October 7, 1954

Dr. Bavid Rittenberg

Department of Biochemistry

Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
New York 32, N.Y.

Dear Dave:

Thank you for your letter of the 4th. Of course I would be delighted
to accept your invitation. Unfortunately, I hardly ever find myself in
New York City, and could not predict, at the moment, when the next occa-
sion would be. When an opportunity does come up, I'll let you know in
time to confirm the arrangement.

It was good to see you again at joods Hole. I have thought a little,
as you asked, about your suggested conference on "organization". If do
not fini myself any more optimistic about the probable benefits than I
was then. I do not think that a conference limited in time and scope can
do mich to break down the communication barriers. But isn't this what
one of the functions of a University should be: a community of scholars
in different fields. Surely Columbia University has resources broad enough
so that an intramral"seminar" (not quite the right description) would
make the same progress. I know how hard it is to communicate with one's
own colleagues, but if you don't achieve the full benefit from contacts
that can be continued over a long time, I think the proppects of a special
conference would be even less. Such a group could, I think, then use
a little f@nancial help mich more effectively to import occasional outside
guests who would have some special stimulation for you. Please don't read
any special connection between this sugeestion and the first paragraph
above.

Yours sincerely.

_Soshua Lederberg