The Discovery of Penicillin

The discovery of penicillin was the most important medical event in the twentieth century. 1943. War is raging in the Pacific. More military personnel are dying from gas gangrene than from bullets. A test is needed; can penicillin kill gangrene?

Yvonne has gas gangrene. Dr. McKnight has done all he can do to save her life including amputation. Yvonne needs a miracle.

JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) appeals to doctors for cases to test penicillin. Yvonne's infection could prove penicillin's antibacterial value. Getting penicillin to Portola in time for Yvonne would be a miracle. She is dying. He has to try.

Deciding Who Tests Penicillin

Dr. Kiefer decides who tests penicillin. A gas gangrene case can have all the penicillin supply. Penicillin is released. A Federal courier flies to San Francisco and meets with the railroad conductor. He swears to deliver and protect the package with his life. He is deputized and armed.

The Race Against Time

While people all over the United States are trying to get penicillin to save her life, Yvonne is deep in a coma. She is enjoying a magical adventure with Genie. He is her guide to a world where everything is possible and no is not a word. Yvonne loves Genie.