Banting House

Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother at the unveiling ceremony of the Flame of Hope in July 1989

The statue of Frederick Banting outside Banting House

Banting House is a historic site located in London, Ontario, Canada, known for its significant association with Sir Frederick Banting, the co-discoverer of insulin. Today, Banting House is celebrated as the "Birthplace of Insulin," marking the location where Banting conceived the idea that led to the discovery of insulin, a treatment for diabetes that has saved millions of lives worldwide.

History

In 1920, Frederick Banting moved into Banting House, where he lived and maintained a medical practice. It was here, on the night of October 31, 1920, that Banting awoke with the idea that would eventually lead to the discovery of insulin. Banting's hypothesis was that it would be possible to extract insulin from the pancreas before it was destroyed by the digestive enzymes of the organ. This idea was the foundation for further research and experimentation that Banting, along with Charles Best, John Macleod, and James Collip, conducted at the University of Toronto, leading to the successful extraction and use of insulin to treat diabetic patients.

Preservation and Museum

Recognizing the historical and medical significance of Banting House, efforts were made to preserve the site. It has been designated as a National Historic Site of Canada and is also protected under the Ontario Heritage Act. The house has been converted into a museum dedicated to the life and work of Sir Frederick Banting. The museum features exhibits on Banting's life, the discovery of insulin, and the ongoing impact of insulin on diabetes treatment.

Visitors to Banting House can explore various artifacts related to Banting's discovery and career, including his original medical instruments, personal belongings, and art works. The museum also houses a replica of Banting's bedroom, where he had the idea that led to the discovery of insulin.

Banting House National Historic Site

Banting House is operated by the Canadian Diabetes Association (now known as Diabetes Canada). It serves not only as a museum but also as a center for diabetes education and awareness. The site includes a garden dedicated to Banting and a flame of hope, which was lit by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in 1989. The flame symbolizes the ongoing search for a cure for diabetes and will only be extinguished when such a cure is found.

Legacy

Banting House's significance extends beyond its historical and architectural value. It stands as a symbol of the groundbreaking discovery of insulin and the progress in medical science. The site attracts visitors from around the world, including researchers, medical professionals, and individuals whose lives have been affected by diabetes.

The preservation of Banting House and its operation as a museum play a crucial role in educating the public about the history of diabetes treatment and the importance of ongoing research and innovation in the field of medicine.

See Also

• Frederick Banting
• Discovery of Insulin
• Diabetes
• National Historic Sites of Canada
• Ontario Heritage Act