THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO 
DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY 
1103 EAST 5 7 T H STREET 
CHICAGO • ILLINOIS 60637 
December 17, 1979 
AREA CODE 312 
TEL. 753-2710 
Dr. Donald S. Frederickson 
Director, National Institutes of Health 
Bethesda, Md. 20014 
Dear Dr. Frederickson: 
I am aware of the recent revisions of the guidelines for research on 
recombinant DNA, which were recommended and transmitted, I believe, to the 
Secretary of the Department of Health and Welfare (if that is the correct 
new name of the deparment) . 
I have followed the discussions about the guidelines for recombinant 
DNA research since their inception several years ago, and I should add 
that I have always been on the side of reasoned caution and restraint. I 
have continued to feel this way even after my own recent interest in 
undertaking some experiments with recombinant DNA. I have not yet begun 
this research, although an MUA I submitted was recently approved locally 
in connection with my grant GM2 7059-01. 
The recommended modifications in the guidelines strike me as reasonable 
and in line with our increasing experience with the biological and physical 
containment of recombinant DNA molecules. 
I hope that you will convey to those concerned with making the ultimate 
decision my own personal view that the recommended modifications in the 
guidelines be approved. I believe I would hold this view even ifjwere not 
myself contemplating the undertaking of recombinant DNA research. 
Sincerely yours , 
Arnold W. Ravin 
Addie Clark Harding Professor 
AWR/el 
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