Physic and Philanthropy examines the origins and evolution of the Wellcome Trust, and its impact on medical science. Although the book contains a good deal of factual information, it may not stir much interest outside the foundation community.
Sir Henry himself, a truly great man, is given short shrift. As described in The Times he was noted for "coining" the term "tabloid," and for "his upbringing among the Dakota Indians, and his great versatility and wide outlook." Beyond that, as described in the book, there was a series of complaints about the difficulties entailed by his enormous collection of archaeological and medical objects and books, and the problems occasioned by his complex will.
The chapter describing the first 20 years of the Trust is aptly entitled "Out of the Darkness." It chronicles the problems with tax claims, the poor quality of management of the company, and the hard work of ...
