SCIENTIFIC MARTYRS

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 416, 28 December 1932, Page 4

SCIENTIFIC MARTYRS

By the death of the French radiologist, George Sharet, one name more has been added to the long list of those who hava given their lives for science applied to the amelioration of the lot of suffering mankind. Sharet, a victim of a radium bum, as other investigators illustrious and humble have been, endured years of living martyrdom, in which he noted the effect of the destruction going on within his body, thereby adding more to centuries there have been many human' knowledge. Through the examples of such personal sacrifice, such amazing fortitude, and had it not been for the efforts of these inspired and selfless men, the people of the earth would have to carry a much heavier load of misery now than they do. Radium was discovered by Madame Curie only a little over-30 years ago, and while a great debt is owed to her, those who found how it could be used therapeutically must share much of the honour. Before the discovery of this element there was nothing beyond sufrgery that could be done in the way of treating cancer. Now, however, radium is a pleasing altemative to^surgery, and- in many eases

ists have still a long way to go before the mystery of the origin of the disease can be discovered, and there are other methods of treatment to be found yet which will free the world of a great deal of suffering. Investigators are applying themselves" to the problem in all civilised countries, and the time will eome when the great benefieient diseovery will at last be made. Those who are seeking the answer to this riddle and to many others as well, are possessed by the same enthusiasm, the same boundless capacity for service, as the others who have laid down their lives in similar quests in tho past, To certain people whose sole desire is to serve themselves, these princes of the human race probably appear as amiabje psychological freaks, but there are few great causes which do not eall for martyrs, and Ihe world- can nevcr be sulfieiently grateful to •;hose who struggle to the liglit that they alone can see. Intervening obstacles mean nothing :o them j life itself may be spent, but they press onward, bringing infmikv bonnty to people who