(From Wilfred Razzell) P.O. Box 875 Suva, Fiji 30/9/80 Dear Josh: .fi I suppose it's a natural combination of your sensitivity and inherent kindness; in any case your letter was extremely encouraging -- very much appreciated. I had spent 8 years in Vancouver turning a 50 man laboratory in the support of the commercial fishing industry (a $250 million/yr. business there) when the cost-cutters in Ottawa decided to cut back and let the industry do it themselves. They won't, can't and didn't, so I left for the job of creating a new international fisheries organization: a lonely business, albeit fascinating, in which I was the focus of considerable uninformed sniping and my every move second-guessed by a Committee of 12 governments. By April, the political tricks got to me and I just had not the heart to fight off another. Now that I've rested, I'm not sure I want to take on any large task; perhaps I needed a sabbatical along the way and just kept missing it? Anyhow, if the job at CSIRO comes my way it would appear to serve the same purpose: renew my interest and abilities (I hope!) in lab research and give me time to re-establish my place as a working scientist - which is what I conclude I enjoy most. Over the years I have needed a physical outlet, too, the best being near the water: snorkeling and sailing. Perhaps it provides a good recuperative milieu to dissipate my fears of failure and allow ideas to sort themselves out. For these several reasons, considering my refresher period will be in the N. American winter, probably, I'd prefer to try California. Since writing to you I've written to Bill Rutter in San Francisco, who recently published on the amylase mRNA and is a close colleague; so once I hear from CSIRO I'll get serious. Otherwise, your suggestion of Gobind's lab is good. For these reasons, too, I hesitate to work into the Barrier Reef organization: it requires a stretch of my abilities which I don't feel ready to exert again yet. No problem on the "utilization" side, but a strong feeling that the biologists on the "conservation" side will prove as difficult to cope with as they did in Canada -- and run the show to the frustration of everyone else. But of course I'll write to Sir Gustav in Melbourne and see him as soon as I have the chance, it was again thoughtful of you to discuss my interests with him, and I thank you for the information. I've enclosed a c.v., list of publications, and names of references. Should I be unsuccessful in getting to Australia, I'll just have to sort out the problems of getting Evelyn into the U.S.A. -- mostly a matter of delays for her, I think. Because of her -- that's important to me, as much as work, I realize -- I wouldn't go to Alberta, although I know that Al Patterson's job as Director of the Cancer Research Lab is vacant and they have a good opinion of my ability to do it. It would obviously be easier on me, or for me, if I were the kind of person to whom work was everything and stressless; I'm not, I now realize, so try to act accordingly. When I was in Edmonton, I went to the ASM meeting in New York ('67) and there Seymour and I had a chat with Luria (in his suite: President of the Society at the time). It was a warming and satisfying moment, and I expect when I see you again the same will be true. I look forward to that, thank you, wherever we may meet. I did check at the Fiji School of Medicine on your interest in developments since 1957. It was Dr. Edmonds who started paramedical training. In 1961 the name was changed to Fiji School of Medicine and various paramedical personnel were renamed as time went on (in 1964 "medical officers" was coined to designate those who would have charge of village clinics, for example). In 1975, a Medical Assistant program was introduced. Dr. Pathik, the Registrar (I gather) was the man I spoke to. It was good of you to send me the issue of "News and Notes" to bring me up to date on your family. I gather you met Marguerite when you were both at Stanford; I'm happy for you, Josh, and wish you continued good fortune. Finally, I must claim I did recall you had gone East -- but after I wrote my letter -- since I remember writing you a note at the time (but not to where!). I notice my memory often works in compartments: when accustomed to one, it is often difficult to re-enter another which previously was equally accessible. Then, when the entry is achieved after all, innumerable details become readily accessible again! Best regards, Bill .br .nf (From Wilfred Razzell) P.O.Box 875 Suva, Fiji 27/08/80 Dear Josh: .fi This letter will, I hope, find you in good health and spirits. I regret my travels in and through the West Coast had not included a stopover in Palo Alto, but I seem to have been everywhere else! As you may remember, after Mary was ill in Alberta I returned to Vancouver to resettle the family and we stayed there until the children were almost through university. The Canadian government, in a fit of economy and short-sightedness, cut out most of the technological research across the country - and not incidentally, my job. So I took on the task of guiding the creation of the South Pacific Forum Fisheries Agency; first, from Suva and in April 1979, set up headquarters in Honiara, Solomon Islands. Once all was organized, and staffed, the Island countries (led by W. Samoa and Fiji) decided they wanted an Islander as the Director, so I resigned from the whole operation. Too much politics has spoiled my enthusiasm for fisheries management. Mary decided not to leave Vancouver (where my job proposals were minimal) and we are getting divorced. Being now on my third career -- and trying not to appear too erratic -- I feel free to reconsider what it is I enjoy and want to do. I've written to Alex Zaffaroni to say I'd like to get back to lab work and you may hear of that. However, in case prospects in California don't prove to be what I hope, I've applied to CSIRO in Australia, too. Their Molecular and Cellular Biology Unit wants someone to work on recombinant DNA procedures to look at expression of eukaryotic genes, and now I have the time to skip deliberately into something interesting (and the maturity to keep my nerve -- which I didn't have unfortunately, at Syntex in 1964) I'd consider that seriously. I've told them I'd obtain the lab training required to bring myself up to date, at my own expense, if they offer me the job (which is rather more 'junior' than I've had, but one which shouldn't be a strain), and it seems like Paul Berg or Bob Sinsheimer might be good people to ask about that -- for a month or so of space as a trainee. What do you think? I've also had to take the liberty of referring to you as one who knew of my work on phosphodiesterases and nucleases when I was active in that area , so they may write you if they take my application seriously. I'm sorry to impose on you again, but most other colleagues are not in the position of being my "senior" - and that would matter to CSIRO, I think. (Of course, I realize you can refer in the past tense). It is appealing to consider relocating in California, but to Australia there are fewer immigration problems for me and my fiancee -- who is a Solomon Islander. Should I come to California for a job, or study, I'd be very pleased to see you again, if you have the time, to talk about old friends. Best regards, Bill Razzell