Part 3

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"Newborn Dinner" invitation and menu, 1961

Avery believed firmly in the importance of bringing people together to address challenges and questions. She and Sydney Segal organized the first “Newborn Dinner,” a “grass roots ventures to bring together all those who have a prime interest in research in the newborn infant.” The menu for the inaugural Newborn Dinner, held on May 3rd 1961, included “jumbo postmature olives,” “potato croquette a la parthenogene,” and “French surfactant dressing.” (See full menu attached to the invitation letter displayed here).

She said once of her own surfactant discovery:

“Of the essence was the collegiality of the investigators, the willingness to share not only data, but importantly, enthusiasm and friendship.”