Infectious Diseases and Man-Made Defenses

Surveys the production of a variety of synthetic drugs and their employment to combat infectious diseases. Traces the historical development of these drugs, beginning with Pasteur's discovery of pathogenic microorganisms. Further research led to the development of a number of defenses beyond those normally developed by the body. Reviews the uses and production of several antitoxins, vaccines, antibiotics, and synthetic drugs and compares the means of producing active immunity in humans.