DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY

STANFORD UNIVERSITY

THE ROCKEFELLER FOUNDATION ARCHIVES

Stanroro Universiry, CALIFORNIA
\ a Nowyember 28, 1941

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Dr. W. Weaver
Rockefeller Foundation
49 West 49th Street
New York, New York

Dear Dr. Weaver:

Some months ago Dr. Tatum and I started a new
project on biochemical genetics of the pink breaa mold Neurospora.
The results to date have been exceedingly encouraging? Iain
enclosing a copy of a preliminary report of this work which is to
appear in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Since this note was written we have more than doubled the number
of mutants for known syntheses. Among these are mutants unable
to synthesize nicotinic acid (two different ones) and methionine.
We now have three mutants concerned with the synthesis of vitamins
present in yeast but not replacable by known vitamins. In aduition
we have a mutant unable to synthesize what appears to be,a basic
amino acid not yet knovm chemically. We are convinced @ progress
of the work to date indicates that we have an approach not only
useful in biochemical genetics but of great potential value to
biochemistry itself. Simple and reliable vitamin and amino acid
assay methods are without much doubt going to be a by-product of
the work.

In certain aspects of our work, such as isolating
and determining the chemical nature of new vitamins and amino acids,
we feel that we do not have facilities adequate to push these things
as effectively es we'd like. After discussing various possibilities
with Professor Taylor, President Wilbur and others, it would appear
that there might be a number of advantages of trying to work out
some kind of a cooperative arrangement with Merck and Company, or
some other similar concern. For one thing, Merck's have a series
of yeast fractions already separated which, if available to us,
should enable us to identify new vitamins in short order. We are
aware, however, that there muy be disadvantages in any tie-up with
a commercial concern and that such questions as manufacturing rights
and possible patents relating to any new substance¢ that might be
of commercial importance should be carefully thought about in
advance of commitments of any kind. In this connection we should
very much like to heve any suggestions or advice you may care to
give us. In fact we feel that from our standpoint it would be
desirable to go over these matters in person with you. If you agree
that there might be advantages in doing this, and if a meeting can
 

Dr. W. Weaver -2- November 28,1941

be arranged. I am prepared to come east sometime near the 15th
of December and could readily arrange to see you either in
Washington or New York.

I shall be very gled to hear what vou think about
a meeting such as I have suggested end, if you think it worth
while, to have you indicate when and where such a meeting could
be held most conveniently from your standpoint.

With best regaras, I am
Sincerely yours,

G. W. Beadle

GWBsne
CO:Dr.C.V.Teylor