Inspiring encounter. Seeking the full picture. It’s official.
John Lorinc wrote a brilliant and wellresearched article on insulin (“Manufacturing Hope,” February-March 2021) with a lot of information that we would not normally see in a quickly done piece in some mainstream magazines. It’s another reason why I have loved Canada’s History magazine for over forty years. Wow, I’m getting old!
It reminded me of a moment in the late-1950s, when I was preparing a speech about the discovery of insulin for my grade five class. My dad taught me a life lesson without my knowing it at the time — and which has served me well in life.
My father saw me with a library book writing notes, and asked me what I was doing. When I told him, he said, it is good to look at printed sources, but when you have a chance to get a story from the source that is best. He told me that Charles Best (a member of the team that discovered insulin) was still working in Toronto and suggested that I call Best with my prepared questions, so as not to waste his time.
Dad gave me Best’s phone number, and I called. I spoke with a lady, whom I assumed was his receptionist or lab assistant. I briefly explained why I was calling, and she said that Best was busy at the moment but that she would have him call me back. Sure enough, after what felt like an eternity — with me by the phone, surrounded by my written questions and a pencil — he very patiently and graciously took the time to answer every question I asked.
Best was quite polite, too. He thanked me for taking the time to track him down and for asking my questions. Here was a class-act Canadian.
Brian Preston Portland, Ontario