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.