January 4, 1957

Dr. Norman Topping
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia 4, Pa.

Dear Dr. Topping:

Your note of December 20 was on ay desk when I returned from a
recent trip. Your persistent interest in me is most flattering, the
more so because of ay own no$ very gracious atand. I am realiy very
sorry that this opportunity is coupled with an urban setting that, for
the present, happens to be rather unattractive for ay wife and myself.

I do share your enthusiasm for the Histar development. During his
visit, Hilary and we got to know one another even better, and I am sure
you could not have fouhd a better director. The other people he has
tentatively lined up offer hopeful prospects for an exciting group,
and I am sure there will be cause to envy that association.

If it were possible, I would be glad to visit Philadelphia even
for a hypothetical discussion, but I find ayself rather pressed now
and for the next sewral months by the weight of other duties ani
deadlines. Should a more congenial occasion arise for such a visit,
I will let you know,

With best wishes ’

Jogtiua Lederberg ~~
mofessor of Genitics