MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH INSTITUTE

  
  
 

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THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
ANN ARBOR 48109 0,

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GARDNER C. QUARTON. M. D., DIRECTOR A UF H Be “ins

Jan. 25, 1980

. Professor G. M. Edelman and
and Professor Mark Kac

The Rockefeller University
1230 York Ave.

New York, N.Y. 10021

Dear Professors Edelman and Kac:

I have been exchanging messages over the SUMEX-AIM computer network with
Dr. J. Lederberg to explore the possibility of spending my sabbatical at Rocke-
feller U. He suggested that I write you to determine your capability and interest
in accommodating me in this regard. I am eligible for a six-month sabbatical with
full pay from the University of Michigan, starting Sept. 1. I would very much
like to spend part or all of it in one or both of your groups, participating as
much as I am capable and as much as you would like, but as an unobtrusive visitor.
I would particularly like to learn more about possible mechanisms for the recognition
of foreign cell surfaces and components, to explore some offkideas advanced in "The
Mindful Brain" and some mathematical problems that occur in the analysis of
fluctuations in dissipative systems. ‘

My long-term interest has been to gain some understanding of the possible
(and impossible) processes for forming and using maps (i.e. organized represen-
tations, models) of such order as are needed for charting and steering courses of coping
actions in a dynamic environment of increasing complexity. I am prepared to
attempt a research monograph on an aspect of this problem as a possible output
of my sabbatical, though I would much prefer to develop new insights, ideas,
or methods that I might be able to do at Rockefeller.

Enclosed is a biographical sketch. I will be glad to send any papers —
or supply any additional information. I don't think that spending my sabbatical
leave in your projects would encumber your budgets in any way; all my secretarial
and research assistant services will continue at my home institution. The use of
a desk, a telephone line and a computer terminal if there is one (I could bring
my own), a blackboard (if available) and the opportunity to interact with some
of the exciting people there is all I would need. I expect to produce at least
one mathematical research paper or report while there.

Please let me know at your convenience what the possibilities might be.
You can call me at 313 764-2585, write me at the above address, or send me a

message through the system to which Josh Lederberg has access, to Kochen @ SUMEX~-
AIM.

Sincerely yours,

Manfred Kochen

cc Dr. J. Lederberg