CARREL ALEXIS: (1873-1944) French surgeon and biologist, Nobel Prize winner for Physiology or ...

CARREL ALEXIS: (1873-1944) French surgeon and biologist, Nobel Prize winner for Physiology or Medicine, 1912. T.L.S., Alexis Carrel, one page, 4to, New York, 7^th December 1937, to Dr. Rene Beckers (‘My dear Friend’) on the printed stationery of the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research. Carrel states that it was a great pleasure to receive his friend’s letter and also adds that Mr. van Ermengem’s manuscript had arrived, commenting ‘It is quite thoughtful of him to submit it to me, as I am very much interested in that subject. Unfortunately, I am in the midst of an immense amount of work, and it is impossible for me to read any manuscripts. Nevertheless, I have glanced at it, and read the conclusions. Without going over it carefully, it would be quite out of the question for me to prepare a preface. The little I have read appears to be excellent. I believe that the title does not give a fair idea of the book. Should it not be modified?’. Carrel further writes ‘The King of Belgium interested and impressed me deeply. It is my opinion that his figure in world affairs will grow very much more important as time goes on. I should like to write something about him. But it is an extremely difficult and delicate task. I was delighted to receive the excellent photograph of the King, you, and me. It is most gratifying to have so interesting a souvenir of my delightful days in Bruxelles last summer’. VG

Leopold III (1901-1983) King of the Belgians 1934-51.