Penicillin: Alexander Fleming

Study note

Alexander Fleming was a Scottish scientist who made one of the most important medical discoveries in history. In 1928 he discovered penicillin, the first widely used antibiotic. Penicillin can kill bacteria that cause infections, and it has since saved millions of lives around the world.

It is worth remembering exactly what Fleming discovered, because it is easy to mix up famous scientists. Fleming discovered penicillin, not the telephone, gravity or radium. Other British scientists later helped turn his discovery into a usable drug. The fact to fix in mind is simple: in 1928, the Scottish scientist Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin.

Memory tip: 1928, Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin.