Published in 1925, Arrowsmith is the story of Martin Arrowsmith, a gifted scientist making his way from a small Midwestern town to the apex of the scientific community. Arrowsmith follows the titular character from medical school through stints as a small-town doctor and regional health official to his discovery of a virus that destroys bacteria.

Arrowsmith was awarded the 1926 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, but the award was declined by the author. It has been adapted for radio, film and television.