Yellow fever

Kean promises that he will assist Hench in his research. He suggests that Hench contact Truby for more information.

Kean comments on Truby's manuscript about the yellow fever experiments. He complains that some "rank candidates" are lobbying to be included in the Roll of Honor.

In evaluating the Reed versus Finlay debate, Kean states that Reed converted a discredited hypothesis into an established doctrine.

Kean discusses the publication of Truby's memoirs.

Kean informs Hench that Truby's book will be published by the S.G.O. He also discusses various people who were or were not in Cuba during the yellow fever experiments.

Kean makes a few suggestions on how to improve Truby's forward. He notes that he was on an inspection tour during Lazear's illness. He returned and thinks he saw Lazear the day before he died. He does not know when Reed heard of Lazear's death.

Kean writes that he has started his memoir. In a postscript, Kean explains Gorgas was excluded from the yellow fever painting because Gorgas did not initially believe in the mosquito theory.

Kean finds that Wood's book is a well-written depiction of the yellow fever demonstration.

Kean complains that Lawrence Reed is not answering his letters. He comments on Laura Wood's new book on Reed. He is delighted with Truby's book and offers a suggestion to remedy a printing error.

Kean describes Hench's visit to his house and admits that his memory is fading.

Kean has attempted to identify the persons in the photographs from Truby, some of whom he describes. Kean discusses his large accumulation of personal papers and books, which will be deposited at the University of Virginia after his death. Kean describes his recent illness and its effects. He lists new members of the Walter Reed Memorial Association, and expresses his apprehension that Hench might not finish his yellow fever magnum opus.

Kean states that Carroll was responsible for the injustice done to Agramonte. [Courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration]

Kean requests Agramonte's photograph for a publication about the Yellow Fever Commission. [Courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration]

Kean acknowledges that Agramonte should get proper credit for his yellow fever work. [Courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration]

Kean informs Agramonte that he would like to publish his recollections of the yellow fever experiments in "The Military Surgeon."

Kean mentions the dedication of Walter Reed's birthplace and ongoing yellow fever work. He offers his opinion on the Reed-Finlay debate.

Kean sends Agramonte a Congressional committee report on the yellow fever pension bill and gives his opinion in regards to compensation amounts. Kean also comments on the Rockefeller Foundation yellow fever work in West Africa.

Kean relates news of the pension bill and notes the recognition of Agramonte's work in the bill.

[Kean] informs Ellis about the military service of John R. Kissinger and gives details of Kissinger's participation in the yellow fever experiments. Included is a note by Truby. [Courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration]

Kean encourages Kelly to support the pension bill with a letter to the Washington Post.