Paul Ehrlich

Paul Ehrlich, (born March 14, 1854, Strehlen, Silesia, Prussia [now Strzelin, Pol.]—died Aug. 20, 1915, Bad Homburg vor der Höhe, Ger.), German medical scientist known for his pioneering work in hematology, immunology, and chemotherapy and for his discovery of the first effective treatment for syphilis. He received jointly with Élie Metchnikoff the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1908.

He was the first person to accurately describe the mechanism of antibody formation. This enabled him set-up the criteria which therapeutic sera must meet. He also pioneered impressive chemotherapies, which he gave the “magic bullet” euphemism. His 19th century research-findings opened the door to unprecedented knowhow and discoveries, which improved both lifespan and quality of life in the 20th century. Dreaded diseases such as diphtheria and syphilis, whose mortality rates were astronomical in the previous centuries, were eventually curtailed. Besides, it was in his lab in 1907 that Albert Bertheim first produced arsphenamine (also known as Salvarsan). Two years afterwards, Sahachiro Hata successfully demonstrated its efficacy against Treponema pallidum: the etiological agent of syphilis. Although Ehrlich made other indispensable contributions to medicine, the unsurpassable were in combating pathogens through immunology and chemotherapy. His role in improving our well-being cannot be overemphasized. The 30-kilometer-wide Ehrlich lunar crater is dedicated to him: alongside several memorials.