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The Development of Scientific Medicine and its Impact on Society in Taiwan, 1865 to 1945

When standing in the middle of it the Minister said, "Dr. Taylor, would you please indicate to me the boundaries of the land for you proposed colony". Dr. Taylor did so – pointing out the row of trees, streams, the slope of the land and so on. The Minister the said, "Dr. Taylor, this is the site on which theGovernment will builditsleprosarium; the Government will help you to find another site".

Silence. G-T spoke up, "Minister, may I tell you a story? There was once a famous king, King David, who, one evening, was walking on the wall surrounding his palace; he looked down and he saw a beautiful and alluring woman in her own courtyard not far away. He sent messengers to bring her to his palace and she became his wife. Her husband was killed on the battlefield." The party laughed, and poor G-T had to start all over again to look for a site. [The secretary-interpreter in the foreign section of the government later said, "Dr. Taylor, I am ashamed of my people they see a private individual doing a piece of work on the verge of success, then appropriate it for themselves."]

But G-Tdid find another site which was very suitable; he was supported greatly; the colony was built, and opened by the then governor-general in 1934. Its name was "Happy Mount Leprosy Colony".

The government gave money and the Empress Dowager (mother of Emperor Hirohito_ gave money, and a further annual subscription for 15 years. The Empress Dowager sent G-T a short poem, in literary Japanese. The English translation was

"Remember to represent me always as a friend to comfort sufferers-

since it is hard for me to visit them myself".

G-T learnt this poem by heart and recited it. H-T resigned from being superintendent of the Mackay Hospital. He and his wife moved in to live at the Colony and give it their full attention. In this work G-T was ably assisted by Mrs. Taylor whose loving care for these afflicted patients won their lasting gratitude and devotion.



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