Dec., 1947

Standing, left to right: Dr. Oswald T. Awry, Dr. Lomell J. Reed, Dr. Thomas Francis, Jr.,
Dr. Homer Snzith, Dr. Thomas Parran, Sir Wilson Janteson, Dr. George Baehr, and Dr.
Reginald M. Atwater. Seated: Mrs. Albert D. Lasker and Dr. Alice Hamilton.

THE LASKER AWARDS FOR 1947

T HE Laker Awards of the. American  dissemination of new medical i,forma-
  Public   Health  Association   are  tion.
presented annually by the AlbErt and   The Laker Awards for 1947 were
Mary Laker Foundation to men and  conferred on October 9, 1947, at the
women in the field of medical research  Second General Session of the 75th
and public health administration whose  Annual Meeting in Atlantic City, N. J.
efforts have contributed to, or will in  Five individuals and two graups wre
time result in, the vastly improved  honored.  The beautifully illuminated
health status of the peoples of the earth.  citations read as follows:
In addition, outstanding worl: or re-
search done by large groups where it is   To Ow-nld T. ?Ivery~ M.D.. for studies on
irnpo:sible to single out any one in-  the antispic ccnstituticn of bacteris.
di\Glu:d~ is honored.             With unusunl persistence. remnrl;ab!c in-
The awards are given not only to  sight and cz!raordinary accuracy of ol~.icr~a.-
                     tion: Osnnld T. Avery has devo:cd the

honor the recipients and dramatize their  greater part of his scientific career to the
accomplishments but also to arouse in-  study of the pncumococcus.
creased professional and public interest   Animated by an unsurpassed intellectual
in medical research and public health  curiosity and a des're to conquer one of the
                    most deadly cncmics of man, he undertook
administration and to aid in the rapid  to elucidate in logical sequence the blologlcal
                        [161?1


activities, the immunological characteristics,  as the Henry Sewell Professorship of Epi-
and the pathogenic properties of the pneu-  demiolo,y.
mococcus. In this he so far succeeded that   Dr. Francis's contributions to scientific
today it is fair to say that more is known  literature have been numerous and have
about this organism than about any other  brought him many honors. Since the first
human parasite.              report in 1933 on the recovery of the virus
Were this al2 it would be a unique accom-  of influenza A in the Western Hcm:sphere,
p];shmcnt, but quite early in the course of  which confirmed the primary observa:ion of
his investigations he became interested in  Smith, Andrewes, and LaidIaw, Dr. Francis's
searching for a chemical explanation for the  studies have included a series of immuno-
type-specificity of pneumococci.  As a con-  logical, epidemiolog;caf, and clinical obscrva-
sequence, he discovered and identified the  tions directed toward a better understanding
capsuiar polysaccharides and demonstrated  of the human disease.  The demonstration
their role in dctcrmining this specificity.    with Magifl of serological variations in strains
He furthermore succeeded in throwing light  has resulted in sustained studies of its sig-
on the immunological relationships of the  nificance in recurrent epidemics. The identi-
intracellular constituents of this organism.    fication of influenza B and isolation of that
Through these discoveries he laid the  virus added clarification to the problem by
foundation for his brilliant analysis in chcm-  establishing a new entity in a complex field.
ical terms of the antigenic constitution of  His continuous investigations have contributed
the whole pneumococcus.  He thus estab-  much to our knowledge of the global aspects
l&bed a perfect pattern for the antigenic  of the disease.
analysis of other microorganisms both by   Studies of the selective action of influenza
himself and by others who have followed in  virus on the respiratory ep;thelium and of
his footsteps.
Among Dr. Avery's many brXant contribu-  antibodies in the respiratory secretions hat-e

tions to scientific knowledge none has been  given insight into the mechanisms of infection

more outstanding  than his studies on the  and immunity.  From the orIgina demon-

ant@nic constitution of bacteria.  Through  stration in 1936 that intiuenza virus given

them he is one of the founders of the science  subcutaneously or intradernaiIy could induce
                        the formation of antibodies in man, successive
of immunocilcm~stry.  Because of them our
comprehension of the complex probkms of  studies have brought evidence in controlled
                           observations of the cffectivcness of human
infectious disease  has been immeasurably
enriched.                   immunization against influenza.
                             .4s Director of the Commission on Inilu-

To Thomas Francis, Jr., M.D., for distin-  enza of the Army Epidemiological Board, Dr.

guished services through contributions to our  Francis organized and actively part'c.patcd in
total knowiedge of induenza.         the establishment of " listening posts" for the

Thomas Francis, Jr., is honored with The  detection of influenza in various parts of the

Laskcr Award in recognition of his distin-  United States, and in the Army stud-es
guished contribution to our knowlcd;c of  which gave evidence that vaccination can be

inilucnza. and his effective leadership in the  ciicctive aganst epidemic imluenza A and
                             inilucnza B.
~~r~rld-~~~idc fight against this scourge oi mm-
kind.                      Thus Dr. Franc%, through his olvn ccntri-
Dr. Frnncls`s researches on intlucnza bcg:m  butions and through his stlmul;~tion of uth,.r

about two dccadcs ago. In 1928 he joined  investigators, has made a notable contribution
the stlif of the hcsptal of the ROCI~~ILILT  to our knowledge oi inllucnza wh:ch aiiords
Institute, anti in 19.56 he organ&d for the  a sound ioundnt:on icr iuture irk, and has

International Health Division of the Rockc-  created the hope that this dise:l>c muy bc
fcilcr Foundation the influenza study labora-  eventually conquered.
tories where piontcr work was done on the
etiology nnd cp:demiolo~y of the di:e::sc.  Ill   To Romer Smith, DSc., for di>tin+hcd
19% he bccamc Proicssor of Bactcriok;;)  services throtr~h conclusive :t>;dics on cardi-
at New Yurk Univcrsitv, and in l'ill be  ovascular and renal phyGo!og!..
accq)ted the proicssorsh;p of Ep:d~miolcgy    Homer Smith is honored icr his diGIn-
and Chairm:mship of the Department of  guished contributions in the &Ids of renal
Ep.dcmiolagy in the newly established Schocl  and vascular physiology.
of Public Health in the University of Michigan.   His Work falIs into a unique and logical
In 1947 Dr. Francis was appointed to a dis-  pattern.  Early fundamental studies upon
tinguished professorship at Michigan, known  osmotic regulation in fish provided a basis for

Vol. 37            LASKER AWARDS                1613


1614     AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH    Dec., 1947

a masterly analysis of the available data in
the formulation of a theory of the evolution
of the mammalian kidney.

Within this frame, he has been led to a
fruitful investigation of the specific activities
by which the mammalian kidney performs its
regulatory duties. Unalterably opposed to the
" unphysioIogica1 preparation " in experimenta-
tion, he devised simple tests by which
glomerular filtration rate, renal blocd flow,
and renal tubular capacities might be measured
quantitatively without pain, operative proce-
dures, or anesthesia,

These tooIs of investigation are applicable
in the study oi man, and under Dr. Smith's
direction, they have been energetically em-
ployed in man in clarifying problems ot renal
function in health and disease.

These studies are masterpieces of clinical
invcstioation , sparkling with new concepts,
graceft%y phrased and logically developed.
They have thrown new 11ght upon the prob-
lems of renal and cardiorenal diseases, which
are at present the chief causes of death, and
have provided the background for many future
investigations in this important field of medi-
cine and public health.

Homer Smith has also been prominent
among those responsible for the physiological
bearing  of the current trend in medical
thinking.  In part this influence springs from
the character oi the man.

Modest, seif-effacing, and consecrated to
his work, he does not shun the fight for what
he considers is rieht, fair, and just. In paying
tribute to his n-ark, WC pay homage to the
man.

To Alice Hamilton, M.D., for an inspiring
life of public service in the prevention of
occupational disease.

To Dr. Alice Hamilton, pioneer American
leader in industrial toxicology, for her con-
tribution to the development of public health
methods in industry, ancl to the prevention of
occupaticnal diseases.

After graduating in medicine at the Uni-
versity of Michigan in 1893, and postgraduate
studies in Germany, Dr. Hamilton returned
to the United States intending to specialize in
bacteriology, pharmacology, and toxicology.

Because of her growing interest in social
progress and labor reform, which increased
through her friendship with Jane Addams and
her associates at Hull House, Dr. Hamilton
began to specialize in industrial medical prob-
lems shortly after the turn of the century.
At that time industrial medicine was not yet
considered a specialty, and the need for

physicians in industry was not generally
recognized.

Through her efforts to prevent lead poi-.
soning, `i phossy jaw " in the match industry,
mercury poisoning, TNT poisoning in World
War I, and her Iatcr investigations of benzol,
carbon disulfide and other organic solvents,
she has contributed much to the control of
these hazards and to the establishment of the
profession of industrial preventive medicine
in this country.

Throughout her useful life Dr. Hamilton
has worked to improve the health of human
beings. She has helped the laborer, the unions,
the large manufacturers, the universities, and
the government, and all her investigations
have been carr:ed out with complete objec-
tivity and feariess candor.  She has never
been either pro labsr or pro capital, but has
stood unwaveringly for the betterment of the
worker's health.

Dr. Hamilton has been associated with many
educationa institutions, and the exceilence of
her contributions has been w:dcly recognized
by her scientific associates. After 26 years of
service, she is now retired as one of the
Emeritus Professors of the Harvard School
of Public Health.

This Laskcr Award is given to Dr. Hamilton
in recognition of her outstanding accompl.sh-
ments in industrial toxicotogy, and for the
inspiration she has afforded to all those who
are interested in industrial preventive medicine
and world health.

TO Thomas Parran, M.D., for outstanding
contributions to the national health and to
the World Health Organization.

Dr. Thomas Parran has achieved world-
wide acclaim for his dynamic leadership in
public health administration as well as for
his successfu1 pioneering against pr~~cntable
disease.  He is also the great advocate of
support for medical research before the Con-
gress and the American people.

Dr. Parrnn's public health service career has
been a succession of striking achievements. It
began during World War I with responsibility
for extra-cantonment sanitation in an indus-
trial city and its environs. Hc then organized
county health work in the rural arcas of
several states, headed a sanitary district in
a mining area. served as chief of rural sanita-
tion activities in another state.  He was
Assistant Surgeon General of the U. S. Public
Health Service in charge of the Division of
\`enereal Disease in its early davs.

In 1930, he was Ioancd by President Hoover
to Governor Rooserelt to become Commis-


Vol. 37

LASKER AWARDS

Goner of Health of the State of New York,
where he served with distinction far six years.
For the past eleven years, he has served as
Surgeon General of the U. S. Public Health
Service.

In 1946, he was president of the Interna-
tional Health Conference of delegates from
seventy nations, which resulted in the estab-
lishment of the World Health Organization
of the United Nations. Since then, he has
been the United States Delegate to the Inter:m
Commission of the Wor!d Health Organization.

Throughout  his brilliant public health
career? Dr. Pnrran's activities have been sig-
nally characterized by the qualities of judg-
ment, enthusiasm, courage, decisiveness, and
vision.

This has been especially true of his forth-
right approach to the control of the venereal
diseases. which began with the breakdown of
pubiic prejudice against the uce of the terms
" syphilis " and " gonor:hea."

This was  followed by successive steps
leading to the appropriation of federal grants-
in-aid to the states. and the eventual estnb-
lishment of rapid treatment centers throughout
the land. If syphilis is finally wiped out in
this country, it w.V:lI be due to Dr. Parran's
consistent courage and statcsmsnsh'p. as much
as tn the discovery of a cursive drug.

`I\`ith a vigorous or'dnal:ty of approach, he
has developed new concepts of health services
for the American people and the world. In
addition, he has been able to secure the undcr-
standing and interest of the people and the
support of their elected reprezntatives. He
has contributed subitantial'y to the dcvclop-
ment of the Wor!d Health Orqnnization,
important both hecausc of its life-naving mis-
sion and because it may prove to be a
`) rallying point of unity !' in international
nffzirs

.4s Dr. Parrnn himself recently sa:d in a
foreword to a summary of the history of the
World Health Or;nnization---" We in the
T-nitcd States must carry on two major jobs
at once-we must maintain a place of leader-
ship in world health affairs and at the same
time redouble our efforts to attain a more
comprehensive health program at home. U'C
are faced with great opportunities for service
to humnnity."

In recognition of these and other services
to the people of America and the world, the
Lasker Awards CommIttee of the Amer:can
Public Health Association has recommended
that 3 Special Award be made this year to
Dr. Parran, which will express the appreciation
of this Association for his inspiring public

health leadership in domestic and world
affairs.

To the British Ministries of Food and
Health, for the unprecedented program of
food distribution in Great Britain, with re-
sulting improvement in the health of the
people.

Long before World War II, the Medical
Research Council and the health authorities of
Great Britain had been active in promoting
research and in spreading knowledge of nu-
trition among the people.

In 1937 an Advisory Ccmmittce on Nutri-
tion was set up by the British Ministry of
Health which undertook a survey of the
national diet. The background had therefore
been devcloprd before the outbreak of the
war far the first large-scale app!ication of the
science of nutrition to the population of the
United Kingdom.  A separate Ministry of
Food was established with wide executive
powers over the production and rationing of
foods, the purchase of foods from abroad,
and the education of the public in the proper
use of available faods. By the effective em-
ployment of its great powers, the Mlinistry of
Food. in consultation w:th the Ministry of
Health and with the advice (on all matters
which might affect the health of the people)
of a Standing Cnmmittee under the chair-
mnnship of the Chief Mcd'cnl OTEccr, suc-
ceeded to a remarkable degree in providing
a diet for all the workers of the country in
conform'ty with their physiological' requirc-
mcnt. irrespective of income.

Although almost all other environmental
factors  which might influence  the pu!;lic
health dcteriorntcd under the stress of war,
the public licalth in Great Britnin wvns main-
tained and in many respects improved. The
rates of infantile,  neonatal and maternal
mortality and of stillbirths all reached the
lowest levels in the history of the country.
The inc'dence of anemia and dental caries
declined, the rate of growth of school children
improved. progress was made in the control
of tuberculosis,  and the general state of
nutrition of the population as a nholc was
up to or an improvement upon pre-\v\-;lr
standards.

In the opinion of the Laskcr Awards Com-
mittee, this has been one of the greatest
demonstrations in public health administra-
tion that the world has ever seen.  The
Lasker Awards Ccmmittce of the PImcrican
Public Health Association therefore takes
great satisfaction in recommending awards for
scientific and administrative achievement to


1616

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH    Dec., 1947

the British Ministries of Food and Health
and to the four great leaders in this historic
enterprise. Lord Woolton, Sir Jack Drum-
mond, Sir Wilson Jameson, and Sir John
Boyd Orr.

(Sir Wilson Jameson received the award
on behalf of the group.)

Under Dr. Reed's inspired leadership and
with the cooperation of its British and
Canadian associates the committee accom-
plished its task successfully. A preliminary
draft of the pronosed statistical classification

To the United States Committee on Joint
Causes of Death, for significant contributions
to the international classification of diseases,
injuries, and causes of death.
The Laker Award of the American Public
Health Association represents the appreciation
of the workers in public health and medical
care for the scholarly achievement of the
United States Committee on Joint Causes of
Death under the chairmanship of Dr. Lowell
J. Reed. The work of this committee will
greatly facilitate the exchange of statistical
information on health and medicine between
the countries of the world, and serve as one
of the efiective links in binding them together
under the banner of the United Nations.
Although early classification of the causes
of death for statistical purposes goes back
to the great English medical statistician,
William Farr (ISjj), the first international
conference for the revision of the Znterna-
tional List was called by the French Govern-
ment in Paris in the year 1900, at which time
the guiding force was Dr Jacques Bertillon.
There was early recognition of the riced for
an international list of the causes of illness
to facilitate the collection and exchange of
information by all the countries of the world,
supplementing the causes of mortality.

At the Fifth International Conference held
in Paris in 193~ to revise the International
List, the United States Government was re-
quested officially to continue the previous
studies of the Committee on Joint Causes of
Death and to extend it into the field of
morbidity classification. In 1913 the Secretary
of State appointed the United States Com-
mittee on Joint Causes of Death to carry out
this charge.  The committee included repre-
sentatives of the Canadian and British Govern-
ments and the Health Section of the League
of Nations as associates or consultants and
was headed by Dr. Reed, Vice-President and
Professor of Biostatistics at the Johns Hop-
kins University.

of diseases, injuries: and causes of death was
then subjected to trials and reviews of various
agencies and individuals in England. in the
United States, and in Canada.  The United
States Committee met in Ottawa in March,
1947, with the International Committee which
has been appointed to prepare for the
6th decennial revision of the Znlrrnational
List of Causes of Death, and at this
time the work of the United States Com-
mittee was adopted by the International
Committee as the basis for its recommenda-
tions to the nations of the world when their
representatives reconvene in Paris in 1948 for
the purpose of revising the Znlemational List.

(Dr. Lowell J. Reed received the award on
behalf of the group.)