What is a Magic Bullet Good For? Exploring Medicine, Metaphor, and Media
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4 min read
The term "magic bullet" was first coined by Nobel laureate Paul Ehrlich in the early 20th century, envisioning a chemical agent that could destroy a pathogen without harming the host. Today, its meaning has expanded far beyond microbiology, encompassing targeted medical treatments, metaphorical quick fixes for complex problems, and a long-debunked theory of media influence.