Original laboratory sample of 'M and B 693', England, 1938

Clear glass bottle, corked, containing original laboratory sample of "M and B 693" or sulphapyridine, small quantity of yellowish white powder produced by May and Baker of Dagenham, bottle inserted in black wooden mount, English, 1930-1938

M & B 693 was one of the first generation of sulphonamide antibiotics, pro-duced for the first time in 1938. The first chemical cure for pneumonia, it was hailed as a wonder drug. M & B 693 could also prevent the growth of the blood-poisoning bacteria in wounds and was used to protect against gan-grene. It could either be taken in tablet form or the powder could be placed in wounds. It was used so widely during the Second World War that May & Baker had difficulty keeping up with demand. It was later largely superseded by penicillin and sulphonamides.