Gerhard Domagk

Medicine German 1895 – 1964 423 quotes

Discovered the first sulfonamide drug, Prontosil, which was effective against bacterial infections.

Most quoted

"The fight against infectious diseases is a fight against the invisible, but it is a fight we can win with the weapons of chemistry and perseverance."

— from Speech on Chemotherapy, 1935

"I believe that the future of medicine lies in chemotherapy, in finding specific substances that can target and destroy disease-causing organisms."

— from Diary entry

"Some colleagues believe that if you stare at a problem long enough, it will eventually solve itself. I prefer a more active form of persuasion."

— from Laboratory notes

All quotes by Gerhard Domagk (423)

Pathology reveals the hidden enemies within the body.

Major Work Excerpt 1920

Innovation in medicine comes from questioning the status quo.

Speech 1940

Life's meaning lies in contributing to the alleviation of suffering.

Personal Letter 1960

Sulfonamides marked the dawn of a new era in bacteriology.

Publication 1937

Humor in the lab: Sometimes the best discoveries come from spilled solutions.

Anecdote 1935

War interrupted science, but knowledge endures.

Post-War Reflection 1946

The microscope is our window to the invisible world of disease.

Early Writing 1910

True wisdom in medicine is humility before nature's complexities.

Interview 1955

My work on dyes led unexpectedly to healing.

Correspondence 1934

Antibiotics are not a panacea, but a vital tool in our arsenal.

Lecture 1948

In research, patience is the greatest virtue.

Lab Journal 1925

The Nazi regime's interference was a dark chapter, but science prevailed.

Memoir Excerpt 1950

Discoveries like prontosil remind us of serendipity's role in progress.

Article 1936

Life is a delicate balance; medicine tips it towards health.

Late Interview 1964

I owe my success to my team's dedication.

Speech 1939

Bacteria evolve; so must our treatments.

Conference Talk 1952

A witty pathologist once said: Infections are sneaky, but we're sneakier.

Colleague Recollection 1940

The joy of science is in the pursuit, not just the prize.

Nobel Acceptance 1947

From pathology to therapy: That's the path I trod.

Autobiographical Note 1935

Global health depends on shared scientific knowledge.

International Speech 1958