Abstract

was particularly interested in the article by Hauser et al¹ concerning folic acid and the prevention of neural tube defects. The history of our gradual understanding of the role of folic acid in helping to prevent neural tube defects is a fascinating one. These devastating defects—such as anencephaly, encephalocele, spina bifida, and other defects—are now largely preventable. It is such a good example of how we stand on the shoulders of others who have gone before us. Much of this early work was done here at the University of Missouri School of Medicine and the College of Veterinary Medicine over 60 years ago. My own Professor of Anatomy, Dr. Milton D. Overholser, collaborated with Whitley, O’Dell, and Hogan in basic research on rat brain defects produced by a deficiency of folic acid in the maternal diet.