American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol 11, 593-602, Copyright © 1962 by The American Society for Clinical Nutrition, Inc.

Contributions of Biochemistry to Understanding and Solving the World Problem of Protein Malnutrition in Children

¹ From the Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, and the Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), Guatemala, Central America

Dr. Ernest Geiger was a member of the faculty of the University of Southern California for eleven years (1948-1959). He received his medical degree in his native country of Hungary from the University of Pecs. Upon receiving this degree he had an academic career, first as an assistant instructor in pharmacology at the University of Graz, then at Pecs as instructor, privatdocent and later professor on the medical faculty. For three years he served as Research Director of Gideon Richter, Ltd., London, after which he came to the United States and became a naturalized citizen. For nineteen years he was Director of Research at the Van Camp Laboratories. During this period he studied and qualified for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Southern California, receiving this degree in 1947. Following this he served for eleven years as a member of the faculty.

Dr. Geiger was particularly interested in biochemistry, proteins and their roles in nutrition and related topics, and published many reports of specific researches in this general field. In his teaching and clinical activities, he endeavored in every way possible to arouse in medical students and medical colleagues an interest in the science of nutrition and the application of that science to medicine. His scientific publications brought him recognition by election to membership in many professional societies as well as special honors. Many students, colleagues and friends remember him also for his endearing personal qualities, and the many helpful things he did for them. He was a scholar, a gentleman and a true friend.

Dr. Geiger died on June 3, 1959. At that time many friends contributed to a memorial fund to be used in support of memorial lectures and in other appropriate ways. This is the first such lecture.