Linus Pauling note to self concerning biological specificity. May 5, 1950. Page 1  Larger Images / More Information. 1 p.  View Transcript

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Activity Listings

• Article: “Molecular Kinetic and Electrophoretic Properties of Bacteriophages” by Frank W. Putnam. Printed in Science. [Filed under LP Science: (Research on Biological Specificity, 1973-1996), Box #8.002, Folder #2.6]
• Article: “The Natural Sciences Applied to Social Theory”, John Q. Stewart, Science, May 5, 1950. [Filed under LP Peace: (Assorted Non-Pauling Peace Materials: Articles, Typescripts, Pamphlets, Booklets (Sc-Zi)), Box #8.006, Folder #6.8]
• LP Note to Self: “Biological Specificity”, [re: properties of antabuse] May 5, 1950. [Filed under LP Science: (Research on Biological Specificity, 1930-1967), Box #8.001, Folder #1.7]

  May 5, 1950

  To Linus Pauling

  From Himself

  BIOLOGICAL SPECIFICITY

  The substance antabuse, which consists of two dithiourea molecules(2 sulfur atoms attached to carbon, and a nitrogen atom attached to the carbon), held together by a sulfur-sulfur bond, and with 4 methyl groups attached, two to each of the two nitrogen atoms, seems to have its effect by causing a high concentration of acetaldehyde to form in the blood after the ingestion of alcohol. The concentration of acetaldehyde reaches a maximum about an hour after the alcohol has been ingested.

  We might ask for an explanation of this phenomenon. I would propose that the antabuse or a product of its decomposition acts as a strong inhibitor for an acetaldehyde oxidase. I would like to know whether any acetaldehyde oxidases have been isolated from animal tissues. If so, I think that it would be worth while to see whether antabuse has an inhibiting action. Perhaps not antabuse itself but a product of its hydrogenation has this effect - it is easily hydrogenated.

• LP Note to Self: “Suggested Research”, [re: hydrolysate of hemoglobin] May 5, 1950. [Filed under LP Science: (Research on Biological Specificity, 1930-1967), Box #8.001, Folder #1.8]
• Letter from Beatrice Wulf, Executive Secretary, Gates and Crellin Laboratory, to Cedric Belrage, Editor, National Guardian, RE: States that LP has been away from the Institute for several weeks and will be taking two short trips in the near future. States that if LP is able to review Einstein’s book or write a short article, he will write to Belrage. [Letter from Belrage to LP, May 2, 1950] [Filed under LP Correspondence: (National Guardian), #283.6]
• Letter from Dr. Emil Ott, Committee on Financing ACS Publications to Dr. Charles A. Kraus, cc: LP RE: Suggests that a change in the wording of the committee’s proposal on financing publications would alleviate his objections to it. [Filed under LP Science: (American Chemical Society: Materials re: Committees and Awards, 1944-1949), Box #14.009, Folder #9.4]
• Letter from E. H. Volwiler, Abbott Laboratories, American Chemical Society, to Alden H. Emery, American Chemical Society, RE: Writes that Mr. Hanson’s suggestions coincide with his original reaction, and he cannot see how, under the charter of the American Chemical Society and its function as a professional, they can directly enter the picture. [Letter from Emery to Executive Committee, May 22, 1950, Telegram from LP to Emery, May 6, 1950] [Filed under LP Science: (American Chemical Society) Box # 14.006 Folder #6.1]
• Letter from F. J. L. Munro to LP. RE: Arranges Dr. R. Holroyd and Dr. A. W. Taylor’s visit to Caltech on June 12th. [LP’s reply May 11, 1950] [Filed under LP Correspondence: ( I: Correspondence, 1950) #185.11]
• Letter from J. C. Warner, Vice President, Carnegie Institute of Technology, to Alden H. Emery, Executive Secretary, American Chemical Society, RE: Writes that he thinks the American Chemical Society should not take a stand in this matter because he believes the ACS will be taking a stand according to the wishes of a limited number of its members, and the chemical industry. Also, he believes that freer trade among the nations is a prerequisite for world peace and that they must do business with the countries in Western Europe in order for them to become self-supporting. [Letter from LP to Emery, May 6, 1950] [Filed under LP Science: (American Chemical Society: Correspondence, 1950-1964), Box #14.006, Folder #6.1]
• Letter from L.B. Pope, Associate Editor, Chemical Engineering, to LP RE: Asks him to review two books, “Chemical Constitution and Biological Activity,” by Sexton and “Progress in Biochemistry,” by Haurowitz. [Typescript, No Date and Letters from LP to Pope, May 16, 1950 and June 22, 1950] [Filed under LP Manuscripts of Articles: 1950a.12]
• Note from Kurt Mislow, Department of Chemistry, New York University, to LP RE: Discusses the chlorination of butadiene and his work at New York University. [Letter from LP to Mislow, June 22, 1950] [Filed under LP Correspondence: (Mislow, Kurt), #248.4]