Document n2bmOk3REp9Ek8qYQwvLpEd1

:o Hovember 20, 1936 LeRoy D. Gardner, K. D., Director, The Saranac Laboratory, Saranac Lake, He* York. Dear Dr. Gardner: At a seeting yesterday attended by certain braxe lining manufacturers, Ur. Simpson and I were able to present to a fairly large group of interested corporations the proposal that one of your dusting chambers be engaged for further experi mentation with asbestos dust. ' The proposal was very well, received and it appears that not less than eight, and perhaps .ten or more, corporations will participate In financing these further experiments along the lines discussed when we met with Dr. Lanza and Dr. UcConnell - a few days ago. Accordingly, you may consider this 'letter as an authorisation to you to commence the contemplated experiments with asbestos dust for the purpose of determining more definitely the causes and effects of asbestosls. It is ay understanding that, acong other questions which it is anticipated these experi ments will answer, are the following: (1) '(That concentration of dust is necessary to prouuce the fibrosis of the lungs which is designated as asbestosls. . (2) Whether exposure to asbestos dust will produce asbestosls without the existence of previous infection and whether the X-ray changes found in advanced human asbestosls can be reproduced in animals without infection. (3) Whether the fibrosis produced by asbestos is ' of the progressive type, that is, will the fibrosis increase (once it has started) after exposure to the dust ha3 ceased, ' 004737 A A '* /' SPNY 000461 2- ' (4) Vfhether the fibrosis resulting from exposure to asbestos dust is occasioned by the silicon con tent of the asbestos or by its fibrous structure. (5) Whether the presence of "asbestos bodies* has any diagnostic significance. It is also our under standing that these experiments will require approximately three years, which will mean that they will not be concluded until about the end of the year 1939; and that they will cost ?5,000 annually, or a total of 15*000. It is our further understanding that the results obtained will be considered the property of those who are advanc ing the required funds, who will determine whether, to what extent and in what manner they shall be made public. In the event it is deemed desirable that the results be made public, the manuscript of your study will be submitted, .to us for approval prior to publica tion. '- I shall appreciate your adTising me if the foregoing accurately expresses the proposition you had in mind. Also, let me know the manner in which you would like to have the funds ad vanced to you. Would you, for example, desire to have 1250 paid quarterly in advance, or just what arrangement would suit you best? Any method you suggest will be satisfactory. Since the experiments are being underwritten by a rela tively large group, it has been suggested that, as a matter of con venience, any communications regarding the work be adaressed to me and I will, where necessary, communicate the contents thereof to Hr. Simpson and the other parties. You will be provided with funds by either Johns-Hanvilie Corporation or Raybestos-Hanhattaa, Incor porated and we or tney will secure from the other parties their ^ro rata contribution. I will advise you later of the names of the other con tributing parties. t I shall appreciate your informing me at the earliest possible moment whether the arrangement as outlined herein meets with your approval. Sincerely yours, V3:T VandLivveer SBrowni General Attorney 004738 SPNY 000462