# Charles Herbert Best

> medical scientist, co-discoverer of insulin (1899-1978)

**Wikidata**: [Q867690](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q867690)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Best_(medical_scientist))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/charles-herbert-best

## Summary
Charles Herbert Best was a Canadian medical scientist and biochemist who co-discovered insulin in 1921, a breakthrough that revolutionized diabetes treatment. His work laid the foundation for modern endocrinology and earned him international recognition, including membership in prestigious scientific academies.

## Biography
- Born: February 27, 1899, in Toronto, Canada
- Nationality: Canadian
- Education: Bachelor of Science (1921) and Doctor of Medicine (1924) from the University of Toronto
- Known for: Co-discovering insulin with Frederick Banting and John Macleod
- Employer(s): University of Toronto, Royal Society of Canada
- Field(s): Biochemistry, endocrinology

## Contributions
- **Insulin Discovery (1921)**: Co-developed insulin with Frederick Banting and John Macleod, a pivotal advancement in diabetes treatment that saved millions of lives.
- **Biochemical Research**: Conducted foundational work in pancreatic extracts, isolating insulin from animal sources.
- **Academic Leadership**: Served as a professor at the University of Toronto, shaping medical education and research.
- **Scientific Recognition**: Published numerous papers on pancreatic extracts and insulin, contributing to the field’s understanding of hormone function.

## FAQs
### What was Charles Herbert Best’s most significant achievement?
Charles Herbert Best co-discovered insulin in 1921, a breakthrough that transformed diabetes treatment and earned him global acclaim.

### Where did Charles Herbert Best study and work?
He earned his degrees from the University of Toronto and later worked there as a professor, while also affiliating with the Royal Society of Canada.

### What awards did Charles Herbert Best receive?
He was honored with the Canada Gairdner International Award, the Flavelle Medal, and induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

### How did Charles Herbert Best contribute to biochemistry?
He conducted pioneering research on pancreatic extracts, isolating insulin and advancing endocrinology.

### What organizations was Charles Herbert Best affiliated with?
He was a member of the Royal Society, the Royal Society of Canada, and other prestigious scientific academies.

## Why They Matter
Charles Herbert Best’s co-discovery of insulin with Frederick Banting and John Macleod fundamentally changed the treatment of diabetes, saving countless lives. His work established the field of endocrinology and inspired future generations of scientists. His contributions to biochemistry and academic leadership left a lasting legacy in medicine and research.

## Notable For
- Co-discoverer of insulin (1921), revolutionizing diabetes treatment
- Fellow of the Royal Society and Royal Society of Canada
- Recipient of the Canada Gairdner International Award and Flavelle Medal
- Inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame
- Professor at the University of Toronto, shaping medical education

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Charles Herbert Best was born on February 27, 1899, in Toronto, Canada. He pursued higher education at the University of Toronto, earning a Bachelor of Science in 1921 and a Doctor of Medicine in 1924. His academic foundation laid the groundwork for his groundbreaking research in biochemistry.

### Scientific Contributions
Best’s most notable achievement was co-discovering insulin in 1921 alongside Frederick Banting and John Macleod. Their work isolated insulin from pancreatic extracts, a critical advancement in diabetes treatment. This discovery earned them the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1923, though Banting and Macleod received the award; Best was later recognized with the Canada Gairdner International Award.

### Academic and Professional Career
Throughout his career, Best held positions at the University of Toronto, where he contributed to medical education and research. He was affiliated with the Royal Society of Canada and other prestigious scientific organizations, including the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. His work on pancreatic extracts and insulin isolation was published in influential journals, solidifying his reputation in biochemistry.

### Honors and Recognition
Best received numerous accolades, including the Flavelle Medal from the Royal Society of Canada and induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. He was also honored with the F.N.G. Starr Award by the Canadian Medical Association. These recognitions reflected his significant contributions to medicine and science.

### Legacy and Influence
Charles Herbert Best’s discovery of insulin remains one of the most impactful achievements in medical history. His research paved the way for modern endocrinology and inspired future scientists. His work at the University of Toronto and membership in leading scientific academies ensured his influence extended far beyond his lifetime. Today, his name is synonymous with the breakthrough that transformed diabetes care.

## References

1. Find a Grave
2. [Source](https://www.invent.org/inductees/charles-best)
3. [Laureates of The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame](http://www.cdnmedhall.org/laureates)
4. [Complete list of recipients from 1864 to today](https://www.ulaval.ca/notre-universite/prix-et-distinctions/doctorats-honoris-causa-de-luniversite-laval/liste-complete-des-recipiendaires-de-1864-a-aujourdhui.html#c154742)
5. [Source](https://www.cma.ca/get-involved/awards/fng-starr-award)
6. Le général de Gaulle à la séance solennelle de rentrée de l'Université de Paris. Le Monde. 1945
7. Virtual International Authority File
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9. www.pas.va
10. [Source](https://discoverarchives.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/charles-best-papers-00241)
11. National Register of Historic Places
12. SNAC
13. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
14. KNAW Past Members
15. Dictionary of Canadian Biography
16. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
17. Munk's Roll
18. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
19. Croatian Encyclopedia
20. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
21. nobelprize.org
22. La France savante
23. Quora
24. [LIBRIS. 2012](https://libris.kb.se/katalogisering/tr577xbc37slds6)
25. Catalogo of the National Library of India