Charles Herbert Best was most renowned as co-discoverer of insulin with Frederick G. Banting. Insulin, which is a hormone secreted by the pancreas, regulates the level of sugar in the blood. Its discovery in 1921 led to its use as a treatment for diabetes, which until that time had led swiftly to emaciation, coma, and death. Later in his career, Best assisted in the establishment of associations of diabetics to promote support groups and educational programs for their members. He also did important research on the nutrient choline and the blood anticoagulant heparin.

Best was born on February 27, 1899, in West Pembroke, Maine, a town near the border of the Canadian province of New Brunswick. His parents were Canadian citizens, both originally from Nova Scotia. Best was a direct descendant of Major William Best, who in 1749 was one of the founders of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Best's father, Herbert Huestes Best...