Welcome back to "This Day in Scottish History." I'm your host, Colin MacDonald. Today, we celebrate the birth of a pioneering scientist whose work revolutionized medicine. On August 6, 1881, Sir Alexander Fleming, the Nobel Prize-winning bacteriologist, was born near Darvel in rural Ayrshire, Scotland. Fleming’s groundbreaking discovery of penicillin ushered in the age of antibiotics, saving countless lives worldwide.

Born at Lochfield farm, Fleming was the third of four children of Hugh Fleming and Grace Stirling Morton. His early education took place at Loudoun Moor School and Darvel School, followed by a two-year scholarship to Kilmarnock Academy. After moving to London, he attended the Royal Polytechnic Institution. Fleming initially worked in a shipping office before inheriting money from an uncle, which allowed him to pursue medicine, following in the footsteps of his elder brother, Tom. He enrolled at St Mary’s Hospital Medical School in 1903, where he graduated with distinction in 1906.

Fleming's medical career took a significant turn during World War I when he served in the Royal Army Medical Corps. He witnessed the ineffectiveness and dangers of antiseptics in treating infected wounds. His experiences on the battlefield fueled his interest in finding more effective antibacterial treatments. After the war, he returned to St Mary's Hospital in London, where he became a lecturer and began his research into antibacterial substances.

In 1921, while maintaining agar plates for bacteria, Fleming discovered lysozyme, an enzyme in nasal mucus and other bodily fluids that could dissolve certain bacteria. Although this discovery was initially overlooked, it hinted at the potential for naturally occurring antibacterial agents.

The true breakthrough came in 1928. While researching the influenza virus, Fleming noticed that a mould had accidentally developed on a staphylococcus culture plate. The mould created a bacteria-free circle around itself. This serendipitous observation led to the discovery of penicillin, the first broadly effective antibiotic substance. Fleming named the active substance penicillin, which could prevent the growth of staphylococci even when diluted 800 times.

Despite the significance of his findings, Fleming faced challenges in producing penicillin in large quantities and in isolating its active compound. It wasn't until the late 1930s and early 1940s, with the collaborative efforts of scientists Howard Florey and Ernst Boris Chain, that penicillin was purified and mass-produced. Their work led to penicillin’s widespread use during World War II, saving the lives of countless soldiers and civilians.

Fleming, Florey, and Chain shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1945 for their contributions to the development of penicillin. Fleming was knighted in 1944 and continued his research and teaching at St Mary’s Hospital. In 1951, he was elected Rector of the University of Edinburgh for a three-year term, highlighting his ongoing influence in the scientific community.

Throughout his career, Fleming remained modest about his achievements, often crediting his discoveries to luck and his untidy laboratory habits. He cautioned against the misuse of antibiotics, warning that improper use could lead to resistance. His warnings were prophetic, as antibiotic resistance remains a significant challenge in modern medicine.

Sir Alexander Fleming's legacy extends beyond his scientific discoveries. In 1999, Time magazine named him one of the 100 Most Important People of the 20th century. In 2002, he was voted among the BBC's list of the 100 Greatest Britons, and in 2009, he was ranked third in an STV poll for the greatest Scot, behind Robert Burns and William Wallace.

As we commemorate the birth of Sir Alexander Fleming, we celebrate his monumental contributions to medicine. His discoveries transformed healthcare and continue to impact lives today.

Thank you for joining us on this journey through history. Tune in tomorrow for another enlightening episode of "This Day in Scottish History." I'm Colin MacDonald, Haste Ye Back!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bagtown.substack.com