. 508 South Boulevard
Petersburz, Va,
February 13, 1974

Dear Dr, Lederberg:

Regarding your query about the work of
Sherman and Wing on what is now called recombination, My
answers are based chiefly on recollections of now distant
events in which I was interested and to which I was exposed.
I did not participate in this research, although I may have
discussed it with its authors.

1, Sherman and Wing's approach to the
problem, It seems to me that this question is well answered
in the first page of their note where they state: " We thought
it possible that if conjugation or. other primitive. sexual
process occur in bacteria, this fact might be put in evidence
by physiological tests", Perhaps he should have said: "by
genetical tests", but in those days most bacterioligists
avoided the use of the term genetics in connection of
bacteria,

2, Helen Wing, a highly intelligent central
New York state student, related to the late Prof, wing who
for many years was head of Animal Husbandry at Cornell. I am
not aware of her present whereabouts but I do remember
hearing that she had a breakdown in her health soon after
leaving Cornell,

3 Who advised Sherman to publish his work,
Dr, Sherman traveled a great deal and had many friends with
whom he discussed his research problems, there is presently
no one at Cornell who would fit the qualifications,

4, 1 am not aware of anything between the
lines, However, I may not have understood your question,

Very sincerely yours,

45 Geet pes Kaaryes

Georges Knaysi

 

SANNY

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