Object Details
- Description
- In September 1928, British bacteriologist Alexander Fleming found something unusual growing in his laboratory. Mold had contaminated a plate of Staphylococci, disease-causing bacteria. Where the mold had spread, the bacteria had disappeared.
- Further research revealed that the mold, Penicillium notatum, produced a substance harmful to microorganisms but relatively nontoxic to animals and humans. During World War II, British and American scientists expanded on Fleming's discovery to develop the powerful antibiotic penicillin.
- This two-inch diameter medallion contains a small preserved sample of mold made from Fleming's original penicillin mold culture. Beginning in the mid-1940s, Fleming made a series of these medallions and gifted them to many individuals including friends, colleagues, politicians, and the Royal Family. Fleming gave this one to his laboratory assistant, Dan Stratful. In 1996 it was purchased at auction by the pharmaceutical firm, Pfizer, Inc., who then donated it to the Smithsonian. Fleming's handwritten inscription on the back reads: "The mold / that makes / penicillin / Alexander Fleming."
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
- maker
- Fleming, Alexander
- Fleming, Alexander
- date made
- Mold produced in 1928, mounted ca mid-1940
- Credit Line
- Gift from Pfizer, Inc.
- Measurements
- overall: 2 in x 2 in x 1/2 in x 2 in; 5.08 cm x 5.08 cm x 1.27 cm x 5.08 cm
- Object Name
- Penicillin Mold
- biological
- penicillin mold
