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BioSclENCE

 

ATES

202/244-5581

7 o - = SS
14 October 1970 Ge SEY

Dr. Joshua Lederberg

Dept. of Genetics

Stanford University

School of Medicine

Palo Alto, California 94305

Dear Dr. Lederberg:

With the recent monumental achievements in molecular biology, such as gene
isolation and synthesis, many noted molecular biologists have alluded to
the possibility of manipulating genetic material in mammalian cells, per-
haps in man. Although usually discussed in muted tones, this subject is
receiving increasing exposure and examination. Most of the discussion

has been carefully couched in the more comfortable generalities surround-
ing the often talked about "social responsibility of scientists;" but a
few, Beckwith, Shapiro, Luria, and Nirenberg for example, have raised om-
inous warnings of an Orwellian world if future genetic achievements are
used as weapons by the Government.

As one who has presented the “positive” side of the picture, would you
comment on your view of potential genetic engineering and how it may

best be applied? What sort of safeguards could be developed to prevent —
any harmful uses of this knowledge? I realize that scientists are re-
luctant to delve into the realm of the subjunctive and they are prone

to avoid such futuristic thinking, but your views would be greatly ap-
preciated.

Would it be possible to send me a copy of your testimony presented be-
fore the House of Representatives on behalf of the proposed Task Force
on human genetic diseases?

At the present time, I am collecting information for a possible feature
on this subject.

Sincerely AD
albert Hite
Walter G. Peter III

Features & News Editor
BioScience

WGP :acm