People are not the only interesting organism on earth. From the point of view of scientific or commercial value, there are lots of interesting organisms.

As I look back on the last few decades of my life, I am struck by the good fortune that came my way.

And of course, identifying all human genes and proteins will have great medical significance.

First of all, many human diseases are influenced by, if not caused by mutations in genes.

The glimpses of human strength and frailty that a physician sees are with me still.

My education began in the public schools of Wilmington. During most of these years, from about age 10, I also worked at some job or other after school, on weekends, and in the summer months.

So I applied to medical school and received a scholarship at Washington University in St. Louis. Washington University turned out to be a lucky choice. The faculty was scholarly and dedicated and accessible to students.