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Bending the Curve Trial by Trial
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Canadian researcher whom a 2000 history credits, with Charles Beer, with the 1950s discovery of vinblastine in periwinkle leaves

Robert Noble

A 2000 history by Duffin says Robert Noble and Charles Beer were inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame in 1995 for their 1950s "discovery" of vinblastine, a "chance" finding in leaves of the periwinkle (Vinca rosea). The same history examines questions of priority, the parallel work at Eli Lilly and the part played by other people in the project.

Sources

  1. Duffin J. Poisoning the spindle: serendipity and discovery of the anti-tumor properties of the Vinca alkaloids. Can Bull Med Hist. 2000;17(1-2):155-92.

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