Irvin H. Blank
February 20, 1902 - April 19, 2001
Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) researcher Irvin Blank, Ph.D., died
April 19 at the age of 98. In a research career that spanned more than 75
years, Blank made major contributions to the understnding of physical and
chemical properties of the skin and helped to explain how many medications
and cosmetics affect the skin.
In 1936, Blank came to Harvard medical School (HMS) from the University
of Cincinnati and worked as a research fellow until he joined the MGH
Dermatology Service in 1938. After 32 years with HMS, he retired as a
faculty member in 1968, but continued doing research with the MGH Wellman
Laboratories of Photomedicine and the Dermatology Clincial Investigations
Unit.
Deemed the "father of moisturizers" when he received an award from the
Society of Cosmetic Chemists in 1959, Blank made significant contributions
to basic and clinical research in dermatology and helped build the
scientific foundation for work in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical
industries.
He continued his teaching and research activities at the MGH up until
1997 and remained active as a consultant and adviser to the MGH Dermatology
Department and HMS until recently.
"Dr. Blank was an intelligent, disciplined, unselfish and thorough
investigator who contributed greatly to dermatology in its early years,"
says John Parrish, MD, chief of Dermatology and a lontime colleague of
Blank's. "In the 62 years he was at the MGH, he never lost his childlike
curiosity, love of teaching and commitment to excellence."
For more information contact MGH Media Relations at 617-724-6423.
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