Exceptional Matters. Harveian Oration.

Exceptional matters Keith Peters
Medical researchers in universities, research institutes and industry today are struggling to promote translational research--the catchphrase is from bench to bedside. The achievements of basic biomedical research and its potential in the postgenomic era are evident, but this Oration is in praise of clinical research. Archibald Garrod, the pioneer of clinical research of the past century, was greatly influenced by the Cambridge biologist and apostle of mendelism, William Bateson, whom I quote:

"A word of counsel to beginners, it is: Treasure your exceptions! When there are none, work gets so dull that no one cares to carry it further. Keep them always uncovered and in sight. Exceptions are like the rough brick-work of a growing building which tells that there is more to come and shews where the next construction is to be."

(Article suggested by Prof. Dr. Bruno Caramelli [bcaramel@usp.br] and Isabela Giuliano [isabelag@uol.com.br])