Document RpvrDjyBZMnr034x55vLvY4GV

Metropolitan Life Insurance Company Frederick H.Ecker, CkaumanefAtBoaM Leroy A.Lincoln, ANTHONY J. LANZA. M.D. iMtanS Bltdicml Director NEW YORK CITY March 8, 1938 Ur. Manfred Bowditch, Director, Division of Occupational Hygiene, 23 Joy Street, Boston, Mass. Dear Manfred: Many thanks for your letter of March 4* However, I do not see that it really tells us much. Mr. Dewey points out that Multibestos ran for years without much trouble. Of course, the reason was that no body knew anything about asbestosis. I am not quits sure what he means when he says "trouble" but I suspect he means "lawyer trouble" which, of course, has nothing to do with the issue. The same comment holds good '""ipetitors. They did not have any trouble either. I am pretty certain that his third point is not valid. I have no quarrel with his statement in his fourth point. I believe that his statement is accurate and correct. The point that I wish to make is that in running down many of these so-called cases of asbestosis or cases in which asbestosis was given as a complicating factor with other disease, close investigation showed no worth while basis far such a diag nosis. In other wards, it is a situation that we have seen over and over again. A works in an asbestos plant, he has this, that or the other, so he has asbestosis. In other words, most of the articles on asbestosis, in which anywhere from two or three to fifty cases as listed as occurring within the personal experience of the writer,are mostly so much tripe. There is no real argument between any of us on this subject but it is clear that much of the so-called diagnosis in this type of case will not stand up under care ful analysis. I am quite sure, however, from what information that I have that several of those Boston cases of Timothy Leary's were very genuine. With best regards and hoping to see you soon. Sincerely yours. A. J. Lanza, M.D. ^ Assistant Medical Director