optimistic associate, advised giving her the entire amount (12 ounces = 350ml) at once by
vein. Senator Borah concurred with the younger physician, and Mrs. Borah received the
serum. She improved and recovered.
Mrs. William E. Borah, the Senator’s wife, visiting the National Institute of Health on^
February 9, 1933. Hosting her visit were Surgeon General Hugh S. Cumming on the left
and Dr. Charles Armstrong on the right. Courtesy of Mary Emma Armstrong.
When Mrs. Borah was well, she returned to Washington, DC. On February 9,
1933, Mrs. Borah visited the “Hygienic Laboratory” (now the National Institute of
Health) accompanied by Surgeon General Hugh S. Cumming, and she met Dr. Armstrong
(19). The newspaper accounts (19) described Armstrong at that time as “stocky, red-
haired with a ruddy complexion.” Mrs. Borah’s first words to him were, “I came to thank
you for saving my life.” He blushed, further reddening his facial coloration. She flustered
him further by remarking, “I have some of your blood flowing through my veins. Now,