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Lot Essay
Sir Alexander Fleming's work on penicillin grew out of his investigation of lysozymes--bacteriolytic agents found in such diverse places as pears, turnip juice and milk. Fleming noted their ability to dissolve contaminated cultures, and in 1929, his culture plate of Penicillium mould led him to write that it 'may be an efficient antiseptic for application to, or injections into, areas infected with penicillin-sensitive microbes'.
'Fleming remains one of the best-known British scientists of the twentieth century. He became important for two reasons: first, his role in the development of modern antibiotics, and second, his place as an iconic British scientist' (ODNB).
'Fleming remains one of the best-known British scientists of the twentieth century. He became important for two reasons: first, his role in the development of modern antibiotics, and second, his place as an iconic British scientist' (ODNB).