Woeful Distribution

Much resembling the late Sir William Osier in his combination of the highest medical reputation with the surest literary touch, Dr. William H. Welch, aged 75, last week left his modest home in Baltimore, traveled to Manhattan. He went upon an errand dear to his heart, to speak a word which should carry across the distance between scientist and sick man.

Said he to the representatives of six health agencies in conference:

"When a Koch discovers the tubercle bacillus, a Banting discovers insulin for the relief of diabetes, or a von Behring an antitoxin for the cure of diphtheria, or a Park demonstrates the value of the antitoxin for the prevention of diphtheria, the world draws a long breath as if saying to itself, 'Now we are rid of that terror which has haunted the human race for centuries.' It then straightway forgets and goes on its way comfortably, assuming that, of course, the great discovery or invention is being carried into effect.

"The actual facts are quite different. A few people, those of unusual initiative, or ample means, or who happen to be under the care of exceptionally alert physicians, or within the jurisdiction of exceptionally competent health officers, receive the benefits of the new discoveries, but the great mass of the human race goes on as before, and the death rate from the diseases is reduced slowly and over long periods of time.

"In fact, the health field has a woefully ineffective distribution service as compared with its marvelously effective production service in the laboratories of the world. We know how to do a lot of things which we don't do, or do on a wretchedly small scale."