GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER
The gifted naturalist and teacher writes of his gifted students and medical research.
Autograph Letter Signed: "G.W. Carver.", 1½p, 8½x11. Tuskegee Institute, Alabama, 1934 February 4. On stationery of the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute to a former student. Begins: "My beloved boy Mr. Davis:-". In part: "I have before me a fine letter from 'Joe Roger' the boy I said there was something to. There is indeed something in the dear fellow that is worth while. I am glad that so many felt that what they heard and saw was worth their coming through the rain. Dear, thank God there is a better day coming for us we can be together, Study together, investigate together without undue excitement. My precious boy I believe it is coming faster than we think, I have had all day today scarcely a moment to myself, I had them from Phenix City Ala, Alexander City, Ala, Clanton Ala, Montgomery Ala, Wetumkis Ala, Birmingham, Ala, and Columbus Ga. All of them were the better class of people, and they seemed so happy after a treatment...I think I have a perfect right to feel chesty over my dear, handsome boy 'Ford'. With love and admiration." Carver, who developed over 300 derivative products from peanuts and 118 from sweet potatoes, had joined the staff at Tuskegee in 1896 at the invitation of founder Booker T. Washington. Students who showed particular abilities, such as Davis, were favorites of Carver, who wrote letters to them encouraging their skills. At the time of this letter, he was developing the use of peanut oil combined with skilled physiotherapy for polio victims. His method of massage and the resulting renewed elasticity of muscles from the oil unfortunately did not cure patients, but at that time, enthusiastic publicity proclaimed remarkable results. Letters mentioning his scientific work, such as this one, are extremely desirable. Folds, vertical fold touches the "C" in Carver. 2 file holes at upper margin affecting 2 words on verso. Fine condition.