Emil Adolf von Behring
Early Life and Education
Emil Adolf von Behring was born on 15 March 1854 in Hansdorf, Deutsch Eylau, Prussia (now Lawice, Poland). He was the eldest of 13 children in a family of modest means. Despite the financial constraints, Behring's parents ensured that he received a good education. He attended the Gymnasium in Nowy Staw and later the Friedrich-Wilhelms-Institut (now the Bundeswehr Medical Academy) in Berlin, where he studied medicine from 1874 to 1878.
Career and Achievements
After completing his studies, Behring served as a military doctor until 1889. During this period, he developed an interest in the study of infectious diseases and began his research in this field. His work led him to the discovery of a treatment for diphtheria and tetanus, which earned him the nickname "the saviour of children".
In 1889, Behring joined the Institute for Infectious Diseases in Berlin, where he worked under the renowned bacteriologist Robert Koch. Here, he conducted extensive research on the use of antitoxins to treat diseases. His work on diphtheria and tetanus was groundbreaking and paved the way for the development of vaccines.
In 1895, Behring became a professor at the University of Marburg, where he continued his research on infectious diseases. His work was instrumental in the development of serum therapy, which uses antibodies from the blood of recovered patients to treat others. This method was successfully used to treat diphtheria and tetanus, significantly reducing the mortality rate from these diseases.
Nobel Prize
Behring's pioneering work in the field of immunology earned him the first Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1901. He was awarded for his work on serum therapy, specifically its application against diphtheria. This recognition marked a significant milestone in the field of medicine and established Behring's reputation as a leading figure in immunology.
Later Life and Legacy
Behring continued his research at the University of Marburg until his retirement. He passed away on 31 March 1917 in Marburg, Germany. His contributions to the field of medicine have had a lasting impact. His work on serum therapy laid the foundation for the development of vaccines, which have saved countless lives over the years.
Behring's legacy is commemorated in various ways. The Behringwerke in Marburg, a pharmaceutical company he founded, continues to be a leading manufacturer of vaccines. The Behring Prize, established in his honour, is awarded for outstanding research in the field of immunology and serum therapy.
