This vintage brass pin was worn by one of the 1,200 physiology scientists who attended the 13th International Physiological Congress in Boston, Mass. in 1929—the first to be held outside Europe. This physiologist was number 686. The only other pin from the conference that I can find online is in a museum collection. Own a piece of physiology history!

The XIIIth Congress of the International Union of Physiological Sciences (IUPS) was a watershed meeting, demonstrating that American physiology had come of age. Meticulously organized, it was the largest congress to date, with over 1,200 participants from more than 40 countries. Getting to the congress was a cultural adventure, especially for the 400 scientists and their families from over 20 European countries, who sailed for ten days on the S.S. Minnekahda.

Many of the great physiologists of the world were in attendance, including 22 scientists who were either or would become Nobel Laureates. There were hundreds of platform presentations and many experimental demonstrations. The meeting was not without controversy as a conflict, still not completely settled, arose over the discovery of ATP. After the meeting, hundreds of participants made a memorable trip to the Marine Biological Laboratory at Woods Hole, MA, which culminated in a “good old fashioned Cape Cod Clambake.”

The badge has a laurel wreath and ribbon around the words "XIII International Physiological Congress" and the participant's number "686" in black. The back says "Boston 1929" and "The Robbins Co. Attleboro Mass."

It's in nice shape but does have some surface discoloration on the back. The pin opens easily and closes tightly. Be sure to zoom in on each photo to see the details and general condition.

1 inches across (2,54 cm)

This brass pin was collected by my genius mom over a lifetime of midwestern thrift shopping. I would love to send it, as I work on finding Forever Homes for all her wonderful rescued stuff. I bet you'd like her other things, too, so check them out: http://modernpoetry.etsy.com

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