Cuba, Socialist Republic. An Order Of Carlos J. Finlay

(Orden "Carlos J. Finlay"). Three-piece construction, insignia in bronze gilt, mounted to a base in bronze gilt with white enamels, with a silvered bronze cartouche on the reverse, measuring 37.2 mm (w) x 47.5 mm (h) inclusive of its integral ring, original ribbon, mounted to a five-sided brass suspension with pinback, intact enamels, very light contact, in its plastic case of issue, near extremely fine.

Footnote:

1. The Order of Carlos J. Finlay is awarded to Cuban and foreign citizens, in one class, for achievements in natural or social sciences that contribute to scientific progress and the benefit of mankind, and specially to the preservation and improvement of peoples' health and welfare.

2. Carlos Juan Finlay was born Juan Carlos Finlay y Barrés on December 3, 1833 in Puerto Principe, Cuba. He was a Cuban epidemiologist recognized as a pioneer in the research of yellow fever, determining that it was transmitted through mosquitoes. Dr. Finlay was a member of Havana 's Royal Academy of Medical, Physical and Natural Sciences. He was fluent in French, German, Spanish, and English, and could read Latin. His interests were widespread and he wrote articles on subjects as varied as leprosy, cholera, gravity, and plant diseases. But his main interest was yellow fever, and he was the author of forty articles on this disease. His theory that an intermediary host was responsible for the spread of the disease was treated with ridicule for years. A humane man, he often took on patients who could not afford medical care. As a result of his work, Dr. Finlay was nominated seven times for the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, but it was never awarded to him. He died at his home in Havana on August 20, 1915.