Theobald Smith

This plaquette bears portrait of Smith facing right; ivy ranks framing window behind him. At top, VERITAS; below window frame, BOSTON / 1915; at bottom THEOBALD SMITH

Theobald Smith (1859-1934) was a pioneering epidemiologist and pathologist and is widely considered to be America's first internationally significant medical research scientist. In 1895 Smith moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts to accept a dual appointment: serve as professor of comparative pathology at Harvard University, and direct the pathology lab at the Massachusetts State Board of Health. Smith joined the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research as Director of the Department of Animal Pathology in 1915 and remained there until his retirement in 1929.

This plaquette was commissioned by Harvard University to commemorate Smith's departure after 20 years as a professor. 

My copy comes framed and I did not have the heart to take the assembly appart to take a stand-alone picture. If someone has a good picture to share, I would appreciate it.

The plaquette measures 51mm x 73mm and was struck in bronze by the Medallic Art Company of New York.  No mintage is reported.

References:   MACo 1915-015, Marqusee 324

The medal's obverse bears bust of Theobald Smith, r. Around, STUDENT OF DISEASE - THEOBALD SMITH; in bottom corners, 1859 - 1934; signed and dated at left, (HW c 39 monogram)

The reverse bears legend only. In circle, THIRD INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS - FOR MICROBIOLOGY; in center, NEW / YORK / 1939

Theobald Smith (1859-1934) was a pioneering epidemiologist and pathologist and is widely considered to be America's first internationally significant medical research scientist. In the year before his death, Smith was awarded the Royal Society's prestigious Copley Medal "For his original research and observation on diseases of animals and man."

The Third International Congress for Microbiology was held from September 2nd to September 9th 1939 in New York City.

The square medal measures 51.9mm x 51.9mm and was struck in bronze by the Medallic Art Company of New York. No mintage is reported.

References:   MACo 1939-016, Marqusee 395