Asking for more DNA for X-ray diffraction - photo 1
Asking for more DNA for X-ray diffraction - photo 2

Asking for more DNA for X-ray diffraction

Lot 118
27.01.2023 10:00UTC +00:00
Classic
Sold
$ 6 048
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUnited Kingdom, London
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ID 887896
Lot 118 | Asking for more DNA for X-ray diffraction
Estimate value
$ 3 000 – 5 000
WILKINS, Maurice (1916-2004). Autograph letter signed with initial (“M.”) to Leonard Hamilton, London, 17 February 1953.

Two pages recto and verso, 200 x 124mm. Fine condition. On Biophysics Research Unit stationery, King’s College London.

“One can’t have too much of such stuff & would you supply [DNA] .. to us for Xray diffraction etc. How about it?”

Important letter referencing the X-ray diffraction work at King’s College’s X-ray before the double helix structure of DNA was discovered. In part: “Geoffrey here has been making avian tubercle DNA to obtain a Guanine / Adenine ratio of 0’4 for his various Chargaff experiments … It seems to us that there is such a need for such DNA for many experiments & you people have been so successful at working up good DNA from a low DNA content material that it might be a very good idea for you people too to have a bark at it. / One can’t have too much of such stuff & you would supply it to Cavalieux[?] for his experiments, & to us for Xray diffraction etc. / How about it? … P.S. Secondary phosphoryls still stewing. P.P.S. Extraction may be difficult. Colloid mill or something?”
Address of auction CHRISTIE'S
8 King Street, St. James's
SW1Y 6QT London
United Kingdom
Preview
13.01.2023 – 27.01.2023
Phone +44 (0)20 7839 9060
Email
4FQ.AYGKAGLUQ@FO3G@
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