9 July 1956
Dr. Walter A. Schmidt, President
Western Precipitation Corporation
1000 West Ninth Street
Los Angeles 15, California
Dear Walter:
Thanks very much for your letter of 3 July.
Ava Helen and I had a fine trip to Italy, where we traveled about for a month. The trip was made in order that I might give a lecture commemorating the one hundredth anniversary of the death of Amadeo Avogadro, who discovered Avogadro's Law. This ceremony was attended by President Granchi of Italy, and many other officials, as well as the leading scientists of Italy. It was a very striking affair.
I was surprised to learn, on my arrival in Italy, that I was being awarded the Order of the Republic of Italy - I was made a Grand Officer of the Order of Merit.
There is a matter that has been on my mind for some time. About a year ago you said that you would like to talk with me about something, and that you would telephone me. I have not heard from you, and now I am to be out of town for a few days - back about 10 July. I would be glad to come over to your office on almost any day that is convenient to you, if there is something that you would like to talk with me about, or perhaps you would come to Pasadena, and have lunch with me in the Athenaeum. Please telephone, if you wish to come.
With best regards, I am
Sincerely yours,
Linus Pauling:W