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  • Walter E. Dandy Letter 12/01/1913

    The Johns Hopkins University

    Baltimore, Md.

    December 1, 1913

    Dear Mother and Father,

    Thanksgiving is gone again. It used to be the time to visit Sedalia for a few days. Now it goes by the same as any other day. There is hardly a pause from work. I went to Dr. Thomas' for dinner and had a good feed. I weigh 162 now.

    Am working hard writing and rewriting. I sent another article away last week which ought to be out by the first of the year. I am billed for a talk before the medical society December 15-on hydrocephalus.

    Stocks are down quite a lot 24½ today but they will soon begin to go back again. It is a good time to buy now. Don't send me any money as I might be tempted to invest some more if I had it.

    There is a German coming over to work on the surgical staff. That doesn't look very good to me. Dr. Halsted will probably put him in over me which will be pretty rotten. I don't know that he will but I don't think there will be much question about it. You see how uncertain and variable I am but I am better prepared everyday to get something better. I can make money now at any time I have to but I am looking more for honor and glory, at least primarily.

    I think I told you it didn't look as though I was going to get the Ph.D. I may try again next year. However, technicalities seem to be in the way. I am getting good work and lots of it. So I am and ought to be well satisfied. Everything usually turns out for the best.

    I haven't had a chance to write to your girl yet, but I will one of these days when you tell me more about her, and when I get more time. Saw Dr. Mall the other day and he seemed very enthusiastic about my work, and thought there were good opportunities for me here since the adoption of the full time business.

    I showed my little article on the nerve supply to the pituitary to Dr. Halsted and he was very much pleased. He asked me who drew the pictures and when I told him I did, he was quite shocked. He will be quite pleased when our big paper comes out on the hydrocephalus. We may try to treat a case surgically soon. Heuer, who has charge of all the cases and all the operation work, kindly said he would like to help me do them. Whereas he could do them himself if he wanted to since he has full charge.

    Well, I don't think I will send you anything for Christmas. You know the spirit is the same regardless of the physical significance. Don't send me anything because I know perfectly well you would feel best the more you could give so you don't need to do it. Hoping you are still in perfect health as I am.

    Your loving son, Walter

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