Letter: In Brief

Your support helps us to tell the story

Support Now

Find out moreClose

My recent work focusing on Latino voters in Arizona has shown me how crucial independent journalism is in giving voice to underrepresented communities.

Your support is what allows us to tell these stories, bringing attention to the issues that are often overlooked. Without your contributions, these voices might not be heard.

Every dollar you give helps us continue to shine a light on these critical issues in the run up to the election and beyond

Eric Garcia

Washington Bureau Chief

Sir: John Davison perpetuates the myth that Alexander Fleming "invented" penicillin ("Are these the century's finest minds?", 24 March). Fleming noted the inhibitory effects of a species of penicillin on a bacterial culture in 1928. After a few more experiments he published his results but failed to arouse interest. He did not isolate or identify the substance. He "discovered" rather than "invented" penicillin. Several years later Howard Florey and Ernst Chain realised the potential of Fleming's discovery and isolated relatively pure penicillin and identified the structure.

ALAN WHITE

Englefield Green, Surrey