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PLAINTIFFS EXHIBIT AB-.72
Hovember 20, 1936
LeRoy U* Gardner, U. D*, Director, The Saranac Laboratory,
Saranac Lake, Hew York*
Dear Dr* Gardner:
At a seating yesterday attended by certain brajce
lining manufacturers, lLr 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* McConnell
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 my understanding that, among other questions which it is anticipated these experi ments will answer, are the following:
(1) VThat 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 Y-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 has ceased* '
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(l) Whether 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 understanding 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 requlrod 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 advising 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 & natter of con venience, any communications regarding the work be addressed to me and I will, where necessary, communicate the contents thereof to lir. Simpson and the other parties. You will be provided with funds by either Johns-aCanville Corporation or Raybestos-Hanhattan, 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.
V3:T
Sincerely yours, ZL(/ivt/z i (/`i
Vandiver Sorowin General Attorney
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