June 25, 1947

ALIMALL

Dr. x. Le Patun

Osborn Botanical Laboratory
Tale University

New Haven, Oonmectiut

Dear Dr. Tatum

Lederberg's types¢ript on "Problems in the genetics of micro-
organisns® is in Perry Wilson's hands at present. I have been unable
to reach him on the telephone this afternoon but expect that I will
de adle to get the paper tomorrew for return te you. There is a rapid-
ly groving interest on the campus in the genstics of microorganisms,
ani ae our ploms have develoved for securing a man in this field I hsve
tried to keep some of my colleasfues in Bactertology in touch with then.
This explains why Wilson has the mamscript. I hope that our having
retained the paper this long has not unduly inconvenienced Lederberg.

Inquiries concerning Lederberg have been directed to some of the
people named as references in your recent letter. The returns on
these inguiries are still incomplete. When J discussed the possibility
of approaching Lederberg concerning our position with Dean Baldvin
about 10 days ago he was definitely interested and urged that we get
auch further information about him as could be gonveniently obtained
at once. It is our hope that Lederberg is not under the necessity of
formulating his plans for the eoming year right away. If the further
information concerning him is favorable, we would like to arrange for
him to visit the campus to meet the interested people here and to give
them a chance to visit with him. 8o far thinze look favorable but I do
not wish to write Lederberg directly util it appears that there is a
reasonable likelihood that an offer might ensue.

There are two other reasons why we have Been somewhat delayed in
moving ahead in this matter. The legislature, vhich is now in session,
has not yet completed its action on the University budget. The outlook
for a substantially increased appropriation appears to be good, bub we
may not know for perhaps two weeks what the figures will be and what
funds will be available for remodeling and for new equipment. The
latter are of direct significance in connection with the appointment
of @ man on the genetics of microorganisms. I is necessary that a
laboratory be constructed for the new appointee in this Building and
that practically the entire line of equipment needed be purchased. It
is expected that the necessary funds will de allocated, but 1t will take
some months to put a labdcratory inte operating condition. fhere will

be some delay, therefore, in getting « program tmder way here even if
we should decide on an appointment nov.
X would appreciate it 4£ you would explain to Lederberg why he has not
yet heard from us directly.

Sincerely yours,

E. A. Brink
Professor of Genetics

RAB/s

P.8. Perry Wilson is returning the tyzescrint to me today (June 26). I
will forward 1% et once.

R.A-B.