Lot #246

Alexander Fleming

Description

Rare signed photograph of Fleming in his laboratory dating to 1943, an important year in the advancement of penicillin

Scottish bacteriologist (1881–1955) who shared the 1945 Nobel Prize in Medicine for his role in the discovery and isolation of penicillin. Vintage glossy 7.5 x 6 photo of Fleming at work in his laboratory in 1943, a large bottle of Penicillin visible on the table, as well as many test tubes and petri dishes, signed and inscribed in fountain pen “To my friend Arnold Sorsby, with kind regards, Alexander Fleming 1953.” Matted and framed to an overall size of 12.5 x 11.5. In very good condition, with scattered creases and mild overall rippling to emulsion, most of which is visible only at an angle.

Fleming signed this photograph for Dr. Arnold Sorsby, a noted ophthalmologist who wrote a chapter in Penicillin: Its Practical Application, a book edited by Fleming published in 1946. The photograph was taken in 1943, the most important year for penicillin since its discovery by Fleming in 1928. In 1943, after the required clinical trials proved the safety and effectiveness of the drug, the War Production Board drew up plans for the mass production of penicillin and its distribution to Allied troops in Europe. Several important advances in the production of the drug enabled the United States to produce 2.3 million doses in time for the Invasion of Normandy in 1944. Penicillin production skyrocketed during the war, and the price dropped from $20 per dose to 55 cents by the end of the war. A rare and remarkable signed photograph! Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

Auction Info

• Auction Title:
• Dates: #387 - Ended May 16, 2012

This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
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