The History Blokes

Harold Florey and the discovery of penicillin

August 13, 2023 Conan Elphicke and Chris McCombe Episode 12
Harold Florey and the discovery of penicillin
The History Blokes
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The History Blokes
Harold Florey and the discovery of penicillin
Aug 13, 2023 Episode 12
Conan Elphicke and Chris McCombe

Penicillin was the wonder drug that changed the world. It was the first antibiotic and proved an effective treatment against many diseases that are today considered relatively minor, but were more often than not deadly prior to its use.

Discovered in 1928 by Alexander Fleming, the drug was made medically useful in the 1940s by a team of Oxford scientists led by Australian Howard Florey and German refugee Ernst Chain. Penicillin has since saved countless lives.

Show Notes

Penicillin was the wonder drug that changed the world. It was the first antibiotic and proved an effective treatment against many diseases that are today considered relatively minor, but were more often than not deadly prior to its use.

Discovered in 1928 by Alexander Fleming, the drug was made medically useful in the 1940s by a team of Oxford scientists led by Australian Howard Florey and German refugee Ernst Chain. Penicillin has since saved countless lives.