Letters Sent to Dr. Herman Schlundt, June 16, 1929

June 18th,1929. Dr. Herman Schlundt, University of Missouri, Columbia, Mo; Dear Dr. Schlundt: While Dr. Flinn has not dafinitely stated that he preferred to conduct his investigation independent of othors interested in this field, still I have had the feoling for some time that he much prefers to do this and, the reasons for same are probably more or less obvious. Dr. Flinn, of course, is in charge of public health work at Columbia University and, as I understand it, devotes all of his time to investi- gational work and has little or no set duties to preform. Under these conditions we can woll appreciate that the best evidence of results that he can produce is independent investigation and, while he probably will receive considerable merit for joint work, still he undoubtedly feols that his standing is such that he should be capable of carrying on such studies without the assistance of others. As I have indicated to you before, I régret that Dr. Flinn has not shom more of an inclination to work with us on this problem, but recently he has not done this and, I an thoroughly confident that he profers not to. As a matter of fact I would hardly feel justified in feeling him out on this matter, for I don't believe that any progress would be made. Under thesé conditions it would seem that the best procedure to follow would be to complete the publications involving joint data now on hand and, then for you to proceed along such lines as you might elect independent of others. I do not personally feel that I can contribute much to your studies in this line, but assure you that I will be glad to give you any cooperation that is within By power. The matter of the offspring of those containing radio-active materials also containing same was given to you confidentially and, I would request that you not circulate this information too generally. As fen. as advising the Nothers or their off springs of this situation I question whether it would be at all advisable for various reasons - one of which would be the mental state of the Mother and child, which would undoubtedly reflect on their health. As you can realize this is a very delicate subject and one which must be approached very circumspectly. Some time when you are in the East I don't doubt but that Dr. Flinn will discuss this subject with you in detail. In writing Dr. Ewing, I would pass along the information that you obtained in discussing the use of parathyromon with a member of the Mayo Clinic, giving the name of the Doctor. I have heard nothing from Dr. Dlinn during the past month or six weeks, but shall try to get in touch with him before I leave. Sincerely yours, Vice President.