SNAKE VENOM SYMPOSIUM IN HONOR OF PROFESSOR C. Y. LEE LECTURE BY A. T. TU ON OCTOBER 31, 2003: SNAKE VENOM RESEARCH IN TAIWAN BEFORE 1945 (DURING JAPANESE COLONIAL DAYS)

Abstract

Snake venom research before 1945 in Taiwan is summarized. The year of 1945 had significant meaning in the history of Taiwan because this was the year Japanese colonial rule ceased. From this year on, Taiwanese scientists started their own work. During the colonial days, the Japanese developed Taiwan into a modern society, making a foundation for future industrial development in Taiwan. Taiwan has been recognized as the world leader in snake venom research. Alpha and beta bungarotoxins were discovered by Dr. C. Y. Lee in Taiwan. Taiwan had very strong snake venom research before 1945 because of Professor Tsungming Tu's extensive research. Therefore, it is worthwhile to review the origin of snake venom research in Taiwan before 1945.Taiwan has been recognized as the world leader in snake venom research. Among many venom scientists in Taiwan, Dr. C. Y. Lee was one of the most outstanding scientists.Snake venom research in Taiwan started in the early part of the 1930s. The active venom research could be traced to Professor Somei To (Tsungming Tu). In this review article, snake venom research in Taiwan before 1945 will be described.