1921-1967

Scottish virologist whose work on the effects of interferon on viral infections suggested entirely new ways to fight disease. Interferons are substances produced by the body that interfere with a virus's ability to function normally. For a time, they appeared to be a "magic bullet" that would help to cure many viral diseases. Now, although apparently less powerful than originally thought, interferons are still thought to hold a great deal of promise in the fight against disease.