Tag Archives: mites

March 11, 1946

Letterhead from the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Navy Department, Washington, D.C.

11 Mar 1946

Dr. W. E. Dove, In Charge
Division of Insects Affecting Man and Animals
Bureau of Entomology and Plant Quarantine
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Washington 25, D.C.

Dear Dr. Dove:

Forced by enemy action to prosecute military campaigns in tropical areas of such high endemicity as to seemingly preclude chances of success, the Navy, by the adoption of new methods and techniques in the control of insect-borne diseases, was able, not only to bring these campaigns to a successful conclusion, but with a degree of freedom from disease formerly thought impossible.

March 11, 1946

March 11, 1946

The Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Navy Department, recognizes the outstanding contribution by the Division of Insects Affecting Man and Animals, Bureau of Entomology and Plant Quarantine, U.S. Department of Agriculture, to the successful prosecution of these campaigns. By the immediate recognition of the great military potentialities of DDT, insect repellents, miticides and mite repellents, evolving methods and equipment for their application, and by the coordination and execution of a series of brilliant researches converting these chemicals to maximal efficiency for military use, the personnel attached to the Division of Insects Affecting Man and Animals has rendered a fundamental and outstanding contribution which has changed the entire methodology for the control of insect-borne diseases. In spite of the terrific pressure of research and development, the Orlando group of the Division, with the assistance of its Division administrative heads, conducted a continuing school of instruction for military personnel. By this instruction, key Naval personnel were enabled to keep informed of the latest developments and trends in research and to coordinate research with field application.

In view of this significant contribution to the war effort, I take this opportunity to express my personal gratitude and to commend the Division of Insects Affecting Man and Animals, Bureau of Entomology and Plant Quarantine, and you, In Charge of that Division, for exceptionally meritorious service rendered to Naval forces throughout the world.

Sincerely yours,

Ross T. McIntire
Vice Admiral (MC)
Surgeon General, U.S. Navy

January 1, 1943

Central Laboratory 505
APO 505
c/o Postmaster
New York, N.Y.

Personal Please

Dear Dr. Dove:

I suppose you have been advised by this time of my safe arrival at destination. We had an uneventful trip and everything is going along as well as can be expected under the circumstances. Like every ponderous machine it moves slowly but with ever increasing momentum. Living conditions are not at all bad and except for missing Deniza and all my friends I am quite contented with my lot.

January 1, 1943

January 1, 1943

Because of certain restrictions, it is almost impossible to give much in the way of happenings. I am greatly impressed with the importance of the eventual problems with which [redacted] you and I and especially the boys at Orlando are concerned. We cannot do too much too soon. Many problems present themselves and it is difficult to keep on the straight course of dealing entirely with the primary one; nevertheless some of them cannot be ignored and it is often necessary to take on additional responsibilities and give help wherever possible. In this connection I shall appreciate your sending me my copy of “Human Parasitology” by Blacklock, and the copy of “Parasitology” by Hegner, Root, and Augustine. I think you will find them amongst the books I left in the office. If you could procure for me a copy of the recent edition of “Medical Entomology” by Herms I should like to have that too. Deniza will reimburse you for whatever it costs. Perhaps you could expedite delivery to me by asking Col. Stone to send them with other official mail. There is, upon my suggestion, an interest in Freon as carrier and dispenser of bactericides for preventing air-borne infections. You might ask Col. Stone if it would be possible for his office to send me two 25 lb. cylinders of the material direct together with 5 empty 5-lb. dispensers and full instructions as to equipment for filling the small cylinders from the large ones. This equipment is also desired in connection with other work which has been assigned me. There is no use of my ordering it through channels as it does not appear on regular supply tables available here and I shall have to write elaborate specifications. Another problem to which I must give attention is the prevention of scabies. If it is possible and not too inconvenient I would appreciate your discussing this with Dr. Haller and Col. Stone and sending me at least gallon samples of any promising liquid acaricides especially emulsions or solutions of the less irritating derris or cube derivatives. The necessity for liquids is that of rapid application as a spray and the treatment of a considerable number of persons in a short time. As soon as you develop any promising lousicidal powder I should like to have samples to determine their efficacy in preventing sarcoptes infestation. Should opportunity afford research work there on scabies prevention and rapid treatment would be well worth while. One last request, could you discuss with Dr. Calvery of Food & Drug what his organization has found out about commercial wetting agents which are non-toxic to man and if he knows of any forward samples to me through Col. Stone. I know you must be extremely busy at this time and I trust the above requests will not be of too much trouble to you. How is everything going at the office? Give my best wishes to everyone in the Division and all my friends in the Bureau. How is Ina and the boys, Claudelle and B.M.? Please remember me to them. I think the above address will be rather permanent for me so if you can find a spare moment to write I shall be delighted to hear from you.

Sincerely
Emory C. Cushing, Maj. 5th C.[?].

Notes on the back of the envelope in Walter’s handwriting:
sesame
cotton seed
corn
Gesarol

Gesarol is the same as Neocid – both are Geigy trade names for a novel compound Walter and his colleagues are testing as a possible lousicide.

December 18, 1930

Dec. 18 – 1930.

My dear Sweetheart,

I am enclosing your list of names for Xmas cards. I tried to supply addresses. Pardon my delay in returning the list and also no letters during the past two days.

December 18, 1930

December 18, 1930

Last night and the night before Dr. Shelmire came by and took me to their home for dinners. We came back to the lab at night. Our first series of feeding tests did not get us anywhere. The animal used for infecting mites apparently did not carry the infection. We are feeding two other species from new inoculations. The suspense is great. Some of the new animals received infected mites 3 days ago, others last night, and still others are to get theirs tonight and tomorrow night. We are allowing different intervals of time for development of organisms in the mites.

Yesterday I made application with the Southland Mortgage Co. for a lien to replace the one held by Mr. Harper. Also, I paid the city taxes (no penalty). Under the new scheme we would pay 10.60 per month on each $1000 loan with options of paying $500 at any time. The rate is 8% on the unpaid balance. Statements are sent by them every six months. There is no brokerage fee but the renewal with them will cost about $55. This covers guaranty policy, recording fees etc. We would not have another renewal of the lien.

I happened to mention it to Mr. Bruce. He said that he and Mrs. Bruce had some small loans maturing and that he thought they might be interested in making us the loan at 7%. He went home last night and I should hear from him Monday. I told him that you might feel that we were taking advantage of their friendship. He said that it was a business proposition as he could get only 6% in Kansas. If we let them have the loan it would probably mean another renewal as soon as they get a permanent location, one or two years. I don’t know how you feel about it.

I am enclosing cards from the Cushings and Mrs. Miller. I read them. Hope this is OK. Your letter of Tuesday came a few min. ago. I am glad to know that my family is OK.

Dr. Shelmire just left. He came out to be here with me when we inoculated some more pigs. In a few min. I am going to Oak Cliff for more mites. We want to have a colony going indefinitely with pigs. We want to try to carry the infection along by introducing new pigs to infected mites. Mr. Sommier is making the housing quarters for the mites.

I love you Honey and I certainly miss you. The Shelmire baby made me mighty homesick for you and W.W. “Wo” talks a little but I don’t savvy his language. He walks about 10 to 12 steps. The Shelmires have to be very careful about making a fuss over Wo when little Bedford is around. The dinners out there were very nice, and they were very hospitable. Mrs. Shelmire wants to meet you and W.W.

With all my love,

Your
Walter.

December 13, 1930

Saturday Night.

My dear Sweetheart & Buddy,

Yours of Friday AM came this noon. I note that Daddy Lewis is up to his old tricks yet. The trade sounds like a good one. From what you tell me of the location it seems OK. It should be close enough to the High School, in case the apartments are not rented to year-around residents. If three apartments are rented now, the chances are pretty good.

December 13, 1930

December 13, 1930

We have not yet had our lien fixed up. I am figuring with a loan man for the Savings Bank of Detroit. His proposition is a 10 year pay at the rate of $12.50 per month on each thousand. This includes prin and interest and there are no other renewal charges. There is a brokerage fee. At this rate our house would almost pay out from the rent. This would seem to be OK if we made a trade for something else or if we sold. I am investingating other propositions. I think I have time enough to do so.

My first series of experiments are not yet giving results. I fed the mites on a pig about the time the fever was subsiding. Since then I used another animal just about the time he came down with fever. Tonight I am feeding a third lot on an animal just beginning the fever. This will make three series of experiments, two of which should give transmissions. The first lot may come through. For they sometimes go about 12 days before they come down. I am pushing it all I can for I am anxious to complete the work.

Jimmie writes that there is no hurry about returning but that he misses us. Says Mr. Hall makes it pretty embarassing at times. Bruce says that Hall is running true to form. Looks like another Abbott in some ways. Hope we can find out about him before it is time for his wife to return. I have a lot of sympathy for her, but that does not make the lab work go as it should.

With lots of love, Honey, I am

Your
Walter.

December 8, 1930

Box 208 – Monday Night.

My dear Sweetheart,

Yours of Saturday AM was received this AM. It is fine that W.W. is getting along OK. Hope he keeps up the good work.

Today Shelmire brought another infected pig by for the mites. Have just finished feeding the mites on this animal. The latter animal is in the early stages of the disease and should have more organisms in the blood stream. Animals inoculated from the other pig, which was convalescing, have not yet shown symptoms. It is a little early. This is the end of the 4th day for them.

December 8, 1930

December 8, 1930

This PM I called on the Southland re: the first lien. They are not in position to handle any more, but he sent me to another insurance Co. They are investingating and will let me know right away. They had not made any loans in Owenwood and were going out to take a look. More about this later.

I am enclosing a letter received from Dr. White. It runs true to form.

With lots of love, I am

Your
Walter.

December 7, 1930

Sunday PM.

My dear Sweetheart,

Yesterday I sealed your letter before I enclosed the check. I am enclosing it today.

I spent this afternoon and evening in feeding mites on an uninfected pig. Some of them are dropping now. Am trying [females] and newly hatched larvae. If my pigs keep increasing I’ll have experimental animals in nearly every room of the lab. The ones receiving crushed mites, blood etc. by needle are kept away from those receiving living mites. It is getting so I’ll spend most of my time taking temperatures and watching for symptoms.

December 7, 1930

December 7, 1930

I haven’t seen Mrs. Laake for a couple of days. I get there either before she gets home or after she has retired and I leave without seeing her the next morning. I should have invited her to dinner today, but I was not sure when I could leave the pigs. I ate breakfast with Bruce, Wells and Parish. Also ate lunch with Wells. I’ll get dinner when I go to post this letter.

Shelmire and I saw a pretty case of typhus yesterday at St. Paul’s. He was a Mexican who runs a grocery store. The history is practically the same as the other cases at Henderson and Longview.

I hope you are enjoying your visit and that W.W. is not giving you too much trouble. I certainly miss both of you and I am looking forward to seeing you as soon as I can “round out” my work.

I love you Honey. You too Buddy, and I hope you sleep good.

Your
Walter.

P.S. Got pants from Kahns OK.

December 2-3, 1930

Tuesday Morning.

Dear Honey Bird,

Yesterday I sent the little swing for Buddy. Today I am posting the Xmas cards. The latter came this morning. Also, I am forwarding a letter from Baltimore and am enclosing one from AK.

December 2-3, 1930

December 2-3, 1930

Yesterday morning I had breakfast with Mrs. Laake. As yet I have not had a chance to take her to dinner. She was invited out yesterday and again today.

Got a supply of mites from Oak Cliff Sunday PM and another lot yesterday PM. Am getting some to feed on the pig sick with typhus. Shelmire will be out this afternoon.

Am expecting news of your trip to Uvalde. I thought of you the whole trip, except when I was asleep, and I hope that you made it OK. Perhaps I’ll get a letter today.

With love,

Your
Walter.

Tuesday, Dec. 3, 1930 [sic]

My dear Sweetheart,

Your first letter and also one from Claudelle were received just as I posted a letter to you. A second letter was received from you today. Thanks! I am mighty glad to know that our son is getting along OK. Shelmire says that he wants his son to be a good quarter back on the team and that he should not be as large as Walter White. He thinks Walter White should be large enough to play “center.”

Have been feeding mites until it is getting old. Have been using a non infected strain on an infected guinea pig. When these are 7 to 10 days older I’ll feed them on a “clean” pig. Some are to be used for other inoculations and fixations. We, also, have another strain of mites brought in from Henderson by Mr. Somier. We will try to feed them on a clean pig.

This A.M. Dr. Bedford phoned that he had a patient from near Fort Stockton. Bruce and I went down to see him. He was a sheep man. He had a large number of sores which resemble Delhi Boils or Baghdad sores. I don’t know what they are. This man’s brother-in-law will be in tomorrow. We expect to try and find some trypanosomes. I don’t care to go out to Fort Stockton to study the origin. There are about 12 persons affected in this manner. It looks like we are getting our share of the human side of entomology. Bruce is trying to learn something on the reservoir of relapsing fever, which originates from tick bites in caves.

I appreciate Mother Lewis’ thinking of me when she made a chicken pie Sunday.

Am trying to locate your pin. I am quite sure that it did not drop when you gave me your watch.

With all my love to W.W. & yourself, and the folks.

Your
Walter.