Ye Uanof

THE ROCKEFELLER INSTITUTE

NEW YORK 21, NEW YORK

March 25, 1960

Dr, Joshua Lederberg
Department of Ganetics
Stanford University
Palo Alto, California

Dear Josh:

the SSB meeting went off as scheduled with nothing much
happening but the expected additional wear in the usual region, I
didn't have much time to present out stuff because, as usual, it
was toward the end of the program and we were trying to finish up.
1 did outline our plans for the additions’ and re-organization of
Committee 11; I gave a brief resume of the back contamination dis-
cussion and presented the resolutions, Nobody had been thinking
about this very much and it seemed to me wise not to press for im-
mediate acceptance of the resolution, so the Board tabled it for
further consideration with a view to action at some subsequent
meeting. Dick Porter said it sounded a bit like science fiction
to him. I thought this was a curious remark to make on the day on
which our new space probe was taking off for the orbit of Venus. I
think it won't hurt to have the Board think things over a bit and I
hope that Francis will take hold of this job and carry the load, I
have written him, asking him to do so,

I talked to Berkner and Odishaw about the representation of
the biological sciences on the Space Science Board, I told them
what we had tentatively planned to do with thse committees. Berkner
asked me to remain on the Board for one more year, which I agreed
to do, especially since I don't want to burden Bronk with any more
problems that necesssry at this time. Berkner is prepared to in-
crease the membership of the Board if necessary, so that we could
have at least one additional member to help cover the biological sci-
ences, if we can find a suitable person, I mentioned Fenn, whose
name always comes up in connection with physiology of manned space
flight. However, I have mentioned his name before without getting a
favorable reaction, I also mentioned L=rbertson who might meke a
good Board member in this area. Smitty Stevens has written 2 letter
of resignaticn to Berkner; I received a copy of it yesterday, I told
Berkner of Stevens! intention and mentioned two namesj; Paul Fitts
Dr. Joshua Lederberg
March 25, 1960
Page 2,

and Don Marquis. Marquis would be very good, I believe, especially
Since he was on the Kety committee. I don't know whether Berkner

and Bronk will act on this suggesticn, snd I am not sure that Marquis
can be pressured into joining. I think we still need some person

who would spend the tine going to some of the many meetings that

there are on space biology, especially those of the Bio-sstronautics
Committee, Perhaps Calvin has enough interest to be willing to do
some of this, His interests are fairly close to yours and mine, so
this would still leave us with a job of finding someone who might be
interested in biological exprirents in satellites, concerning weight-
lessness, rhythms, ete I guess we will just have to let this go for
the present, We might move to increase the membership of Committee 11
and see whether we recruit any enthusiasts, I have already written

to Pittenrigh, as was suggested. I will let you know when I hear from
him. I had a real brainstorm the other day, when it occured to me
that perhaps Pete Scholander might be interested in working on Commit-
tee 11. I suvpose you know him. He is based at Scripps now, but is
usually all over the world. He is a real wild mans actually very
sound. He has a lot of splended imaginative ideas and a grest talent
for ingenious gadgetering. He would be just the boy for this space
racket, JI am sure he is tixed up with all kinds 0° other things,
oceanography and, I believe, a committee on the Poler regions; but
still it might not hurt to try to get him. Bronk said £0 ahead and
write him; I will do so if you are favorable,

“ill you be coming to the Academy meetings in Washington at the
end of April? I am hoping that Franéis will be there so that I can
discuss the back contamination problem with him

I had a fine flight back to the east, arrivine in New York just
a few hours before a heavy snowstorm tied everything up. George
Derbyshire had more of a problem getting back home, I certainly
enjoyed my first visit to the San Francisco area arid was gled to have
a chance to see Stanford and the country roundabout. Many thanks for
your hospitality.

With best regards,

f a
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HE. K. Hartline

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