The Conquest of Tuberculosis

The Conquest of Tuberculosis chronicles the long and arduous battle against one of humanity’s most devastating diseases. Tuberculosis, often called the "great white plague," has plagued humankind for millennia, recognized in ancient civilizations and documented in Biblical texts. Known for its destructive impact on various organs and its high mortality rates, tuberculosis earned infamy as the number-one killer throughout history. This book delves into the historical understanding of the disease, its varied nomenclature, and its profound socioeconomic effects, especially as it afflicted not only humans but also their livestock and other domestic animals. The narrative transitions from the historical recognition of tuberculosis to the revolutionary scientific advancements that have shaped modern treatments. Central to this transformation was the development of antibiotics, particularly streptomycin, discovered by the author and his team in 1943. This breakthrough, followed by successful experimental applications, marked the beginning of a new era in combating tuberculosis. Combining historical context with personal anecdotes and scientific exploration, the book captures the journey from ancient misconceptions to modern medical triumphs, offering an inspiring testament to human ingenuity and resilience in the face of a relentless disease. This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1964.