Selman Waksman
Soil microbiologist who discovered streptomycin and other antibiotics.
via Wikipedia: Sergei Winogradsky · see source
His research into the decomposition of soil organisms led to the discovery of streptomycin and several other antibiotics, for which he won the 1952 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
- born
- July 22 [O.S. July 8] 1888, Novaya Priluka, Kiev Governorate, Russian Empire (present-day Vinnytsia Oblast, Ukraine)
- field
- Biochemistry, microbiology
- nationality
- Russian-born American
- known_for
- Discovery of streptomycin and other antibiotics; coining the modern sense of the word 'antibiotics'
Lore & Background
He emigrated to the United States in 1910 and became a naturalized citizen in 1916. in biochemistry from the University of California, Berkeley in 1918. Waksman's team discovered several antibiotics, including actinomycin, clavacin, streptothricin, streptomycin, grisein, neomycin, fradicin, candicidin, and candidin. Streptomycin was co-discovered with his Ph.D. Waksman is credited with introducing the modern sense of the word 'antibiotics' to describe antibacterials derived from other living organisms. The lawsuit was settled out of court, with Schatz receiving financial remuneration and legal credit as co-discoverer.
Reader's Guide
Selman Waksman's significance lies in his systematic study of soil microbes, which led to the discovery of multiple antibiotics, most notably streptomycin—the first effective drug against tuberculosis and gram-negative bacteria. His work introduced procedures that enabled the development of many other antibiotics, fundamentally changing the treatment of infectious diseases. Waksman's legacy includes the Waksman Institute of Microbiology and the Waksman Foundation, which continue to support microbiological research. His research also extended to marine bacteriology, examining bacteria's role in nutrient cycles and other environmental processes.
Did You Know?
- Waksman coined the modern sense of the word 'antibiotics' to describe antibacterials derived from other living organisms.
- He was sued by his Ph.D. student Albert Schatz for minimizing Schatz's role in the discovery of streptomycin; the case was settled out of court.
- He used half of his patent royalties to create the Waksman Foundation for Microbiology in 1951.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Selman Waksman?
Selman Abraham Waksman was a Russian-born American biochemist and microbiologist who devoted his career to studying how soil organisms break down organic matter. He is best remembered for turning that niche area of research into a revolution in medicine.
What is Selman Waksman most famous for?
He is celebrated for isolating streptomycin in 1943 along with several other antibacterial compounds, and for coining the modern use of the word 'antibiotics.' His work proved that common soil bacteria could produce substances lethal to disease-causing microbes.
What major award did Selman Waksman receive?
In 1952, Waksman was honored with the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discovery of streptomycin and other antibiotic substances. The recognition cemented his place among the most influential scientists of the twentieth century.
Where and when was Selman Waksman born?
He was born on July 22, 1888 (Old Style July 8) in Novaya Priluka, a village in the Kiev Governorate of the Russian Empire, now part of Vinnytsia Oblast in Ukraine. He later emigrated to the United States, where he built his entire scientific career.
Why is Selman Waksman important to the history of biology?
By demonstrating that ordinary soil bacteria could yield compounds that kill pathogenic organisms, he fundamentally reshaped how scientists understood microbial ecology. His discoveries gave medicine its first broad-spectrum tools against bacterial infections and transformed public health for generations.
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