‘On the Antibacterial Action of Cultures of a Penicillium, with Special Reference to Their Use in the Isolation of B. Influenzae.’ Reprinted from The British Journal of Experimental Pathology, vol. 10, 1929, pp. 226-38 (here paginated 1-12). [London, 1944].

Alexander Fleming (1881-1955).
‘On the Antibacterial Action of Cultures of a Penicillium, with Special Reference to Their Use in the Isolation of B. Influenzae.’ Reprinted from The British Journal of Experimental Pathology, vol. 10, 1929, pp. 226-38 (here paginated 1-12). [London, 1944].
First announcement of the discovery of penicillin. Limited edition, one of 250 copies which Fleming commissioned to be reprinted in 1944. In 1929, while working at St Mary's Hospital in London, Fleming discovered the antibacterial properties of penicillium mould, suggesting that the brown liquid substance produced by the mould would be an 'efficient antiseptic for application to, or injection into, areas infected with penicillin-sensitive microbes' (p. 236). However, the substance proved to be unstable and chemically complex, and attempts to create a pure and stable drug by Fleming proved unsuccessful. In 1940, Ernst Chain and Howard Florey were able to stabilize the drug and work out suitable dosages for treatment. In 1945, Fleming, Chain, and Florey shared the Nobel Prize for Medicine. The original offprint of 150 is now of considerable rarity. See Garrison-Morton 1933; Grolier Medicine 96; Heirs of Hippocrates 2320; PMM 420a; Norman 799.

Octavo (247 x 185mm). Stapled as issued; housed in a custom morocco-backed folding case.

Michael Sharpe (gilt leather booklabel).

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