Document 18 
ATjr G Tjr S T A N A COLLEGE 
StOUX FALLS. S. D 57102 
FOUNDED ISeO 
OEPARTMENTOF BIOLOGY 
October 19, 1976 
Dr. Donald S. Fredrickson, Director 
National Institutes of Health 
9000 Rockville Pike 
Bethesda, Maryland 20014 
Dear Dr. Fredrickson: 
I wish to thank you for a copy of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement 
on Recombinant DNA Research Guidelines . Since you asked for opinions I shall 
register mine even though it is a day or so late. As a biochemist and molecular 
biologist I have given some thought to the question even though I am not directly 
involved in such research. It is my opinion that Doctors Erwin Chargaff and 
Robert Sinsheimer are basically correct in their position. It seems to me that 
the potential danger to mankind Inherent in such research is indeed equivalent 
to that resulting from the development of nuclear weaponry. Since we cannot fore- 
tell the precise consequences of such experimentation or prevent illicit use of 
such techniques, I am convinced that recombinant DNA research should not be per- 
mitted in the foreseeable future. The results of applying technology without 
proper thought and safeguards is already painfully obvious from past experience. 
I hope you will see fit to establish a more or less permanent moratorium on 
such research and discourage its spread to other countries. Thank you very much 
for your attention in this matter. 
Sincerely , 
Lansing M. Prescott, Ph.D. 
Associate Professor of Biology 
LMP :cv 
Appendix K — 77 
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 
