Sir James Whyte Black, OM (born 14 July 1924) received the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1988.

Black was educated at St Andrew's University, where he studied biology. He then lectured at Malaya University , Glasgow University (Veterinary School), and became a professor at University College, London and at King's College, London. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society; following that, he was created a knight bachelor and received the aforementioned Nobel Prize soon after.

Sir James Black contributed to basic scientific and clinical knowledge in cardiology, both as a physician and as a basic scientist. His invention of propranolol the beta adrenergic receptor antagonist that revolutionized the medical management of angina pectoris, is considered to be one of the most important contributions to clinical medicine and pharmacology of the 20th century. His method of research, his discoveries about adrenergic pharmacology, and his clarification of the mechanisms of cardiac action are all strengths of his work.

References

• Nobel e-Museum autobiography