Bumper number of Nature on DNA [-] next week I think - photo 1

Bumper number of Nature on DNA [-] next week I think

Lot 121
27.01.2023 10:00UTC +00:00
Classic
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$ 20 160
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUnited Kingdom, London
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ID 887899
Lot 121 | Bumper number of Nature on DNA [-] next week I think
Estimate value
$ 8 000 – 12 000
WILKINS, Maurice (1916-2004). Autograph letter signed with initial (“M” and headed “M.H.F. Wilkins”) to Leonard Hamilton, London, 21 April 1953.

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

“Bumper number of Nature on DNA next week I think.”

Great letter penned just a few days before the landmark Nature article hit the newsstands. Wilkins compares four of Hamilton’s DNA specimens and their relative crystallinity and requests 50mgm more of his favorite: S180. In part: “DNA S180 is very good, crystalline ^like the best Signer specimen of calf thymus we have. Could you send us more of this? It has some salt in it, do you know what is likely [-] Na or Mg or what? … If you could send ~50 mgm of S180 we can do its nucleotide ratio, water uptake etc & dialyse the salt out. Can you spare that much? (or more) …

Bumper number of Nature on DNA next week I think. My contribution is hastily and badly written. / Can you let us know method of DNA prep? We are interested to find what produces crystallinity. Or is it a trade secret? If it is don’t worry.” On the second page is a table of four DNA samples and their results: the S180 and three others—less desirable—all from human white blood cells.
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
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