John L. Kiser M.D.7765 KillarneyWichita, KS 67206 1-316-634-0363MEMORIES OF KAREL ABSOLONKarel Absolon is an inspiration to me.Twenty years ago I became aware of Karel Absolon's Biography of TheodoreBillroth. As a student of medical history I ranked it with the Osler biographyand other outstanding works literary efforts. I obtained the first volume. Karlsent me the second and third volumes in manuscript form. I became aware ofthe difficulty which he had had in getting this outstanding work published. Hevisited us in Wichita and lectured at a dinner meeting of our historical society.I was aware of his research in Europe-finding Billroth memorabilia, and thestatues preserved through the ravages of WWII.I have visited Karel's home twice in Washington. The first time the level of hiscommitment to the Billroth project and his collection of manuscripts was thehighlight.It was with hesitancy that I visited him the second time because I had such fondmemories and I had concerns about the success of the Billroth book which I felthad not received the reception it deserved from the medical community. Karelmet the difficulty in publishing his book by becoming a desk top publisher.Karel had templates of many books which he could place in an automatedcopying system at night and awaken with the books printed in the morning. Hecould print a few copies of copies as he needed them. He had not only solved hisown publishing problem he was a publisher for others.My acquaintance with Karel has been rewarded with lasting memories.John L.Kiser M.D.