ABSTRACT
The Society for Investigative Dermatology was born into a hostile world. Many of the dermatologic elite felt threatened by the young Turks who created the organization and presided at its delivery. For one thing, some of the most prominent among the new breed - Marion Sulzberger, William Becker, and Samuel Peck - chose to train in Europe, an educational decision the old guard considered both unnecessary and a demeaning relic of the past. Xenophobia, resentment of the new immigrants who were enthusiastic supporters of the venture, also played a significant role. But a sturdy cadre of unassailably American dermatologists with the highest of credentials put their reputations on the line in support, and the "SID" came into being at an organizational meeting held at the Hotel Dennis in Atlantic City, June 10, 1937. Less than a year later the Society could point with pride to a membership of 435. The names of the founding members and the signatures appended to the certificate of incorporation that put the legal finishing touches on the organization are shown to the left.
