Paul Ehrlich--in search of the magic bullet.

In 2004, we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Paul Ehrlich, considered the founder of immunology. His life and work can be divided into three creative periods: first, he developed histological staining, then he accomplished his ground-breaking work on immunology, and eventually invented chemotherapy. Paul Ehrlich can be perceived as a man whose success was not the consequence of a will to power, but of his substantial interest in science.

Emil von Behring and serum therapy.

Emil von Behring is the father of serum therapy. We present an overview of the development of this important tool in the treatment of diphtheria. In a historical context Behring's work reflects the scientific spirit of fin de siècle Berlin.