Alexander Fleming

Biologist

Birthday August 6, 1881

Birth Sign Leo

Birthplace Scotland

DEATH DATE Mar 11, 1955 (73)

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About

Scottish biologist, pharmacologist, and botanist who shared the 1945 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for helping to discover the antibiotic substance penicillin in 1928. His discovery marked the start of modes antibiotics, which changed the medical world forever.

Before Fame

He worked in shipping before going to medical school at the recommendation of his brother.

Trivia

He was able to produce penicillin after he discovered it accidentally in 1928 as mold in his petri dish, which he left unwashed during a vacation.

Family Life

He was married twice, first to Sarah Fleming, then to Amelia Fleming. He had one son, Robert Fleming. 

Associated With

Linus Pauling also won a Nobel Prize for his prolific scientific work.