inventor, biochemist, and microbiologist, conducted research on soil organisms leading to the discovery of streptomycin and multiple antibiotics. His work at Rutgers University paved the way for the development of various antibiotics, with streptomycin being the first effective treatment for tuberculosis.

1907
Selman's Failed Matriculation Diploma Exam

In 1907, at the age of 19, Selman attempted to pass the exams for the Matriculation Diploma but failed. Various reasons contributed to his failure, including government policies that made it difficult for Jewish students to receive official education, his parents' focus on religious education over secular education, and the lack of access to city grammar schools for proper training.

1909
Selman Waksman's Diploma Exams

In 1909, at the age of 21, Selman Waksman passed his first set of diploma exams, marking a significant achievement in his academic journey.

1910-11-02
Selman Waksman Arrives in Philadelphia

On November 2, 1910, Selman Waksman arrived in Philadelphia, marking the beginning of his journey in the United States after facing challenges in Russia.

1911
Selman Waksman enrolls at Rutgers University

In the fall of 1911 at the age of 23, Selman Waksman started his freshman year at Rutgers University with a New Jersey State Scholarship. He completed the work for his bachelor's degree in three years, with the support of Dr. Jacob Lipman.

1915-06
Receiving Bachelor of Science degree in Soil Bacteriology

In June 1915, Selman Waksman received his Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Soil Bacteriology. At the age of 27, he started working as one of Lipman’s research assistants at Rutgers, focusing on studying Actinomycetales.

1916
Naturalization as American Citizen and Marriage to Deborah Mitnik

In 1916, at the age of 28, Selman Waksman became a naturalized American citizen and married Deborah Mitnik, also known as Bobili, who was a talented singer and artist.

1918
Doctorate in Biochemistry

Selman Waksman earned his doctorate in biochemistry in 1918 from the University of California, Berkeley. His academic achievement marked a significant milestone in his career, leading to his impactful contributions in the fields of biochemistry and microbiology.

1923
Discovery of Antibiotic Properties of Actinomycetes

In 1923, Dr. Selman Waksman and his student Robert Starkey discovered that certain actinomycetes in soil produced substances toxic to bacteria, paving the way for the eventual discovery of antibiotics like streptomycin.

1924
Waksman's Trip to Europe

In 1924, Selman Waksman and his wife spent six months in Europe, where he assessed his career as a soil microbiologist and visited important laboratories to discuss research methods.

1925
Selman A. Waksman appointed as Associate Professor

In 1925, Selman A. Waksman was appointed as an Associate Professor.

1926
Publication of Enzymes

Selman Waksman published the book 'Enzymes' in 1926, contributing to the field of biochemistry and enzymology.

1927
Publication of Principles of Soil Microbiology

Selman Waksman authored 'Principles of Soil Microbiology' in 1927, contributing to the understanding of microorganisms in soil ecosystems.

1930
Selman Waksman became full professor of soil microbiology at Rutgers University

In 1930, Selman Waksman became a full professor of soil microbiology at Rutgers University.

1931
Organizing Marine Bacteriology Division at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

In 1931, he was invited to organize a division of Marine Bacteriology at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, where he also served as a marine bacteriologist until 1942.

1936
Publication of Humus: origin, chemical composition, and importance in nature

In 1936, Selman Waksman published a work on humus, exploring its origin, chemical composition, and significance in nature.

1937
Research on Actinomycetes

Selman Waksman returned to researching the effectiveness of actinomycetes in killing bacteria with the help of two students.

1939
Discovery of Antibacterial Substances

Waksman expanded his research team to eight members after learning about Rene Dubos's discovery of a soil microorganism that produced an antibacterial substance. The team discovered four bacteria-killing chemicals, but unfortunately, they were toxic to animals.

1940
Isolation of Actinomycin

In 1940, Selman Waksman isolated an antibiotic called actinomycin from antinomycetes, which was effective in killing bacteria but toxic when used on animals.

1941
Coined the Term 'Antibiotic'

Selman Waksman coined the term 'antibiotic' in 1941 to describe chemical substances produced by microbes that can inhibit the growth of and destroy other microbes.

1942
Election as Trustee at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

In 1942, he was elected as a Trustee at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, later becoming a Life Trustee.

1943
Discovery of Streptomycin

In 1943, Selman Waksman and his team discovered streptomycin, an antibiotic that has been widely used in the treatment of various infectious diseases in humans, animals, and plants. The discovery of streptomycin has had a significant impact on the field of medicine.

1944-03-07
Initiation of Animal Tests for Streptomycin

Waksman contacted medical researchers at the Mayo Clinic to conduct animal tests on streptomycin. The tests showed promising results in treating tuberculosis.

1945
Publication of Microbial Antagonisms and Antibiotic Substances

In 1945, Selman Waksman and his associates published the book 'Microbial Antagonisms and Antibiotic Substances', which extensively studied the relationships of microorganisms and their role in disease treatment, focusing on the extraction of valuable antibiotics from soil microorganisms.

1946-05-03
Transfer of Patent Rights for Streptomycin

On May 3, 1946, Albert Schatz and Selman Waksman transferred the rights for the patent application for streptomycin to the Rutgers Endowment Foundation for one dollar. This transfer marked a significant legal step in the development of the antibiotic.

1948
Discovery of Neomycin

In 1948, Selman Waksman and his team discovered neomycin, another important antibiotic that has been utilized in the treatment of infections in humans, animals, and plants. Neomycin, along with streptomycin, has contributed to the advancement of medical treatments.

1949
Establishment of Institute of Microbiology at Rutgers University

In 1949, the Trustees of Rutgers University voted to establish an Institute of Microbiology with Professor Waksman as its first Director. The institute was funded by royalties from streptomycin and neomycin for research and advanced teaching in microbiology.

1950-12
Settlement recognizes Schatz as co-discoverer of streptomycin

In December 1950, a settlement was reached recognizing Schatz as a co-discoverer of streptomycin. Schatz was to receive royalties for his contribution to the discovery.

1951
Foundation of Waksman Foundation for Microbiology and Waksman Institute of Microbiology

In 1951, Selman Waksman founded the Waksman Foundation for Microbiology and Waksman Institute of Microbiology at Rutgers University using royalties from the discovery of streptomycin.

1952-12-12
Selman Waksman's Nobel Lecture

Selman Waksman delivered his Nobel Lecture on December 12, 1952, titled 'Streptomycin: background, isolation, properties, and utilization.' The lecture was published in the book 'Nobel Lectures, Physiology or Medicine 1942-1962' in 1964.

1954
Publication of 'My Life with the Microbes'

Selman Waksman's book 'My Life with the Microbes' was published in 1954. In the autobiography, Waksman discusses various aspects of his life and work, including the discovery of streptomycin.

1958
Retirement from Laboratory Work

At the age of 70 in 1958, Selman Waksman retired from his laboratory work but continued lecturing and writing.

1960-10-05
Waksman's Correspondence with George Gray

In 1960, Selman Waksman sent a letter to George Gray, sharing his version of a story related to a sick chicken and its connection to his work. This correspondence later became a topic of interest in scientific circles.

1973-08-16
Death of Selman Waksman

Selman Waksman passed away at the age of 85 on August 16, 1973, in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. He was survived by his wife, son, and grandchildren, and was buried in Crowell Cemetery, Woods Hole.

1994
Schatz receives Rutgers University Medal

In 1994, on the fiftieth anniversary of streptomycin's discovery, Albert Schatz was honored with the Rutgers University Medal, the highest recognition bestowed by the university.

2005-05-24
Selman Waksman and Antibiotics Designated as National Historic Chemical Landmark

Selman Waksman and his students at Rutgers University established the first screening protocols to detect antimicrobial agents produced by microorganisms, leading to the discovery of streptomycin, the first effective treatment for tuberculosis.

2007-07
Opening of Selman Waksman Room at Rutgers University

The Selman Waksman Room at Rutgers University was opened in July 2007, celebrating the 90th birthday of H. Boyd Woodruff.

2012
Symposium Celebrating 60th Anniversary of Selman A. Waksman's Nobel Prize

The School of Environmental and Biological Sciences at Rutgers University held a major symposium in 2012 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Dr. Selman A. Waksman being awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1952. The symposium highlighted the significance of Waksman's discovery of streptomycin.

2013-01-01
FDA Approval of Drug for Resistant Tuberculosis

The FDA approved a drug for resistant tuberculosis on January 1, 2013, providing hope in the fight against the disease.

End of the Timeline
Selman Waksman

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Selman Waksman

Inventor of streptomycin and other antibiotics
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