ETHICALLY IMPOSSIBLE” STD Research in Guatemala from 1946-1948 
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Waldemar B. Kaempffert Dies; Science Editor of The Times, 79. (1956). New York Times , November 28. 
PCSBI HSPI Archives, MISC_0000070. 
Kaempffert, W. (1947). Notes on science: syphilis prevention. New York Times, April 27.. 
John Mahoney to John Cutler. (1947, May 5). Correspondence. PCSBI HSPI Archives, CTLR 0001243. 
Most likely because the prophylaxis was intended to be included in the Army pro kit for soldiers 
to treat themselves, which would rule out injections. John Mahoney to John Cutler. (1947, May 5). 
Correspondence. PCSBI HSPI Archives, CTLR 0001243. It is also worth noting that Drs. Arnold and 
Mahoney had first discovered the use of the orvus-mapharsen prophylaxis, a competitor to the use of 
penicillin as a prophylaxis. Arnold, R.C., Mahoney, J.F. (1948). Local prophylaxis in experimental syphilis 
of the rabbit. Journal of Venereal Disease Information 29(5):138-41. 
John Mahoney to John Cutler. (1947, May 5). Correspondence. PCSBI HSPI Archives, CTLR 0001243. 
Dr. Mahoney does not specifically say in this letter why he thought that an oral preparation of penicillin 
was less important; however, he most likely was concerned about the use of penicillin as a prophylaxis 
creating penicillin-resistant bacteria. As Dr. Cutler discussed in the Experimental Studies in Gonorrhea 
report, “the fact that patients may become, or be sensitive to penicillin and the danger inherent in creating 
a penicillin-resistant bacterial flora in the patient that might later prove pathogenic. . .suggests that it is 
inadvisable to use oral penicillin as a mass prophylaxis against venereal disease.” John Cutler. (1952, 
October 29). Experimental Studies in Gonorrhea. Report. PCSBI HSPI Archives, CTLR 0001298. 
John Cutler to John Mahoney. (1947, May 17). Correspondence. PCSBI HSPI Archives, CTLR 0001122. 
Ibid. 
John Mahoney to John Cutler. (1947, May 5). Correspondence. PCSBI HSPI Archives, CTLR 0001243. 
There is no further information in the Cutler Documents regarding the formation of an advisory group. 
Ibid. 
Ibid. 
John Cutler to John Mahoney. (1947, June 22). Correspondence. PCSBI HSPI Archives, CTLR 0001242. 
John Mahoney to John Cutler. (1947, June 30). Correspondence. PCSBI HSPI Archives, CTLR 0001078. 
John Cutler to John Mahoney. (1947, June 22). Correspondence. PCSBI HSPI Archives, CTLR 0001241. 
Ibid. 
John Mahoney to John Cutler. (1947, June 30). Correspondence. PCSBI HSPI Archives, CTLR 0001077. 
It appears that this confidence was indeed later entrusted, as in a later letter written by Dr. Soper, he lauds 
Dr. Cutler’s excellent job leading the Venereal Disease Program in Guatemala, which included studies in 
“transmission, serology and treatment of venereal diseases.” Dr. Soper goes on to say that “[djuring [Dr. 
Cutler’s] detail in Guatemala, which required not only technical skill but the ability to deal with authorities 
and handle patients under extremely difficult conditions, he conducted his work in an outstanding manner, 
got along well with every one, and demonstrated his administrative capacity.” Fred L. Soper to Ernest L. 
Stubbins. (1950, April 20). Correspondence. PCSBI HSPI Archives, JHU 0000007. 
John Cutler to John Mahoney. (1947, June 22). Correspondence. PCSBI HSPI Archives, CTLR 0001241. 
Ibid. 
Ibid. 
It is not clear who Dr. Cutler is including in the four. In addition to himself, Dr. Levitan, and Dr. Harlow, 
he is also possibly including Dr. Spoto. 
John Cutler to John Mahoney. (1947, June 22). Correspondence. PCSBI HSPI Archives, CTLR 0001241. 
Ibid. 
Strickland, S.P. (1989). Op cit. 
John R. Murdock to John Cutler, forwarded by William J. McAnally, Jr. (1947, December 26). 
Correspondence. PCSBI HSPI Archives, CTLR 0001102. 
John Cutler to John Mahoney. (1947, June 22). Correspondence. PCSBI HSPI Archives, CTLR 0001241. 
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