Document 6bQkEQGKpKbjqzR9O00ko2d29

November 10,1926 Mr. C. F* Kettering, c/o The Telco Light Gompany, Dayton, Ohio* Pear Mr. Kettering: Following a conversation with Mr* Blochlcr, Payton, a few days ago, I havo discussed the matter of proposed experimental worl: on refrigerants with Fischer* Wo are agi^oed as to the desirability of our under taking such experimental studies, but the facilities for doing it are lacking* he are particularly crowded for space* The work on various phases of lead poisoning has expanded to such an extent as to use :up completely all available space, bo much sothat I am put to the immediate necessity of obtaining nor space for that work, and have discussed with the Ethyl Gasoline Corporation, some method of obtaining more. Mr. Liechler indicated his willingness to provide space at Layton or to rent it here in Cincinnati if possible. For reasons which will be obvious to you I am sure, I cannot undertake ah experimental study at Payton. You will remember, X an sure, some of the unsatisfactory qualities of our previous work at the pliant in "Dayton* Then too, I cannot spread my work over several points, and get satisfactory results. Almost the sane objection holds here, for space at or near the Medical College is probably not available. This type o work should bo done not in an indus trial laboratory but in a university and on a university basis, wjtore no question of bias or undue influence can ariso. Therein I3 the" safety from suspicion or criticism, of both tho experimenter and his results* X feel sure you will concur in this opinion, especially sine you appreciated tho foollhg so eloquently present, and to some joipnt expressed, at tho Conference in 'Washington, *-uy CO,19Gb* 'fills brings no to an idea which lias boon revolving in ray brain for somo months. Plainly some considerable amount of money must be spent in order to do the work which is necessary. A rather largo amount has been and is being spent by the Ethyl Gasoline i i i Corporation In tho same diroction, raid must continue for some time. Space is needed for both sets of work* Kental is expensive, and equip ment equally so and is to a large extent a dead loss after the comple N13990 tion of a set of experiments, if the site of experimentation is abandoned. For the amount of money spent in rental and equipment over a period of years, a very nice laboratory could bo built, on University ground (at no cost) and could be a permanently operating source of toxicological and physiological information* Txporimental work could be undertaken on specific problems, and on general prob Kr. Kettering October 10,1026. Page H 2 than after a prolonged period of waiting to obtain it. . Shore are a great number and- variety of- physiologi cal problems in industry which involve- the health of employees and public. .hat an importance such problems can assume is illustrated by the history of tetraethyl lead Which is not yet a closed problem). The establishing of a laboratory for the systematic and accurate investigation of these problems requires money, but little more than is being spent and is proposed to be spent, on certain specific problems such as the one suggested in your letter. The develop ment of this idea to its logical conclusion mould be a service to industrial medium and publlemhoalth medium, which would be outstanding and 'unique . It strikes me that the importance and magnitude of the work r/e are doing, and that of the work you suggest doing, brings up the immediate question of tho desirability of making a move in this direction now* Such a program would have to bo vjorkod out in its details and presented to the hoard of Trustees of the University for their con sideration. further tho laboratory so suggested would need to be the unqualified property of the University, and ail work done in it would have to bo done on a strict university basis. I have no doubt,- from the attitude expressed and shown toward tho Uthyl Gasoline work, that permission for the establish ment of such a laboratory, would be readily granted. Further, I believe that sufficient support from other induetrios would naturally gravitate toward such a program, so that the expense of its maintenance need not be buj^lonsoino on any one group* To what extent do you believe would the groups who are concerned in our present and proposed work, bo agreeable to enter into such a program? X should appreciate very much, indeed, before making any further move in considering the work proposed by yourself and hr* liochlor, to know your reaction, and til probable reaction of the Companies concerned with our work, to such a program. X write tills because tho problem of space and faci lities is an immediately acute one fox' us, and because I on looking to some quick and permanent solution of it. a 1th kindest regards. Cordially yours.