New-York tribune., 1901-10-20
MEDICAL RESEARCH

finely practical application OF the principle
expressed in POpe's most hackneyed line Is TO
be found in the Rockefeller Institute for Med-
cal Research, which has now begun its opera
tions though not yet to its fullest extent. The
proper study of mankind is man." How COM
plex a study it IS and Of how many phases the
same philosopher has forcbly reminded us.
Doubtless all the phases are worth studying
But he who would in a satisfactory degree
master any one of them must devote himself
TO it almost to the exclusion of all the rest or
perhaps even TO a subdivision of a single phase.
1t was Mr. Rockefellers wise choice that the
members OF his institute should devote them
selves to the study of the physical side of man.
and, to narrow the field still further to those
conditions and circumstances which affect his
physical health. Thus it is the aim of the in
stitute, through researches in hacteriology,
pathology and hygiene. TO mitigate the ravages
of disease, to restrain and TO diminish 1.-The ills
which flesh is heir to-" and in material sense
to give men life and to give it to them more
abundantly.
The institute is national and International in
the scope of its studies and abors. 1t makes
its appeal of interest, it gives it's promise
of blessing, to all the 1t is of the chief
glOrieS Of the healing art that neither ndvdu-
ais nor nations monopolize its benefactiOns
The achievements of Jenner, of Morton and
Wells, of Pasteur and Lister, of Koch and Vir-
chow, of Kitasato and Yersin, have become the
common heritage of all mankind. So will it be
with the achievements of this institute. At the
same time it appeals with special force to this
city of New-York. Not only is its founder
citizen of New-York, but NewYork men COM
pose the majority of its directorate OF the
seven directors four from this city. The
and PENNSYLVANIA contribute one each while
two are chosen from Columbia and two from
New-York University. Such selections were
doubtless made not because of any "local
favoritism,' but solely on the ground of merit
and with an eye single to the greatest possible
efficiency of the institute.
In that there is much cause for qualification
on the part of New-Yorkers. 1t is a noteworthy
thing for Il single city to be the seat of two
great universities not to mention half score
of colleges Of creditable rank. In no other city
in America there higher or more varied and
comprehensive educational facilities than in
WORK. In none are the facilities for medi-
cal study and research comparable with those
here The noble history Of American medicine
and surgery has largely been written in the
medical colleges of New-YOrk University and
Columbia colleges which to-day are cOntinu-
ing TO do work well worthy of their illustrious
past Other important schools of medicine
have also grown up near them, until to-day
with half 4 dozen or more medical colleges, and
hospitals and asylums almost without number
and with the unriyaIed field of observation and
practice afforded by so vast and heterogeneous
a population, New-York has become easily the
centre of medical science in the Western
Hemisphere.
hoU SQi fh9f ri Unctn OOnc
a strong appeal to local interest and not only
to professional and official interest, but also TO
that of every intelligent and public spirited
citizen. The doctors, from the heads of the
great schools and of this important new insti-
tute down to the humblest private practitioner
upon whose diploma the ink is still fresh are
all earnestly striving for the wellbeing of the
city. The Health Board and other municipal
officers are striving toward the same end, aud