In spite of numerous handicaps, dermatology has made substantial progress. In regard to general recognition and popularity, its growth during the past decade has been gratifying and even spectacular. It has always been and still is a lucrative field scientifically; it is now a lucrative field financially. Partly because dermatologists are practical people, but mostly because of necessity, evolution has been largely along practical lines.
Dermatology in this country has been developed to a considerable extent by men who have been compelled to support themselves and their dependants with revenue from private practice. A combination of altruism, pioneer spirit, thirst for knowledge and a desire to improve the specialty has caused many of these men to donate time, effort and money to charity, teaching and research.
Encouragement and help have been received from some medical colleges and institutions, while others have been indifferent. Medical institutions have political, financial and other