Technikatörténeti szemle 16. (1986-87)

TANULMÁNYOK - †Kempler Kurt: Adatok az Országos Közegészségügyi Intézet létesítéséről és működésének kezdetéről

the period of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy

: the per capita number of doctors was very low and death rates were outstanding in Europe, while government authorities failed to take the necessary steps. When material resources were ensured by the financial support of the Rockefeller Foundation, the institute was established rapidly, within two years. In the remarkable organization of the institute's activities the merit is due to the organizing capabilities of its first director Béla Johan. Dealing with the first five and a half years of the institute's life the author presents some objectives valid also at the present time, and describes how the institute faced out the difficulties of the great economical crisis of the 'thirties. The author also gives a picture of the political battles connected with the establishment of the institute, of the parliamentary debate on Act 31, 1925 related to it.