Letters Sent to Dr. Frank E. Hoecker, February 20, 1946

February 20, 1946 Surgeon General, U. S. Public Health Service, Washington 14, D. C. Attention: Dr. Frank E. Hoecker Gentlemen:- We are enclosing a copy of the result of measurements made by Drs. Hess and Flinn on dial painters in our employ during the past few years. We have not as yet received any comment from Dr. Greenburg who is also making a study of these results. With reference to the question of the direct measurement of radium in the body by the gamma ray method, our results are still inconclusive and of too small a number to make any positive predictions. We agree that the measurement is rather difficult since it is virtually impossible to isolate the effect of external contamination from the total measurement. We have found on some of our technicians that this external effect is quite large and whether it will ever be possible to definitely isolate the external and internal effects cannot be predicted on the basis of present results. We expect to start another series of tests within about two to three weeks and will, at that time, send you a report if the results are sufficiently clear to be used as a basis for drawing any conclusions. Very truly yours, Chief Chemist WWallhausentrkh enc.