New-York tribune., 1901-06-02
J. D. ROCKEFELLER'S GIFT.
TO ESTABLISH HERE AN INSTITUTION
FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH.

I
FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH.
MOST EXPERIENCED INVESTIGATORS
FROM THE FOREMOST SCHOOLS
IN THE LAND.
John d. Rockefeller is about to add to the
number of his public benefactions by the estab-
lishment in this city of endowed institution
for medical research, It's purpose will be to
carry on original work in investigating the
causes of diseases and methods of preventing
and treating them; and it is Mr.. Rockefelers
desire that opportunity shall be given for scien-
tfc work Of the highest character to be directly
concentrated upon obtaining results of practical
value to humanity. The foundation is to be
called The Rockefeller Institute for Medical
Research and has been incorporated Mr.
Rockefeller has placed at its disposal the sum
of 100000 not as an endowment of which the
interest alone is to be used. but for immediate
expenditure during a term of years. The prof.
ect has for time been engaging the atten-
ton of number Of the foremost medical men
in the country. who have been summoned 10
consult with Mr. Rockefeller about it, and who
have advised him to the form the new in
stitution should take in the beginning and the
!
tOn has been completed. and the following
statement is issuec concerning 1t:
Through the generosity of Mr.. John D. Rookie
feller institute has been established to be
known as the Rockefeller Institute for Medical
Research. The purpose of the foundation, as
the name implies. is to furnish facilities for
original Investigation particularly in such prob
lens in medicine and hygiene as have practical
bearing upon the prevention and treatment OF
disease.
The home of the institute will be In this city.
I a will ha from q
the Board of Directors. medical men from
neighboring cities will share in its MANAGEMENT
The board is at present constituted as follows;
pathology Johns Hopkins University. president.
DR. MITCHELL PRrPDEN NewrYer 'I .!'GdS professor OF
diseases OF children Columbia University secretary.
S and s99e mossi %S
College. treasurer.
Or. THEOBALD SMITH. Boston, professor of
tive pathology. Harvard University.
Or. SIMON FIEXNER Phlladephia professor of pahol-
Or H. NJ BIGGS New-York director OF the laboratories
ot the Board OF Health
NOT INTENDED TO BUILD AT ONCE.
1t is not intended 10 build at once, but with
the funds placed at the disposal of the board.
work will be begun under Its direction in sew
eral different places.
The immediate aims Of the board twofold.
First. TO shape the lines Of work along which
the institute may wisely develop, both in con-
tributlng to knowledge and In the application Of
existing knowledge TO humane ends. When this
is done IL is felt that such local habitatiOn
the future OF the institute shall require can be
more wisely planned.
1t Is understood that the buildings and equip
ment adequate 10 the wide scope Of the institute
and worthy OF the humanitarian and scientific
aims OF the foundation will in due time receive
{ consideration.
The potential value Of an institution of this
kind and under such auspices in medical science.
and IN the interests Of humanity, can hardly be
oYerestiT ted
In accordance with the suggestion contained
in this statement there VIII be work OF two dis
tinct kinds Immediately begun under the dlrec-
tion OF the institute The first will be the study
Of problems that can be solved by methods
known TO medical science: and OF this kind will
be the investigation of the milk supply OF this
city in cooperation with the Board Of Health
which will be undertaken this summer. The
object will be TO determine how the quality OF
milk furnished 10 consumers In New-York can
be improved; TO ascertain the sources Of danger
that now exist in II. and by the application OF
practical methods safeguard II from infection
that brings disease and death to many. espe-
cially the poor classes in the city.
Work of more ambitious nature. involving
original research and the effort TO throw new
light problems that are yet unsolved by
medical science, will be begun in the autumn.
1t is the intention TO have this work carried on
under the guidance OF experienced investigators
in number of the foremost medical schools In
the country, including Harvard. Johns Hopkins.
the University of Michigan. Columbia. and
others. This will be- however, under the au-
spices and with the advice and assistance OF the
board of the Rockefeller Institute. who will d.
rect il.
IN A SCIENTIFIC SPIRIT.
According to one of the members OF the board
1t is highly desirable that work of this kind,
established for the first time in this country
upon such foundation, should be OF slow
growth begun in a not too ambitious way and
carried with caution A great danger 10 the
success of such institution would be an over
anxiety to obtain striking results at first to
secure an immediate popular justification for
the foundation. The work must be carried on /
in scientific spirit in such way that re-
suits when they come shall be of undoubted |
and permanent value, the fruits Of sound in
vestigation. The names upon the board of di- |
rectors sufficient guarantee that only such |
ideals viii be pursued by the Rockefeller In !
stitute they will be recognized by members of |
the medical profession. and by many outside |
of IL, those OF some of the most distinguished |
and successful original investigators in patholO-
gy now working in this country A member of
the board particularly enthusiastic over |
the fact that DR.. Welch. of Johns Hopkins, will |
act as president. He Is not only one of the |
ablest and most brilliant scientific students OF
medicine a whose influence has been |
widely spread through the profession, but one |
who combines qualities of mind outside the |
technical requirements that will make him an |
invaluable head: executive ability. insight judg |
ment and an uncommon faculty for inspiring |
men with whom he comes in contact with en- |
thusiasm and devotion to high scientific ideals. !
There are a few institutions in Europe which |
have been successfully developed along lines |
similar to those of the Rockefeller Insti |
tute. There is such foundation at st. Peters |
burg, established by Prince Oldenburg there Is |
the Koch Institute in Berlin, and. most I'M |
portant of all, the Pasteur Institute in Paris. |
The latter is very richly endowed. having re-
ceived within the last few years large number |
Of legacies enabling It ia carry extern |
Siy valuable work regarded