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Abstract
First, [Norman George Heatley] designed a reliable and sensitive assay for penicillin. Next, he devised a way to separate penicillin from its impurities using organic solvents, and to return it to aqueous solution for easier processing. The technique provided enough material to assess the biological properties of penicillin, especially its efficacy and low toxicity. These factors persuaded the Medical Research Council to make a modest grant toward the production of penicillin for animal trials. In May, 1940, tests were done on eight mice. Heatley's record of the experiment says: "After supper with some friends, I returned to the lab and met the professor to give a final dose of penicillin to two of the mice. The 'controls' were looking very sick, but the two treated mice seemed very well. I stayed at the lab until 3.45 am, by which time all four control animals were dead. It really looks as if penicillin may be of practical importance."