Melvin Joel Silver

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Melvin Silver, a beloved member of Thomas Jefferson University, died on November 7, 2002 at Chestnut Hill Hospital after suffering a stroke. He was 82. He was a lifelong Philadelphian, raised on Tasker Street in South Philadelphia. He graduated in Biology from Temple University with a Bachelor's degree in 1941. Two years later, he achieved a Masters in science at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science, now University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. In 1953, he finished his doctorate degree at the same campus. He was associated with the Charlotte Drake Cardeza Foundation for Hematologic Research at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University from 1959. In that Institution he spent his entire scientific career, rising to the rank of professor of Pharmacology. He authored and coauthored over 200 research papers. Dr Silver had several sabbaticals during his career. He spent a year at the Royal College of Surgeons of England in 1970–71. In that institution he worked with Drs J.B. Smith and Willis on prostaglandins in platelet physiology and pathology. In 1971 Dr Smith joined Dr Silver and Dr Kocsis at Cardeza and the three scientists worked together as a team for almost 10 years. They were among the first to recognize the importance of arachidonic acid in platelet function. Their early work on aspirin paved the way to important advances made in this field by others. In 1977–78 he spent a sabbatical year at the Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research in Italy. Finally, in 1984, as visiting scientist at the Italian National Research Council, Dr Silver spent a year at the Department of of Clinical and Experimental Medicine in Naples. The last years of his work at Cardeza were devoted to the beneficial effects of N-3 fatty acids (fish oils) on heart health. N-3 fatty acids are now widely recognized for their important role in preventing heart disease. Dr Silver was rewarded with a patent for his work with fish oils. His self-criticism and honesty made him an example of how a professional scientist should think: all the colleagues who interacted with him during his long scientific life, remember how careful Mel was in planning experiments, defining the range of controls and interpreting the data. His friends and colleagues all around the world remember him as a Maestro. Mel Silver was classically educated. He loved music and, although his taste was diverse, he loved Mozart. Dr Silver was a supporter of the Philadelphia major arts institutions and regularly attended the Philadelphia Orchestra, Pennsylvania Ballet and local theaters. He was a highly moral and ethical man, with compassion for the underdog and the underprivileged and intolerance for dishonesty and corruption. This strongly characterized his political positions, which were distinctly to the left. Since the 1960s, Dr Silver and his wife Ruth lived in West Mount Airy, making frequent visits at Wissahickon Park and its long pedestrian paths. Both were involved in efforts to maintain the wooded valley. He enjoyed strolling around the woods boarding his house. He also took much pleasure in the beautiful home garden which he and Ruth attentively cared for. In addition to his wife, Dr Silver is survived by his daughter Dr Marjory Silver, a psychologist, and his sister, Elayne. In accordance with Dr Silver's wishes, a memorial service was attended only by his closest relatives. The family has requested that people honor Dr Silver by contributing to organizations devoted to peace, justice and environmental protection.