December 19, 1986
Dear Ed,
"Distinguished Physician" will be an appropriate title for you.  However, no title or degree will recognize adequately your accomplishments as an investigator and as an educator.   (I have often referred to you as my scientific father.  Perhaps "Papa" is the title and salutation by which we should recognize you.)
Your early Fellows look back on their time with you with a sense of pride and accomplishment, and with admiration for your dedication and scientific imagination.  But it was not easy for us.   You could be a bear.  Then came this season of the year, when we would don the elegant ties you gave us, and all was forgiven.
It was a proud moment for all of us at Georgetown when you stood on the stage of the Kennedy Center Concert Hall on May 25, 1985 to receive the University's highest honor, the Doctor of Science, honoris causa.  "For his life-long dedication to improving and prolonging the life of millions throughout the world..."  said the citation, with no exaggeration.
I remember, one day a long time ago, how your face fell when I casually mentioned to you that Louis Pasteur wrote 900 papers.  Well, Ed, may you live to publish number 900.
Sincerely,
John C. Rose, M.D.
Associate Executive Vice President