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Digital Collections

Business correspondence

Letter from Linus Pauling to S. S. Prentiss

  • 1944-Jul-27

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The letter regards the development of Models K and L oxygen meters, recommendations for which are ready for further testing by the National Defense Research Committee, and a note that some are unsuitable due to suspension issues.

Developed from a Linus Pauling design during WWII, the technology behind Beckman Instruments’ oxygen analyzers ended up doing such diverse jobs as monitoring astronauts’ respiration, maintaining packaged food safety, and preventing blindness in newborn babies.

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Place of creation
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Genre
Extent
  • 8.5 in. W x 11 in. L
Language
Inscription
  • (first page, bottom left) "This document contains information affecting the national defense of the United States within the meaning of the Espionage Act, U.S.C. 50; 31 and 32. Its transmission or the revelation of its contents in any manner to an unauthorized person is prohibited by law."
  • (all pages, top and bottom) "Confidential"
Subject
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Credit line
  • Courtesy of Science History Institute

Institutional location

Department
Collection
Series arrangement
  • Sub-series 3. Product Files
  • Series II. Business Activities Files
Physical container
  • Box 19, Folder 8

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Scientific Biography
Linus Carl Pauling

Related Items

Cite as

Pauling, Linus. “Letter from Linus Pauling to S. S. Prentiss,” July 27, 1944. Beckman Historical Collection, Box 19, Folder 8. Science History Institute. Philadelphia. https://digital.sciencehistory.org/works/kw52j840j.

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The Science History Institute recognizes there are materials in our collections that may be offensive or harmful, containing racist, sexist, Eurocentric, ableist, or homophobic language or depictions. The history of science is not exempt from beliefs or practices harmful to traditionally marginalized groups. The Institute is engaged in ongoing efforts to responsibly present and address the evidence of oppression and injustice inextricable from the history of science. If you would like to learn more about our ongoing efforts or if you encounter harmful, inaccurate, or insufficient descriptions, please contact us at digital@sciencehistory.org.