Letter from James B. Conant, Office of Scientific Research and Development to Michael Heidelberger

Letter from James B. Conant, Office of Scientific Research and Development to Michael Heidelberger

Contributor(s):
Office of Emergency Management. Office of Scientific Research and Development
Heidelberger, Michael
Conant, James B.
Publication:
Produced: 1 March 1943
Language(s):
English
Format:
Text
Subject(s):
World War II
Malaria
Ricin
Genre(s):
Archival Materials
Letters (correspondence)
Abstract:
During World War II, Heidelberger conducted classified immunological research under grants from the Office of Scientific Research and Development, trying--unsuccessfully--to find a vaccine for malaria, a major health problem among U.S. troops fighting in the South Pacific. He also worked on a vaccine against ricin, research prompted by reports that the Japanese government had asked every household in Japan to grow castor beans, the source of the potent toxin. U.S. military authorities feared that Japan might try to aerosolize ricin and release it over the American mainland. It became clear only later that the Japanese military had instead sought castor bean oil as a lubricant for aircraft engines.
Copyright:
The National Library of Medicine believes this item to be in the public domain. (More information)
Extent:
1 pages
NLM Unique ID:
101584940X82 (See in Profiles in Science)
Profiles in Science ID:
DHBBFY
Permanent Link:
http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/101584940X82
Archival Collection:
The Michael Heidelberger Papers (Profiles in Science)