THE GRADUATE SCHOOL 
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON 
BASCOM HALL 
MADISON, WISCONSIN 53706 
September 14, 1978 
MEMORANDUM: 
To: General Counsel F. Peter Libassi 
National Institutes of Health 
2B50 Bldg. 31, Bethesda, Maryland 20014 
From: Robert M. Bock, Dean, Graduate School, University of Wisconsin 
Vice Chairman, Public Affairs Committee, Federated American 
Societies of Experimental Biology 
Topic: Proposed Revised Guidelines for Recombinant DNA Research 
Although scientists have been aided by the powerful new tool of 
recombinant DNA technology for only a few years, dramatic advances in 
fundamental understanding of genetics, the structure and organization of 
chromosomes and the detailed regulatory processes controlling replication 
and metabolism have already been published. This new knowledge has pro- 
vided a more sound basis for modern concepts of all processes of metabolism 
in normal and diseased organisms. Practical applications for health care, 
agriculture and environmental protection have appeared more slowly, yet 
significant progress has been reported in producing materials of potential 
value to society. 
The proposed Revised Guidelines for Recombinant DNA Research are reason- 
able, cautious and careful advances toward policies and practice which will 
provide society with protection from biological hazards while permitting 
society to benefit from the major advances in knowledge made possible by 
these techniques. The proposed revisions are a marked advance from the 1976 
edition because expert input on infectuous diseases and pathogenicity has 
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