The lives of 18 million diabetics throughout the world have been saved and lengthened because of the dramatic discovery of insulin in 1921 by the youthful Canadian research team of Frederick Banting and Charles Best. Bold vision, uncompromising intellect and devoted teamwork combined to conquer a hitherto fatal disease and a new era in medical research was begun. Dr. Best, a dedicated science graduate of 23 at the time he worked on the great experiment which resulted in the isolation of the hormone insulin and the demonstration that it could be used to control the blood sugar content of diabetic patients, went on to become a world authority on insulin and an eventful career in the realm of scientific research which has brought him a battery of honours and awards unparalleled in Canadian medical history. Born in Maine, U.S.A., in 1899, the son of native Nova Scotians (whose ancestors came from England at the time of the founding of Halifax in 1749) Charles Herbert Best entered the University of Toronto in 1916 receiving his first in a long series of academic degrees in 1921. He has been honoured by 19 Universities in the Western world, among them the Universities of Paris, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Melbourne, Uruguay, Chile and Peru. His distinctions range from the first Canadian fellowship in the Pontifical Academy of Scientists (limited to a membership of 60 scientists throughout the world) to first honorary president of the Canadian Diabetic Association and honorary Admiral of the Texas Navy. Dr. Best served in the artillery in the first world war and as director of medical research for the Canadian navy in the second world war. For his work on a method of drying and storing blood for military purposes he was created a Commander of the British Empire in 1944.