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Windsmill, Enfield, Middlesex: - Is late in acknowledging Onslow's letter of 30 Jun due to absence from home; 'much obliged' for the particulars Onslow has given of his work, and as Fletcher is 'specially interested in any researches bearing on the cancer problem' will be 'very glad' if he can assist in furthering Onslow's work. Asks if he may write to Professor Hopkins for further information, and for information about the apparatus Onslow requires and its likely cost.

Onslow thanks Fletcher for his 'kindness' in saying he will assist him; Professor Hopkins has indicated that he is 'only to pleased' to give his opinion of Onslow's work and any other information required; encloses a list of apparatus 'the lack of which is at present a serious handicap to pathological investigations, especially cancer & tuberculosis in which I am particularly interested [list no longer present]'.

Draft is headed 'Fletcher', though on the back there is a note 'Draft of Letters sent to McElwee & Fletcher', indicating that this or a similar letter may also have been sent to George McElwee [see ONSL/14].

Has delayed replying to Onslow's letter until hearing from Professor Hopkins; received a letter this morning 'speaking in high terms' of Onslow's qualifications. Is 'deeply interested in the cancer problem' and has periodically done what he could 'to assist pathological research''; the results have so far been of 'negative value', and Fletcher is 'inclined to think that the workers in this field cannot see the wood for the trees'. 'A Pasteur' is needed, who 'whilst conversant with what has been done, can survey the question from an unbiassed standpoint, and strike out a line of his own'. Biochemistry seems to him 'the most promising key to unlock the mystery of the causation of cancer'. If Onslow is prepared to take up this question and 'devote yourself to it exclusively', Fletcher is willing to help as much as he can. Would like to know whether Onslow has already done any work in this direction, and whether he is 'acquainted with the best English and French researches' so he will not go over 'old ground'.

Has delayed replying until he heard from Professor Hopkins: cannot accept Fletcher's offer, as he 'could never obtain a licence to do vivisection and to keep animals that have been operated on... The Home Office will not allow private house to be licenced'. This would 'cut him off' from 'one of the most fruitful channels of research'. Also, since he cannot attend laboratories, he often has to wait to obtain desired material or for 'some lengthy reaction' to be completed; currently, he has been able to turn to another problem but would not be able to do so knowing Fletcher was 'anxiously awaiting practical results'. Professor Hopkins assures him the 'anxiety to produce practical results... does not lead to satisfactory work'. Thinks Fletcher should give money to 'some well known institute such as the Imperial Cancer Research Fund' if he requires a 'direct return.... in the form of the relief of cancer'. However, believes he could do some 'indirect biological work' which 'might prove fruitful'. Gives examples arising from his work on pigmentation, or 'devising of the method for the estimation say of nitrogen in the urine'.

Thanks Onslow for explaining the limitations on direct research into cancer. Would like to discuss the matter with Sampson Handley, whom he knows well and is a leading authority on cancer. If Onslow is in London during August, asks if he may have 'the pleasure of calling' on him.

Has not written since the war broke out as it felt 'impossible to ask for help during this time'. For last nine months has been in London, doing 'what little clerical war work was in my power' but 'owing to the kindness of a relation' has now returned to Cambridge. Has been asked by Professor Hopkins and Mr Cole to look into some questions 'directly concerning the conduct of the campaign', especially into a 'rapid means of diagnosing typhoid and para-typhoid'. Has the same trouble as before in obtaining apparatus, which is now more expensive; now has a room assured and for a hundred pounds could convert it into a 'very practicable laboratory'.

Is sure Onslow's proposed work will lead to 'important results', and wishes he could help with purchase of necessary apparatus, but 'this ghastly war' is having a considerable effect on his income and he feels unable to do so. Would much appreciate seeing a copy of the paper Onslow has read before the Royal Society.