April 5, 1944
Dr. A.N. Richards
Committee on Medical Research
2101 Constitution Avenue
Washington 25, D.C.
Dear Dr. Richards:
Several months have gone by since I talked with you about a research project in which Professor Dan H. Campbell and I
are interested; namely a study of the possibility of coupling penicillin to serum proteins or other large molecules in such
a way that it retains its activity but is prevented from leaving the blood stream. At that time (November, 1943) you said
that it might after some months be possible for the Committee on Medical Research to release a quantity of penicillin and
also to give us information about the chemical structure of the molecule, which would be very valuable in indicating the methods
to be tried in coupling the molecule to protein.
I am writing now to ask whether or not the time has come for us to begin an investigation of this sort. I would suggest
that only a modest project would be required, involving one or two assistants.
Cordially yours,
Linus Pauling
LP:jr
