Document pmYdQdp3Nvm7aY6xo9bbx9z1j

Caracas: November 24, 1939 Dr. H. A. Kehoe Kettering Laboratory University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, Obio . Dear Doctor: ' . From your letter of Ootober 5tb I note that you have seen Dr. Fourcher and Dr. Cruz Coke and that probably Dr. Cruz Coke will be able to visit you or by now bas done so. I am very glad you have been able to see these men as only by such contacts can a real picture of the problem be obtained. After arriving in Venezuela, I learned that Dr. Van Tienhoven was in the States and I suggested that he visit you but he was on his way back by the time he was advised. Probably he will be returning in a year or so and can visit you then. From your letter I understand that Dr. Fourcher gave the decided impression that he had never seen or heard of me and that I had never visited him in Talara. Actually, I did see him on my last trip to Talara. We discussed various general problems and parti cularly the value of urine and faecal analysis in establishing lead poisoning. He had some papers by various authors, sane supporting and some rejecting such findings as having clinical significance. I suggested that the translated reprints which I had sent sometime before addressed to Dr. Frazer contained in formation on this point and that for details he should consult them but assured him that you considered such findings as necessary for a proper clinical picture. He had never seen the articles and we. went to Dr. Frazer and looked through his files for them. Dr. Frazer had a faint recollection of having seen them but could not remember where they were. He asked about a man whom they had re moved from "Ethyl blending because of a pulse rate of 40. Later Dr. Fourcher stated he had never seen a mix and I made arrange ments with Mr. Ebbets, the Superintendent, to advise him when the next one would be and to furnish him with all our regulations. Dr. Fourcher, in general conversation, after we had finished with the above, stated he was soon going on leave to the States and I suggested that he should visit you, in Cincinnati, if possible. At that time, he was not sure whether or not he could make it. Hence my letter to you of August 21st (attached hereto) asking that you furnish him with information concerned. I have gone into the above in this detail not to alibi, as the fact remains that had I been at all convincing, he would have re tained some of what I said, at least that we had talked together, but to indicate that I had at least made an effort. I make it a point to try to visit the doctors whether they are Company doctors or not. Perhaps I have not seen as much of them as I should and quite frankly, I have referred them to you direct or to the published articles when questions arise of a technical Z nature. This is in pursuance of my interpretation of the policy which should be followed in such cases obtained from you at an early meeting. In this connection, I wonder if there has not been an in visible change of policy which I have not been able to feel from this distance. For instance, I note that the doctors are to fill in forms giving medical information for London and implying that they should visit the plants each time they make an examination of the men. Under my interprtation of the policy there is a fairly clear differentation of medical and commercial aspects of the problem. On the latter point, actual visiting of the plants is often quite im practicable compatiable with a consultant of high standard. A case in point being Dr. Cruz Coke. Regarding the Spanish rules and regulations - translation has been made and sent to England for printing. I shall request them to forward you a supply direct when they are ready. ' Shortly the Matarrazo Company in Sao Paulo, Brazil, will be blending and on my last visit there, I checked with Dr. Lane and he is still willing to be our medical consultant. I do not believe you sent your memorandum to him at the time Standard were thinking of blending but if not, will probably want to send this as well as other information to him. It is possible that I may come to the States before going south again and if so, I will arrange to come to Cincinnati. Do you think we have enough information to say definitely one way or other to the Braden Copper Co. people? Best wishes to Dr. Machle and all, LBR:em P.S. Dr. Kehoe: Have just received the attached copy of a letter from the Minister of Sanitation to Dr.Ottolina. Inasmuch as the analysis of faecal samples is left to us do you consider it practical that samples be sent to you. I recall that you generally prefer to send < Ti your own containers and perhaps if you are willing to take on this work temporarily or permanently that would be best. The number of men to receive initial examinations will be eight - four for Shell and r-< four for Lago. As examinations are to be made each month for the O O first three months and quarterly thereafter. You will probably want to send sufficient containers for the first three examinations at Ui least. They can be sent directly to the hospital at Maracaibo or half directly to San Lorenzo and half to La Salina. If you have other sug gestions I would appreciate having them. In view of the fact that it would be difficult to get a laboratory to make dependable tests before results are required, the only reasonable solution I can think of is ti 3 cooperation, it. would be a diplomatic gesture and worthwhile practically to fully inform the Government laboratory regarding probably both faecal and urine tests and perhaps cooperate in cheoking results for a time. I would appreciate very much having your views and recommendations. Best regards, LBR:em ) v : K& oo i or>g