Edgar Cayce Readings, 1000-18

(Body and enquiring mind, in regard to her Furfluff preparation, a sample jar of which I hold in my hand. You will answer the questions she has submitted, as I ask them, concerning the proper manufacture and distribution of this product.)

TEXT

EC: Yes, we have the body, the enquiring mind, [1000]; the Furfluff, those conditions that are existent in the present regarding same, and those that have been given as suggestions for the betterment of all conditions.
Ready for questions.
(Q) Is Charles Cutajar Advertising Agent at 19 E. 47th St., N.Y.C., the right man to handle Furfluff?
(A) This to be sure depends upon whether there is a proper understanding between those who have the handling of the Furfluff and its manufacture AND the advertising agent. It is a very good agency, and is worth considering. Then as we find there should be adherence to those suggestions, if the remuneration and the associations are fully understood before the work is begun.
As to how much is to be invested - or as we find the better is as has been indicated for the body, [1000], to incorporate as a corporation, and then if there is a part of the stock in same considered it may be alright; but do not make self personally liable for more than is seen in the beginnings - or there is the investments.
As there are those who have made overtures, or indicated there would be proper consideration given in having an interest in same, then use same as part - if this is desired by the body.
(Q) Shall I follow his advice and open at Women's Institute of Arts and Sciences at Grande Central Palace on Monday?
(A) If this is first ALL properly understood and is agreeable to all. Do not enhance self nor the ability for the product without first having all properly understood. This is why there has been given that certain individuals should be consulted for their advice and counsel in respects such.
(Q) The name Jennings Products is not accepted at Albany unless corporation is formed. What shall I do?
(A) Then as has been indicated before, and here, this would be well.
(Q) What can be added to Furfluff to make it a de-moth-er, as the warm weather is drawing near and it would help the sale of same?
(A) That which has been added in the very small quantity of those properties that would ordinarily be termed or considered as a changer or whitener or the like is a de-moth-er - and none better.
(Q) Have added Fritzsche Bros. Neuroform to eliminate strong odor. Is this correct?
(A) This is very good.
(Q) Would Sodium Carbonate Technical as used by Furriers aid Furfluff? If so, in what quantity and when should same be added?
(A) As has been indicated, such experimentations are a necessary portion of the undertaking, or a part of the demonstrating or the laboratory work which should be done in the preparations for same for improvements as there is begun the distribution of same. No reason why there should not be an organization and begin with that which is in hand, then as the conditions develop there may be made or carried on further experimentations in all the various things that go to combine same. But as we find, that as has been given and that has been combined here, would be satisfactory.
(Q) Are there any corrections to be made on the sample of Furfluff I am holding in my hand? I have followed directions carefully.
(A) As has just been given.
This does not hinder, however, further experimentations, further research in various combinations for the progress of the Furfluff. For it is valuable and will aid, will do even more than that as yet seen in the use of same.
(Q) Application for trademark registration for Furfluff was made Jan. 19, 1937. Is this sufficient protection or must I go further at this time and have same patented?
(A) This depends upon whether this is to remain an individual proposition or to be made as a combination or as a corporation. If it is then decided for the corporation, for the abilities to take off so much of the anxiety and the detail, and to carry on as a corporation, it'll be necessary that the Corporation make applications, see?
(Q) Is there a way of applying for a patent and withholding formula and keeping it secret, indefinitely? If so, how?
(A) No. This must be given in the way and manner as is outlined by those necessary. As has been indicated, however, this may be set up as a definite thing, you see, and the trade NAME made as a patent or a copyright or the like.
Then the formula is not given, and for such things it would not come under the Pure Food and Drug Act, so long as there is the convincing of the chemist that the activities of same are not detrimental to those using same or to the product upon which it is used. It does not come under the Pure Food and Drug Act, necessarily.
(Q) What does patent pending mean?
(A) Just what it implies; that there has been a patent applied for, FOR the formula, see? This only lasts, of course, a shorter period and is either to be held by the Corporation or Applicant - and if so applied for the formula should always remain the property of the individual, [1000], to control any interests in a Corporation.
(Q) I have mailed a registered letter to myself, formula enclosed and placed stamp on inside paper and cut out envelope. Will this be a protection?
(A) No; this is only a ruse as it were and would be so considered by those or any who might make the necessary changes for the use of the product.
(Q) Jules Goldstein, present attorney, seems inefficient. Am I correct? If so, advise me what to do.
(A) We do not find there being an inefficiency; it is rather that there is a lack of the interest owing to the inability for Goldstein to see further income from same. If it is desired by the body, just as has been indicated, be satisfied within self that whoever is employed in that capacity is efficient. Do not work with anyone whom the body considers inefficient!
(Q) Is Furfluff in its present state, which I hold in my hand, easy to analyze?
(A) Not easy to analyze.
While any combination may be analyzed, but as to its proportion, as to when it is added - as to the various ingredients - is another thing. Do not worry so much about these so far as patent applied for is concerned, or registration for the trade-name or the like - if this is carried out.
(Q) Is there anything I can add to protect same from being easily imitated?
(A) This may be always imitated! Anything may be imitated! Do not worry so much about these things, if you will get started with the distribution!
(Q) Is Furfluff subject to Interstate Chemical Laws?
(A) We do not find it so.
(Q) Combs such as I am holding of horn or bone, called plantation combs and used by Southern Darkies, and manufacturers are rare. Probably a Southern product. Where can these be secured direct?
(A) Columbus, Georgia.
(Q) Glass jar in my hand is breakable, heavy and costly to ship. Would aluminum or beetle-ware answer the problem for Furfluff?
(A) Beetle-ware, but not aluminum!
(Q) Where could a stock item be secured?
(A) Such things must all be worked out by selves; not gone into all of these from here!
We are through for the present.
Copy to Self - Special Delivery
Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

See 1000-17 on 9/23/36.
3/16/37 She submitted questions.

REPORTS

3/29/37 "It might interest you to know that I have met Mr. [165] through Mrs. [189] at [257]'s office. He seemed quite interested and ready to help and is at present unemployed. His knowledge of things would do much in saving me a great deal of running around, so I have arranged with him to help me for the next two weeks and then see further. Of course he had to be told much of what is being done, in order to get the proper mixing machinery, etc."
4/01/37 EC's ltr. to [1000]:
Dear Mrs. [1000]-
Thanks for yours of 29th, and appreciate your feelings and can assure you, ever you will find us ready and willing to help if possible. and please do not at any time feel that it is too little or too great for us to at least make a try to do our best.
Now, as for Mr. [165], well you might think we are a little daffy about him, of all the people in my acquaintance, would rather see you have him helping you out than any one I know. for he really knew his chemistry, first. and then feel sure you can trust him the whole way. and be very sure that he will not would not gyp you in any manner or form if he knew it. and there are precious few people that one can say that about. but that is the way we all feel about him.
And then the surprise of surprises, to us ask him to read his life reading to you [165-2, on 10/10/27], and you read yours about where you were in the period of rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem [1000-14 on 7/04/36], and it is amazing how this all dovetails in to what might be accomplished at this time - There will be some of your family that will distrust Mr. [165], if I am not mistaken - But I say from my own experience, you have the best associate possible with you. and of course you can talk freely with him about the readings. and are there any questions that he or you wish to ask. please don't hesitate will be glad to try and help any time. Am happy for you for believe you have one that can, and will help you in the right way.
With love to all. from all here.
Do hope you can get Mrs. [1192] to [Christian Science] church with you often, would help more than any that I can think of, please give her our love
Ever the same Edgar Cayce
4/05/37 Mr. [165]'s letter:
New York Dear Mr. Cayce -
Thanks most kindly for the generous words in your letter to Mrs. [1000]. It is fine to feel the friendship you exhibit toward me. It is unfortunate that the fine work you have done in helping Mrs. [1000], resulting in a badly constructed, badly packaged product, could not have been given the attention it deserves. I am devoting these two weeks to getting patent & copyright matters underweigh, a proper package & label, and going carefully over the readings and straightening out the formula. The corn has soured and the various batches have been measured with no accuracy.
Mrs. [1000] seems desirous of having me continue with her - but apart from the need for compensation are her rather unique thought processes which by themselves would preclude such an arrangement. She, and the product, need someone, and she will face a succession of short time people, unless some miracle can remove the ego and self pity.
4/09/37 EC's letter:
Dear Mr. [165]-
Was good to have yours of the fifth, I could not do other wise than speak well of you to Mrs. [1000], and the most interesting thing of it all is to see how, from your life reading and Mrs. [1000], how you would be brought together, to be sure what either of you do about former experiences, will be just what you do about what is either of your ideals, or something like that. you should have heard Hugh Lynn, when he read your letter.
Am sure all that you say about Mrs. [1000] need for clarification of what she wishes to do, is necessary. believe she has something that may be made worthwhile, but will require a great deal of work one way or another, and then, possibly becomes a selling proposition.
Should there be any thing that we may do to help her along in any way, know we will be only too glad to try and help.
4/10/37 Mr. [165]'s letter:
Because of my failure to understand the complexities of Mrs. [1000]'s nature I have had to break with her. I am hoping that should she write you, you can find some way to get the factions together. The matter has made a break in some way also between her and Mrs. [189], who is the innocent bystander. The reasons why I would like to see the matter patched is because I believe her sanity depends on the completion of the preliminary work on her fur cleaner. I found her a patent attorney, one of the finest in the city who believes with me that a patent can be secured although her own attorney thinks it cannot. After days of study a case was in course of preparation, for the patent office. I then for the first time took Mrs. [1000] to the office of the attorney. Unfortunately her attorney went along and took an unpardonable attitude in the matter assuming all authority in the matter and kicking me out of the patent picture. He is not a patent attorney. Finally he and Mrs. [1000] decided not to go ahead with the patent. In his office and on the elevator and down 40th street I was forced to walk with Mrs. [1000], her attorney disappeared, with her fairly shrieking at me all listeners sure she was intoxicated. The next day Mrs. [189] went through the same performance on the street with her. Mrs. [1000] thinks I am an idle temporary job-hunter, saying so in-discriminately.
I had agreed to see Mrs. [1000] through the preliminary stages of her business. Patent, formula (her composition is souring in the containers), container at a price which I think is solved, labels, copy for booklet, and the securing of trial sales in 5 sections of the country. I was to secure $100 as my pay, plus expenses, about $10.
Now I am offering to still do the above - part of it already completed - except last item, and she is to turn over the $100 to any charity I name (I will not accept any of it) but I must do all the work by myself and free from her lack of harmony. She should apologize to Mrs. [189].
So much for that.
4/15/37 Mrs. [1000]'s letter: "Once again I am coming to you for guidance, and if I have erred in any way I know divine providence will help you to show me the way... Mr. [165] learned most of my formula (when we discussed matters at my brother Jack's place of business), advised some paper containers which were useless, an estimate of $142 for a patent which I agreed to, also a cardboard container... He also showed my sister, Mrs. [1192] and I a machine; I know he was corresponding with people about comb, container, etc., but the information came to him at [257]'s office, and I never saw any of it... Oh, how happy I was when I rec'd your letter. He had seen most of the rdgs., knew most of the formula. When he asked questions I couldn't and didn't know how to evade them, and was just about to ask for another reading, when your letter arrived. I was so happy I hadn't shown him that I was worried about him. However, I have a bad habit of thinking aloud, when I am trying to solve a problem, and I had shot off steam to Mrs. [189]. At the end of the week he came to me with a brand new proposition.
"He thought he should stay right on with me at a steady salary. I got scared. In the first place, when we made our agreement he said he wouldn't want [257] to know he was working for so little. There was no season now for furs. He said he had sales plans, so I offered him the distribution exclusively and said I would be satisfied with no profits at all in the beginning. And I related what one reading had said about a lawyer - sort of grow with the business. I would make a corporation, but he said he had a family to support.
"I reminded Mr. [165] of our original conversation of him going to Chicago and then coming back to [257], and of my factory in the fall.
"But Mr. [165] had evidently changed his plans of starting me off. He thought with what my sister [1192] was paying to keep [758] he would like to take [758] and was sure he could do much with him. And he would like to connect with me, also, and that would be satisfactory to him. By that time my head began to ache and I really thought I was going mad. We met again at the lawyer's office (the patent lawyer) that afternoon, where I was to pay the initial $142 toward the patent, Mr. [165] said I could secure. Mr. Goldstein was also there to explain the delay about the trademark registration. Mr. [165] kept looking out of the window and when I asked him a question said he wasn't interested, said his thoughts were a thousand miles away. Mr. Hubbel, the patent attorney, was unknown to me and without Mr. [165]'s cooperation I was helpless. So I paid the search fee, and then Mr. [165] stormed out of the room. He chose to misconstrue Goldstein's offer to help. In fact he chose to misconstrue my plea to keep his word and go through with our agreement. I told him I couldn't possibly finance him until the fall. If he had spoken to the point in the beginning I could have engaged brother Jack's help. He only left for Europe and knew of our agreement.
"Mrs. [1192] and [257] were sure he would think it over and apologize. Instead he met Mrs. [1192] and refused to go through with it. The remainder of the conversation she had with him (She was supposed to meet him on my behalf) was vague, and here it is - for me to deliver $100 at once, which he won't take, but will donate it to a woman psychic [1376] he met at [257]'s to be given for readings from her either for [758], if agreeable to Mrs. [1192], if not for others.
"Then on May 1st, when Mr. [165] has time, he will gather together whatever information for me he has. You know, when it comes to [758], Mrs. [1192] would let nothing interfere where [758] was concerned. Mr. [165] has been filling her with hope he can do much with him. And here I am with almost 1000 jars and stopped right in the beginning, after working two years. I could have sold many, 200 in one order to St. Louis. Now it is too late. The warm weather is here and I must wait until the fall. My mistake was when I showed how enthused I was, I guess. If only he had stated from the start his true intention my confidence would not have suffered.
"I am enclosing the letter Mr. [165] sent me April 4th - the day he changed his mind about things. Mrs. [189] showed it to me the day she typed it for him, March 27th. I don't understand why Mr. [165] got all the information he wished from me, instead of giving me any as agreed. Mrs. [1192] said he said he could do much with it if he so desired, but she is sure he wouldn't harm me. I am much sadder, but no wiser, having known Mr. [165], because I believe I'll never amount to anything in this world. I just don't fit in. Please, tell me why I fail - help me to help myself."
"P.S. After reading over my letter, I want to add that I'm sure I heard Mrs. [1192] say you were being told about this woman psychic [1376], so I don't feel as if I betrayed a confidence.
"As for the letter itself, please believe I hesitated long before I wrote it. Believe, also, that I grieve to be always put on the defensive, when I'm so honest and open in all I do. Please try and understand what happened.
"I would give much to be able to recapture that spark I had before I met Mr. [165], and the only way I can see is to get to my books [Christian Science] again and try and unsee all I have seen."
4/16/37 GD's letter to Mrs. [1000]:
Mr. Cayce's father died Sunday in Nashville, Tenn., and he went to Kentucky to the burial. We expect him back tomorrow or next day. I thought you'd like to know. In fact, before he left Mr. Cayce asked H. L. to wire Mr. [257] about it and ask him to let you know - and the [1192]'s, but I don't know whether H. L. wired specifying names or not. Anyway, I want to be sure you know about it.
I didn't think much of the [165] association. Looking up the Life Readings I found, instead of a favorable connection, he was on the side with your brother Jack in the Sanballat group - and you know what the Reading said about that. Consequently, I shouldn't think it would work out - but we'll hope for the best. It is hard enough for individuals to work together in harmony when they have favorable connections, to say nothing of adverse ones.
Do hope everything is going nicely. Love from all As ever [signed] Gladys
4/18/37 Mrs. [1000]'s letter to GD:
It was sad indeed for me when I read news of dear Dad Cayce's passing...
I mailed a letter to Mr. Cayce right before I rec'd yours, after spending the most miserable 2 wks. - No Bible, no prayer, no church. Mr. [165] is certainly a rare bird. If only your letter had arrived sooner, I could have saved myself a lot of trouble. Mr. Cayce's letter to me telling me how pleased he was to hear of our connection made me feel doubly miserable to think that a mist which I could not seem to clear had arisen. When I made mention to Mr. [165] of our Life Readings he passed it over quickly, in fact when I mentioned Va. Beach as a good place for [758] and my factory he said that was the last place he was satisfied to be in. He is looking for an income, somehow...
You gave me a new lease on life when you wrote that letter. God bless you. Today I went to church and what a beautiful service it was and the hymns, one of which was 'Shepherd Show Me How to Go' rang in my ears all day.
Will you be a good child and write me, in case Mr. Cayce is not to be disturbed. Again I thank you. My mind is at rest. I was so worried about hurting Mr. Cayce's feelings. I was tempted to run down to Virginia Beach. Please write me soon." Lovingly, [1000]
4/21/37 EC's letter to Mr. [165]:
As you know, I have been having some trying times of late. Thank you very much for yours of the 10th, and most for yours of the 13th [Note of condolence]. It is such messages of thought and care that makes one realize that friendships are to be nourished and kept, and not easily cast aside even when disagreements come about.
I may not be able to write as I would like, Mr. [165], but know that I have so much confidence in you, your abilities to give the proper evaluation to matters of all natures, that I am really disappointed that this disturbance has come up, and sincerely hope that everything can be fixed or arranged for you to help Mrs. [1000] at this time. Possibly it is all a lot of idle fancy on may part, but from your Life Reading and Mrs. [1000]'s, it is not a happen chance that you were thrown together, and possibly not unexpected that you should have had this tiff (if that is a good word - possibly expressive); but it is what each of you do about this from now on that decides the question as to whether you must meet yourself again in such differences of opinion or correct them now and have the assurance in you inmost self that lives on and on, that you have done and are doing all in your power, not merely to justify your own self but in justice to the Divine heritage that is yours, as well as everyone's.
I have had a long letter from Mrs. [1000] and will answer it as best I can, but hope all can be straightened out. I still feel that you of all men can help her at this time, and at the same time help your best self. As to how, I do not know. You have no doubt analyzed the situation, but keep in mind that which has been given you - that you have something to look after in your inmost self here.
As for [758], I would do anything in my power to [8 characters missing]re. If Mrs. [1376] has the ability, fine. If I can help, I [4 characters missing] be more than glad to do so; but I feel very sure that there has been given again and again through the Readings that which if applied consistently will bring results in his case. Such an opportunity has not been given in a long time. [See 758-1 thru 758-40.]
In either case, I will be anxious about the progress, and hope you will let me hear as often as consistent with your wishes.
Thanking you for everything, and with all good wishes, I am
Sincerely, EDGAR CAYCE [EC:GD]
4/21/37 EC's ltr. to [1000]:
My dear Mrs. [1000]:-
While I feel quite a bit at a loss, owing to the experiences through which I have recently passed, I want to try to answer yours of last Thursday; for I know how upset you must be at this time.
My father's passing, of course, was not unexpected; yet we are never just prepared for the end, and for the change that naturally comes in the experience of every one of us. I'm sure the fire, which destroyed all of Sister's and Sarah's and my father's belongings, hastened the end; and I may feel (possibly justly so) that it was a warning to me to not try too hard to keep him here when he was suffering so. But we know that in the Christ he lives on, and if we believe as Christ has taught us, he is at peace with Him.
Now about the conditions that have arisen with Mr. [165]. I thank you very much for writing me at length and in detail as you have. I am still of the opinion, Mrs. [1000], that you can trust Mr. [165] with all you have told him, without any reservation. Of course, I know it may be possible for me to be in error but I am very sure, from my experience, that Mr. [165] is too honorable a man to attempt in any way to take advantage of the situation. And I still believe, IF it is possible for you to patch up the differences, that Mr. [165] can be at this time of the greatest help to you of anyone it has been my privilege to know. He is capable, and I believe him trustworthy. Of course, as to his charges or fees or his personal financial conditions, I do not know; but I believe if you can sit down with him and go over the whole situation you can have the greatest consideration and that his advice and counsel will certainly be worthy of your consideration, even though with the indifference that you feel has been exhibited in his actions and in his words.
I am sure that you agree with him that if it is possible to have your formula patented or copyrighted or what is necessary, it is the thing to do before you proceed too far. I think the advice that was given you in the Reading last time is in keeping with that. Of course, many of the attitudes as you explain that Mr. [165] has taken are hard for ME to even comprehend - such as his attitude regarding the contribution to a charity he would designate, in place of to him for his services, and the like. but I know, if we are to believe at all in the information through the Readings, each of you must in this meeting or this acquaintanceship meet something that was an error in the past. Possibly I am giving too much credence to it when it is not consistent with what you and Mr. [165] have experienced at this time, but I know we must meet the errors of our associations from day to day, and if we have had a warning, then it is worth while trying to work it out - NOW. For by so doing each of you will be bigger and better individuals, and your real inner self will be at peace with yourself. For it is the divine within each that meets the divine in the other, that makes for harmony in this material world.
Should you or Mr. [165], together or singly, wish to know what a Reading would say, know I'll be more than glad to undertake such a Reading. Should you individually wish to know what the Reading would say about your situation and all the circumstances just at this time, know I'll be glad to try it. Of course, there's no use in such a Reading - or any Reading - unless we are going to accept what is given as a basis for our activity. If we still hold mental reservations, then it can only be a very, very poor substitute for help or counsel.
This I am sure has been the condition that has existed regarding [758]. No one in this world, of course, can blame Mrs. [1192] for her anxiety; and she has been pulled and hauled back and forth as respecting the advice for [758]. I don't think that she or anyone would say that [758] did not improve as long as the Reading Suggestions were even partially adhered to consistently. It is a fact that there has been little or no change since the Hospital was closed. Now if this lady [1376] that Mr. [165] has spoken to (whoever she may be) can be of help, I bid her Godspeed. He has mentioned that she might be of help cooperating with the Readings. Whether this is his real idea or merely a suggestion to satisfy my own ego, I do not know; and to me personally it does not matter. But I want you and Mrs. [...] to know, I am willing to cooperative with ANYBODY! There is no personality in what I'M trying to do! If there is, it isn't worth the snap of your finger! I only want to do GOD'S biddings. And I love Mr. and Mrs. [1192] and [758] just as if they were my very own. I'm sure you and all the rest know that. Of course, the decision as to what is to be done, in that individual instance, is up to Mr. [417] and Mrs. [1192]. Know only this - I'm ready and willing.
And I do not care how many hard things or disagreements there may be in others, I know that unless I can keep at peace with my own conscience and as to what I am persuaded are the promises of God, I can do nothing!
I do wish it were possible for us to just sit down and talk it over. We all at times say things and do things that disturb us, make us wonder whether we have chosen well or not. But we have an Advocate with the Father. That we all know. And if we won't take advantage of it, to bring peace and harmony in our daily lives, the fault is still with us - and not with what He has promised.
Think this over and write me again. Know that if there's anything I can possibly do or say, I am glad and happy to do it.
May the blessings and the peace that comes with the trust in the Father be yours. Know that as we would trust others, other trust us.
With love from all, I am
Ever the same, EDGAR CAYCE [EC:GD]
Enclosure: Mr. [165]'s letter which you asked to be returned.
5/19/37 HLC's ltr. to EC from N.Y.C.: "Am to see Mr. [165] and Mrs. [1000] at one o'clock. Quite a combination."
5/25/37 Mrs. [1000]'s letter:
My bewilderment, as you might call it, is still very great and the only Way - is left open to me - I see now.
Last night there was a meeting at Mrs. [189]'s and it was so good to just hear your name every minute. You will be overjoyed when you hear how enthused all are. Dear friend, I am praying to be with you all for the Congress and have already made tentative arrangements but will have to spring it at the opportune moment as to whether I can go without causing serious trouble. I am trying to avoid sharp corners and I wouldn't very well like to return home and find one. You understand so easily, so I know you will be generous and forgive me if I don't come. I'm a stickler for loyalty and don't seem to know where to draw the line, but when one is down and out, as my husband is, I have to be doubly careful not to hurt him. And there is no use taking a chance that he might do more harm than he has already done by his rashness. I am standing by, ready to help, God willing, and I know I shall be far kinder to him than he was ever to me. [GD's note: 6/30/37 Mrs. [1000] told me an interesting thing about her marriage and the way the spiritual law works. She married young, a man much older than herself - in fact, he was nearer her father's age. However, as far back as she could remember as a young girl, even before marriage, she prayed that in her marriage she would never have to cope with the problem of another woman, or other women. Today she realizes that, even though she has had every other sort of marriage problem imaginable, she has never had that one particular problem.]
My work, however, is at a standstill, and am waiting with love and patience to be shown the way." [5/28/37 Mr. [165]'s letter to HLC: "I drafted the above questions and am giving them to Mrs. [1000] to forward officially if she desires to do so... Mrs. [1381] (former sec'ty), who from her Life Reading was in Egypt with me, 'happens' to be available to work with me on the Furfluf if Mrs. [1000] will listen to a reasonable proposition."]
6/02/37 Mr. [165]'s letter to Mrs. [1000]:
My dear Mrs. [1000],-
Am writing herewith a summary of the Furfluf situation to date as I see it.
PATENT. I found for you patent attorney who believes a patent can be obtained. Spent 4 days going over the situation before going ahead on the matter. When first I saw you you were convinced a patent could not be obtained, as attested by Mrs. [189]. The patent is being applied for at this time.
COMPOUND. I found your old formula moulding and that the chief ingredient affected was the corn. COST. At the expense of two days time I found means of lowering your average essential oil cost 32 1/2 cents per pound which lowers your completed Furfluf costs 5 cents a pound or about a 25% reduction. SAFETY. I proved to myself that the addition of 1/4 of 1% of thymol lessens the tendency to mould or sour even with corn. I urge you however to go slow on the corn. You have taken the formulating out of my hands but I will be glad to help all I can especially if you will develop a standard to approach that is fixed from day to day.
LABEL. I made some rough sketches myself one of which seemed satisfactory to you. You gave me authority to have my artist proceed with same. When I went to him I gave him $3 of your money as retainer and he said he had an idea which he sketched and suggested I show it to you. Am sorry I did so. I did not like it nor did you. Because of it you took the label matter out of my hands though you were told the artist would make an unlimited number of sketches at no added charge, until you were satisfied. Now you artist has come to a standstill. I am willing to take back the work of getting out the label if you desire providing you send me the entire label file and the $12 necessary to complete the art work.
CONTAINER. Literally weeks have been spent on this. I have reached my own conclusions after a faithful survey of the possibilities and the readings. I erred in showing you my final thought on the matter while some experimental work remained to be done. I refer to the sizing of the container. It must not be lost sight of that I am working in the dark, NOT KNOWING TWO OF THE INGREDIENTS in the compound. If they have high solvent powers as I now suspect, the experimental work becomes greater. My efforts are of course to do the work as cheaply as possible as the cost of container is important. A vinyl resin sizing will withstand any know substance but is expensive. May have to use it however. Am working on it and will submit nothing more of an unfinished nature.
CHEMISTS. At your request I located firm of chemists who are in demand as an assurance to the public that the material is non-injurious. I am checking on them farther and will let you know farther.
MACHINERY. As per your wish I took you to Brooklyn to inspect machinery. Had both leather and cork ground there. You now know where to get help of that source when needed. Abbe Corp. Mr. Kleinfeldt 544 Union Ave. New York.
SALES PROGRAM. At your request I spent time and effort on this. I have contacted at some length by correspondence demonstrators in the following cities to secure demonstrations and reports of findings: Chicago, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Cal., Atlanta, Toledo. I also contacted Mrs. [1381] who has had a long and successful experience in similar fields. She and I together compiled a program which we have stood ready to offer you, and which just a discussion of would help your program avoid numerous pitfalls. LITERATURE. I spent two days in the public library trying to find printed matter that would help you in the Furfluf advertising. Only one discovery is of value. It is a book by an English lady, 'Home Furriery' by Olive Hacking. Published in 1935 by Pitman & Son. I advise your getting a copy.
I have on hand for you now one thing only - the sizing for the container. It will take quite a few days to make sure of results. You are working on formula. If your claim that all my work has been of absolutely no value to you holds good when I have finished in the eyes of any unbiased judge I will agree some day when I can, return the $100 you have paid me.
Yours very truly, [165].
Copies to Mrs. [1000], Mrs. [189], Mr Cayce, self.
6/08/37 "My last letter to you is a blur, seems like a bad dream and my long silence was occasioned by a desire to bring you good tidings.
"Recently I have started the day with the determination to see if I can count up to fifty the things I have to be grateful for, and so the suffering trials through which I am passing, and which I am taught to know is a proof of God's care, aren't quite so hard to bear; such as handling the [165] situation as you would have me do it, with love and patience, and dear friend, if my own dear father, whom I loved and adored, came back to life, I could not have shown him more consideration and respect and patience than I did Mr. [165].
"The true Christ idea is what I long to be, and therefore should be silent. After all, his clever manipulation of words and theory to cover up his failure to complete even one of the things he started out to do, is just a form of self-justification, self-righteousness. Knowing that love is reflected in love, I am waiting patiently and hope any wrong done will be righted and I may yet glean some help from Mr. [165]'s suggestions. That he has added insult to injury by deserting me and fooling you is a hard pill to swallow. Let's hope that the injury he did, unintentionally, to my faith in both mankind and the hard earned Furfluf is only temporary.
"If I did not know that your interest in me goes farther than merely making Furfluff a success I would hesitate to write this way. Know that I am striving to be worthy of your friendship and regard."
6/11/37 [165]'s ltr. to Mrs. [1000]: My dear Mrs. [1000]-
I have completed that portion of the work on container that does not depend on commercial use itself. Have made careful tests of the solubilities of sizings of many kinds and it is noteworthy that the two which offer the greatest resistance to your compound are First - a lining composed of lead foil, and next to that cellophane. Second, a solution of phenolic resin similar to the resins made for bakelite and betel. The difficulty in the first case was the cement for fastening the foil and cellophane. That for the foil is Cartex which is a waterproof latex paste, and that for the cellophane is a solution of nitrocellulose, and both seem to be the best for the purpose.
The noteworthy point is that the readings mention definitely both of the above methods. The first method is cumbersome and expensive however and the two linings take away some of the capacity of the container. The second method, if your tests of it prove it to be as good as the first, as mine do, would be the practical thing to use.
I am handing you herewith a foil-coated container that has been filled with compound since June 7, and also a phenolic resin-coated container that has not as yet had any Furfluf put into it. Both are for your inspection and testing, as check on my work.
As per your request I have reduced the thickness of the top section of the container at the point where the compound would be shaken out by 25%. I advise however going to the next size larger cork and opening - 3/4 inch instead of 5/8 inch.
I shall be glad now to proceed with work on label if you desire to have me.
Yours very truly, [165]
Copies to Mr. Cayce, Mrs. [189], Mrs [1000] & Self
6/30/37 See 254-95, Par. 47-A individual message to Mrs. [1000] in re how she can best assist A.R.E.
7/02/37 See 1000-19, for which she was also present.