NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
WASHINGTON 25, D. C.

March 25, 1959

Dr. Joshua Lederberg
Department of Genetics
Stanford University
Medical School
Stanford, California

Dear Dr. Lederberg:

The Foundation has received the enclosed application, B-7092,

requesting support of a project to develop suitable instruments
for detection of microorganisms.

We would like to have the benefit of your thinking relative
to several features in addition to the scientific adequacy and
feasibility of the program proposed. One relates to whether or
not the "hardware orientation" of the umertaking fits the basic
research mission of the Foundation. The other is that of whether
or not the Foundation is the appropriate supporting agency in
view of the responsibilities assigned the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration,

Certainly we would appreciate receiving your comments at
your early opportunity.

fk 2 f Sincerely yours,
4 » vr ? €

Le
7 George pru
Program Director for

Environmental Biology