CARNEGIE INSTITUTION OF WASHINGTON 
Department of Embryology 
115 West University Parkway 
Baltimore. Maryland 21210 
TELEPHONE: 467-1414 
December 14, 1979 
Dr. Donald S. Fredrickson 
Director 
National Institutes of Health 
Bethesda, Maryland 20014 
Dear Dr. Fredrickson: 
I heartily support the changes that you propose for the NIH Guidelines 
for Research involving Recombinant DNA Molecules. I am especially impressed 
by the detailed and reasoned consideration that the Advisory Committee (RAC) 
and you have used to reach these very enlightened decisions. The controver- 
sial "£. coli K-12/P1 Recommendation" has received quite a remarkable analysis 
from the widest assortment of experts. A variety of new and old facts are 
analyzed objectively by individuals who themselves have no personal interest 
in this line of research. All scientific conclusions are the same - recom- 
binant DNA research with E. col i K12 hosts and nontransmissable vectors is 
safe enough to warrant the changes in the Guidelines that you have recommended. 
i 
The evolution of these Guidelines is cause for optimism. There are few 
instances of the rational evaluation of a set of governmental rules. This 
responsible and reasonable attitude on the part of authorities such as yourself 
enhances greatly the respect that we have for the value of governmental regu- 
lation. 
Sincerely yours. 
Donald D. Brown, M.D 
Di rector 
DDB: bbr 
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