Alexander Fleming

Discovery of penicillin

Modern influential 108 sayings

Sayings by Alexander Fleming

The medical profession has a great responsibility in seeing that penicillin is used wisely.

1940s — Urging caution in medical use of antibiotics
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I am only one of many who have contributed to the development of penicillin.

1940s — Acknowledging the work of others
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The discovery of penicillin was a series of lucky accidents.

1940s — Interview
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I can only warn. It is up to others to heed the warning.

1940s — Regarding antibiotic resistance
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The therapeutic value of penicillin is enormous, but its indiscriminate use could lead to disaster.

1940s — Warning about the consequences of misuse
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It is not an exaggeration to say that the discovery of penicillin has saved millions of lives.

1950s — Reflecting on the impact of his discovery
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I am often asked if I foresaw the impact of penicillin. My honest answer is no.

1950s — Interview
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The future of chemotherapy lies in the intelligent use of these new antibacterial agents.

1940s — Looking ahead at the future of medicine
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It was not easy to convince people of the importance of penicillin in the early days.

1930s — Recalling initial skepticism
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Some people have been very enthusiastic about penicillin, others less so.

1940s — Observations on reactions to his discovery
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The greatest reward for a scientist is the advancement of knowledge.

Unknown — Attributed quote, reflecting on scientific motivation
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I never thought of myself as a great man, just a man who made a great discovery.

1940s — Interview
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The mould grew, and then I saw the clear space around it.

1928 — Simple description of the initial observation
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It is a matter of great satisfaction to see penicillin saving so many lives.

1940s — Reflecting on the positive impact
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I am not a very good speaker, but I hope my work speaks for itself.

1940s — Opening remarks of a speech
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The story of penicillin is a lesson in serendipity and perseverance.

1950s — Reflecting on the discovery process
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I have always been interested in the fight against disease.

1940s — Explaining his lifelong passion
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The purification of penicillin was a major triumph of chemistry.

1940s — Acknowledging the work of others in developing penicillin
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I am very grateful for the recognition I have received, but the real credit belongs to the mould.

1940s — Humble remarks after receiving honors
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We must be careful not to create a race of penicillin-resistant superbugs.

1940s — Prescient warning about antibiotic resistance
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