The New York herald., 1922-12-17

lear OF pOSSlD.a III elects from the un-
known, mysterious rays that many
even had TO be paid to submit to ex-
animation. Finally the apparatus,
though far from the strength of rays
used in hospitals to-day, was achieved.
and NJ. Vaillant's name began TO be
heard throughout the hospitals of
France as an authority.
But this success was a costly one.
At the very moment his ability was
assured scientific recognition-afte
eight years of laboratory slavedom-
NJ Valiant first realized that his life
was in danger. One by one the nails
Of his fingers began to fall-the first
symptom that in some moment o.
carelesspeGs perhaps, or due to an un-
expected exposure 10 direct rays, the
tissues had been burned through and
the dreaded cancer had commenced it's
attack. Doctors had been prophesying
that this would deplete the ranks of
photographic scientists by scores be-
fore a cure would bes found. 1t has.
and the only palliative so far discov-
cred is amputation of the affected
parts, with no certainty that in few
months tho disease will not have
spread to reach some vital organ.
1t wasn't until four years later that
NJ. valiant was compelled to yield to
his first operation. amputation OF the
index finger of his right hand. This
amputation had tXo results-it re-
lieved him of all military service, much
to his regret. but it definitely conse-
Grated his life 70 his laboratory and
service to humankind.
Signs Of burned tissues, drying of
the skin. steadily appearing ulcers and
evidence that the flesh itself was being
consumed by the malady continued for
five years, and in 1912 the middle fin
ger was cut from the left hand. THAT
was the one time in my career that I
lost hope for a while as it was fate's
warning that both arms were affected
and that the malady had not been cen.
tralized." admits NJ. Valiant.
One by one the other fingers were
amputated, at intervals of from four
months to a year, but NJ. valiant re-
fused to abandon his apparatus. Even
when his left hand was cut off a
stumpy wrist was still useful to push
down levers or open camera shutters,
while hands were certainly unneces-
sary to explain the theory OF radiog-
raphy to the scores OF students who
focked to the Lariboisiere laboratory.
Surgeons constantly expressed fear
that gangrene would set in after these
successive operations, but NJ. Valiant
again laughed at fate and continued
to challenge the rays which had not
yet been mastered
1T was when | was recovering from
the amputation OF my left hand that 7
had the greatest honor OF my life,"
says this patient sufferer. "The Presi-
dent of France, NJ. Poincare, came TO
my bedside and spoke words OF cheer
TO me. in a voice that was sincere in
its emotion. Yes. I have been awarded
the Legion of Honor and the $4,000
francs of the PriX Auddeford, which
is given to those injured in the pur-
suit Of scientific duties. but ! shall
never forget the day when the Presi-
dent OF my country was willing to
come to the bedside of poor student"
About thirty months ago Drs. Cuneo
and Picot. both personal friends and
FREQUENT collaborators Of NJ. Valiant,
decided that a radical operation was
necessary to halt the spread Of the
malady The radiographist consented
immediately-as usual. declaring that
1t might increase surgical knowledge
OF cancer itself and bring relief to
other sufferers-although it meant the
amputation OF his entire left arm. VI.
valiant for weeks lay between life
and death and the ablest surgeons Of
France we're rushed TO his aid. Finally.
thanks to modern serums and n new