1944: Streptomycin

Streptomycin was discovered as a cure for the tuberculosis bacterial infection in 1944.

With the advent of the treatment the earlier prescribed remedy—bed rest, sunshine, isolation, wholesome foods, fresh air, and, at times, surgical intervention—became obsolete.

Nurse with Streptomycin Needle, c. 1940
Unknown Photographer
Courtesy of The Saskatchewan Lung Association