Date of Birth: July 22, 1888
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Date of Death: August 16, 1973
Biography
Selman Abraham Waksman was a Ukrainian-born American scientist who made significant contributions to the field of microbiology. Born on July 22, 1888, in Nova Pryluka, Ukraine, Waksman emigrated to the United States in 1910. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University in 1915 and later completed his Ph.D. in biochemistry at the University of California, Berkeley in 1918. Waksman is best known for his discovery of streptomycin, the first antibiotic effective against tuberculosis, which earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1952. His work led to the development of more than 20 antibiotics, transforming the treatment of infectious diseases. Throughout his career, Waksman held multiple academic positions, primarily at Rutgers University, where he mentored many students and researchers. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Waksman Institute of Microbiology at Rutgers. Waksman passed away on August 16, 1973, in Hyannis, Massachusetts, leaving a lasting legacy in medical science.
5 Interesting Facts about Selman Waksman
1. Selman Waksman coined the term “antibiotics” to describe compounds that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria.
2. Streptomycin, discovered by Waksman and his team, was the first antibiotic to treat tuberculosis effectively.
3. Waksman received more than 20 honorary degrees from various institutions worldwide.
4. He authored over 400 scientific papers and 28 books during his lifetime.
5. Waksman was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1952, becoming one of the few scientists to have a direct impact on saving millions of lives.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Selman Waksman
1. “The world is full of germs, but it is also full of people who are ready to fight them.”
2. “We have to keep exploring, keep discovering, keep creating.”
3. “My work is a celebration of the infinite possibilities of the microscopic world.”
4. “In science, as in life, there is no substitute for hard work.”
5. “The biggest rewards come from the smallest discoveries.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
The highest net worth achieved by Selman Waksman is not well-documented, but his contributions to science have had immeasurable value.
Children
Selman Waksman had one son, Byron Halsted Waksman, who became a notable scientist in his own right, specializing in immunology.
Relevant Links
2. [Rutgers University – Waksman Institute](https://waksman.rutgers.edu/
4. [Biography at Rutgers](https://www.rutgers.edu/about/our-history/selman-waksman
5. [Selman Waksman – Encyclopedia Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Selman-Waksman
