Description:

Archive of Polio Researchers, Seidenfeld and Salk: Combating the Physical & Mental Effects of the Disease

A lovely set of materials relating to two prominent researchers who fought to eradicate the physical impact of polio, as well as treating the psychological trauma experienced by polio patients.

1. A near fine typed letter on letterhead of "The National Foundation For Infantile Paralysis", with a printed signature of Morton Seidenfeld, Ph.D., referencing material on polio. Pen marks outside of margin and a small staple mark. Accompanied by the original small manila envelope 9" x 6" with the postage sheered off.

2. A near fine 1957 glossy black and white photo of Jonas Salk receiving the Gallatin Award from Roy Larsen, President of Time, Inc. 9" x 7" with 2 tiny wrinkles. Else near fine. Verso of photograph has a vintage sheet crediting the photographer, and dating the photo 11-12-57.

Dr. Seidenfeld was the director of the psychological services of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis with the belief that Polio patients experienced trauma as the result of the experience of sudden paralysis, the conditions under which patients were treated, and the expectations for rehabilitation. Psychiatric and psychological counseling in hospitals was only beginning to be offered in this period, and most polio patients received little or no counseling or assistance in dealing with their psychological problems. Dr. Seidenfeld championed the need for mental therapy and rehabilitation. "When a child goes to a hospital, he is entered as 'Poliomyelitis acute'. But that is not his name at all. He is 'Johnny Jones', called 'Red' by his buddies, he's 12, and only a few hours ago, he was captain of his sand-lot baseball team, and pleased as punch because his coach, Bill Smith said he was a natural for big leagues. Now he is lonely, afraid, and sure he will never know the feel of a bat or a catcher's mitt again". Dr. Seidenfeld believed in treating the mental horrors of Polio and insisted on training doctors and nurses to let Johnny talk about his memories, hopes and fears. A talk which will help him adjust normally to a world in which other boys will play baseball while he, Johnny, sits in the bleachers". With psychological considerations noticeably missing from many rehabilitation programs, Seidenfeld realized the need to elevate mental therapy and rehabilitation was as important as physical rehabilitation.

Jonas Salk was appointed by The March of Dimes to conduct research to design a polio vaccine. In the span of 6 years, the key basic lab discoveries facilitating the development of the vaccine were made, optimization and safety testing was completed in both animals and human volunteers, the largest clinical trial in history of 1.8 million children was conducted, and the results were released to an eagerly awaiting public. Salk had invested his life and passion in the pursuit to rid the world of Polio, a disease which tended to mostly affected children and teens. His drive was not motivated by financial gain, but instead that of bettering the world with a sole focus to develop a safe and effective vaccine as rapidly as possible. With no interest in personal profit, when asked if he would patent his vaccine he replied “Would you patent the sun?”

A great duo of pieces consisting of a typed letter from the doctor who was battling the emotional and mental tragedy of the disease, and a wonderful black and white photo of the research scientist who developed the first safe vaccine to eradicate the disease, showing Salk receiving the Gallatin Award for his "contribution of lasting significance to society."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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August 26, 2021 10:30 AM EDT
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