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Society of the Ferris Wheel

                       

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The Society of the Ferris Wheel is an hallowed organization that recognizes excellence in the pursuit of knowledge regarding the history of microbial pathogenesis research.  Membership is gained by independent confirmation of the identities of ten famous scientists who have made landmark contributions in the field.  Anonymous photographs of the scientists are displayed in a ferris wheel situated in the office of the Society's Founding Officer, Victor Nizet, M.D.  Only on visits to discuss scientific matters, those supplicants who aspire to Society membership can study the individual photographs without taking notes.  In private, and without communication to others, the supplicant can use all educational resources at their disposal to compile an official entry ballot for membership.  This entry ballot consists of the names of each of the ten individuals, a description of their photo, and a brief synopsis of their principal contribution to microbiology research.  Upon submission, the entry ballot is reviewed for accuracy, and the only feedback provided is the total number of correct guesses (e.g. "seven out of ten").  The individual supplicant is then prohibited for 14 days from resubmitting another entry ballot.  An entry ballot with all ten famous scientists correctly identified gains membership to the Society, and the new Inductee is taught the secret handshake and secret motto of the Society of the Ferris Wheel.  Initiations are celebrated with a wine and cheese ceremony during which the new Inductee is asked to deliver a short speech what this important accomplishment means to his/her life.
 
DATE
ROSTER OF INDUCTEES
March 28, 2004
Vivekanand Datta, M.D.