This week, however, that finally changed. The exhibit, entitled "Insulin: Toronto's Gift to the World," opened yesterday at the MaRS center in Toronto, Canada. It not only shows how the scientists discovered insulin, back in the summer of 1921, but outlines the continuing legacy of their work both in Toronto and around the world.
Those visiting the permanent exhibit can see a video, plus items from Banting and Best's laboratory, including scientific equipment used by the pair, as well as a collection of photographs, letters, and documents. There is even a selection of vials of insulin dating back to the 1920's.
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| Insulin vials from the 1920's to now |
Banting and Best's discovery is one of the most important medical advances in history, and remains today one of the "most spectacular therapies that medicine has in its arsenal." (Bliss, The Discovery of Insulin). \
Banting won the Nobel Prize in October of 1923 for his incredible contribution to medicine, but creators of the exhibit hope that it will inspire a new generation of diabetes investigators to help find the ultimate grail: a true physiological insulin replacement.
For complete article, visit http://www.healthzone.ca/health/article/1076505--exhibit-celebrates-insulin-toronto-s-gift-to-the-world.
This is great, Jen. Actually, I always thought there WAS a museum dedicated to Banting and Best. Maybe it was just an assumption. Amazing to think there hasn't been until now. But glad to see it. Thanks for sharing this and pointing us in that direction!
ReplyDeleteBanting House in London, Ontario is another museum. It has the bed in the spot Banting first had the idea, as well as The Flame of Hope that will be put out once they find a cure for diabetes. The Banting House has several artifacts of Banting.
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