You do not currently have permission to view the full text for this document. Please sign in to an account with an active subscription or contact support.
From Lieut. Col. F. F. Simpson, M.C., N.A., Chief of Section of Medical Industry.
To The Doctors and Dentists of the Country.
Subject: Utilization of Platinum in Unused Instruments.
1. In view of the limited supply of platinum in the country and of the urgent demand for war purposes, it is requested that every doctor and dentist in the country go carefully over his instruments and pick out EVERY SCRAP OF PLATINUM that is not absolutely essential to his work. These scraps, however small and in whatever condition, should reach governmental sources without delay, through one of two channels:
(a) They can be given to proper accredited representatives of the Red Cross who will shortly make a canvass for that purpose.
(b) They may be sold to the government through any bank under the supervision of the Federal Reserve Board. Such banks will receive and pay current prices for platinum.
By giving this immediate attention you will definitely aid in the war program.
2. It is recognized that certain dental and surgical instruments requiring platinum are necessary, and from time to time platinum is released for that purpose. It is hoped, however, that every physician and every dentist will use substitutes for platinum for such purposes wherever possible.
3. You are warned against giving your scrap platinum to anyone who calls at your office without full assurance that that individual is authorized to represent the Red Cross in the matter.