The improbable chain of events that leads Alexander Fleming 1.______ to discover penicillin in 1928 is the stuff which scientific myths 2.______ are made. It was a discovery that would change the course of the history, The active ingredient in that mold, which Fleming named penicillin, turned to be an infection-fighting agent of 3.______ enormous potency. When it was finally recognized as what it was—the efficacious life-saving drug in the world—penicillin 4.______ would alter forever the treatment of bacterial infections. By the middle of the century, Fleming's discovery spawned a huge phar- 5.______ maceutical industry, churning out synthetic penicillin that would conquer some of man-kind's most ancient scourges, including syphilis, gangrene, and tuberculosis. When he died a heart attack in 1955, he was mourned by 6.______ the world and buried as a national hero in the crypt of St. Paul's Cathedral in London. Although Fleming's scientific work in and of itself may not have reached great, his singular contribution 7.______ changed the practice of medicine. He deserves our utmost recog- nition. At the same time, we must bear on mind that the 8.______ 'Fleming Myth', as he called it, embodies the accomplishments of many giants of anti-biotic development. Fleming is but a cho- sen representative for the likes of Florey, Chain, Domagk, and Waksman, many of who remain, sadly, virtual unknowns. 9.______ Their achievements have made the world a better, healthier place. In commemorating Fleming, and we commemorate them 10.______ all. (51)