November 1, 1968

Professor Max Delbruck

Biology Department

California Inatitute of Technology
Pasadena, California

Dear Max:

Bruce Brandt called me last week just prior to his setting out for his
trip to come here, and I was astonished to hear that he had only just then
communicated with you about his plans to work in my laboratory this year.

When I talked to him last spring he told me that he had made some tentative
arrangements with you, but that his basic preference was to work in microbial
wolesular genetics. Perhaps because I did delay briefly in giving him a
final answer about whether we had room for him he overlooked the advice I
gave him at that time to be sure to clarify his plans with you. I realize
what a nuisance it must be, not to mention the discourtesy, for you to get
this information so tardily, and I want to assure you that, one, this was

in no way condoned or encouraged by me, and two, I have het him know in no
uncertain terms what I think of that negligence. I can only hope now that
the incident is an isolated one and not a foresign of his future behavior in
other areas. He does seem at least at first acquaintance to be a sincere and
honest chap, and I really do think thiw was an oversight based on his inexper-
fence. In any case, I hope you will accept my regrets, together with his
apologies, for such bad manners.

Sincerely yours,

Joshua Lederberg
Professor of Genetics

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