The distribution and toxicity of bilirubin. E. Mead Johnson address 1969.

I am very honored and grateful to have been selected as a recipient of an E. Mead Johnson Award. It is indeed flattering to have one9s professional efforts receive such special recognition, and it is a moment to be savored for a lifetime. Although this distinction is awarded to me, it belongs to many; and, I wish to give public recognition to some of the persons who have made this occasion possible. I was fortunate to have had my introduction into pediatrics at Yale under the gifted faculty of Dr. Grover F. Powers. It was the originality and scientific integrity of Dr. Daniel C. Darrow that served as a model for me in the application of basic science principles to the understanding of clinical problems. It was Dr. Robert E. Cooke who taught me at the laboratory bench that the application of a method requires a thorough understanding of what it can measure quantitatively and that duplicate analyses are not a sign of weakness. He also taught me that the best experiments to test a hypothesis are those designed to prove it wrong rather than yield results that are compatible with it. It has also been Bob9s continuing interest and support over the subsequent years as Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at Johns Hopkins that has provided me the freedom to pursue my interests in bilirubin. Behind the scenes, not willing to accept credit, is Dr. Harry H. Gordon who provided my initial research support and most of my knowledge of newborn infants.