History of Penicillin
Makayla Cook
Ms. Barbee
Honors Chemistry
5-16-14
History of Penicillin
The advancement in technology has been of great benefit to society but has also contributed to the spread of diseases. The food produced is processed using chemicals which in turn make people less immune and vulnerable to developing disease. Reports indicate that there are a significant number of people in the society suffering from various diseases (Shorter and David 155). Therefore, scientists worked to make antibiotics that can fight numerous bacteria. Historically, the search for antibiotics started in the 1800s. It was promoted by the formation of the germ theory of disease. The thought connected bacteria and several microbes to the causation of the ailments. As a result, scientists devoted time to search drugs that would kill the bacteria that causes diseases. The study aimed at finding magic bullets to destroy microbes without being toxic to the person in need.
Scientific exploration discovered harmless bacteria to fight pathogenic strains. A great and notable breakthrough was noted in 19th century. The scientists identified bacteria in Anthrax which causes respiratory problems. It was found that the strength of the bacteria could be reduced by injection of soil bacteria. Research also revealed that the intestinal infections such as cholera can also be reduced. Infections were relatively lower in persons that are administered cholera bacillus. Several antibiotics were also found globally. Before the 20th century, there was high mortality rate because of the infections developing from wounds. People were forced into war and in the process gained infection by open wounds. Bacteria enter the wound and would destroy the blood stream. It caused fatality and body weakness. Many people associated the weakness with external attack but scientists recommended a solution for internal reduction of microbes. Studies were initiated towards discovery of internal antiseptic solution which will
Ms. Barbee
Honors Chemistry
5-16-14
History of Penicillin
The advancement in technology has been of great benefit to society but has also contributed to the spread of diseases. The food produced is processed using chemicals which in turn make people less immune and vulnerable to developing disease. Reports indicate that there are a significant number of people in the society suffering from various diseases (Shorter and David 155). Therefore, scientists worked to make antibiotics that can fight numerous bacteria. Historically, the search for antibiotics started in the 1800s. It was promoted by the formation of the germ theory of disease. The thought connected bacteria and several microbes to the causation of the ailments. As a result, scientists devoted time to search drugs that would kill the bacteria that causes diseases. The study aimed at finding magic bullets to destroy microbes without being toxic to the person in need.
Scientific exploration discovered harmless bacteria to fight pathogenic strains. A great and notable breakthrough was noted in 19th century. The scientists identified bacteria in Anthrax which causes respiratory problems. It was found that the strength of the bacteria could be reduced by injection of soil bacteria. Research also revealed that the intestinal infections such as cholera can also be reduced. Infections were relatively lower in persons that are administered cholera bacillus. Several antibiotics were also found globally. Before the 20th century, there was high mortality rate because of the infections developing from wounds. People were forced into war and in the process gained infection by open wounds. Bacteria enter the wound and would destroy the blood stream. It caused fatality and body weakness. Many people associated the weakness with external attack but scientists recommended a solution for internal reduction of microbes. Studies were initiated towards discovery of internal antiseptic solution which will
Cited: De, la B. G. The Discovery of Penicillin. Milwaukee, WI: World Almanac Library, 2006. Print. Nicolaou, K C, and T Montagnon. Molecules That Changed the World: A Brief History of the Art and Science of Synthesis and Its Impact on Society. Weinheim: Wiley-VCH, 2008. Print. Shorter, Edward, and David Healy. Shock Therapy: A History of Electroconvulsive Treatment in Mental Illness. New Brunswick, N.J: Rutgers University Press, 2007. Print.