時重初熊博士に関する論文

Dr. Hatsukuma Tokishige

(November 28, 1859-April 19, 1913)
  The year of 2009 is the 150th anniversary of the birth of Dr.

Hatsukuma TOKISHIGE. He is one of the greatest veterinary patho-

microbiologists in the field of Japanese veterinary medical science.
 He was born at Heta Village, Tsuno County (present Shunan City),

 YamaguchiPrefecture. He grew up in the turbulent years of Meiji 

Restoration, which transformed the feudal Japan into a modern 

nation.
 In July 1885 he graduated first on the list from the Faculty of

 Veterinary Medicine, Tokyo Imperial University (present Tokyo

 University). In March 1899 he received D.V.M. degree from Tokyo 

Imperial University.
 In Japan Epizootic lymphangitis (so-called Pseudofarcy or Saccharo

mycosis equi)was known for more than three hundred years. However, 

it was not until 1896 that the  causative  microorganism,  Zymonema

farciminosum,   was discovered by Dr. TOKISHIGE.
 There is not a shadow of doubt that any other scientists could 

cultivate a microorganism. The first pure cultures were successfully

acquired through Dr. TOKlSHlGE's desperate endeavours. It was in

July 1896 that he succeeded in the cultivation of the microorganism 

for the first time in the world. His investigation into Epizootic

lymphangitis covered all the fields of this disease, which included 

not only mycology,but also ecology, clinical medicine, pathology, 

and epidemiology. His contribution   deserves  the  first place in 

the history of veterinary medical science in Japan.
  Even today, Epizootic lymphangitis is still an endemic in Europe, 

Africa, Asia, and Russia. In Japan, however, it was conquered by 1947.

 This remarkable success in Japan is derived from the basis of Dr.

TOKlSHlGE's prominent scientific theory.
 He was sent to Germany for three and a half years, that is, from 

June 1898 to February 1902. He studied at Munich University (Ludwig

Maximilians Universitat zu Munchen) for one and a half years, and then 

at Berlin University (Friedrich Wilhelms Universitat zu Berlin) for 

two years. His study and research covered pathology, microbiology, 

parasitology, meat hygiene, and so forth. His teachers included Dr.

Theodor Kitt, Dr. Otto Bollinger, and Dr. Robert Koch, all of whom 

were the greatest scholars of the world in those days.
  In February 1902 Dr. TOKISHIGE became a professor of Tokyo Imperial

University.
 In March 1910 he concurrently served as the director of the newly 

established
National Institute of Veterinary Research (present National Institute 

of Animal Health,Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry). In 1903 he was 

elected to a member of Japan
 Central Public Health Committee. He rendered great contributions in

 the field of public health of this country. He was widely known as 

an outstanding scholar, and also a devoted educator. He sent a number

 of his disciples to schools and research centers in Japan, and 

 there  they  rendered  great  services for the development of 

veterinary science of this country.
  The following are a part of his principal achievements '.

Epizootic lymphangitis (so-called Pseudofarcy ), Equine infectious 

anaemia, Equine encephalitis ( so-called Borna's disease ), Strangles, 

Rinderpest, Tuberculosis, Swine pasteurellosis ( so-called 

swine plague ),Dermatitis pustulose contagiosa, canadensis 

( so-called Canadian horse-pox ) ,   Oesophagostomiasis 

( due to   Oesophagostoma columbianum ), Habronemiasis 

( so-called Dermatitis granulosa   or Himushi disease),

Bovine Babesiosis, and their related subjects.
Of the above, the investigation into Epizootic lymphangitis

is the most admirable achievement made by him.
 Dr. TOKISHIGE died of chronic bronchial catarrhalis in

Tokyo on April 19, 1913.
 Needless to say, his death was a great loss to the world of 

Japanese veterinary medical science. He himself, as well as

his great contributions, has certainly left  a  permanent 

example  to  the  future generations of veterinary medical

science.
  For further reading:see The Yamaguchi Journal of Veterinary

Medicine, No. 6,
1979, pp. 39-48, as to a chronological record and other materials

of Dr. TOKISHIGE written by Hiroshi KlSHl, D.V.M., a veterinary historian.

                       Hiroshi YAMAGATA D.M., B.V.M.
                               Editor in Chief

Ogori, Yamaguchi-shi
November, 2009

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