Preface 
THE CIBA FOUNDATION arranges many small international con- 
ferences, most of them concerned with highly technical, 
specialized and fundamental aspects of medical research. This 
book contains the papers and discussions of an exceptional 
conference. ‘The subject—based on a suggestion first made by 
Dr. Pincus—could however be looked upon as a reasonable 
extension of the Foundation’s main interests; the aim of all our 
meetings is to stir the imagination, speed the flow of information, 
and generally hasten the progress of work in medical and bio- 
logical research. The world was unprepared socially, politically 
and ethically for the advent of nuclear power. Now, biological 
research is in a ferment, creating and promising methods of 
interference with “‘natural processes’? which could destroy or 
could transform nearly every aspect of human life which we 
value. 
Urgently, it is necessary for men and women of every race 
and colour and creed, every intelligent individual of our one 
world, to consider the present and imminent possibilities. They 
must be prepared to defend what they hold good for themselves 
and their neighbours, and, more importantly, to use the im- 
mense creative opportunities for a happier and healthier world. 
This book should make people think. 
The occasion for this unusual symposium was the first use of 
a new conference room at the Foundation’s house in Portland 
Place, London. We are very grateful to the 27 distinguished 
contributors for their time, effort and imagination—and their 
co-operation in the preparation of a text which has been modi- 
fied to some extent in favour of the lay reader. The editor also 
records his great indebtedness to many others who gave essen- 
tial and valuable help in the organization of the symposium 
and the production of this book: Anthony and Marjorie de 
Reuck, Peggy Cameron, Maeve O’Connor, Julie Knight, 
Nancy Spufford, John Rivers and William Hill. 
V 
