New United States Postal Service stamp honors an American scientist

A pioneer in medical research, Trudeau's legacy lives on as the Trudeau Institute makes breakthrough biomedical discoveries

Dr. Trudeau established the first American laboratory exclusively dedicated to tuberculosis research. Click here for more information.

May 5, 2008/Saranac Lake, N.Y.-- On May 12, 2008, the United States Postal Service will release a new stamp in their Distinguished Americans series. The stamp, the eleventh issued in the series, honors Dr. Edward Livingston Trudeau (1848-1915). Stamp collecting is one of the most popular hobbies in the world, with estimates of up to 20 million American collectors participating in the activity. The E.L. Trudeau stamp is expected to be highly collectible.

Dr. Trudeau, who came to Saranac Lake to recuperate from tuberculosis, devoted himself to researching and treating tuberculosis, the highly infectious disease that proved fatal to one in seven people in the late 19th century. He went on to promote the treatment and containment of the disease through exposure to plenty of fresh air, adequate rest, good food, and a positive attitude. The Adirondack Cottage Sanitarium he established in the Village of Saranac Lake treated thousands of underprivileged people afflicted with the disease. His guiding principles were “to cure sometimes, to relieve often and to comfort always.”