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
