Historical and Commemorative Medals
Collection of Benjamin Weiss

JOSEPH W.E. HARRISSON GOLD MEDAL FOR EXCELLENCE IN PHARMACOLOGY

Aug. C. Frank Co.: USA, 1958, Gold, 34 mm
Obv: Mouse standing on hindquarters over mortar and pestle, with microscope and test tube  .JOSEPH W.E. HARRISSON. PHARMACOLOGY.
Rev: PHILADELPHIA COLLEGE OF PHARMACY & SCIENCE. AWARDED FOR EXCELLENCE IN PHARMACOLOGY    BENJAMIN WEISS 1958
Signed: AUG. C. FRANK CO. PHILA. PA.
Ref: Weiss BW693

In original green, felt-lined case of issue.Joseph W.E. Harrisson, D.Sc., the donor of this commencement award, was Professor of Pharmacology and Chair of the Department of Pharmacology at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science. Dr. Harrisson was a world-renowned expert in the field of biological assay (bioassay), then the principal approach to the measurement of drug activity. In a bioassay, the concentration of a pharmacologically active substance is estimated by measuring its effect on a living organism, rather than by measuring its concentration by direct physical or chemical methods. Bioassays are often performed when medicinals are of plant, animal or mineral origin and their pharmacological activity is due to a complex mixture of natural components rather than to a single identifiable compound that could be measured by chemical analysis.

Dr. Harrisson was also president of LaWall and Harrisson Laboratories, a drug formulation and analytical company, formerly located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science (now University of the Sciences in Philadelphia), founded in 1821, is the oldest and largest college of pharmacy in North America.

This Gold Medal was awarded to Benjamin Weiss by the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science for Attaining the Highest Grade in Pharmacology of the 1958 Graduating Class.  The medal is housed in its original green, felt-lined case of issue.

LINK to A Brief Story of University of the Sciences in Philadelphia (by G. Victor Rossi)

LINK  to the History of the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia (from wikipedia)

LINK to University of the Sciences in Philadelphia website

Curriculum Vitae of Benjamin Weiss

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