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pleted the transition of understanding arrhythmia mechanisms from hypothesis to physiologic

fact. In retrospect, perhaps the contribution of greatest importance of this modest. beloved man

was his inspirational impact on his students.

He will be deeply missed.

Dr. Pick is survived by his wife Dr. Ruth Pick, an authority in arteriosclerosis and

his colleague at the Michael Reese Hospital.

References

Katz LN. Pick A. Clinical electrocardiography, Part I. The arrhythmias. Lea and Febiger. Phila-

delphia, 1956.

Pick A. Langendorf R. Interpretation of complex arrhythmias. Lea and Febiger, Philadelphia, 1979.

Langendorf R. Necrologia. Dr. Max Winternitz (1900-1952). Cardiologia 1953; 22: 62-63.

Langendorf R, Pick A, Winter&z M. Mechanisms of intermittent ventricular bigeminy. 1. Appearance

of ectopic beats dependent upon length of the ventricular cycle. the ‘Rule of bigeminy’. Circulation

1955: 11: 422-430.

Langendorf R, Pick A. Ekg - Befunde bei Lungenembolie. Acta Med Stand 1936; 90: 289-304.

Langendorf R. Pick A. Elektrokardiogramm bei akuter Nephritis. Med Klin 1937; 126-136.

Langendorf R. Pick A. Elektrokardiogramm bei akuter Nephritis. Parts I and II. Acta Med Stand

1938: 94: I-35, 36-58.

Langendorf R. Pick A. Zur Diagnose des Myokardinfarktes mit Hilfe von Brustwandableitungen.

Acta Med Stand 1938; 96: 80-100.

Pick A, Langendorf R. A case of reciprocal beating with evidence of repetitive and blocked reentry of

the cardiac impulse. Am Heart J 1950; 40: 13-29.

Langendorf R. Lev M. Pick R. Auricular fibrillation with anomalous A-V excitation (WPW syndrome)

imitating ventricular paroxysmal tachycardia. Acta Cardiol 1952: 7: 241-260.

Eiichi Kimura

Dr. Borys Surawicz, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, writes:

The beginnings of our acquaintance with Dr. Eiichi Kimura and his wife, Kimi go back to 1958 when he spent 8 months doing research in electrocardiography with Dr. Eugene

Lepeschkin in Burlington, Vermont. Our families have remained in contact, which has gradualiy evolved into warm friendship reinforced at various international congresses, and

highlighted by home visits in Lexington and Tokyo. Professor Kimura’s professional accomplishments have been summarized in the previous

issue of the Journal by our mutual friend Professor Yoshio Watanabe [ 11. He has outlined Dr.

Kimura’s widely ranging contributions to theoretical and clinical electrocardiography and to clinical cardiology. After his return from Vermont in 1959, Eiichi Kimura was appointed

Chairman of the First Department of Internal Medicine at the Nippon Medical College in Tokyo. From my visit to his Department in 1975 I carried the impression that he ran an

excellent show, and was universally admired and respected as a clinician, teacher and

investigator.

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As frequently is the case with superbly gifted and well organized professional leaders, Professor Kimura managed to add to his clinical teaching and administrative responsibilities the conduct of original and imaginative research. This work could be appreciated by a wide

readership because many of his publications were written in English.

I understand that a large number of Japanese practioners of medicine and cardiology have been trained in Professor Kimura’s Department under his guidance. He had a good eye for

talent and launched many young people into successful academic careers. From an academic cardiologist he demanded not only meaningful contributions to clinical research but also

experience in the animal laboratory. Following rigorous training in his own institution, many

of his young faculty members have been encouraged to continue basic laboratory research

abroad. Having benefited from the scientific collaboration with several of his pupils, I can

attest to their excellent preparation in Professor Kimura’s Department and to the interest in

their careers taken by the watchful boss. In my professional and personal relation to Eiichi Kjmura, I have never sensed any

linguistic. ceremonial. or cultural barriers between us. He was a leader in his own country and a highly respected colleague in international circles, an erudite and charming man with a wonderful sense of humor. I recall a chat in his house where mention was made that he is not

the only famous cardiologist with the name ‘Kimura’. “But you should remember,” he said with a twinkle, “my name Eiichi begins with a letter ‘E’ which stands for elegant.” Although

he said it in jest, I thought that it was indeed a very appropriate epithet for this graceful man

whose offices called him to represent so often Japanese cardiology to the world and who contributed so much to strengthening the collaborative efforts of international cardiology.

The profession has indeed lost one of its most admired and respected figures. While

mourning his death we wish to express our deepest sympathy to Mrs. Kimi Kimura. who has

shared so much in his pursuit of excellence.

Reference

I Watanabe Y. Obituary. Eiichi Kimura. Int J Cardiol 1982; 1: 463-464.