A PEDIATRIC CLASSIC
Facsimile Excerpts from the First Major Paper from the Laboratory of James L. Gamble
C. D. M.
It is not from a desire to be tantalizing that only three pages of this classic of pediatric investigation are shown here (Figs. 1-3). The title page reveals it was so lengthy a paper (actually 62 pages) that a "Contents" was believed to be necessary. Although the article is based on observations from only four subjects, the studies are known to have extended over 2 years.
The investigations were so thoughtfully planned that they have served as models to subsequent generations of workers in the field. The data are presented within the framework of a clear exposition of concept and subjected to a searching analysis and logical interpretation. It would be a reckless editor who would seek to improve on the characteristic style or dare to strike out a single paragraph.
The first public appearance of one of Gamble's famous diagrams is shown on the page 633 of his paper; that it is the product of his own draftsmanship is easily recognized by those who ever watched him prepare charts for lectures or papers in his laboratory study.
Dr. Gamble was 40 years old when this paper appeared, but it was his first important contribution. There was still time for a long series of equally fundamental papers. Take heart you despondent quartogenerians and stir among the scoffing youngsters!
