The cost of not doing medical research.

At a time when governmental expenditures on medical research are being questioned by treasury boards, it seems wise to review historical examples of profitable investment in such research. Differentiation of medical research from medical technology is essential in this confrontation. Continuity of merited research support is a key factor in attracting inquisitive and gifted minds to this area of medical science. Medical research should be seen as social investment and not as a charity.