1854-1915 · Physician and researcher
Paul Ehrlich
Georg-Speyer-Haus, Frankfurt
German physician and researcher in histology, immunology and chemotherapy. He directed an institute in Frankfurt, developed the side-chain theory of antibody formation, and is credited with coining the term chemotherapy; his work with arsenical compounds led to arsphenamine for syphilis.
Milestones
Sources
Williams KJ. The introduction of 'chemotherapy' using arsphenamine - the first magic bullet. J R Soc Med. 2009;102(8):343-8.
Kasten FH. Paul Ehrlich: pathfinder in cell biology. 1. Chronicle of his life and accomplishments in immunology, cancer research, and chemotherapy. Biotech Histochem. 1996;71(1):2-37.
Science History Institute. Paul Ehrlich (scientific biography). Philadelphia: Science History Institute. Web page read directly 2026-10-20; no publication date shown.