University of Maryland School of Medicine - Terrae Mariae Medicus (Baltimore, MD)

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A most stimulating and provocative part of our learning career was the microscopic dis- section of the human anatomy, including the nervous system structure. More concerned with the effort to teach dynamic concepts rather than static slide specimens, Drs. Nauta, Nice talk for a doctor! Mack, and staff use every learning aid avail- able towards this end. A senior ' s memories of these courses tends to become rather hazy, but as he thinks back. I ' ll find the lost cord if it takes all year, ' certain images return — the unending slide boxes; the naps as the lights went out; the philosophical discussions; the formaldehyde fumes; and the upside-down backward movies. Unlike the senior student however, the de- partment is looking, not backwards, but ahead. An electron microscope has recently been purchased and is in the process of being installed. Investigations into the non-myeli- nated fiber tracts of the nervous system; neurosecretions of the hypothalamus; and the relationships of the rhinencephalon (wher- ever that is! ) to the hypothalamus are exam- ples of the behind-the-scenes actitivies of the department. Gee! I shot Id hat e gone to barker college: '

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HISTOLOGY AND NEUROANATOMY WaLLH J. H. NAUTA, M.D,, PH.D. Professor of Anatomy Here we see a fecalilh in the Circle of Willis.

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BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY Emil G. Schmidt, b.s., m.s., ph.d. Professor of Biological Chemistry and Head of the Department. With a well-earned and well-recognized repu- tation for streamlined and efficient organiza- tion, this department can be proud of its role And he thought that the eighth essential amino- acid was called gasoline. in our medical training. Guided by the sure hand of Dr. Emil Schmidt, we were presented the mass of knowledge that has been accum- ulated in the fields of metabolism, endocri- nology, physical chemistry, and other related factors that make us tick. And as we look back, we can be nothing but appreciative of how useful this material has been, and, strange, to say, just how much of it we have managed to retain. But never let it be said that the depart- ment is content to rest on this reputation. Building and remodeling and planning are a part of the daily routine. Gone is the old weighing room; newly installed are a labora- tory for the handling of radioactive isotopes and a room for studies in metabolism. Activ- ities are to be expanded so as to include the now popular combined IVI.D.-Ph.D. program. Nor are the members of the Bio team neglecting their test tubes. Investigation is being conducted along many lines: — the ef- fects of the sex hormones on the secondary sex tissues; the manner in wliicli genetic in- formation is transmitted throughout the species; the role of amines in the synthesis of nucleic acids; the effect of antibit)tics on the metabolism of the intestinal flora; and similar problems, all of which will make the doctor of tomorrow a better doctor.