Zoofysiologiske Laboratorium,
University of Copenhagen,
Juliane Mariesvej, 32,
February 11, 1931Professor Emilie Hutchinson,
Chairman,, [sic] Committee of Fellowships,
American Association of University Women,
Washington, D. C.Dear Professor Hutchinson,
This midyear report to the Committee must be very informal because the research is at present incomplete and not ready for any form of publication.
Early in the fall Professor Krogh suggested that Dr. Eugene Landis, a Guggenheim fellow from the University of Pennsylvania, and I endeavor to find out more definitely than had been done the effect of changes in venous pressure and in the colloid osmotic pressure of the blood upon the passage of liquid from the small blood-vessels into the tissues. Obviously the problem is not simplem [sic] but our results are gradually accumulating and we hope they are trustworthy. Our chief tool is as [sic] arm plethysmograph now much modified from its first form. The colloid camotic pressures are measured by the use of osmometers devised by Professor Krogh. The venous pressures are varied by means of a simple armlet and the colloid osmotic pressures thus far have been varied by a standing versus a reclining position. Other procedures have to do with the obliteration of vaso-motor interference, measurements of temperatures and so on.
Incidentally I have been making a study of the behavior of different membranes in the osmometers. I am also now beginnign work on venous pressure, measured by a capsule devised this year and one which seems to offer certain points of superiority over those previously used. This problem is being taken up in the hope of extending our knowledge of what goes on in the venous circulation, especially in young women as body position is altered, a study somewhat parallel to that I have already made on the changes in heartrate and arterial pressures under similar conditions.
The Zoofysiologiske Laboratorium has been most cordial in its reception this year of three American fellows, Dr. Landis, the Guggenheim fellow already mentioned, Dr. Ancel Keys who holds a Rockefeller fellowship, and myself. Dr. Landis and I have been given the two very comfortable guest rooms at the Laboratory. In Copenhagen it is customary for many members of a scientific staff to live at the Laboratory, and arrangement in which we are very glad to share. It makes for convenience in work and for pleasant intercourse as well.
Professor Krogh's department is almost entirely given over to research with a minimum of undergraduate teaching and the group is large enough to mean that the problems under investigation are varied. There is thus much stimulus and interest from the group of workers as well as the great inspiration which comes from association with Professor Krogh. He is very much in the laboratory with those who are working so that we have real acquaintance with him, which adds much to the value of the year. He is one of the great men who does not disappoint on closer contact.
In many ways also one is conscious of living among a people of strong intellectual and especially scientific interests. There has been much hospitality and friendliness to those of us who come as strangers. The Danish Federation of University Women has asked me to talk to them at their annual winter meeting on March 3, postponed from an earlier date. The subject of their choice is "American Women in the University and afterward". They wish particularly to know about our university trainng, as contrasted with the college education about which they remember what Mrs. Katherine Drinker told them when she and Dr. Drinker were in Copenhagen a few years ago. But they say they do not know the university story as well, and especially what becomes of the university trained women in America. I have already sent to our Association and to various friends for help and hope to be able to tell them at least something of what we are doing in different lines, thoug the tale is too long for the time I shall have.
I plan to stay here until the middle of June so that there will be a real working year. It is already seeming short for the work at hand, but it is well worth while and I am glad that this was the choice. The Fellowship makes the year much easier financially and I am very glad to be honored by receiving it.
Very sincerely yours,