LECTURE 13LECTURE 13 Romanian Romanian

medicine in the medicine in the second half of the second half of the 19th century up to 19th century up to

present timepresent time

• Romanian medicine in the 20th Romanian medicine in the 20th centurycentury

• Outstanding personalities of Outstanding personalities of the Romanian medicine in the the Romanian medicine in the 19th and 20th century19th and 20th century

Romanian medicine in the Romanian medicine in the 20th century20th century

We can divide the Romanian medicine of the 20We can divide the Romanian medicine of the 20thth century into three stages:century into three stages:

The beginnings of organizing the medical The beginnings of organizing the medical support and the dependence of the foreign support and the dependence of the foreign schools of medicine (1800-1857);schools of medicine (1800-1857);

The creation of the Romanian medical school The creation of the Romanian medical school (1858-1886);(1858-1886);

The debut of creativity of the Romanian medicine The debut of creativity of the Romanian medicine

and the registration in the world’s values.and the registration in the world’s values.

Outstanding personalities of the Romanian Outstanding personalities of the Romanian medicine in the 19th and 20th centurymedicine in the 19th and 20th century

Nicolae Kretzulescu Nicolae Kretzulescu Carol Davila Carol Davila

Victor BabesVictor Babes Ion CantacuzinoIon Cantacuzino

Gheorghe MarinescuGheorghe Marinescu Dimitrie GerotaDimitrie Gerota

Nicolae PaulescuNicolae Paulescu Constantin LevaditiConstantin Levaditi

Constantin I. ParhonConstantin I. Parhon Iuliu HatieganuIuliu Hatieganu

Ana AslanAna Aslan George Emil PaladeGeorge Emil Palade

Nicolae CajalNicolae Cajal

Nicolae Creţulescu or KretzulescuNicolae Creţulescu or Kretzulescu (1812-1900) (1812-1900)

was a Romanian politician and physician. He was a Romanian politician and physician. He served three terms as Prime Minister of served three terms as Prime Minister of Romania: from 1862 to 1863, again from 1865 to Romania: from 1862 to 1863, again from 1865 to 1866, and finally in 1867. He was elected to the 1866, and finally in 1867. He was elected to the Romanian Academy.Romanian Academy.

Born in Bucharest, he studied medicine in Paris, Born in Bucharest, he studied medicine in Paris, having Gustave Flaubert as a colleague. As a having Gustave Flaubert as a colleague. As a physician, his notable work was the translation physician, his notable work was the translation of Jean Cruveilhier's manual of anatomy.of Jean Cruveilhier's manual of anatomy.

Carol DavilaCarol Davila (1828 – 24 August 1884) (1828 – 24 August 1884)

was a prestigious Romanian physician of Italian ancestry.was a prestigious Romanian physician of Italian ancestry. Davila studied medicine at the University of Paris, Davila studied medicine at the University of Paris,

graduating in February 1853. In March 1853, he arrived in graduating in February 1853. In March 1853, he arrived in Romania. He was the organizer of the military medical Romania. He was the organizer of the military medical service for the Romanian Army and of the country's public service for the Romanian Army and of the country's public health system. Davila, together with Nicolae Kretzulescu, health system. Davila, together with Nicolae Kretzulescu, inaugurated medical training in Romania in 1857, by inaugurated medical training in Romania in 1857, by founding the National School of Medicine and Pharmacy. founding the National School of Medicine and Pharmacy.

It was due to his many activities that several scientific It was due to his many activities that several scientific associations appeared in Romania: the Medical Society associations appeared in Romania: the Medical Society (1857), the Red Cross (1876), the Natural Sciences Society (1857), the Red Cross (1876), the Natural Sciences Society (1876). With his assistance, two medical journals entered (1876). With his assistance, two medical journals entered print: the print: the Medical RegisterMedical Register (1862) and the (1862) and the Medical GazetteMedical Gazette (1865). During the Independence War (1877-1878) he was (1865). During the Independence War (1877-1878) he was the head of the Army's sanitary service.the head of the Army's sanitary service.

Davila is also credited with the invention of the Davila is also credited with the invention of the Davila Davila tincturetincture for the treatment of cholera, an opioid-based oral for the treatment of cholera, an opioid-based oral solution in use for symptomatic management of diarrhea.solution in use for symptomatic management of diarrhea.

Victor BabeşVictor Babeş (4 July 1854 – 19 October 1926) (4 July 1854 – 19 October 1926)

was a Romanian physician, biologist, and one of the earliest was a Romanian physician, biologist, and one of the earliest bacteriologists. He made early and significant contributions bacteriologists. He made early and significant contributions to the study of rabies, leprosy, diphtheria, tuberculosis, and to the study of rabies, leprosy, diphtheria, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases.other infectious diseases.

The Babeş-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca and the The Babeş-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca and the University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babes" Timisoara bears his name.Timisoara bears his name.

Born in Vienna (at the time, the capital of the Austrian Born in Vienna (at the time, the capital of the Austrian Empire) to an ethnic Romanian family from the Banat, he Empire) to an ethnic Romanian family from the Banat, he studied in Budapest, then in Vienna, where he received his studied in Budapest, then in Vienna, where he received his doctorate in Science. Attracted by the discoveries of Louis doctorate in Science. Attracted by the discoveries of Louis Pasteur, he left for Paris, and worked first in Pasteur's Pasteur, he left for Paris, and worked first in Pasteur's laboratory, and then with Victor André Cornil.laboratory, and then with Victor André Cornil.

In 1885 he discovered a parasitic sporozoan of the ticks, In 1885 he discovered a parasitic sporozoan of the ticks, named named BabesiaBabesia, and which causes a rare and severe , and which causes a rare and severe disease called disease called babesiosisbabesiosis. In the same year, he published . In the same year, he published the first treatise of bacteriology in the world, the first treatise of bacteriology in the world, Bacteria and Bacteria and their role in the histopathology of infectious diseasestheir role in the histopathology of infectious diseases, , which he co-authored with Cornil.which he co-authored with Cornil.

Babeş' scientific endeavours were wide-ranging. He was Babeş' scientific endeavours were wide-ranging. He was the first to demonstrate the presence of tuberculous bacilli the first to demonstrate the presence of tuberculous bacilli in the urine of infected patients. He also discovered in the urine of infected patients. He also discovered cellular inclusions in rabies-infected nerve cells. Of cellular inclusions in rabies-infected nerve cells. Of diagnostic value, they were to be named after him (diagnostic value, they were to be named after him (Babeş-Babeş-Negri bodiesNegri bodies).).

Babeş was one of the founders of serum therapy, and was Babeş was one of the founders of serum therapy, and was the first to introduce rabies vaccination to Romania. His the first to introduce rabies vaccination to Romania. His work also had a strong influence upon veterinary work also had a strong influence upon veterinary medicine, especially concerning prophylaxis and serum medicine, especially concerning prophylaxis and serum medication.medication.

He became a professor of Pathology and Bacteriology at He became a professor of Pathology and Bacteriology at the Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy in the Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest. He was also a member of the Romanian Bucharest. He was also a member of the Romanian Academy (in 1893), of the Paris Academy (in 1893), of the Paris Académie Nationale de Académie Nationale de MédecineMédecine, and an officer of the French Légion d'honneur., and an officer of the French Légion d'honneur.

His nephew, Aurel Babeş, was also a physician, who His nephew, Aurel Babeş, was also a physician, who discovered a screening test for cervical cancer.discovered a screening test for cervical cancer.

Ioan C. CantacuzinoIoan C. Cantacuzino or or Ion CantacuzinoIon Cantacuzino (November 25, 1863 – January 14, 1934)(November 25, 1863 – January 14, 1934)

was a renowned Romanian physician and bacteriologist, a was a renowned Romanian physician and bacteriologist, a professor at the Romanian School of Medicine and Pharmacy professor at the Romanian School of Medicine and Pharmacy and a member of the Romanian Academy. He was the founder and a member of the Romanian Academy. He was the founder of the fields of microbiology and experimental medicine in of the fields of microbiology and experimental medicine in Romania, and creator of the Ioan Cantacuzino Institute. Romania, and creator of the Ioan Cantacuzino Institute.

In 1901, Cantacuzino was assigned a teaching position in In 1901, Cantacuzino was assigned a teaching position in Bucharest, where he became a major influence on a generation Bucharest, where he became a major influence on a generation of scientists. His discoveries were relevant in the treatment of of scientists. His discoveries were relevant in the treatment of cholera, epidemic typhus, tuberculosis, and scarlet fever. cholera, epidemic typhus, tuberculosis, and scarlet fever.

As a disciple of Mechnikov, he devoted part of his research to As a disciple of Mechnikov, he devoted part of his research to expanding on the latter's field of interest (phagocytes, the expanding on the latter's field of interest (phagocytes, the body's means of defence against pathogens, as well as the body's means of defence against pathogens, as well as the issue of immunity and invertebrates). He invented the notion of issue of immunity and invertebrates). He invented the notion of contact immunitycontact immunity..

During the Second Balkan War, Cantacuzino was appointed During the Second Balkan War, Cantacuzino was appointed head of the staff combatting the cholera epidemic in the ranks head of the staff combatting the cholera epidemic in the ranks of the Romanian Army stationed in Dobruja; he was assigned of the Romanian Army stationed in Dobruja; he was assigned to the same position during the Romanian campaign in World to the same position during the Romanian campaign in World War I, in the fight against typhus.War I, in the fight against typhus.

Gheorghe MarinescuGheorghe Marinescu (February 28, 1863, Bucharest – (February 28, 1863, Bucharest – May 15, 1938, Bucharest) May 15, 1938, Bucharest)

was a Romanian neurologist, founder of the Romanian was a Romanian neurologist, founder of the Romanian School of Neurology.School of Neurology.

After the attendance of Medicine at the Bucharest After the attendance of Medicine at the Bucharest University, Marinescu received most of his medical University, Marinescu received most of his medical education as preparator at the laboratory of histology at the education as preparator at the laboratory of histology at the Brâncoveanu Hospital and as assistant at the Bacteriological Brâncoveanu Hospital and as assistant at the Bacteriological Institute under Victor Babeş, and with Babes already early Institute under Victor Babeş, and with Babes already early published several works on myelitis transversa, hysterical published several works on myelitis transversa, hysterical muteness, dilatation of the pupil in pneumoniamuteness, dilatation of the pupil in pneumonia

After qualification, on the recommendation of Babes the After qualification, on the recommendation of Babes the government sent him with a grant to Paris to undertake government sent him with a grant to Paris to undertake postgraduate training in neurology under Jean-Martin postgraduate training in neurology under Jean-Martin Charcot at the Salpêtrière Hospital, where he met Pierre Charcot at the Salpêtrière Hospital, where he met Pierre Marie, Joseph Babinski and Fulgence Raymond. He later Marie, Joseph Babinski and Fulgence Raymond. He later worked with Carl Weigert in Frankfurt and then with Emil worked with Carl Weigert in Frankfurt and then with Emil du Bois-Reymond in Berlin. On the assignment of Pierre du Bois-Reymond in Berlin. On the assignment of Pierre Marie he lectured on the pathological anatomy of Marie he lectured on the pathological anatomy of acromegaly at the Berlin International Congress in 1890.acromegaly at the Berlin International Congress in 1890.

After nine years abroad Marinescu returned in 1897 to After nine years abroad Marinescu returned in 1897 to Bucharest where he received his doctorate. At Bucharest a Bucharest where he received his doctorate. At Bucharest a new professorial department had been created for him at new professorial department had been created for him at the Pantelimon Hospital. Shortly thereafter, in 1897, a chair the Pantelimon Hospital. Shortly thereafter, in 1897, a chair of Clinical Neurology was created in the University of of Clinical Neurology was created in the University of Bucharest, at the Colentina Hospital. He remained in this Bucharest, at the Colentina Hospital. He remained in this post for the next 41 years and is regarded as the founder of post for the next 41 years and is regarded as the founder of the Romanian School of Neurology.the Romanian School of Neurology.

He had a wide range of research interests, including He had a wide range of research interests, including pathological anatomy and experimental neuropathology.pathological anatomy and experimental neuropathology.

Daily contact with scores of the infirm and his astuteness Daily contact with scores of the infirm and his astuteness made him put use every one of the latest methods as they made him put use every one of the latest methods as they became available: the roentgen ray, with which he became available: the roentgen ray, with which he investigated bone changes in acromegaly, the film camera, investigated bone changes in acromegaly, the film camera, for the study of body movements in health and disease. The for the study of body movements in health and disease. The results of these studies appeared in the monography results of these studies appeared in the monography Le Le Tonus des Muscles striésTonus des Muscles striés (1937) with Nicolae Ionescu- (1937) with Nicolae Ionescu-Siseşti, Oskar Sager and Arthur Kreindler, with a preface by Siseşti, Oskar Sager and Arthur Kreindler, with a preface by Sir Charles Sherrington.Sir Charles Sherrington.

Early in his career he published with the bacteriologist Early in his career he published with the bacteriologist Victor Babeş and the French pathologist Paul Oscar Victor Babeş and the French pathologist Paul Oscar Blocq a much needed atlas on the pathological Blocq a much needed atlas on the pathological histology of the nervous system. His description with histology of the nervous system. His description with Blocq of a case of parkinsonian tremor due to tumour Blocq of a case of parkinsonian tremor due to tumour in the in the substantia nigrasubstantia nigra, in 1893, was the basis for , in 1893, was the basis for Édouard Brissaud's theory that parkinsonism occurs as Édouard Brissaud's theory that parkinsonism occurs as a consequence of damage to the a consequence of damage to the substantia nigrasubstantia nigra. With . With Paul Blocq he was the first to describe senile plaques Paul Blocq he was the first to describe senile plaques and with Romanian neurologist confirmed in 1913 and with Romanian neurologist confirmed in 1913 Hideyo Noguchi's discovery of Hideyo Noguchi's discovery of Treponema pallidumTreponema pallidum in in the brain in patients with general paresis. His the brain in patients with general paresis. His monumental work monumental work La Cellule NerveuseLa Cellule Nerveuse, with a preface , with a preface by Santiago Ramon y Cajal, appeared in 1909.by Santiago Ramon y Cajal, appeared in 1909.

Dimitrie D. GerotaDimitrie D. Gerota (17 July 1867 – 3 March 1939) (17 July 1867 – 3 March 1939)

Romanian anatomist, physician, radiologist, urologist, and Romanian anatomist, physician, radiologist, urologist, and an associated member of the Romanian Academy from an associated member of the Romanian Academy from 1916.1916.

Considered to be the first Romanian radiologist, Gerota Considered to be the first Romanian radiologist, Gerota initiated academic radiology education in that country. In initiated academic radiology education in that country. In 1898, he wrote the book '"The Röntgen Rays or the X-1898, he wrote the book '"The Röntgen Rays or the X-Rays". Some years later, he had to abandon radiology Rays". Some years later, he had to abandon radiology because of radiodermatitis of the hand, which required because of radiodermatitis of the hand, which required amputation.amputation.

In 1909, he established a sanatorium, where he practiced In 1909, he established a sanatorium, where he practiced surgery, and carried out charitable work. From 1913, he surgery, and carried out charitable work. From 1913, he was a professor of surgical anatomy and experimental was a professor of surgical anatomy and experimental surgery at the University of Bucharest.surgery at the University of Bucharest.

Gerota researched the anatomy and physiology of the Gerota researched the anatomy and physiology of the bladder and appendix, and developed a method for bladder and appendix, and developed a method for injecting lymphatic vessels known in textbooks as the injecting lymphatic vessels known in textbooks as the "Gerota method"."Gerota method".

The renal fascia is sometimes called The renal fascia is sometimes called Gerota's fasciaGerota's fascia or or Gerota's capsuleGerota's capsule after him. Also, the after him. Also, the Albarran-Ormond Albarran-Ormond syndromesyndrome (an inflammatory retroperitoneal fibrosis, (an inflammatory retroperitoneal fibrosis, named after urologists Joaquín Albarrán and John Kelso named after urologists Joaquín Albarrán and John Kelso Ormond) is also known as Ormond) is also known as Gerota’s syndromeGerota’s syndrome or or Gerota’s fasciitisGerota’s fasciitis..

He was a famed surgeon and the founder of a large He was a famed surgeon and the founder of a large Bucharest emergency-care hospital, now named the Bucharest emergency-care hospital, now named the "Prof. Dr. Dimitrie Gerota Military Hospital", as well as "Prof. Dr. Dimitrie Gerota Military Hospital", as well as a museum of anatomical-surgical casts of his creation.a museum of anatomical-surgical casts of his creation.

Nicolae PaulescuNicolae Paulescu (October 30, 1869 – July 17, 1931) (October 30, 1869 – July 17, 1931)

was a Romanian physiologist, professor of medicine, and was a Romanian physiologist, professor of medicine, and the discoverer of insulin (which he termed the discoverer of insulin (which he termed pancreatinepancreatine).).

In 1897 he graduated with a Doctor of Medicine degree in In 1897 he graduated with a Doctor of Medicine degree in Paris, and was immediately appointed as assistant surgeon Paris, and was immediately appointed as assistant surgeon at the at the Notre-Dame du Perpétuel-SecoursNotre-Dame du Perpétuel-Secours Hospital. In Hospital. In 1900, Paulescu returned to Romania, where he remained 1900, Paulescu returned to Romania, where he remained until his death (1931) as Head of the Physiology until his death (1931) as Head of the Physiology Department of the University of Bucharest Medical School, Department of the University of Bucharest Medical School, as well as a Professor of Clinical Medicine at the as well as a Professor of Clinical Medicine at the St. St. Vincent de PaulVincent de Paul Hospital in Bucharest. Hospital in Bucharest.

In 1916, he succeeded in developing an aqueous In 1916, he succeeded in developing an aqueous pancreatic extract which, when injected into a diabetic pancreatic extract which, when injected into a diabetic dog, proved to have a normalizing effect on blood sugar dog, proved to have a normalizing effect on blood sugar levels. After a gap during World War I, he resumed his levels. After a gap during World War I, he resumed his research and succeeded in isolating the antidiabetic research and succeeded in isolating the antidiabetic pancreatic hormone (pancreatic hormone (pancreinepancreine).).

From April 24 to June 23, 1921, Paulescu published four From April 24 to June 23, 1921, Paulescu published four papers at the Romanian Section of the Society of Biology papers at the Romanian Section of the Society of Biology in Paris:in Paris:

The effect of the pancreatic extract injected into a The effect of the pancreatic extract injected into a diabetic animal by way of the blood. diabetic animal by way of the blood.

The influence of the time elapsed from the intravenous The influence of the time elapsed from the intravenous pancreatic injection into a diabetic animal. pancreatic injection into a diabetic animal.

The effect of the pancreatic extract injected into a The effect of the pancreatic extract injected into a normal animal by way of the blood. normal animal by way of the blood.

An extensive paper on this subject - An extensive paper on this subject - Research on the Role Research on the Role of the Pancreas in Food Assimilationof the Pancreas in Food Assimilation - was submitted by - was submitted by Paulescu on June 22 to the Paulescu on June 22 to the Archives Internationales de Archives Internationales de PhysiologiePhysiologie in Liège, Belgium, and was published in the in Liège, Belgium, and was published in the August 1921 issue of this journal.August 1921 issue of this journal.

Eight months after Paulescu's works were published, Eight months after Paulescu's works were published, doctor Frederick Grant Banting and biochemist John doctor Frederick Grant Banting and biochemist John James Richard Macleod from the University of Toronto, James Richard Macleod from the University of Toronto, Canada, published their paper on the successful use of a Canada, published their paper on the successful use of a pancreatic extract for normalizing blood sugar (glucose) pancreatic extract for normalizing blood sugar (glucose) levels (glycemia) in diabetic dogs. levels (glycemia) in diabetic dogs.

Paulescu supporters think that their paper is a mere Paulescu supporters think that their paper is a mere confirmatory paper, saying that the paper made direct confirmatory paper, saying that the paper made direct references to Paulescu's article but misquoted that.references to Paulescu's article but misquoted that.

While Paulescu had patented his technique in Romania, no While Paulescu had patented his technique in Romania, no clinical use resulted from his work. The work published by clinical use resulted from his work. The work published by Banting, Best, Collip and McLeod represented the injection Banting, Best, Collip and McLeod represented the injection of purified insulin extract into a diabetic individual of purified insulin extract into a diabetic individual ameliorating symptoms of the disease. Not surprisingly, ameliorating symptoms of the disease. Not surprisingly, Banting and Macleod received the 1923 Nobel Prize in Banting and Macleod received the 1923 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for the discovery of insulin. Physiology or Medicine for the discovery of insulin. International recognition for Paulescu's contribution to the International recognition for Paulescu's contribution to the discovery of insulin came only years later.discovery of insulin came only years later.

Ian Murray, a professor of physiology at the Anderson Ian Murray, a professor of physiology at the Anderson College of Medicine in Glasgow, Scotland, the head of the College of Medicine in Glasgow, Scotland, the head of the department of Metabolic Diseases at a leading Glasgow department of Metabolic Diseases at a leading Glasgow hospital, vice-president of the British Association of hospital, vice-president of the British Association of Diabetes, and a founding member of the International Diabetes, and a founding member of the International Diabetes Federation, wrote in an article for a 1971 issue of Diabetes Federation, wrote in an article for a 1971 issue of the Journal of the History of Medicine and Allied Sciencesthe Journal of the History of Medicine and Allied Sciences

""Insufficient recognition has been Insufficient recognition has been given to Paulesco, the given to Paulesco, the distinguished Roumanian scientist, distinguished Roumanian scientist, who at the time when the Toronto who at the time when the Toronto team were commencing their team were commencing their research had already succeeded in research had already succeeded in extracting the antidiabetic extracting the antidiabetic hormone of the pancreas and hormone of the pancreas and proving its efficacy in reducing the proving its efficacy in reducing the hyperglycaemia in diabetic dogs.hyperglycaemia in diabetic dogs.““

Constantin LevaditiConstantin Levaditi (1874—September 5, 1953) (1874—September 5, 1953)

was a Romanian physician and microbiologist, a major figure in was a Romanian physician and microbiologist, a major figure in virology and immunology (especially in the study of poliomyelitis virology and immunology (especially in the study of poliomyelitis and syphilis).and syphilis).

He studied at the Carol Davila University of Medicine and He studied at the Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, where he studied under Victor Babeş; In 1900, he was Pharmacy, where he studied under Victor Babeş; In 1900, he was accepted by Ilya Ilyich Mechnikov to work in his team at the accepted by Ilya Ilyich Mechnikov to work in his team at the Pasteur Institute in Paris. Sometime after, Pierre Paul Émile Pasteur Institute in Paris. Sometime after, Pierre Paul Émile Roux awarded him an independent laboratory within the Roux awarded him an independent laboratory within the Institute.Institute.

With Karl Landsteiner, he discovered in 1909 the presence of the With Karl Landsteiner, he discovered in 1909 the presence of the polio virus in tissues other than nervous. He expanded on these polio virus in tissues other than nervous. He expanded on these studies during a polomyelitis outbreak in Sweden, working with studies during a polomyelitis outbreak in Sweden, working with Scandinavian researchers (among them Karl Oskar Medin); Scandinavian researchers (among them Karl Oskar Medin);

He was able to isolate the poliovirus on tissue explant and made He was able to isolate the poliovirus on tissue explant and made precious observations on its characteristics. Together with , he precious observations on its characteristics. Together with , he authored the first monograph dedicated to the disease, authored the first monograph dedicated to the disease, La La Poliomyélite aiguë épidémiquePoliomyélite aiguë épidémique (1913). (1913).

His work was the basis for the development of vaccinea (by Jonas His work was the basis for the development of vaccinea (by Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin.Salk and Albert Sabin.

In his studies of syphilis, Levaditi introduced new techniques in In his studies of syphilis, Levaditi introduced new techniques in serology, and recommended bismuth in its treatment.serology, and recommended bismuth in its treatment.

Constantin Ion ParhonConstantin Ion Parhon (October 15, 1874—August (October 15, 1874—August 9, 1969) 9, 1969)

was a Romanian neuropsychiatrist and endocrinologist.was a Romanian neuropsychiatrist and endocrinologist. In 1909, he co-authored with the first book on In 1909, he co-authored with the first book on

endocrinology, endocrinology, Secreţiile InterneSecreţiile Interne ("Internal Secretions"). ("Internal Secretions"). Later on, he published a Later on, he published a Handbook of EndocrinologyHandbook of Endocrinology, co-, co-written with M. Goldstein and (3 volumes, 1945-1949). written with M. Goldstein and (3 volumes, 1945-1949). Parhon published over 400 titles, and was known for his Parhon published over 400 titles, and was known for his encyclopaedic knowledge. Besides the afore-mentioned encyclopaedic knowledge. Besides the afore-mentioned works, some of his other well-known works are works, some of his other well-known works are Old Age Old Age and Its Treatmentand Its Treatment (1948), (1948), The Age BiologyThe Age Biology (1955), and (1955), and Selected WorksSelected Works (5 volumes, 1954-1962). (5 volumes, 1954-1962).

Iuliu HaţieganuIuliu Haţieganu (1885-1972) (1885-1972) was an eminent Romanian clinician, physician. He was was an eminent Romanian clinician, physician. He was

the brother of politician Emil Haţieganu.the brother of politician Emil Haţieganu. He is especially famed for his research into tuberculosis.He is especially famed for his research into tuberculosis.

Ana AslanAna Aslan (born 1 January 1897, at Brăila - death 20 May (born 1 January 1897, at Brăila - death 20 May 1988, at Bucharest) 1988, at Bucharest)

was a Romanian biologist and physician. She is considered was a Romanian biologist and physician. She is considered to be a founding figure of gerontology and geriatrics in to be a founding figure of gerontology and geriatrics in Romania. In 1952, under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Ana Romania. In 1952, under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Ana Aslan, the Geriatric Institute in Bucharest was founded. Aslan, the Geriatric Institute in Bucharest was founded. This Institute was the first of its kind in Romania and was This Institute was the first of its kind in Romania and was recognized by the World Health Organization.recognized by the World Health Organization.

The Gerovital H3 concept was introduced for the first time The Gerovital H3 concept was introduced for the first time in 1957, in Verona, Italy, on the occasion of the 4th in 1957, in Verona, Italy, on the occasion of the 4th International Gerontology Congress. Many scientists from International Gerontology Congress. Many scientists from the USA, Germany, England, Japan, Italy, Austria and the USA, Germany, England, Japan, Italy, Austria and Romania have studied and confirmed the effects of the Romania have studied and confirmed the effects of the Gerovital H3 treatment suggested by Prof. Dr. Ana Aslan. Gerovital H3 treatment suggested by Prof. Dr. Ana Aslan. In the 60’s the Gerovital H3 treatment became a scientific In the 60’s the Gerovital H3 treatment became a scientific certitude (which, readers should note, is an oxymoron, certitude (which, readers should note, is an oxymoron, though certainly pedantic enough to appear credible to though certainly pedantic enough to appear credible to consumers), a high value anti-aging treatment. consumers), a high value anti-aging treatment.

Notables such as French President Charles De Gaulle, Notables such as French President Charles De Gaulle, U.S. President John F. Kennedy, West German U.S. President John F. Kennedy, West German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer, Chinese Chairman Mao Chancellor Konrad Adenauer, Chinese Chairman Mao Zedong, and Vietnamese Chairman Ho Chi Minh have Zedong, and Vietnamese Chairman Ho Chi Minh have traveled to Romania to benefit this anti-aging therapy. traveled to Romania to benefit this anti-aging therapy.

Other well-known people, including actresses Marlene Other well-known people, including actresses Marlene Dietrich, Lillian Gish, the Gabor sisters, actors Charlie Dietrich, Lillian Gish, the Gabor sisters, actors Charlie Chaplin and Kirk Douglas, and artist Salvador Dalí have Chaplin and Kirk Douglas, and artist Salvador Dalí have also followed the same path.They traveled to also followed the same path.They traveled to Bucharest, where Dr. Aslan did her research with Bucharest, where Dr. Aslan did her research with Gerovital H3. Once discovered by these celebrities, Gerovital H3. Once discovered by these celebrities, Gerovital itself has become famous and is now used in Gerovital itself has become famous and is now used in over twenty countries around the world for its over twenty countries around the world for its renowned anti-aging properties.renowned anti-aging properties.

Ana Aslan’s research activity received many Ana Aslan’s research activity received many international distinctions.international distinctions.

George Emil PaladeGeorge Emil Palade (November 19, 1912 – October 7, (November 19, 1912 – October 7, 2008)2008)

was a Romanian cell biologist. In 1974, he shared the Nobel was a Romanian cell biologist. In 1974, he shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with Albert Claude and Prize in Physiology or Medicine with Albert Claude and Christian de Duve, for discovering the vacuole.Christian de Duve, for discovering the vacuole.

Palade also received the U.S. National Medal of Science in Palade also received the U.S. National Medal of Science in Biological Sciences for "pioneering discoveries of a host of Biological Sciences for "pioneering discoveries of a host of fundamental, highly organized structures in living cells..." in fundamental, highly organized structures in living cells..." in 1986,(National Medal of Science), and was previously 1986,(National Medal of Science), and was previously elected a Member of the National Academy of Science in elected a Member of the National Academy of Science in 1961.1961.

In 1952, Palade became a naturalized citizen of the United In 1952, Palade became a naturalized citizen of the United States. He was a Professor at the Rockefeller Institute States. He was a Professor at the Rockefeller Institute (1958-1973), Yale University Medical School (1973-1990), (1958-1973), Yale University Medical School (1973-1990), and University of California, San Diego (1990-2008).and University of California, San Diego (1990-2008).

At the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research, Palade At the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research, Palade used electron microscopy to study the internal organization used electron microscopy to study the internal organization of such cell structures as mitochondria, chloroplasts, the of such cell structures as mitochondria, chloroplasts, the Golgi apparatus, and others.Golgi apparatus, and others.

His most important discovery was made while using an His most important discovery was made while using an experimental strategy known as a pulse-chase analysis. experimental strategy known as a pulse-chase analysis. In the experiment Palade and his colleagues were able In the experiment Palade and his colleagues were able to confirm an existing hypothesis that a secretory to confirm an existing hypothesis that a secretory pathway exists and that the Rough ER and the Golgi pathway exists and that the Rough ER and the Golgi apparatus function together.apparatus function together.

He focused on Weibel-Palade bodies (a storage He focused on Weibel-Palade bodies (a storage organelle unique to the endothelium, containing von organelle unique to the endothelium, containing von Willebrand factor and various proteins) which he Willebrand factor and various proteins) which he described together with the Swiss anatomist Ewald R. described together with the Swiss anatomist Ewald R. Weibel.Weibel.

Nicolae CajalNicolae Cajal (October 1, 1919, Bucharest- March 7, (October 1, 1919, Bucharest- March 7, 2004) 2004)

was a Romanian Jewish physician, academic, politician, was a Romanian Jewish physician, academic, politician, and philanthropist. He was President of the Jewish and philanthropist. He was President of the Jewish Communities' Federation of Romania from 1994 to his Communities' Federation of Romania from 1994 to his death.death.

Cajal held a Ph.D. in virology and chaired the Cajal held a Ph.D. in virology and chaired the Ştefan S. Ştefan S. Nicolau Virology Research CenterNicolau Virology Research Center in Bucharest for in Bucharest for years. He was a member of the Romanian Academy, the years. He was a member of the Romanian Academy, the Romanian Medical Sciences Academy, the British Royal Romanian Medical Sciences Academy, the British Royal Society of Medicine, and the New York Academy of Society of Medicine, and the New York Academy of Sciences. From 1966, he was an expert for the World Sciences. From 1966, he was an expert for the World Health Organization.Health Organization.

Nicolae Cajal was an active member in civil society, Nicolae Cajal was an active member in civil society, involved in improving awareness of war crimes carried involved in improving awareness of war crimes carried in World War II Romania and of the genocide in in World War II Romania and of the genocide in Transnistria and other occupied areas (Transnistria and other occupied areas (see Romania see Romania during World War IIduring World War II).).

Daily contact with scores of the infirm and his astuteness Daily contact with scores of the infirm and his astuteness made him put use every one of the latest methods as they made him put use every one of the latest methods as they became available: the roentgen ray, with which he became available: the roentgen ray, with which he investigated bone changes in acromegaly, the film camera, investigated bone changes in acromegaly, the film camera, for the study of body movements in health and disease. The for the study of body movements in health and disease. The results of these studies appeared in the monography results of these studies appeared in the monography Le Le Tonus des Muscles striésTonus des Muscles striés (1937) with Nicolae Ionescu-Siseşti, (1937) with Nicolae Ionescu-Siseşti, Oskar Sager and Arthur Kreindler, with a preface by Sir Oskar Sager and Arthur Kreindler, with a preface by Sir Charles Sherrington.Charles Sherrington.

Early in his career he published with the bacteriologist Early in his career he published with the bacteriologist Victor Babeş and the French pathologist Paul Oscar Blocq a Victor Babeş and the French pathologist Paul Oscar Blocq a much needed atlas on the pathological histology of the much needed atlas on the pathological histology of the nervous system. His description with Blocq of a case of nervous system. His description with Blocq of a case of parkinsonian tremor due to tumour in the parkinsonian tremor due to tumour in the substantia nigrasubstantia nigra, in , in 1893, was the basis for Édouard Brissaud's theory that 1893, was the basis for Édouard Brissaud's theory that parkinsonism occurs as a consequence of damage to the parkinsonism occurs as a consequence of damage to the substantia nigrasubstantia nigra. With Paul Blocq he was the first to describe . With Paul Blocq he was the first to describe senile plaques and with Romanian neurologist confirmed in senile plaques and with Romanian neurologist confirmed in 1913 Hideyo Noguchi's discovery of 1913 Hideyo Noguchi's discovery of Treponema pallidumTreponema pallidum in in the brain in patients with general paresis. His monumental the brain in patients with general paresis. His monumental work work La Cellule NerveuseLa Cellule Nerveuse, with a preface by Santiago Ramon , with a preface by Santiago Ramon y Cajal, appeared in 1909.y Cajal, appeared in 1909.