Microscopes

Frederic R. Coudert thanks Theodore Roosevelt for his kind letter following his accident. He is nearly recovered and expects to ride again shortly. Coudert is disappointed Roosevelt cannot attend the Rockefeller Institute as the microscopic displays are interesting. Alexis Carrel’s experiments dictate when he can come to Sagamore Hill. Coudert is glad Roosevelt is writing on the trust question. 

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-11-13

President Roosevelt looks at milk under a microscope, surrounded by containers of milk and scientific tools.

comments and context

Comments and Context

Of the many reforms advanced during the Roosevelt presidency, the work to assure poor foods and drugs was as noble and far-reaching as any. “Adulterated” foods and drugs, “patent medicines,” miracle cures, and foods and beverages stretched by chalk, sawdust, and worse, were a plague that affected all. Rancid meat and fraudulently labeled perishables were clear hazards to health.

A man stands at a dining room table, using various chemical apparatus, such as a “Milk Tester” with “High Water Mark,” a “Sand Extractor” over a “Sugar” bowl, and a “Butter Tester,” as well as a microscope and a retort, to analyze food products before sitting down to eat. He has a book titled “Chemistry” in his coat pocket. Caption reads: “Look before you eat – and see if you can discover any unadulterated food.”

Collection

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs

Creation Date

1884-03-12