(su reading) transcription of Andre Lwoff's ltr.
dated January 3, 1985

Dear Joshua:

Alas I have not followed the illustrious route tread by so
many writers, scientists, generals, politicians etc. I do not
keep I have never kept a diary. Sometimes I regret it. Of
course I remember the 1946 Cold Spring Harbor Symposium (it was
my first visit to the states). In fact the only important
scientific event the most Spectacular was the announcement of
the sexuality of Escherichia coli. The transmission of characters
from bacteria to bacteria was of course well known: the trans-
forming principle. But that bacteria were able to copulate had
to my mind never been foreseen. Somebody maybe I raised the ob-
jection that symbiosis between two deficient bacteria could ex-
plain your data but you masterally eliminated this hypothesis.
Anyhow the fact behind sexuality was in itself interesting for
those in love with bacteria but I wonder if anyone except you

With kind regards.

Andre Lwoff

P.S. You may use this letter as you wish but please correct the
mistakes concerning my English.

whcok AL Sppeud Hood, Nety 1976)