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October 10, 1984 
Director 
Office Recombinant DNA Activities 
Building 31 
Room 3B10 
National Institute of Health 
Bethesda, Maryland 20205 
To Whom It May Concern: 
The public first heard of DNA research a little more than 15 years 
ago. Now the discoveries about DNA dominate modern medicine and are 
the foundation and fundamental to the current study of medicine. Are 
we able to turn away from this? 
Mr. Jeremy Rif kin has presented an emotional and moral appeal to 
halt recombinant DNA research. He states: "that such an intrusion violates 
the telos of each species and is to be condemned is morally reprehensible." 
Telos is Greek meaning end, completion, perfection. Are we at the end? Is 
now the completion or perfection of the human condition? 
Organisms continues to evolve. With the development of instruments 
designed to study DNA has come the discovery that genetic material has 
the ability to transfer without human intervention or manipulation. 
There is, as in other discoveries, a potential for abuse in the 
application of the science. I applaud the presence of the Recombinant 
DNA Advisory Committee. It is essential to have research reviewed in 
the light of the scientific community. Open dialogue is basic to 
responsible goal setting and implementation. Public access and awareness 
is followed by understanding and support. 
Recombinant DNA research is the hope for understanding and conquering 
cancer and genetic disease. It must continue if we hope to cure these 
ills and better our world. 
Sincerely, 
[ 504 ] 
