Gordon Irlam
326 A St
Redwood City, CA 94063
Email: noreply@base.com
Phone / Fax: +1 (650) 364-6169


Debra A. Bollwage
Assistant Corporate Secretary
Merck
One Merck Drive
P.O. Box 100, WS3AB-05
Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889
December 6, 2002


Re: Shareholder Proposal


Dear Ms. Bollwage,

This is to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated November 25, 2002, requesting additional proof of my share ownership.

I have written to my broker in order to obtain the information you requested, and will contact you once I have received their response.



Sincerely,



Gordon Irlam