THE SPECIAL AWARD 219 While it is this book which is the center of my remarks today and is indeed the basis for this presentation, it would be an error if you were to assume that this accomplishment is the entire sum of Rothman's life work in this field. His own original scientific studies and contributions are innumerable, and above all, the host of brilliant students that he has trained, and who will carry on his work are testimonials to his tremendous ability both as a research worker and as an inspiring teacher. Moreover, it is certainly fitting that Rothman should receive this award from you today, because he combines in his one person, in his one intellect, those qualities which may be regarded as exemplifying what this award represents. When I think of these qualities and abilities of Rothman, I am reminded of a phrase which Dr. Rothman and I heard Dr. Paul Bechet attribute to Sir Erasmus Wilson, the great British dermatologist of bygone years. It was at the recent meeting of the American Dermatological Association that we heard Dr. Bechet give this quotation, which I believe went something like this--"If there is anything more beautiful than a healthy skin, it is a rare skin disease." Stephen, my friend, you have contributed to all aspects of the things mentioned in Sir Erasmus Wilson's words--for you have contributed mightily to the health of the skin, to the beauty of the skin, and to basic dermatologic knowledge concerning skin diseases. I congratulate you and I congratulate the SOCIETY ov COSMETIC CHEMISTS on the bestowing of this award which you have so richly earned. I thank you. CITATION President Kenneth L. Russell in presenting the scroll said, "Stephen Rothman, in appreciation of your outstanding work in the field of derma- tology, which has so effectively advanced the cause of research in our own field of cosmetics... "and in special recognition of your distinguished book, 'Physiology and Biochemistry of the Skin,' which provides a source of valuable information for cosmetic chemists... "Stephen Rothman, I hereby present you, on behalf of the members of the SOCIETY OF COSMETIC CHEMISTS, with this scroll and check, awarded by the SOCIETY to reward and stimulate the publication of significant research work." ACCEPTANCE OF THE AWARD BY DR. STEPHEN ROTHMAN ! am deeply moved by this great honor bestowed upon me. I feel that this is a reaf•rmation of our common belief in the significance of basic research. Cosmetic chemists and research dermatologists have much in common. Both deal with the skin and both share the desire to go beyond

220 JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY OF COSMETIC CHEMISTS . ....... - ..... :: "*:" ::::::• . .. -•..7. ....... ...:.:. ..... • • :•.. • .:: • :(:• .:I' .... [2' .•'•- 5" '• .... (.•'-•:': ... .. . .:..... ? .. Dr. Stephen Rothman, Professor of Dermatology at the University of Chicago (L.) accepts the Soc•.x¾ ov Cos•.xxc C•.msxs' Special Award of $1000 from Dr. Kenneth K. Russell, the Socx•.x¾'s president. the registration of empirical facts and both worry about the how and why. We don't do that merely because we realize that sound development is possible only if we possess basic knowledge in the field, but mainly because of the inquisitive spirit which imbues all men engaged in basic research. Your Award has made me particularly happy because it symbolizes to me your faith in the superiority of the experimental method which goes beyond direct observation and description and beyond hit and miss methods of all kinds. It always has been my sincere belief that experimental work carries its reward in itself. It is one of the greatest possible human delights to con- ceive an idea purely by mental processes and find our theory or working hypothesis confirmed in the experiment. This is creative work, no matter on how small a scale it happens to occur. I was fortunate in experiencing this rapture a few times in the thirty-six years of my laboratory career. I felt it as a young man in 1921 when I found the idea confirmed that the tyrosine level of the blood must decrease prior to sun tanning because cir- culating tyrosine is held back by the activated enzyme of the pigment form-