July 31. 1942
Air Mail
Professor R. Kuhn
University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia
Dear Dr. Kuhn:
During recent years we have been carrying on a program in the field of immunochemistry.
I became interested in immunology a number of years ago, and when Dr. Dan H. Campbell
was here two years ago we began active work in this field. He has now resigned his
post at the University of Chicago and accepted appointment here. We have a rather
large program in immunochemistry in general under way, especially involving the use
of simple substances as antigens. Also the preliminary work which has been done
on the artificial manufacture of antibodies has given very promising- results, and
The Rockefeller Foundation has increased their support of this phase of the work.
We have altogether at present a research group of about ten people in the field of
immunochemistry and the artificial production of antibodies.
Dr. Campbell is continuing with the production of antibodies to pneumococcus polysaccharides,
and has found that the artificial antisera are effective in protecting mice. I should
like to see further work done along this line, such as the attempt to prepare in vitro
diphtheria antitoxin and tetanus antitoxin. Perhaps other artificial antisera should
be prepared. In connection with this work we have need for a good immuno-biologist,
who would work in collaboration with Dr. Campbell. Dr. Campbell has recommended
you, and I take pleasure in offering you appointment for one year here, as Senior
Fellow in Immunochemical Research. The salary would be $3,000 per year, with an
additional payment of $250 for traveling expenses, to be made on your arrival in Pasadena.
The appointment would be for one year, effective from the time of your arrival.
I should like you to begin work as soon as possible.
The duties of the position would be to carry on research in collaboration with Dr.
Campbell along the lines of our research program on the manufacture of antibodies
in vitro and their biological testing. I think that you would find the work very
interesting, and that you would enjoy the experience of being at the Institute for
a year. Because of the nature of the funds available, appointment can be offered
you for one year only.
With the hope that you will find it possible to accept this appointment, I am
Sincerely yours,
Linus Pauling
LP:jr
