Less than a century ago, childhood diseases raged unchecked and few doctors were concerned with the special care children needed. Dr. Béla Schick dedicated his life to the study of these diseases, and from his lifelong efforts emerged not only the Schick test for diptheria but also his Science of Pediatrics, from which doctors gained new insight into the vital needs and special care of children.

From childhood, Schick knew he wanted to be a doctor. His uncle-doctor often took him on calls in the little villages of Austria-Hungary, and watching him Béla wondered if he'd be as good when he too became a doctor. But his father wanted him to be a businessman, and Béla was torn by conflicting loyalties: to be a good son and please his father, or hold out for what was a passionate drive in his life—to heal the sick. Both father and son were stubborn and there was a constant clash of wills, until Béla won out. What father could deny a son who read medical books in secret, and felt a dedication and compassion that were almost a religion?

Fighting poverty, prejudice and jealousy, Schick chose to work in the tragedy-filled children's ward of a Viennese hospital, rather than in a branch of medicine that would give him financial security. There was so much that had to be learned about childhood diseases; too many children were dying, and someone had to care enough to see that they got a chance at life and living.

His reputation was far-reaching and when he was appointed head pediatrician of a great New York hospital, he built up an excellent staff of researchers and specialists, and by his own selfless devotion inspired all who worked with him. By the time he retired, he could rest secure in the knowledge that the work he had begun would be continued by younger men and women who had served under him.

The recipient of countless honors and awards, Dr. Béla Schick says that the greatest tribute he ever received was a large leatherbound book with thousands of signatures of children whom he had freed from the dread diseases that once haunted them.

From the dust jacket