Introducing the picture book "Dang Van Ngu - Dedicated His Entire Life" - Lang Son Newspaper

To commemorate the 70th anniversary of Vietnamese Doctors' Day (February 27, 1955 - February 27, 2025), Kim Dong Publishing House is releasing the picture book "Dang Van Ngu - Dedicated His Whole Life" for young readers.

The book portrays the life of the hero in the white coat. Dang Van Ngu, who dedicated himself to the cause of medicine, successfully researched and produced penicillin antibiotics, making a significant contribution to the treatment of wounded soldiers and civilians during the resistance wars against France and the United States.

Picture book "Dang Van Ngu - Dedicated His Entire Life". (Photo: Kim Dong Publishing House)

The book tells the story of Dr. Dang Van Ngu's life through the concise and succinct narrative of journalist Nguyen Nhu Mai, accompanied by vivid illustrations by artist Nguyen Hoang Tan.

Born in 1910 into a well-off family in the imperial city of Hue , few know that in his childhood, Dang Van Ngu was a struggling student, often failing exams, to the point that his father, overwhelmed with grief, contemplated suicide. It was then that young Dang Van Ngu woke up, dedicated himself to his studies, and made remarkable progress. His achievements became a source of pride for his parents and the entire family.

Later, Dang Van Ngu was sent to Hanoi to study at a protectorate high school. At the age of 20, Dang Van Ngu passed both the native and Western high school exams, and received a scholarship to attend the university directly. Indochina Medical University. Upon entering university, Dang Van Ngu became passionate about research, immersing himself in the laboratories.

In 1937, Dang Van Ngu graduated as a medical doctor and returned to Hue to marry the beautiful and virtuous daughter of Ton That Dan. Faced with the choice between staying in Hue to open a private hospital and remaining at the university as an assistant with a meager salary, Dang Van Ngu decided to bring his wife to Hanoi and work at the university. Dr. Dang Van Ngu's efforts bore fruit. He became the first Vietnamese lecturer and head of the parasitology laboratory at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy. With 19 published scientific works, he is considered "Asia's leading parasitologist."

Later, the young teacher Dang Van Ngu continued his studies in Japan – a country with many achievements in parasitology at that time. He eagerly immersed himself in researching various types of fungi, tracing the origins of tuberculosis, intestinal diseases, etc. During that time, the American military used penicillin to treat soldiers, but its production was kept absolutely secret. He researched and found a penicillin strain in Japan, which was then applied in practice there.

Following the success of the August Revolution, Vietnam gained independence, but the domestic situation remained extremely chaotic. Responding to the call of his homeland, Professor Dang Van Ngu resolutely returned, bringing with him his inseparable companion: test tubes containing penicillin strains.

The book is illustrated.

During the resistance war against the French, medicines, especially antibiotics to combat infections, were extremely scarce. Using only rudimentary materials such as bamboo tubes, he managed to produce the first dose of penicillin. From there, penicillin preparations were manufactured and transported to the front lines, providing timely treatment for wounded Vietnamese soldiers.

After liberation, Professor Dang Van Ngu became the founder and first director of the Vietnam Institute of Malaria, Parasitology, and Entomology. He and his colleagues researched and combined various methods to combat malaria, eventually controlling it in the North. However, in the South, malaria continued to plague our soldiers no less than American bombs and bullets. Professor Dang Van Ngu led a team of Institute staff across the Truong Son Mountains to western Thua Thien province to establish a research station to find a malaria vaccine. Just as the work began, a B52 carpet bombing raid by the US destroyed the entire station. That was April 1, 1967, when Professor Dang Van Ngu was only 57 years old.

Aimed at children, the book "Dang Van Ngu - Dedicated His Whole Life" recounts the life of one of Vietnam's most prominent scientists of the 20th century in the form of a picture book with easy-to-understand language and vivid illustrations.

The book "Dang Van Ngu - Dedicated His Entire Life" is part of the "Famous Vietnamese Scientists" series published by Kim Dong Publishing House. The series introduces prominent figures in Vietnamese science of the 20th century, such as Dang Van Ngu, Tran Dai Nghia, and Ta Quang Buu (with further publications expected in 2025: Nguyen Van Huyen, Le Van Thiem, Pham Ngoc Thach, Ton That Tung, Nguyen Cong Tieu, and Hoang Xuan Han…).

Through different paths and in various fields, they laid the foundation and built a modern scientific foundation, making a significant contribution to the nation's construction and development. This book series helps young readers briefly and concisely understand the lives and dedication of previous generations, thereby inspiring them to explore national history, ignite a passion for scientific research, and foster a spirit of dedication and social responsibility in the younger generation.

Source: https://baolangson.vn/gioi-thieu-sach-tranh-dang-van-ngu-tan-hien-ca-cuoc-doi-5039278.html