Yellow fever

Kean reports the death of a former participant in the yellow fever experiments. He is delighted with Truby's book and approves of Laura Wood's book on Reed. He offers his opinion on world politics and war shortages.

Kean encloses a copy of a positive review of Truby's book and makes comments.

Kean appreciates the copy of Reed's letter and photograph, although he is unable to identify anyone in the picture. He mentions a planned mural at a Cuban Military Hospital celebrating the conquest of yellow fever. After his death, his books will be donated to the University of Virginia.

Kean criticizes an article that claims Gorgas was ahead of his time when, in fact, he was slow to react to Reed's conclusions.

Kean discusses Finlay's mosquito theory and Reed's experimentation. He comments on a planned mural depicting the story of yellow fever in Cuba.

Kean relates a humorous anecdote about Wood. Kean goes on to discuss the problems of finding the exact moment when Guiteras was converted to the mosquito theory. He also discusses Pinto's role in the Yellow Fever Commission.

Kean declines to write a chapter for Hench's book. He comments on the book's preparation.

Kean relates the history of the Kissinger family in their desire to obtain money and how Peabody organized the Kissinger Relief Fund. Kean goes on to say that there was an error in a pamphlet published by Peabody in the amount of pension money to be given to the Kissinger family.

Kean recalls that Howard's play, “Yellow Jack,” incorrectly shows Lazear infecting XY without his consent.

Moran wants Kean to explain to Nogueira that there shouldn't be any hostility between Cuba and the U.S. caused by distinguishing between Finlay “discovering” the mosquito theory and Reed “demonstrating” the theory. Kean also mentions his letter to Moran about Guiteras' speech given in Havana in 1900, which gives a proper analogy for the Finlay--Reed discovery.

Kean shares family news. He is glad to receive copies of Walter Reed's diplomas and describes Truby's visit. He is relieved to hear that Building No. 1, at Camp Lazear, will be preserved.

Kean approves of Amador's idea for a popular history of yellow fever. He relates his recollections of the X.Y. yellow fever case.

Kean rejects Nelson's article on the grounds of inaccuracies. Kean informs him of the Walter Reed Memorial Association's work and Peabody's efforts to lobby Congress for pension increases for the survivors.

Kean provides reasons for infection of yellow fever at Columbia Barracks and possible ways to prevent spread of disease. [Courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration]

Kean cites a lack of support for sanitary measures by the Cuban authorities, and an increase in the incidence of yellow fever. He requests assignment of another medical officer to his staff.

Kean informs de Niedman that he will testify on behalf of a pension bill to recognize the work of the Yellow Fever Commission and volunteers, including Agramonte.

Carroll thanks Latimer for her sympathy. She notes additional speakers for the meeting at Johns Hopkins.

Carroll thanks Kelly for his letter of sympathy. She will loan him a photograph of her late husband.

Wilson relays Kissinger's situation to Kelly.

Wilson writes to the Editor concerning the situation of Kissinger. She hopes that something can be done for him.