THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN
Laboratory of Genetics

Genetics Building
MADISON, WISCONSIN 53706

Department of Genetics October 23, 1969 Department of Medical Genetics
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences School of Medicine

Dr. Joshua Lederberg
Department of Genetics
Stanford University
Palo Alto, California

Dear Josh:

Have you given any thought to doing a column on the cyclamate
question? There are two kinds of issues. One is that it might well
have been banned on chromosome breaking and teratogenic grounds, since
the compensating benefits are (I guess) nearly non-existent. A second
is the extreme rigidity with which the carcinogenic criterion must be
applied in view of the requirement that any substance must be banned if
it is carcinogenic at any concentration in any organism. Shouldn't there
be more room for judgment? Finally, you might comment on the dubious
wisdom of using a food additive on such an enormous scale with so little
knowledge of chronic effects. Is there any possibility of a policy that
would put new compounds out in identifiable areas so that any untoward

effects on the local population might have a chance of being found? . gene
There is another issue that Sam Epstein has raised (not for a Oo
column, but for discussion). You may want to talk with him about it next “
week. It is the difficulty of being sure about,the disinterestedness of AP
contract researchers who test compounds for’manufacturers. How can this mee

be gotten at? Has Nelson given this any serious thought? a“ .
Much to my regret, I have gotten swamped with things to do next week A ep
and have to beg off of the meeting. I had hoped to see you there and in oe
Washington in early November, but I gather that you won't be at the latter. ~p
Well, I'll see you one way or another I'm sure. Meanwhile, thanks for wy? °
the pleasant food and conversation during my recent visit. ut

Sincerely,

James F. Crow

OCT 24 1969FC/po'
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