Alexander Fleming Discovers Penicillin, 1928

Image courtesy: Johnson & Johnson Archives

Scottish scientist Alexander Fleming accidentally discovered penicillin on a petri dish in his damp basement laboratory in London. After returning from vacation, Fleming noticed a new growth on one of his samples. The mold that he later identified as Penicillium notatum prevented bacterial growth. Through extensive experimentation, Fleming was able to reproduce penicillin. At a time when a small cut could become deadly, Fleming found the world’s first modern antibiotic. His breakthrough is remembered as one of the greatest contributions to modern medicine.