The Polio Man: The Story of Dr. Salk

"He read everything he could lay his hand on," a teacher of young Jonas recalled--and indeed Dr. Salk's interest in great medical problems goes back to his student days in New York City. Even then he was fascinated by the mysterious virus and its role in infantile paralysis. On April 12, 1955, it was announced to the world that Dr. Salk had successfully tested a polio vaccine. A true man of science, Dr. Salk had not minded the long hours of hard work in the laboratory which led to that exciting day - the isolation of the polio viruses, the testing of a monkey-kidney extract first on monkeys and then on 400,000 children - because he believed in the importance of his goal. By 1956 over 50 million people had been vaccinated and Dr. Salk's fame had spread everywhere - to England, Poland, Hungary, Israel...and today millions of people must echo President Eisenhower's words of tribute: "Through dedicated and selfless effort, in the best traditions of medical research, you have brought new hope to mankind in the continuing battle against a dread disease...I am confident that the entire nation joins me in lasting gratitude and appreciation." Dr Salk is a great scientist but he is also a great humanitarian and fame has not lessened his desire to serve mankind and carry on his struggle against disease. Boys and girls who have yet to choose their life goal will find Dr. Salk's story a challenge and an inspiration.