Passings of Note

Given I’m dealing with high blood pressure and migraines, as well as occasional acid problems, I should note the passing of Dr. James Black. Dr. Black is the Nobel Laureate who invented both Inderal (propanolol) and Tagamet (cimetidine). Propanolol was one of the first beta-blockers that lower blood pressure, and is also used as a migraine preventative. Cimetidine was one of a new class of drugs that made a significant difference in stomach acid. According to experts, these drugs brought more relief to humans than could an army of doctors in clinical practice. As for Dr. Black, although they didn’t make him rich, they did earn him a knighthood and appointment to the Order of Merit, the highest honor the British sovereign can bestow.