Polish biochemist (1884-1967) generally credited with the first formulation of the concept of vitamins. Two items signed by Funk: a TLS signed "C. Funk," one page, 8.5 x 11, Funk Foundation for Medical Research letterhead, January 18, 1953, in part: "The word 'vitamine' was coined in 1911, but was published only in 1912, as the Lister Institute of London, where I worked, consistently stricken out the term from my submitted papers for publication. Dealing with B1 at that time I came to the conclusion that it was essential for life and possessed an amine structure. Some of the vitamins do not contain nitrogen and my pupil Drummond dropped the final 'e' for that reason. The term was chosen mainly for popularizing this subject among the scientific masses, an aim which was achieved"; and a matte-finished 5 x 7 portrait of Funk taken in 1942, signed in blue ballpoint. In overall very good to fine condition, with creasing to the letter and rippling to the photo. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope.
