September 25, 1934

Dr. James B. Conant,

President of Harvard College,

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Dear President Conant:

I have been working on the porphyrins from the wave-mechanical side, and think that some of your formulas (chlorins, rhodins) should be changed slightly. Would you be interested in reading a manuscript on this subject (when it is written) and advising me as to its correctness and value?

I believe that we are now in a position to work on some substances of biochemical importance. For example, we have discovered a method of determining how many atoms are bonded to iron in such things as haemin, heamochromogens, etc., by a special x-ray procedure. The work is laborious, and the substances must be reasonably pure. It is my opinion that we should engage a young man trained in haemoglobin work preferably an able student of yours - to assist on the chemical side. Do you recommend this action? If so, could you recommend such a man to us, and advise as to how large a stipend he should be paid? I had in mind a man of about National Research Fellow caliber. I believe that we would want him about a year from now, or perhaps as early as July, 1935.

I should be happy if it were possible to talk with you about our projected researches in this field, in order to profit by your advice and get your opinion as to their value.

Dr. Wheland is still with me. He is a very good man at theoretical work. He married this summer.

My wife joins me in sending greetings to you.

Very sincerely yours,

LP:M