This non-fiction book is the story of the discovery of Streptomycin; the antibiotic "wonder drug" that was used against tuberculosis. It details the efforts of Albert Schatz, a graduate student working towards his Ph.D. degree. at Rutgers University, in Selman Waksman's Department of Soil Microbiology. Through his efforts he discovered streptomycin, while under Waksman's tutelage; however his place in history as the co-discoverer of the drug went unmentioned and unrewarded for almost his entire life, due to his professor's own quest for recognition and financial gain. It tells the surprising and heart-breaking story of how Waksman went on to win the Nobel Prize for Medicine, in 1952, while limiting any mention of Schatz's very significant role in the drug's discovery.
Although Waksman convinced Schatz to sign off on his royalties to the drug and give them to Rutgers University, he himself made a fortune from antibiotic patents, while also working hand in hand with Merck Pharmaceuticals, unbeknownst to his student. When Schatz discovered this deception he went on to sue Waksman and Rutgers University and received a substantial cash settlement, but lost favor in the scientific community in the process.
It was an interesting read, but not one that I would necessarily recommend to anyone. It was a very detailed account of the science involved in the discovery which some may enjoy, but, for anyone else, a quick look on the internet can give you the bare basics needed, to learn the story.
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