Letter from Linus Pauling to Benjamin D. Gordon. June 19, 1953. Page 1  Larger Images / More Information. 1 p.  View Transcript

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Activity Listings

• AHP writes cheque to: Susie Perry [Boormans Market] amount: $8.00 [Filed under LP Biographical: Box #4.022, Folder #1]
• Letter from LP to Dr. Benjamin D. Gordon. [Note on upper right hand of letter: "sent July 20, 1953" and "send reprints"] [this is a letter of response to an undated letter from Dr. Gordon to LP RE: writes to LP in response to a publication of LP's in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, vol.62, 1940 on the alteration of globulin molecules and the development of a synthetic antibody. Requests a copy of LP's paper. Asks why LP ceased his efforts along those lines] [Filed under G: Correspondence 1953, Box #140, Folder #17]

  19 June 1953

  Dr. Benjamin D. Gordon

  116 Lincoln Road

  Brooklyn 25, New York

  Dear Dr. Gordon:

  Under separate cover we are sending you a reprint of my 1940 paper, and also some of our recent protein papers, and one on sickle cell anemia hemoglobin.

  I have stopped working on the problem of artificial antibodies mainly because some other subjects have engrossed my interest. Also, I have been disappointed in our failure to manufacture artificial antibodies that show protective power against disease. We have carried out a number of experiments in an effort to manufacture protective artificial antibodies. One preparation, of antipneumoccus antibodies, seemed to have significant protective power against disease. However, we have never been able to repeat the preparation of significantly active protective artificial antibodies, and I think now that the combining powers of our artificial antibodies are so weak, in comparison with natural antibodies, that it is difficult to observe protective power.

  One interesting new development is the manufacture of specific inorganic absorbents, to order. This work was carried out by a student here, Dr. Dickey, and is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 35, 227 (1949).

  I am sorry that the work that we began on artificial antibodies has not turned out to be promising for protection against disease. I feel, nevertheless, that it is of some value in giving a better insight into the nature of the protective mechanism.

  Sincerely yours,

  Linus Pauling:W

• Letter from LP to Dr. R. Huisgen RE: Thanks him for making hotel reservations for his upcoming July trip to Germany. [Filed under LP Peace: Box 4.001, Folder 1.3]
• Letter from LP to Mr. John Andre Bussinger RE: is sorry that this letter will arrive too late for use in his debate. In response to Mr. Bussinger's question, LP states that he feels that stand of the American Association of University Professors is a justified one. [Note from Mr. Bussinger to LP May 7, 1953] [Filed under unsorted correspondence 1953] [Filed under B: Correspondence 1953, Box #37, Folder #20]
• Letter from LP to Prof. S. Winstein RE: in response to Prof. Winstein's enquiry, states that Caltech does not invite speakers during the summers, in an effort to save money. [Letter from Prof. Winstein to LP June 12, 1953] [Filed under LP Correspondence: Box #444, File #1].
• Letter from LP to R.V. Bartz RE: will be unable to stop at either Eli Lilly or Hercules Powder on the way to his European vacation due to time constraints. [Letter from R.V. Bartz to LP June 16, 1953]. [Filed under: LP Biographical, Box 1.028, Folder 28.3]
• Letter from LP to R.W. Asmussen, RE: LP suggests that the title of his lecture will be “The Electroneutrality Principle in Relation to the Structure of Complexes. LP provides the dimensions for his slides. LP notes that Peter Pauling will be accompanying him on the trip to Copenhagen. [Asmussen’s letter May 4, 1953] [Filed under LP Speeches: (Speeches by Linus Pauling, 1953), Box 1953s, Folder 1953s.13]
• Letter from Lewis Pino to LP, RE: Pino is happy to hear that LP will be able to visit and speak sometime during November. Pino suggests that the local chapter of the A.C.S. attend the lecture as well. [LP’s letter June 10, 1953] [LP’s reply July 1, 1953] [Filed under LP Speeches: (Speeches by Linus Pauling, 1953), Box 1953s, Folder 1953s.16]
• Letter from R. Brill of Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn to LP RE: writes of a student, Mr. Sol Zaromb, who is investigating ice-ammonium fluoride. Encloses a manuscript regarding the matter that they sent to Nature. Hopes Zaromb would be able to work with LP. [manuscript included] [Letter of response from LP to Dr. R. Brill June 30, 1953] [Filed under LP Correspondence: Box #31, Folder #10].
• Pauling Scrapbook: Pasadena (California) Independent article entitled "Dr. Pauling Will Participate in German Medical Seminar" RE: reports that LP will participate in a special medical discussion that will further mutual understanding between Americans and Germans through the exchange of scientific information. [Filed under: LP Biographical, Box 6.006, Folder 6.34]