Selman Waksman

Selman Abraham Waksman (July 22, 1888 – August 16, 1973) was a Ukrainian-born American biochemist and microbiologist. He is best known for his discovery of the antibiotic streptomycin, which was the first effective treatment for tuberculosis (TB). Waksman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1952 for his "ingenious, systematic, and successful studies of the soil microbes that led to the discovery of streptomycin." His work not only revolutionized the treatment of TB but also laid the foundation for the development of many other antibiotics, fundamentally changing the field of medicine.

Early Life and Education

Selman Waksman was born in Priluka (now Pryluky), Ukraine, then part of the Russian Empire, into a Jewish family. He emigrated to the United States in 1910, where he continued his education. Waksman attended Rutgers College (now Rutgers University), where he obtained his B.Sc. in Agriculture. He went on to earn his M.Sc. from the University of California, Berkeley, and his Ph.D. from Rutgers University, focusing on soil microbiology.

Career and Research

Waksman's career was primarily associated with Rutgers University, where he became a full professor of microbiology. He was deeply interested in the study of organisms in the soil and their role in decomposing organic matter. His research led him to investigate the antibacterial substances produced by these organisms.

In the 1940s, Waksman and his team discovered several antibiotics, including actinomycin, streptomycin, and neomycin. Streptomycin, discovered in 1943, was particularly notable for its effectiveness against the tuberculosis bacterium, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This discovery was a significant breakthrough, as TB was a leading cause of death at the time.

Waksman's method involved systematically screening soil microbes for their ability to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria. This approach was innovative and led to the discovery of over 20 antibiotics during his career.

Nobel Prize and Legacy

In 1952, Waksman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discovery of streptomycin. However, his award was not without controversy. Albert Schatz, a graduate student who worked under Waksman, claimed to have played a significant role in the discovery of streptomycin and sued for recognition and a share of the royalties. The lawsuit was settled out of court, with Schatz receiving a portion of the royalties.

Waksman's work has had a lasting impact on medicine and microbiology. His discoveries opened the door to the treatment of numerous infectious diseases, saving countless lives. He published over 400 scientific papers and several books throughout his career.

Waksman was also a philanthropist, using his royalties from the discovery of antibiotics to fund the Waksman Institute of Microbiology at Rutgers University, which continues to be a center for research in microbiology and biochemistry.

Death and Honors

Selman Waksman died on August 16, 1973, in Hyannis, Massachusetts. His contributions to science and medicine have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Nobel Prize. He was also a member of several prestigious scientific societies and received honorary degrees from universities around the world.

See Also

• Antibiotic resistance
• Microbiology
• Soil science
• History of tuberculosis