March 28, 1938.
Dear Doctor Apgar:-
At the suggestion of Dr. H. R. Hathaway of Dr. Waters' Clinic, am writing you for some information regarding spinal anesthesia.  Dr. Hathaway mentioned that you had compiled a review of several hundred cases of spinal anesthesia, mostly pontocaine.  If you have a reprint of this, could I have a copy of the same?
The reason I am interested is that last fall, I gave a spinal to a woman for cholecystectomy.  Used pontocaine 1 3/4 c.c. - 2/3 interspace - usual dose, no trouble getting the needle in place, etc.  Nothing unusual developed during the operation, but two weeks later, the patient developed complete paralysis from waist down.  No improvement resulted and patient died about a month ago.  Unfortunately, no autopsy was obtained.
Am at a loss to know what happened.  There are, of course, several possibilities, none of which seem to adequately explain the occurrence.
Have you had or heard of any similar cases in your experience?  Would be interested in hearing anything you might suggest regarding the cause, etc.
Sincerely yours,
F.W. Clement