Dr. Ehrlich’s Magic Bullet

Paul Ehrlich is dismissed from his position at a German hospital due to his disregard for bureaucratic rules and his intense focus on cell and microorganism staining research. His passion for developing specific dyes puts him at odds with the hospital administration. Despite the setback, Ehrlich continues his scientific pursuits privately, fueled by his curiosity and dedication.

Ehrlich befriends Emil von Behring during his experiments with staining techniques. Behring is impressed by Ehrlich's method, calling it 'specific staining,' and recognizes it as a significant scientific breakthrough. Their collaboration begins to shape Ehrlich's future research in immunology and diagnostics.

Ehrlich attends a presentation by Dr. Robert Koch demonstrating that tuberculosis is caused by bacteria. This discovery inspires Ehrlich to obtain a sample of the bacteria for his own research. It marks a pivotal point in Ehrlich's focus on microbial diagnostics and targeted staining.

Ehrlich, through meticulous experimentation, develops a staining process that allows him to visualize and identify the tuberculosis bacterium. His successful development of this diagnostic dye earns recognition from Koch and the wider medical community, highlighting his contribution to bacterial diagnostics.

While conducting his research, Ehrlich becomes infected with tuberculosis, a deadly and incurable disease at that time. This personal battle prompts him to seek treatment and travel to Egypt with his wife, Hedwig, to recover in the dry climate, which also sparks his studies on immunity.

During his stay in Egypt, Ehrlich begins exploring the properties of immunity, which leads to breakthroughs in understanding how the body fights infections. His findings provide vital insights that later assist in combating epidemic diseases like diphtheria.

Ehrlich and von Behring team up to fight a diphtheria epidemic affecting children. Their combined efforts and research into immunity result in effective treatment strategies, earning them recognition and awards for their contributions to medicine.

Ehrlich shifts his focus to creating 'magic bullets'—chemical compounds that could be injected into the bloodstream to target and cure different diseases. His pioneering work lays the groundwork for future antibiotic chemotherapy against infectious diseases.

With the support of Franziska Speyer, Ehrlich conducts extensive experiments on a compound he calls '606,' which ultimately becomes Salvarsan. After 606 attempts, he finally discovers a cure for syphilis, marking a significant medical breakthrough.

Despite his discovery, 38 patients die after receiving Salvarsan, leading to widespread criticism. Dr. Wolfert publicly denounces Ehrlich and accuses him of causing these deaths, which damages Ehrlich's reputation and puts him on trial for libel to clear his name.

Ehrlich's defense team, including von Behring, successfully argues that Salvarsan was responsible for curing syphilis, despite the initial fatalities. Ehrlich's reputation is restored, but the stress and illness take a toll on his health.

Ehrlich dies shortly after his trial, weakened by the physical and emotional toll of his scientific battles. His final words reflect his concern about the risks involved in advancing medicine and his hope for future progress in the field.