iy

Copy oF LETTER FROM

JOSIAH MACY, JR. FOUNDATION oe
277 PARK AVENUE
New YORK, N.Y. 10017

Sad
nad

(212) 826-8960

August 25, L9?7G

Mr. Kenneth M, Ludmerer

The Johns Hopkins University
Institute of the History of Medicine
1900 East Monument Street

Baltimore, Maryland 21205

Dear Mr. Ludmerer:

It is true that my work at the U.s, Atomic Energy
Commission, 1947-1950, as Deputy Director of the
Division of Biology and Medicine was a major factor
in my supporting the development of medical penetics
at Wisconsin. As Deputy Director I was involved in
suppert of the atomic Bomb Casualty Commission program
at Hiroshima and at Nagasaki. At that time there was
majcr genetics study led by Dr. James Neel. Genetics
was represented on our Advisory Committee by Or. George
beacie,

Another factor was my long-standing friendshin with
Professor J, Lederberg dating back to 1950, He was
Professor of cenetics at Wisconsin when I became the
Dean anc he stimo.ared me to think seriously about the
importance cf developing 4 Department of Medical
Genetics, I do not recall any substantial cvposition
from the faculty; probably their only concern was about
how mucé laboratory space they would lose!

I do not know of any other specifie exau;sle of
radiatiou-iaduced ‘genetics departments.

James £. Crow, James Neel, Curt Stern or Josh Lederberg

coulé probably handle your question on “practical imperative.”

it will be interesting to see the results of your study,

Sa mod

2 r
Mr. Kenneth M, Ludmerer August 25, 1970

Please give my regards to Lloyd G. Stevenson,

Yours sincerely,

hn Z. Bowers, M.D.
resident

JZB ims

CC: Joshua Lederberg, Php. /