R # 1 Pasadena, California
April 29, 1941
Dear Dr. Addis:
Our letters crossed apparently, and I intended to write again this afternoon.
I’m sure my husband is feeling better and the edema is definitely better! His appetite
is excellent. He sleeps well and he just looks better in every way. The gleam in
the eye is better! His mental state is greatly improved too. He keeps planning text
books; has written his report to the National Defense Council - Rockefeller Foundation
etc. I am overjoyed to have him working and thinking of his work again just because
it is the way he usually is. He unfortunately caught a very slight cold a day or
two ago but it isn't causing much difficulty although it affects the kidney apparently.
You know he had promised to give a month's lectures at the University of Chicago this
summer before this illness occurred. Should we do this? I worry a bit and yet hate
to have him give it up because he does enjoy lecturing and this is something which
wouldn't entail preparation - I mean it isn't new work as far as he is concerned.
He would give three lectures a week. Chicago is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary
and many big bugs will be there. Linus will receive an honorary degree in the Fall.
None of this matters and I want to do just what will be best for him both physically
and mentally. You know, he isn't the sort who likes to hide away in a laboratory
and never see his colleagues - I’m convinced that this lecturing is good for his mental
health. Yet, I am afraid it may be hard on him.
Thank you for your letter. By the way Linus wrote letters to Rochester concerning
our dear little Freddie Mirsky - to the President Alan Valentine and to W. A. Noyes
Jr. the head of the chemistry department. I have been reminding him of this for several
days. He has a great deal to do of course.
Do you think that we should come sometime to see you again? Linus hasn’t much confidence
in Dr McMillan’s analyses. He (or me) is old fashioned! And perhaps doesn't know
any too much.*
Sincerely,
Ava Helen Pauling
P.S.* He uses the old Esbach method!
I keep a written account of what Linus eats.
