Stimulating Opportunities for Research in Diseases of the Chest

Abstract

It is with great temerity that I shall attempt to discuss the topic which has been assigned to me, for many of you could present it with greater clarity and authority. It is only the realization of the great debt that we as physicians owe to our colleagues and predecessors who have advanced the knowledge of medicine through research that encourages me to undertake the present task. The term “research” may mean many things to different men. Webster defines research as a studious inquiry, usually with critical and exhaustive investigation and experimentation, having for its aim the revision of accepted conclusions in the light of newly discovered facts. To most of us it simply means “the search for truth.” It is well to note that we live in an age of science, in fact, of adventure and science-an age when science is about to outstrip all other activities. We are fortunate indeed to be offered the privilege of joining in its pursuit. The search for truth is not granted with equal opportunity to physicians throughout the world. We in America live in a land and in a time of opportunity that we often appreciate all too little. We live in a land in which the medical profession is allowed and encouraged to investigate the unknown and bring to fruition the betterment of man, I would therefore begin with a note of gratitude and a hope that we may continue to deserve and cherish the privilege accorded us to attain these ends. Each generation has a tendency to look with envy on the generation that has just passed as having lived in a period when opportunity was most abundant and success most easy to achieve. As a young man entering the medical arena at the end of World War I, it seemed discouraging to try to improve on the knowledge possessed by such giants of medicine and surgery as Osler, Virchow, Mayo, Pasteur and their illustrious confreres. Still, the 30 years that have elapsed since have brought forth advances in medicine and surgery that stagger the imagination. To this period the term “The Golden Age of Medicine” has justly been assigned. One need but recall the discovery of the antibiotics and chemotherapeutic agents which have conquered, in large measure, the infectious diseases, subjugated pulmonary tuberculosis and conquered syphilis, the scourge of man, to realize the truth of such a designation. The hope and courage that have been offered patients with diabetes, pernicious anemia and endocrine disorders by the contributions of investigators