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https://www.erudit.org/en/Document generated on 08/15/2023 11:12 p.m.Scientia CanadensisCanadian Journal of the History of Science, Technology and MedicineRevue canadienne d'histoire des sciences, des techniques et de la m€decineA Sixty-Year Evolution of Biochemistry at McGill UniversityRose Johstone

Volume 27, 2003URI: https://id.erudit.org/iderudit/800458arDOI: https://doi.org/10.7202/800458arSee table of contentsPublisher(s)CSTHA/AHSTCISSN0829-2507 (print)1918-7750 (digital)Explore this journalCite this article

Johstone, R. (2003). A Sixty-Year Evolution of Biochemistry at McGill University.

Scientia Canadensis

, 27
, 27"83. https://doi.org/10.7202/800458ar

Article abstract

The Department of Biochemistry at McGill University was inaugurated close to a century after the Medical School was founded. The roots of the Department, however, can be found at the very beginning of the Medical School in 1829. Because several of the founding faculty members of the Medical School were educated in Edinburgh, McGill's early medical program bore the imprint of the Edinburgh school-particularly in the importance placed on instruction in chemistry and on basic research. This survey of the development of a university department is structured on the succession of department chairs, and describes how the Department's scientific, pedagogical, and administrative activities were influenced by the particular abilities and dispositions of the individuals who were at the helm. It explains how the growth of external research institutes influenced the Department's evolution, and cites some of the noteworthy contributions of its members.

A Sixty-Year Evolution of Biochemistry at McGill

Universit

y ROS E JOHNSTONE '

Résumé

: L e départemen t d e biochimi e d e l'universit é McGil l a ouvert ses portes près d'un siècle après l a créatio n d e l'écol e d e médecine . Le s racine s du département, toutefois, plongent jusqu'au tout début d e l'écol e d e médecin e e n 1829. Parce que plusieurs membres fondateurs de l'école de médecine
reçuren t leu r formatio n à Edimbourg , l e programm e d e formatio n médical e port e l a marqu e d e l'écol

e d'Edimbourg - particulièrement l'accent placé sur la formation en chimie et la recherche fondamen

tale . Cett e étud e d u développemen t d'u n départemen t universitair e es t structuré e autou r de s change ment s d e directio n e t décri t commen t le s activité s scientifiques , pédagogique s e t administrative s d u départemen t étaien t influencée s pa r le s habileté s e t le s disposition s d e ceu x qu i e n assumaien t l a direction . Ell e expliqu e commen t l a croissanc e de s institut s d e recherch e externe s influençai t l'évolu tion du département et donne quelques contributions notables de ses membres.

Abstract

: Th e Department of Biochemistry at McGill University was inaugurated close to a centur y afte r th e Medica l Schoo l wa s founded . Th e root s o f the Department, however, can be found a t th e ver y beginnin g o f th e Medica l Schoo l i n 1829
. Becaus e severa l o f th e foundin g facult y member s o f the Medica l Schoo l wer e educate d i n Edinburgh , McGill's early medical program bore th e imprin t o f th e Edinburg h school - particularl y i n th e importanc e place d o n instructio n i n chemistr y an d o n basi c research . Thi s surve y o f th e developmen t o f a universit y departmen t i s structure d o n th e successio n o f departmen t chairs , an d describe s ho w th e Department' s scientific , pedagogical , an d administrativ e activitie s wer e influence d b y th e particula r abilitie s an d disposi tion s o f th e individual s wh o wer e a t th e helm . I t explain s ho w th e growt h o f externa l researc

h institutes influenced the Department's evolution, and cites some of the noteworthy contributions of

it s members . A s a discipline , biochemistr y i s a n infan t compare d t o chemistry , phys ic s o r anatomy . Th e bab y ha s grow n int o a gian t an d ha s becom e a majo r disciplin e taugh t t o scienc e an d medica l students . Th e continuou s out pu t o f ne w finding s i s shapin g ne w medicatio n an d ne w treatment s fo r man and beast. Because of its youth, individuals still alive today may hav e see n th e daw n an d growt h o f th e disciplin e i n thei r ow n lifetimes . i I t i s wit h gratitud e tha t I acknowledg e th e hel p o f th e McGil l Universit y Archives , i n particula r Gordo n Bur r an d Johann e Pelletier, its Chief Archivist and Director, respectively. Their help in providin g importan t source s o f informatio n wa s invaluable . Thank s ar e als o du e t o Pamel a Mille r o

f the Osier Library of the Faculty of Medicine of McGill University and to my friend and colleague T.L.

Sourkes

, who provided information from his personal papers and his vast storehouse of memory. Thanks ar e als o du e t o Dr . Donal d Douglas , wh o provide d hi s persona l document s abou t th e McGill-Montrea l

Genera

l Hospita l Researc h Institute , an d t o Maria n Packha m o f the University of Toronto, for sharing he r manuscript on the University of Toronto's Department of Biochemistry. This summary of the history o f biochemistr y a t McGil l wa s undertake n a t th e suggestio n o f the incumbent Chair of Biochemistry, Prof . David Thomas. I enjoyed the task and I hope the product will give him further insight into the

Departmen

t tha t h e ha s undertake n t o lea d int o th e twenty-firs t century . © Scientia Canadensis 2 7 (2003) : 27-84
.

28 Rose Johnstone

Chemist

s o f an earlier era observed that the same organic compounds, suc h a s urea , alread y know n t o b e mad e b y livin g organisms , coul d b e mad e withou t th e ai d o f cell s i n a tes t tube . Suc h knowledg e suggeste d tha t organi c compound s derive d fro m livin g form s di d no t posses s a "vital " forc e o r uniqu e chemica l propertie s an d tha t chemica l analysi s coul d b e use d t o distinguis h betwee n "th e norma l an d th e abnorma l state. " Thus, knowledge of chemistry and botany (as a source of poten tia l drugs ) wer e deeme d importan t t o provid e medica l student s wit h bette r tool s wit h whic h t o pursu e thei r profession . Thi s practic e le d eventuall y t o th e establishmen t o f biochemistr y a s a fundamenta l disci plin e fo r al l student s o f medicine . Earl y Beginning s o f Biochemistr y a t McGil l A t McGill , th e Departmen t o f Biochemistr y ha s it s root s i n classe s an d laboratorie s t o teac h chemistr y t o student s enrolle d i n medicine . Th e

University'

s record s sho w tha t th e Departmen t o f Chemistr y aros e no t t o trai n chemists , bu t t o provid e basi c chemica l knowledg e t o physician s i n training . Th e emphasi s o n knowledg e o f chemistr y fo r medica l student s a t McGil l i s tie d t o th e Scottis h educatio n o f it s earlies t instructors , lik e A . F .

Holmes

, wh o traine d fo r medicin e i n Edinburg h an d recognize d th e impor tanc e an d usefulness of chemical knowledge in the practice of the profession.2

Althoug

h "The University of McGill College" was officially launched in Marc h 1821
, th e Colleg e ha d n o physica l presence , bu t wa s a n empt y far m wit h fiv e designate d professors . Al l bu t on e o f th e fiv e wer e

Anglica

n clergymen . McGill' s officia l charte r ha d give n i t th e righ t t o establis h a n institutio n o f highe r learnin g an d t o gran t degrees. However, n o student s ha d presente d themselve s fo r advance d education . A t th e sam e time , i n th e smal l Protestan t communit y o f Montreal , anothe r organization , Th e Montrea l Medica l Institution , wa s tryin g t o provid e medica l trainin g t o a group of students, but lacked an approved charter to formaliz e o r recogniz e th e training . Prio r t o 1815
, a hospita l t o serv e th e genera l publi c ha d bee n estab lishe d i n Montreal , largel y t o cop e wit h th e influ x o f Englis h speakin g an d Protestan t immigrants . Thi s hospita l eventuall y gre w int o th e Mont rea l Genera l Hospital , whic h flourishe s t o th e presen t day . Durin g th e 1820s
, a progra m t o trai n ne w physician s wa s inaugurate d unde r th e nam e 'Th e Montrea l Medica l Institution."3 The need for formal recogni tio n fo r thi s trainin g wa s eviden t t o th e grou p o f physician s i n charge , 2 Josep h Hanawa y an d Richar d Cruess , McGill Medicine, vol . 1 , The First Half Cen tury, 1829-1885
(Montreal : McGil l Queen' s Universit y Press , 1996)
, 16-34 ; 54-56
.

3 Hanaway and Cruess; Stanley B. Frost, History of McGill University, vol. 1 (Montreal: McGill

Queen'

s Universit y Press , 1980)
, 47-67
. A Sixty-Year Evolution of Biochemistry at McGill University 29 wh o ha d bee n traine d i n Edinburgh , Scotland . Tw o o f thi s grou p o f four , Andre w F . Holme s an d Joh n Stephenson , wer e native s o f Montreal . Whe n the y returne d t o Montrea l afte r thei r studies , the y wer e eage r t o teac h an d t o introduc e basi c sciences , suc h a s chemistr y an d botany , int o th e curriculum . Th e medica l trainin g progra m a t Edinburg h ha d bee n on e o f th e firs t t o introduc e thes e basi c sciences , a s wel l a s th e importanc e o f experimenta l an d theoretica l approache s i n chemistry , t o th e treatmen t o f medica l problems . I n th e previou s century , Willia m Culle n an d Josep h Blac k ha d lai d th e groundwor k fo r th e stud y o f chemistr y i n th e medica l school s a t Edinburg h an d Glasgo w an d the y wer e instrumenta l i n bring in g thes e center s t o th e heigh t o f medica l practic e i n th e Unite d King dom.4 The education at Scottish schools differed from many of the period , wher e medica l educatio n wa s (a ) largel y b y apprenticeshi p an d (b ) carrie d ou t wit h littl e provisio n mad e fo r course s i n scienc e o r experimentation .

Applicatio

n fo r a Provincia l Charte r b y th e Montrea l Medica l Institu tio n t o becom e a recognize d schoo l t o trai n physician s wa s denie d becaus e th e requestin g bod y wa s no t authorize d t o gran t degrees.5 Since thi s grou p o f forward-lookin g physician s wa s determine d t o for m a centr e o f educatio n i n medicine , the y turne d t o th e newl y establishe d McGil l Colleg e t o sugges t tha t th e Montrea l Medica l Institutio n becom e th e College' s first faculty . Thi s proposa l serve d bot h side s well , sinc e on e neede d a bon a fide educationa l facilit y wit h rea l student s an d th e othe r neede d a n organizatio n wit h th e authorit y t o gran t degrees . Th e medica l me n wer e appointe d t o th e staf f o f McGil l Colleg e an d give n academi c titles . Thus , th e Facult y o f Medicine , establishe d i n 1824
, becam e th e firs t teachin g uni t o f th e "Universit y o f McGil l College " a s wel l a s th e first medica l schoo l i n Canada . B y thi s action , th e basi s fo r th e importanc e o f basi c scienc e trainin g i n medicin e wa s presen t a t th e beginning s o f th e firs t medica l schoo l i n Canada.6 Th e lat e 1800
s wer e a perio d o f rapi d growt h o f universitie s through ou t Nort h America , an d McGil l wa s n o exception . I n 1883
, registration s i n th e Facult y o f Medicin e stil l exceede d registration s i n al l othe r facul ties . By 1885, the annual report of the Faculty of Medicine indicated that enlarge d facilitie s wer e bein g develope d fo r th e 275-30
0 student s ex pecte d t o registe r i n Medicin e i n th e comin g year , makin g i t b y fa r th e larges t academi c uni t o n campus . I n th e fal l o f 1885
, whe n Willia m Osie r (distinguishe d alumnus , an d forme r facult y membe r an d Chairman ) vis ite d th e University , th e growt h i n Medicin e ha d no t reache d th e leve l 4 Arthu r L. Donovan, Philosophical Chemistry in the Scottish Enlightenment: The Doctrines and

Discoveries

of William Cullen and Joseph Black (Edinburgh: University Press, 1975).

5 Frost.

6 Ibid .

30 Rose Johnstone

predicted.7 But new buildings for Arts & Applied Science and Chemistry ha d bee n erected . Th e popularit y o f Universit y education , a s distinc t fro m direc t trainin g fo r a profession , ha d grow n b y gian t leaps, and by 1886 the enrollmen t i n Art s ha d becom e twic e tha t in Medicine. Th e Universit y wa s expandin g rapidly , wit h ever-greate r number s o f youn g peopl e seekin g t o expan d thei r knowledg e an d opportunitie s fo r careers . Practica l Scienc e a t thi s tim e wa s bein g offere d t o medica l student s an d scienc e student s alike , unde r th e sam e roo f an d b y th e sam e instructors . Som e aspect s o f th e fledglin g University' s lif e wer e alread y formin g a pattern , namely , th e chroni c shortag e o f money . Wit h ever y year , o r almos t so, the deficit increased. The financial needs kept outpac in g th e income ! I n thos e years , grant s fro m governmen t source s wer e virtuall y non-existen t a t McGill , an d th e majorit y o f th e incom e cam e fro m benefactor s suc h a s member s o f th e Boar d o f Governors , an d studen t fees . Th e inabilit y t o hir e o r kee p staf f fo r lac k o f fund s ha d alread y becom e a commo n threa d i n th e annua l report s o f the University durin g th e decad e betwee n 188
9 an d 1890
. Thi s financia l shortag e per petuate d th e nee d t o continu e teachin g scienc e an d medica l student s unde r th e sam e roo f an d b y th e sam e cadr e o f instructors .

Findin

g a Hom e fo r th e Firs t Facult y I n 1823 (nearly 100 years before the Department of Biochemistry appeared o n th e scene ) the Montreal Medical Institution was situated at 20 St. James

Street

. I n 1845, the now Faculty of Medicine of McGill College moved to th e campus . Thi s mov e wa s ver y unpopula r wit h staf f an d student s alik e bu t had been made to economize, and this overrode the inconvenience. The distanc e betwee n the hospital and the classrooms was inconvenient at best, an d i n th e hars h Montrea l winter s i t create d hazard s an d hardship s fo r bot h staf f an d student. Despite the move, the Faculty of Medicine got neither the spac e i t required , no r additiona l funding . Expense s continue d t o outru n income . I n addition , th e non-medica l facult y o f McGil l Colleg e wa s unen - thusiasti c abou t sharin g quarter s wit h dissectin g rooms , eve n thoug h pro vision s ha d bee n mad e t o isolat e th e activitie s o f th e medica l faculty , especiall y anatom y an d dissection.8 The Faculty of Medicine remained in th e Art s Building, as a unit of McGill College, until 1851. At that time, still dissatisfied , Medicin e move d fro m the campus to Coté Street in downtown Montreal.9 Thus in 1851, the non-clinical arm of Medicine returned to a sit e close r to the hospital itself. 7 Stanle y B . Frost , History of McGill University, vol. 2 (Montreal: McGill Queen's University Press , 1980), 282.

8Frost,vol

. 1,131-144. 9 Thi s stree t was destroyed while building the first Convention Centre in Montreal in the latter part A Sixty-Year Evolution of Biochemistry at McGill University 31 Othe r factor s als o contribute d t o th e mov e awa y fro m th e campus . A second , competing , medica l trainin g progra m ha d bee n establishe d i n

Montreal

. Th e ne w school , whic h woul d eventuall y becom e th e Facult y o f

Medicin

e a t th e Universit y o f Montreal , offere d clinica l an d non-clinica l educatio n a t mor e convenien t locations , an d th e attractio n o f McGill's

Facult

y o f Medicin e bega n t o wan e an d fewe r student s applied.10 Th e mov e awa y fro m th e McGil l campu s wa s no t permanent . Afte r 2 1 year s o n Coté Street, the teaching of non-clinical subjects was relocate d t o a sit e nea r th e curren t Jame s Administratio n Building . Thi s ne w hom e laste d onl y a littl e ove r 2 5 years , bein g destroye d b y fir e i n th e earl y 1900s.1l The classic Strathcona Building was erected in 1911
a t a n uphil l sit e o n th e campu s nea r Pin e Avenue.12 Fortunately, the lan d ha d bee n purchase d muc h earlier , expressl y fo r McGill's expan sion , wit h fund s donate d b y th e the n Chancellor , Lor d Strathcona . Tha t buildin g remaine d hom e t o Medicin e fo r abou t hal f a century . Th e

Strathcon

a Buildin g stand s toda y ami d ne w facilitie s fo r genomic s an d proteomics . Unti l 1964
, i t house d th e administrativ e office s an d class room s o f th e Facult y o f Medicin e a s wel l a s th e medica l libraries .

Biochemistr

y Appear s i n th e Curriculu m

Medica

l educatio n a t McGil l ha s th e fir m imprin t o f th e patter n se t a t th e medica l schoo l a t Edinburgh.13 From the first, instruction in chemistry at McGil l wa s a cor e undertaking . Th e first perso n t o offe r a cours e i n chemistr y (a s wel l a s i n pharmac y an d botany ) wa s A . F . Holme s himself.

Currently

, th e University' s highes t recognitio n fo r a graduatin g medica l studen t i s th e Holme s Gol d Medal , name d i n hi s honour .

Althoug

h ther e wer e severa l instructor s i n chemistr y sinc e th e school' s inception , th e firs t ful l tim e instructo r o f chemistry , wh o durin g hi s caree r wa s rename d a "biochemist, " wa s Rober t Fulfor d Rutta n (1856 - 1930)
. A graduate of McGill in medicine, with an interest and extensive trainin g i n chemistry , h e ha d begu n instructin g student s i n chemistr y durin g hi s medica l training . A s a student , h e ha d bee n a Gol d Medallis t i n Chemistry . Followin g a "stage " i n Germany , a practic e commo n fo r man y seriou s chemistr y student s i n hi s day , h e becam e a lecture r i n practica l chemistr y i n th e Facult y o f Medicin e i n 1887
. Althoug h ap - o f th e twentiet h century . Hanawa y an d Cruess . i o Hanawa y an d Cruess; Frost, vol. 1, 131-144. 1

1 A remaining portion of the burned-out first medical building also remains on campus, having

bee n incorporate d int o th e first Biolog y Buildin g an d subsequentl y int o th e Jame s Administratio n

Building

. 1

2 Frost, vol. 2, 83.

1

3 Hanaway and Cruess.

32 Rose Johnstone

pointe d i n Medicine , h e taugh t non-medica l an d medica l student s alik e sinc e a t th e tim e n o differentiatio n wa s mad e betwee n th e course s taugh t t o th e differen t group s o f students . B y 1891
, h e wa s promote d t o Profes so r o f Chemistr y a s wel l a s Associat e Professo r o f Medicine , a rapi d ris e i n th e ranks , indicativ e o f hi s contributio n t o th e school . H e i s repute d t o hav e bee n a perso n o f enormou s energ y a s wel l a s highl y sociable . H e belonge d t o man y prestigiou s socia l club s an d wa s a n activ e sports man.14 With time, he became increasingly involved in chemistry per se rathe r tha n i n medicine , notwithstandin g hi s continuin g rol e a s Registra r o f th e medica l school . Durin g hi s professiona l evolution , Ruttan' s titl e changed . I n 1907
, hi s ne w appointmen t rea d "Professo r o f Biologica l Chemistr y an d Or gani c Chemistry. " Thi s i s coinciden t wit h th e appearanc e o f th e ter m "biochemistry " t o describ e th e stud y o f th e chemica l event s i n livin g systems , introduce d int o th e lexico n a fe w year s earlie r b y th e Germa n researche r i n thi s ne w field , Car l Neuberger . I n hi s ne w position , Rutta n wa s expecte d t o integrat e th e wor k bein g don e i n chemistry , no w a rapidl y growin g departmen t a t McGill , wit h th e analytica l chemica l wor k bein g don e i n th e Facult y o f Medicine , analyzin g sample s ob taine d fro m bot h huma n an d othe r anima l source s fo r a variet y o f chemica l constituents , includin g lipids.15

Ruttan'

s scientifi c interest s include d th e analysi s o f wate r contami nants . He analyzed samples provided by various public bodies and re porte d o n th e qualit y o f th e wate r supply . Hi s majo r interest , however , wa s i n th e stud y o f the solubility of fatty acids and in the characterization o f "bo g lipids, " fo r whic h h e acquire d a reputation . Wit h time , hi s centr e o f activit y wa s physicall y distance d fro m th e Facult y o f Medicine , movin g close r t o th e Departmen t o f Chemistry . Hi s appointmen t as joint Professor o f Chemistr y an d Biochemistr y wa s intende d t o hel p develo p a unifie d teachin g progra m fo r both chemistry and medical students. To achieve this end , som e specialize d course s wer e introduce d fo r the medical students, but th e majorit y o f courses were open to all interested students. I t wa s durin g Ruttan' s tenur e a s hea d o f Chemistr y an d Amalgamate d

Service

s i n 190
4 tha t th e Montrea l Medica l Institutio n becam e a n offi cia l an d integra l par t o f McGil l University . Sinc e 1824
, chroni c shortag e o f resource s ha d fostere d th e collégial agreements between the Montreal

Medica

l Institutio n an d McGil l Universit y t o shar e staf f an d facilities . 1

4 "Ruttan, Robert Fulford," in American Men of Science, 2 éd., edited by James Mckeen Cattell

(Ne w York : Scienc e Press , 1910)
, 405
; Gordo n Young , The Development of Biochemistry in Canada (Toronto : Universit y o f Toront o Press , 1976)
, 9-10 ; A.B . Macallum , "Rober t Fulfor d Ruttan, " i n

Proceedings

and Transactions of the Royal Society of Canada, Volume XXIV, (Ottawa: The Royal

Societ

y o f Canada, 1930), pp. vii-ix. 1

5 "Ruttan, Robert Fulford," in American Men of Science, 2 ed.

■m Rober t Fulfor d Rutta n (centre ) and laboratory colleagues, circa 1894

34 Rose Johnstone

Despit

e th e fac t tha t th e Facult y o f Medicin e wa s a facult y o f th e

University

, th e tw o ha d operate d largel y independently , particularl y wit h respec t t o finances . Afte r 1904
, whe n th e tw o institution s formall y merged , cooperatio n an d integratio n n o doub t becam e mor e streamlined . Whil e Rutta n wa s Registrar , hi s focu s o n teachin g an d researc h wa s draw n t o th e rapidl y growin g chemistr y department . I n 1906
, du e t o hi s efforts , a graduat e trainin g progra m wa s introduce d int o Chemistry , makin g researc h a n importan t mandat e o f thi s department.16 Reports of th e Dea n o f Medicin e an d Chai r o f Chemistr y t o th e Boar d o f Gover nor s durin g thi s tim e sugges t tha t th e developmen t o f biochemistr y a s a separat e disciplin e i n th e medica l science s wa s no t o n th e agenda.17

Furthermore

, i t i s saf e t o conclud e fro m th e annua l report s tha t th e scientifi c an d researc h interest s o f th e growin g number s o f th e Depart men t o f Chemistr y di d no t hav e a significan t focu s i n th e medica l o r biologica l aspect s o f chemistr y an d wer e mor e aligne d wit h basi c as pect s o f th e majo r branche s o f chemistry , bot h theoretica l an d practical . Thi s traditio n ha s largely , bu t no t exclusively , characterize d th e Depart men t o f Chemistr y a t McGill , whic h retain s it s reputatio n a s a majo r an d prominen t chemistr y departmen t o n th e Canadia n scene . A significan t exceptio n t o th e overal l emphasi s i n th e Departmen t o f

Chemistr

y wa s th e appointmen t o f V . J . Hardin g a s Lecture r i n 1911
, followe d b y Assistan t an d Associat e Professo r i n 191
3 an d 191
7 respec tively.18 Harding was an accomplished organic chemist, but had also show n interes t i n biochemica l studies . H e ha d worke d wit h A . Harde n o n th e actio n o f enzyme s o n hexose-phosphates . A t McGill , h e taugh t bot h organi c an d physiologica l chemistr y an d ha d becom e involve d i n re searc h i n pathologica l chemistr y wit h clinician s i n obstetric s an d gyne cology . H e offere d a n optiona l cours e t o medica l student s wh o ha d show n a n aptitud e fo r chemistr y an d a n interes t i n curren t development s i n physiologica l chemistry , tha t is , biochemistry . Hi s interes t i n obstet ric s an d th e complication s o f toxemia s o f pregnanc y continue d afte r h e lef t McGil l t o tak e u p a position at the University of Toronto. He was one o f th e origina l mover s fo r th e creatio n o f th e biochemica l sectio n o f th e

Canadia

n Chemica l Associatio n an d th e firs t presiden t o f th e Toront o

Biochemica

l Society.19 Whil e th e Departmen t o f Chemistr y wa s expandin g th e real m o f non-medica l chemica l educatio n an d training , ne w curriculu m require - 1 6 Frost , vol . 2 , 82
. 1

7 Principal's report on the upcoming changes in the organization of Chemical Education at McGill

Universit

y wit h respec t t o th e ne w responsibilitie s fo r Rober t Ruttan , Annua l Repor t o f McGil l

University

, 1910-1911
, p . 7 , McGil l Universit y Archives . 1

8 Victor J. Harding, "Obituaries," The Biochemical Journal XXIX (1935): 1-4: Young, 10.

1

9 Ibid.

A Sixty-Year Evolution of Biochemistry at McGill University 35 merit s wer e bein g introduce d b y th e medica l facult y a s prerequisite s fo r a degre e i n medicine . Medica l student s woul d no w b e require d t o hav e course s i n biochemistry , pharmacolog y an d pathology , a s require d b y th e Accreditatio n Boards , i n additio n t o th e fou r year s o f medicine . Thi s require d th e establishmen t o f ne w facilities . A ne w buildin g pla n wa s approve d t o hous e th e aforementione d basi c sciences , a mov e whic h le d t o th e furthe r separatio n o f th e interest s o f chemistr y fro m thos e o f th e basi c science s o f medicine . Durin g Ruttan's tenure at McGill, a significant shift in the make-up of th e studen t bod y i n th e medica l facult y wa s heralde d b y a motio n (move d b y Rutta n himself ) i n 191
8 tha t wome n b e admitte d t o stud y medicin e a t

McGill

. Th e firs t woma n (Maud e Abbott ) graduate d i n 1922.20

Biochemistr

y Become s a Ne w Departmen t i n th e Facult y o f Medicin e A ne w Biolog y Buildin g (th e presen t bu t refurbishe d Jame s Administratio n

Building)

, housin g th e firs t Departmen t o f Biochemistry , wa s erecte d i n 1920
. The site was near that of the first Medical Building, which had burne d dow n i n th e earl y 1900s
. Fro m 192
0 unti l 1964
, th e Department s o f

Physiology

, Biochemistry , Pharmacology , Botany , Genetic s an d Zoolog y share d thi s facility . Fo r th e firs t time , th e Departmen t o f Chemistr y ha d n o administrativ e lin k wit h teachin g student s i n th e Facult y o f Medicine . Th e Biolog y Building , circ a 192
5 m Frost, vol. 2, 176. The new biochemistry laboratory in the Biology Building, circa 1920

7Z o co CD

O a A Sixty-Year Evolution of Biochemistry at McGill University 37 The Macallum Years (1920-1928) Th e firs t Chairma n name d t o th e ne w Departmen t wa s Archibal d Byro n

Macallu

m (1858-1934) . Lik e Ruttan , h e haile d fro m Ontari o an d ha d establishe d a distinguishe d reputatio n i n researc h an d administratio n locall y a s wel l a s internationall y befor e comin g t o McGill . Hi s majo r researc h wor k wa s behin d hi m whe n h e too k u p th e Chai r i n 1920
, a t ag e 62
. At the time of his arrival, the Departments of Physiology, Anatomy an d Pharmacolog y wer e alread y wel l established . Macallum's career covered a wide landscape, moving from school teache r t o biologis t (Ph.D . fro m John s Hopkin s i n 1888
) an d physicia n (M.D . from University of Toronto in 1910). There does not appear to be an y indicatio n tha t h e actuall y practice d medicin e extensivel y i n th e sens e o f treatin g patients . H e carrie d ou t researc h i n bot h th e Unite d State s (a t Harvard ) an d i n th e Unite d Kingdo m (a t th e Liste r Institut e an d th e Roya l Cance r Hospital) . Upo n returnin g t o Toront o i n 1891
, h e wa s name d Professo r an d Chai r o f Physiology . H e wa s name d Professo r o f Biochemistr y whe n tha t departmen t wa s establishe d i n 1908
. H e maintaine d thi s positio n unti l 1917.21

Macallu

m wa s deepl y involve d i n basi c research . Hi s majo r scientifi c wor k wa s th e determinatio n o f th e inorgani c io n compositio n i n cell s relativ e t o tha t i n se a waters . Hi s studie s emphasize d th e fac t tha t th e proportion s o f Na , K , Ca , an d M g i n invertebrate s ar e extraordinaril y lik e se a water , supportin g th e notio n tha t lif e originate d i n th e seas.22 H e explore d cytologica l micr o method s t o detec t intracellula r inorgani c ions , an approach which may have given rise to some anomalous re sults , such as absence of K+ in nerve cell axons or dendrites. H e i s credite d wit h restructurin g an d expandin g bot h th e Facult y o f

Medicin

e a s wel l a s th e Departmen t o f Biochemistr y a t th e Universit y o f Toront o durin g hi s chairmanship . H e lef t Toront o wit h a mandat e t o organiz e th e firs t nationa l scientifi c researc h an d advisor y body , th e

Nationa

l Researc h Counci l (NRC ) an d becam e it s first Chairman . H e spen t nearl y thre e year s i n tha t capacity . H e wa s a t th e forefron t o f th e effort s t o convinc e th e politica l power s o f th e nee d fo r suc h a body .

Withou

t doubt , thi s activit y change d th e complexio n o f scientifi c re - 2 1 "Macallum , Archibal d Byron, " i n American Men of Science, 2 éd., edited by James Mckeen

Cattel

l (Ne w York : Scienc e Press , 1910)
, 293
; "Macallum , Archibal d B, " i n Obituary1 Notices of

Fellows

of the Royal Society (London ) 1 (1932-1935) : 287-29
1 2 2 Archibal d B . Macallum , "Th e Inorgani c Compositio n o f th e Bloo d i n Vertebrate s an d Inverte brate s an d it s Origin, " Proceedings of the Royal Society of London Series B 8 2 (1910) : 604-624
;

Archibal

d B . Macallum , "Th e Inorgani c Compositio n o f th e Bloo d i n Vertebrates, " Chemical Abstracts

5(1911)

: 111
.

38 Rose Johnstone

searc h an d fundin g o f scienc e i n Canada , a s th e NR C continue s t o pla y a majo r rol e i n Canada' s scientifi c enterprise . A t th e ag e o f 6 2 i n 1920
, h e acknowledge d tha t h e wa s gla d t o retur n t o academi a an d too k u p th e positio n o f th e firs t Chairma n o f Biochem istr y a t McGill . Whe n h e appeare d o n th e scen e a t McGill , instructio n t o medica l student s becam e completel y separate d fro m tha t i n chemistr y bot h physicall y (a t differen t sites ) an d academicall y (wit h differen t curricula) . Th e ol d formul a practice d i n th e Rutta n year s cam e t o a n end . Th e instructio n o f the Chemical Basis of Medicine now became the ful l responsibilit y o f th e ne w departmen t unde r Macallum . A s Ruttan's tenur e ha d see n th e daw n o f a graduat e trainin g progra m i n chemistry , s o unde r Macallum's aegis was graduate training in biochemistry initi ated . However , th e number s o f graduat e student s i n biochemistr y wer e smalle r tha n thos e i n siste r department s suc h a s Physiology , Experi menta l Medicin e o r Chemistry.23 Macallum's active research was largely in the past. He carried the major responsibilit y fo r teachin g th e larg e clas s o f medica l students , leavin g les s tim e fo r intensiv e research . H e did , however , see k promisin g ne w candi date s t o foste r th e growt h o f hi s youn g Department . Fo r instance , i n th e earl y 1920
s Macallu m wa s considerin g Jame s B . Sumne r a s a candidate.24 Sumne r becam e a househol d nam e i n biochemica l circle s i n late r year s a s h e wa s th e firs t t o succee d t o crystalliz e a protein , th e enzym e urease.25 However, that attempt to recruit Sumner failed and S. W. Bliss wa s recruite d fro m th e Harvar d Biochemica l Laborator y i n 1925
. H e staye d bu t fiv e year s befor e returnin g t o th e USA . Eve n fro m thi s cursor y review , i t i s clea r tha t durin g hi s lif e Macal lu m ha d a majo r influenc e o n th e directio n o f medica l researc h an d administratio n i n Toronto , Montrea l an d i n Canad a an d tha t th e scien tifi c communit y toda y stil l benefit s fro m hi s achievements . H e receive d man y honour s fo r distinguishe d servic e o n severa l fronts . H e wa s th e firs t graduat e o f th e Universit y o f Toront o t o b e electe d a Fello w o f th e Roya l Societ y o f London . A s well , h e becam e a Fello w o f th e Roya l

Societ

y o f Canad a an d o f Glasgow . Beyon d hi s undispute d organiza tiona l abilitie s an d foresight , h e wa s a tireles s researche r an d dedicate d t o hi s work.26 2

3 Data compiled from the annual reports of 1925-1930 from the Departments and Faculties

reportin g t o th e Facult y o f Graduat e Studie s an d Researc h a t McGil l University . Th e dat a wer e selecte d fo r the basic sciences in the Faculty of Medicine. Annual Reports of McGill University, McGill

Universit

y Archives . 2 4 Livingsto n Farra d to A.B. Macallum, 26 May 1924, Biochemistry Applicants, Faculty of

Medicin

e (RG2 , containe r 62
, file 1066)
, McGil l Universit y Archives . 2

5 It is interesting to note that one individual who wrote on Sumner's behalf did not judge Sumner's

researc h to hold particular significance (ibid.). Despite this lukewarm assessment, Sumner was later awarde d th e Nobe l Priz e fo r th e crystallizatio n of urease. A Sixty-Year Evolution of Biochemistry at McGill University 39 Th e fac t tha t on e o f thi s country' s preeminen t scientist s an d teacher s hel d a Chai r a t McGil l enhance d th e imag e o f thi s schoo l i n Nort h

Americ

a a s wel l a s i n Europe . Yet , despit e hi s contribution s t o scienc e an d a life-lon g caree r o f teaching , th e Carnegi e Foundatio n refuse d t o provid e hi m wit h th e pensio n tha t i t mad e availabl e t o academic s wh o ha d devote d thei r live s t o academia . Durin g Macallum' s lifetime , pen sion s wer e no t ye t par t o f th e genera l employmen t benefits . Thus , th e availabilit y o f specia l fund s fo r retiremen t incom e wa s highl y prize d b y th e academi c community . Th e ground s fo r th e refusa l la y i n th e fac t tha t

Macallu

m ha d resigne d fro m th e Universit y o f Toront o t o tak e u p a positio n externa l t o academia , t o direc t th e Nationa l Researc h Counci l o f Canada . Thi s kep t hi m awa y fro m academi a fo r ove r tw o years .

Despit

e lon g detaile d letter s t o th e Carnegi e Foundatio n t o plea d fo r reinstatemen t t o th e lis t o f academic s eligibl e fo r thi s pension , h e wa s refused . H e state s i n a lette r writte n i n 192
2 t o th e Principa l o f McGill , "I t i s a hardshi p tha t afte r thirty-on e year s o f universit y lif e an d nin e additiona l year s o f teachin g I shoul d b e denie d a pensio n simpl y be caus e o f suc h interpretation."27 The records do not show whether McGil l provide d a pension . No t eve n th e mos t eminen t wer e fre e fro m th e sling s an d arrow s o f outrageou s fortune . The Collip Years (1928-1941) Afte r a tenur e o f eigh t years , Macallu m retire d a t 7 0 an d returne d t o

Ontario

, nea r hi s family . A thir d Ontarian , Jame s Bertra m Colli p (1892-1965) , cam e t o Montrea l t o hea d th e Department . Th e en d o f th e 1920
s shepherde d i n a n intens e perio d o f growt h i n biochemistr y a s a discipline , an d b y th e earl y 1930
s biochemistr y wa s becomin g a leadin g disciplin e i n th e biologica l sciences . Thi s wa s th e ag e o f discover y o f th e ure a an d citri c aci d cycles , tw o centra l reactio n sequence s whic h hav e becom e fundamenta l t o appreciatin g th e basi c cyclica l natur e o f th e metaboli c activit y o f al l cells . I t wa s th e er a o f th e establishmen t o f th e intermediate s o f glycolysis , th e tim e o f discover y o f electro n transpor t an d th e first time a virus, the tobacco mosaic virus, was crystallized. There wer e als o spectacula r development s i n endocrinology . Beside s insulin , a pituitar y growt h hormon e wa s recognized , testosteron e wa s isolate d 2 6 "Macallum , Archibal d Byron, " i n American Men of Science; "Macallum , Archibal d B., " i n

Obituary

Notices of Fellows of the Royal Society. 2 7 Archibal d B . Macallu m t o Principa l Si r Arthu r Currie , 1 3 Dec . 1922
, record s o f th e Departmen t o f Biochemistry , Facult y o f Medicin e (RG2 , containe r 67
, file 1260)
, McGil l Universit y Archives .

Macallu

m pursue d hi s objectiv e t o obtai n a pensio n for m th e Carnegi e Foundatio n unti l hi s final retiremen t i n 1928
. Althoug h h e ha d suppor t fro m th e Principa l an d fro m th e Presiden t o f th e Universit y o f Saskatchewa n (wh o wa s a membe r o f th e Carnegi e Boar d o f Directors) , Macallum' s effort s ultimatel y cam e t o nought .

40 Rose Johnstone

fro m th e teste s an d hormone s wer e isolate d fro m th e adrena l an d para thyroi d glands . A s well , pituitar y regulator s o f hormon e secretio n (ad - renocorticotrophin ) wer e bein g isolate d fro m mammalia n tissues . Colli p ha d alread y becom e a prominent figure in endocrinology prior t o takin g u p th e Chai r a t McGil l inl928.28 His contribution had already bee n recognize d a s fundamenta l t o th e isolatio n an d purificatio n o f insulin . Durin g hi s tenur e a s Chai r o f Biochemistry , th e Departmen t woul d achiev e internationa l prominence . Bu t a numbe r o f depart menta l problem s tha t surface d i n late r year s hav e thei r origin s i n event s tha t evolve d durin g thi s mos t productiv e perio d i n th e Depart ment's history. Colli p an d Insuli n Befor e h e reache d th e ag e o f 30
, Colli p ha d mad e a majo r contributio n t o th e isolatio n o f insuli n i n a for m suitabl e fo r huma n use . H e ha d bee n a studen t o f Macallum's at the University of Toronto and had obtained hi s Ph.D . unde r Macallu m i n 1916
. Ther e i s littl e doub t tha t th e olde r ma n ha d hig h regar d fo r hi s younge r associate . A t th e tim e Macallu m cam e t o McGill , Colli p becam e Chai r o f th e Departmen t o f Biochemis tr y a t th e Universit y o f Alberta . Withi n a spa n o f fou r years , h e ha d rise n fro m a junior position to become Chairman. When he returned to th e Universit y o f Toront o a fe w year s later , t o spen d a sabbatica l perio d workin g wit h Macleod , th e Chai r o f Physiolog y a t Toronto , h e wa s encourage d t o collaborat e wit h Bantin g an d Bes t i n thei r wor k o n th e isolatio n o f insulin . Althoug h a n activ e preparatio n ha d bee n obtaine d b y Banting , i t wa s no t sufficientl y pur e t o us e o n patients . Adequat e purificatio n ha d elude d th e tea m i n Toront o bu t wa s o f utmos t importanc e fo r us e i n humans , sinc e th e availabl e preparation s ha d unpleasan t sid e effects . Histor y record s thei r success ! Collip's most direct contribution wa s t o asses s th e concentratio n o f ethy l alcoho l whic h kep t insuli n i n solution , bu t precipitate d othe r proteins . Th e origina l formul a use d b y

Bantin

g and Best was 65% ethanol, a concentration at which insulin stayed i n solutio n bu t als o lef t othe r protein s i n solution , whic h cause d abscesse s a t th e sit e o f injection . Colli p foun d tha t a t 80
% ethano l muc h o f th e contaminatio n wa s lost , bu t insuli n remaine d soluble . A t 95
% ethanol , insuli n wa s precipitate d out . Collip's flair for purification, his meticulous natur e an d methodica l attentio n t o details , remaine d wit h hi m throughou t hi s productiv e career . Whe n th e Nobe l Priz e wa s awarde d t o Bantin g an d 2

8 Richard L. Noble, "Memories of James Bertram Collip," Canadian Medical Association Journal

9 3 (1965) : 1356-1364
: Young , The Development of Biochemistiy in Canada. 16-18. A Sixty-Year Evolution of Biochemistry at McGill University 41

Macleo

d fo r thei r achievements , th e latte r share d hi s priz e mone y wit h

Collip

. Colli p a t McGil l Whe n Colli p returne d t o Edmonto n afte r hi s sabbatica l t o resum e hi s chairmanship , hi s philosoph y abou t th e objective s o f researc h i n th e biologica l science s ha d bee n profoundl y changed . H e ha d becom e con vince d tha t biochemistr y shoul d b e pursue d i n th e interest s o f medica l practice . H e cease d t o wor k o n project s whic h wer e a n outgrowt h o f hi s Ph.D . work with Macallum. He became medically qualified and under too k project s whic h ha d direc t importanc e t o huma n health . Governe d b y thes e views , h e bega n t o concentrat e o n th e isolatio n an d purificatio n o f endocrin e secretions . H e successfull y isolate d parathyroi d hormone , showe d it s involvemen t i n calciu m metabolis m an d continue d t o isolate , quantify , standardiz e an d develo p assay s fo r th e hormone s tha t wer e bein g isolate d b y hi s ow n associate s a s wel l a s others . B y th e lat e 1920s
, Colli p ha d acquire d mor e tha n loca l recognition . Afte r hi s succes s i n Toronto , h e receive d a n offe r fro m th e May o Clini c a t Rochester , Minnesota , t o joi n a grou p i n experimenta l medicine . A secon d offe r cam e fro m McGil l Universit y t o succee d Macallu m a s hea d o f the Department of Biochemistry. No doubt with the support and encouragemen t o f his former mentor, Collip took up the Chair at McGill i n 1928
. Eve n today , i n a worl d movin g a t a muc h mor e rapi d pace , havin g hel d Chair s a t tw o differen t school s b y th e ag e o f 3 5 woul d b e considere d extraordinary . Durin g Collip's tenure, names that have lived on at McGill appeared o n th e University' s roster , an d area s o f researc h wit h a simila r legac y evolve d i n th e University' s laboratories . Outstandin g scholar s becam e associate d wit h th e Facult y an d th e Departmen t o f Biochemistry . D . L .

Thomso

n joine d th e Departmen t i n 1928
, fres h fro m hi s Ph.D . a t Cam bridge . B y 1932
, h e wa s promote d t o Associat e Professor , an d Ful l

Professo

r statu s cam e i n 1936
. Han s Selye , wit h a Ph.D . fro m Prague , joine d a s Lecture r i n th e sam e year . J . S. L. Browne became the first candidat e t o b e awarde d a Ph.D . degre e unde r Collip's supervision. Whil e takin g hi s Ph.D . training , Brown e identifie d estrio l i n th e pla centa . I n th e cours e o f time , Brown e woul d hel p t o foun d a Departmen t o f Investigativ e Medicine , hea d a center for research in steroid hormones an d becom e a n outstandin g internationa l figure . Abraha m Neufel d joine d th e staf f as Lecturer in 1939 but spent most of his academic career a t th e Universit y o f Wester n Ontari o a s a clinica l chemist . Collip's Department also expanded classroom instruction to non medica l undergraduate s wh o wer e enterin g course s an d laboratorie s i n

4^ to

P

O o ■s.

Colli p

(far right) and faculty circa 1930. Second from left, Leonard I. Pugsley; third from left, Gwen Toby;

sixt h fro m left , Davi d L . Thomson . Secon d fro m right, Joh n S. L. Browne; third from right. Hans Selye. c 3 A Sixty-Year Evolution of Biochemistry at McGill University 43 th e Facult y o f Medicin e (Histolog y an d Embryology ; Physiology ; Bio chemistry ; an d Bacteriology ) i n large r numbers . Som e o f thes e ha d i n th e pas t bee n restricte d t o medica l students . Th e influ x o f student s i n thes e areas , an d especiall y biochemistry , straine d th e existin g facilities . I n a n annua l repor t i n th e mi d 1930s
, Colli p stresse d tha t teachin g an d supervisio n wer e mad e extremel y difficul t an d h e pressure d th e Univer sit y t o provid e mor e spac e an d resources .

Teachin

g biochemistr y t o undergraduate s i n Art s an d Scienc e wa s a relativ e novelt y o n th e Nort h America n continent . Th e medica l schoo l o f th e Universit y o f Toront o ha d introduce d a join t physiology-biochemistr y undergraduat e progra m whe n Macallu m ha d heade d th e departmen t there . I t appear s likel y tha t Colli p ha d continue d thi s tradition . Bot h me n ha d ha d extensiv e trainin g i n biolog y an d biochemistr y prio r t o becom in g physician s an d perpetuate d thi s approac h whe n the y becam e respon sibl e fo r undergraduat e education . However , i n th e Unite d States , biochemistr y wa s taugh t an d continue d t o b e taught , fo r man y year s t o come , a s a disciplin e offere d onl y t o medica l an d graduat e students . Mos t Canadia n universitie s hav e adopte d th e McGill-Toront o model . Thus , although biochemistry departments were officially part of the facultie s o f medicine , course s wer e offere d t o scienc e student s an d specialize d undergraduat e program s i n th e disciplin e wer e developed . Thi s educationa l approac h ha s remaine d a distinguishin g featur e o f Ca nadia n medica l schools . Sinc e thes e program s wer e develope d i n medi ca l schools , th e syllabu s continue d t o emphasiz e th e huma n (o r mammalian ) condition . Th e firs t o f Collip's students graduated with advanced degrees biochem istr y i n 1931
. Amon g th e earl y Ph.D . recipient s wa s Evely n Anderson , th e firs t femal e studen t t o graduat e wit h a Ph.D. from the program in biochem istry . I n contras t wit h th e physica l sciences , graduat e studie s i n biochemis tr y attracte d wome n fro m th e ver y earlies t periods . A t leas t thre e wome n wer e i n graduat e trainin g betwee n 193
0 an d 1936
.

Researc

h Activit y i n th e Departmen t unde r Colli p Durin g Collip's tenure, the Department achieved outstanding interna tiona l recognition . Th e scientifi c outpu t o f th e relativel y smal l numbe r o f individual s wa s impressive , wit h som e 21
2 publication s i n a perio d o f 1 1 years . Mor e significan t tha n th e weigh t o f paper , however , i s th e natur e o f th e discoverie s made . Th e livel y scientifi c lif e i n th e Depart men t unde r Colli p i s recorde d i n a n annua l repor t o f 1933-34.29
2

9 A report from Dean of Medicine (Meakins) on the activities of the basic science departments in

th e Facult y o f Medicine , Annua l Repor t o f McGil l University , 1933-1934
, McGil l Universit y Archives .

44 Rose Johnstone

Colli p an d hi s graduat e student s Browne , Anderso n an d Pugsle y ha d obtaine d a water-solubl e derivativ e fro m huma n placent a (Emmenin) , whic h wa s successfull y use d a s a n estroge n supplement . I t wa s mar kete d b y th e Ayers t Pharmaceutica l Compan y i n Canada , an d garnere d attentio n an d mone y fo r th e researc h program . Emmeni n wa s late r identifie d a s a n estrio l coiijugate . Th e firs t repor t o n th e isolatio n o f adrenocorticotrophi c hormon e (ACTH) , wa s published,30 in addition to th e purificatio n othe r pituitar y hormones . Judgin g b y th e name s o n th e man y paper s published , ther e wa s extensiv e collaboratio n betwee n th e member s o f th e Departmen t o f Biochemistr y an d thos e o f othe r depart ments , suc h a s Anatom y an d Physiology , man y o f whic h wer e involve d i n th e studie s o f severa l differen t hormones . Durin g thos e year s o f intensiv e researc h i n th e Department , Han s Sely e publishe d hi s classi c pape r o n adaptatio n t o stres s an d th e crucia l rol e playe d b y corticosteroids . Selye's skills as a histologist, along with hi s surgica l skills , ha d bee n a valuabl e contributio n t o muc h o f th e ongoin g wor k wit h hormones : visualizin g thei r efficacy , specificit y an d th e effec t o f remova l o f th e organ s involved . I n time , Selye's work gaine d internationa l prominenc e i n th e exploratio n o f th e rol e o f corti costeroid s i n respondin g t o stress . I t shoul d no t b e surprisin g t o lear n tha t thes e tw o highl y gifte d an d ambitiou s scientist s (Colli p an d Selye ) di d no t se e ey e t o eye , especiall y afte r Sely e asserte d independen t credi t fo r hi s observatio n o n th e rol e o f the adrenal steroids in an animal under stress.31 Comments from a few individuals who knew both protagonists confir m thei r extrem e antipathy .

Nonetheless

, thi s test y relationshi p di d no t diminis h th e vibran t sci entifi c lif e i n th e Departmen t a t tha t time . Eve n whe n viewe d afte r mor e tha n hal f a century , thé lively scientific environment under Collip re main s palpable . Th e continuou s discoverie s mus t hav e create d a n enthu sias m tha t permeate d th e Department . Th e researc h achieve d internationa l renow n an d man y student s an d visitor s wer e attracte d t o participat e i n th e researc h work . Th e Gilma n Chene y Chai r Colli p wa s th e firs t recipien t o f Th e Gilma n Chene y Chair . I n th e lat e 1930s
, McGill received a bequest under the will of William Gilman Chene y "fo r th e establishmen t o f a Chai r o r Chair s i n th e nam e o f m y dea r father , th e lat e Gilma n Cheney , th e annua l revenu e whereo f t o b e 3 0 Jame s B . Collip , Evely n Anderson , an d D . L . Thomson , "Th e Adrenotropi c Hormon e o f th e

Anterio

r Pituitar y Lobe," Lancet 222 (1933): 347-348. 3

1 Hans Selye, "Thymus and Adrenals in the Response of the Organism to Injuries and Intoxica

tion, " British Journal of Experimental Pathology XVII (1936): 234-248. A Sixty-Year Evolution of Biochemistry at McGill University 45 applie d t o th e interest s o f th e Medica l Facult y o f th e sai d College. " I n Apri l 1937
, Colli p wa s appointe d t o th e Gilma n Chene y Chai r o f Bio chemistry . Bu t Colli p ha d ambition s othe r tha n runnin g a teachin g department . H e mad e i t clea r t o th e Universit y tha t h e wante d t o develo p a researc h institut e devote d t o endocrinology . Whe n hi s reques t t o renam e th e

Departmen

t t o Biochemistr y an d Endocrinolog y wa s no t approved , h e propose d t o ste p dow n fro m th e Chai r an d becom e th e directo r o f a n institut e dedicate d t o endocrinology . Suc h a uni t ha d bee n promise d t o hi m b y th e Universit y a t a n earlie r date. At the height of his prominence an d success , h e fel t th e tim e wa s righ t t o shif t th e directio n o f hi s career . Th e Institut e fo r Endocrinolog y wa s establishe d i n 194
1 an d Colli p becam e Professo r o f Endocrinology , wit h th e titl e "Gilma n Chene y

Professo

r o f Endocrinology. " Th e incom e fro m th e fun d wa s remove d fro m th e Biochemistr y Departmen t t o hel p finance th e ne w Institut e o f

Endocrinology

. Th e ne w uni t move d t o th e Roya l Victori a Hospital , vacatin g th e spac e allotte d t o Biochemistr y i n th e Biolog y Building . Wit h th e mov e wen t al l th e majo r equipment . Wit h on e sweep , Bio chemistr y wa s emptie d o f bot h staf f an d stuff, leaving a bone-bare departmen t fo r th e nex t Chai r o f Biochemistry . Th e worl d situatio n an d th e Secon d Worl d Wa r disrupte d man y o f Collip's personal plans. Like many scientists and academics, Collip becam e involve d wit h Canada' s wa r effor t an d worke d o n project s deeme d importan t t o solv e urgen t problems , an d hi s endocrinologica l researc h momentu m fel l victi m t o th e wa r effort . Afte r th e war , th e momentu m o f th e fiel d tha t ha d energize d hi m faile d t o b e revived , an d h e lef t McGil l an d ful l tim e researc h t o becom e Dea n o f Medicin e a t th e

Universit

y o f Wester n Ontario . Th e researc h institut e tha t Colli p founde d wa s dissolve d i n 1947
, an d th e incom e an d th e Chai r reverte d t o Bio chemistry.32 Fro m Principa l James' s correspondenc e a t th e time , th e suspicio n arise s tha t a n additiona l facto r prompte d Collip's decision to leave McGill.33 Collip had been overlooked in the appointment of a new Dean o f Graduat e Studies . Hi s junio r colleague , Davi d Landsboroug h Thom son , by then the incumbent Chair of Biochemistry, was appointed Dean 3 2 Principa l F. Cyril James to B. Collip, 22 April 1947, Records regarding Endocrinology (RG2, containe r 136
, file 3881)
, McGil l Universit y Archives . Thi s file als o contain s correspondenc e indicatin g tha t o n 3 March 1947, Collip was still negotiating with Alan Bronfman for a new Institute at Macdonald

College

. O n 2 1 April , h e accepte d th e offe r fro m th e Universit y o f Wester n Ontari o t o becom e it s Dea n o f Medicine . 3 3 Principa l Jame s to Chancellor Sir E.W. Beattie, 7 June 1942, Records of Graduate Studies and

Researc

h (RG2 , containe r 104, file 2831), McGill University Archives. D.L. Thomson is appointed Dea n o f Graduat e Studies . Additiona l correspondenc e clearl y indicate s tha t Colli p wante d th e positio n t o reflec t hi s seniority . Se e als o Jame s to Collip, 7 July 1942.

46 Rose Johnstone

i n 1942
. Th e Principa l an d th e Chancello r selecte d Thomso n a s th e bette r candidate , eve n thoug h th e Principa l ha d admitte d t o th e Chancel lo r tha t Colli p woul d fee l slighte d b y havin g th e appointmen t g o t o hi s junio r associate . Earlier , Colli p ha d briefl y hel d th e positio n o f "actin g Dean " an d ha d writte n a t th e en d o f his brief tenure that he had "enjoyed th e position. " T o wha t exten t th e lac k o f recognitio n b y th e senio r administratio n affecte d Collip's decision to leave McGill remains moot. Th e coincidenc e i s striking , bu t ther e i s n o on e lef t fo r verification . Lik e hi s predecesso r Macallum , Colli p returne d t o th e heartlan d o f Ontario . Hi s researc h too k a bac k sea t a s h e deal t wit h th e issue s exercisin g Deans . The Thomson Years (1941-1957): The Winds Change

Histor

y tell s u s tha t th e fat e o f kingdom s ca n chang e dramaticall y wit h a chang e i n th e head s o f state. The same phenomenon, of course, occurs wit h an y institution . Th e evolution o f th e Departmen t markedl y change d pace , an d th e Departmen t los t it s "plac e i n th e sun " unde r

Collip'

s successor , Davi d Landsboroug h Thomso n (1901-1964) .

Thompso

n ha d bee n on e o f th e Department' s activ e participant s fro m th e earlies t day s o f Collip' s appointment . Thomso n ha d arrive d i n Canad a i n 1928
, a youn g ma n fres h fro m hi s studie s fo r th e Ph.D . degre e a t th e Biochemica l Laborator y a t Cambridge . Fro m th e publish e d wor k emergin g fro m th e Departmen t prio r t o th e Secon d Worl d War , i t i s clea r tha t h e ha d bee n a n activ e contributo r t o th e researc h work , a s hi s nam e appear s a s a co-autho r o n man y o f th e publication s o f th e group . When Collip left to direct his new institute in 1941, Thomson wa s mad e Chai r o f th e Department .

Earlie

r biographie s sugges t tha t Thomso n wa s th e mai n autho r o f th e publication s durin g Collip' s era.34 Thomson himself was not deeply involve d i n hands-o n laborator y work . Th e recor d show s tha t h e guide d relativel y fe w student s t o graduat e degrees : fou r t o th e M.Sc . an d on e t o th e Ph.D . Al l wer e registere d prio r t o 1946
. Moreover , on e o f thes e students , wh o late r achieve d eminenc e i n he r field , Dam e Brigitt a Ask - onas , was registered for the degree with Thomson as director but actu all y worke d unde r th e directio n o f a n investigato r outsid e th e

Department

. I t i s no t clea r whethe r som e o f th e othe r o f Thomson' s student s als o ha d dail y supervisio n fro m investigator s wh o wer e neithe r member s o f th e Department , no r ha d recognize d association s wit h th e

Department

. Anothe r studen t wa s registere d unde r th e join t supervisio n o f Thomso n wit h a facult y membe r o f a differen t department . Thom - 3

4 Young, The Development of Biochemistry in Canada, 11.

A Sixty-Year Evolution of Biochemistry at McGill University 47 son' s appetit e t o trai n student s wa s evidentl y wel l belo w Collip's .

Thomson'

s man y talent s la y elsewhere , an d eve n include d writin g books . H e publishe d a popula r boo k o n cytology , The Life of the Cell, an d a myster y stor y base d o n a murde r i n th e laboratory.35 No one recall s a n activ e Thomso n researc h laboratory.36 This practice of "farm in g out " graduat e student s persiste d fo r man y years , lon g pas t Thom son' s era , unti l guideline s wer e establishe d tha t require d Departmenta l approva l t o supervis e graduat e students . Durin g th e perio d o f th e Secon d Worl d War , whil e Colli p hel d th e Chai r bu t wa s engage d i n Canada' s wa r effort , muc h o f th e departmen ta l responsibilit y wa s shouldere d b y Thomson . Whe n Colli p lef t t o direc t hi s ne w institute , Thomso n wa s a natura l successo r t o th e Chair . Anyon e familia r wit h biochemistr y a t McGil l durin g th e fortie s an d fiftie s will , a t th e mer e mentio

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