Toby K. Eisenstein Symposium Committee Chairperson Temple University School of Medicine Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140 This symposium is the thirteenth biennial clinical microbiology program sponsored by the Eastern Pennsylvania Branch of the American Society for Microbiology in cooperation with the Philadelphia area medical schools and the Bureau of Laboratories of the Pennsylvania Department of Health. This year a generous contribution from Merck, Sharp and Dohme has helped to make the program a reality. The subject matter for this symposium represents an attractive spectrum of medical, biological and molecular approaches to the practical solution of a public health prob1em--name1y, prevention of infection with the hepatitis B virus. The symposium may be unique in that it focuses on a product which was first marketed less than three months ago, but included in the program are presen tations on two new approaches to hepatitis B vaccine production which may replace the one which is newly unveiled. The rapidity of progress in our present era of biological research is indeed astonishing."

Toby K. Eisenstein Symposium Committee Chairperson Temple University School of Medicine Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140 This symposium is the thirteenth biennial clinical microbiology program sponsored by the Eastern Pennsylvania Branch of the American Society for Microbiology in cooperation with the Philadelphia area medical schools and the Bureau of Laboratories of the Pennsylvania Department of Health. This year a generous contribution from Merck, Sharp and Dohme has helped to make the program a reality. The subject matter for this symposium represents an attractive spectrum of medical, biological and molecular approaches to the practical solution of a public health prob1em--name1y, prevention of infection with the hepatitis B virus. The symposium may be unique in that it focuses on a product which was first marketed less than three months ago, but included in the program are presen tations on two new approaches to hepatitis B vaccine production which may replace the one which is newly unveiled. The rapidity of progress in our present era of biological research is indeed astonishing."

""Hepatitis B" is one of the world's most common viruses--and one of the top ten killers. Unlike much else in our often gloom-filled world, it looks likely that HBV will be effectively controlled, and possibly eradicated, within the next decade. If so, Baruch Blumberg will deserve a large share of the credit. But this book is much more than a scientific success story. It vividly conveys the existential adventure of science: the surprises, disappointments, exhilaration, and dull routines whose results serve us all so well."--Robert M. May, President of the Royal Society

"A thoroughly engaging history of one of the most important medical discoveries of the century, recounted with keen insight, lively wit, and remarkable humility. Rarely is one afforded such an opportunity to learn firsthand from a world-class scientist how new paradigms in biology result from relentless questioning and intellectual passion."--Jerome Groopman, Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, author of "The Measure of our Days"

"A pioneer in the field, Blumberg has a unique insight and perspective. He clearly presents a superb account of the story of hepatitis B virus discovery and argues, interestingly, how such a discovery can mirror the general process by which scientific ideas evolve, including the contributions of chance, good fortune, intelligence, and hard work."--Tonse N. Raju, Professor of Pediatrics, University of Illinois at Chicago, author of "The Nobel Chronicles"

"Baruch Blumberg, Nobel-prize winner for his discovery of the hepatitis B virus, has never before woven all the strands of the story into a full tapestry. What makes the story doubly fascinating is the world-wide public healthimportance of hepatitis B, as much of a killer as AIDS. Blumberg is an eloquent writer giving a fascinating account. General readers and experts alike will find this an enjoyable book, not least for the vivid touches that feel first-hand."--Jenny Stanton, History Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine