Demetrius Zambaco Pasha (1832-1913): The first leprologist of the Orient.

Démétrius Zambaco Pasha (1832-1913) was an internationally renowned Ottoman-born French dermatologist of Greek origin who is considered the first leprologist of the Orient. A graduate from the Faculty of Medicine in Paris, he practised there until he returned to Istanbul in 1872 and later served as a private physician to the Ottoman sultan Abdul Hamid II (1842-1918), then Abbas Hilmi Pasha (1874-1944), the last Khedive of Egypt. Dr Zambaco produced numerous publications in a variety of medical subjects including leprosy, syphilis, morphinomania, eunuchs, and medical history. Leprosy, however, was his main field of scientific interest, with nearly 40 studies published and many other communications presented at international medical congresses. Due to his outstanding scientific contributions, Dr Zambaco garnered many accolades including the Cholera Medal of Honour, the Montyon Prize, and Légion d'Honneur from France as well as the honorary title of Pasha, a higher rank in the political and military system, from the Ottoman Empire.

Prof. Masao Ota.

Masao Ota was a Professor of Dermatology at Tokyo Imperial University. He is known to dermatologists around the world as the researcher who identified Nevus of Ota. He is also known for his research on Hansen's Disease. He was critical of the forced isolation policy and the sterilization law. He dreamt of developing chemotherapeutic measures and dedicated himself to cultivating Mycobacterium leprae. Among his accomplishments, those in the area of medical mycology are particularly remarkable. His discovery of Microsporum ferrugineum, his proposal for Trichophytia pompholyciformis, and his work on Ota-Langeron taxonomy based on the findings on fungus colonies are highly regarded and earned him the Ordre Royale de la Legion D'honneur. His accomplishments in the field of mycology are numerous; he has published a total of 39 research papers mostly in foreign languages. He was a leading world-class medical mycologist of his day. This review introduces some of his accomplishments and some episodes in his life.Furthermore, Masao Ota had a detailed knowledge of art and culture. Under the pseudonym of Kinoshita Mokutaro, he wrote poems, plays, and novels. He was also a painter. Particularly, his paintings in botany during his later years were published in the book "One Hundred Flower Sketches" after his death.Ota said, "The consequence of both science and art is global and humanitarian." He was one of the greatest men of culture in his time.

V.R. Khanolkar: father of pathology and medical research in India.

Vasant Ramji Khanolkar was the first pathologist in India. He made major contributions to the epidemiology and understanding of cancer, blood groups, and leprosy. He was the first to show the existence of dhoti cancers, and was among the earliest to demonstrate the carcinogenicity of tobacco and the use of needle aspiration cytology for the diagnosis of neoplasms. He was an acclaimed teacher and was on the boards of numerous international organizations. He was a bibliophile and his writings are Oslerian in style. He serves as a role model to the few in India who are aware of him. He deserves to be called the "Father of pathology and medical research in India."

V.R. Khanolkar: father of patology and medical research in India

Vasant Ramji Khanolkar was the first pathologist in India. He made major contributions to the epidemiology and understanding of cancer, blood groups, and leprosy. He was the first to show the existence of dhoti cancers, and was among the earliest to demonstrate the carcinogenicity of tobacco and the use of needle aspiration cytology for the diagnosis of neoplasms. He was an acclaimed teacher and was on the boards of numerous international organizations. He was a bibliophile and his writings are Oslerian in style. He serves as a role model to the few in India who are aware of him. He deserves to be called the "Father of pathology and medical research in India."