Page 2 
Dr. William J. Gartland 
October 15, 1984 
diversity created in a species from introduction of an exogenous gene is 
likely to be beneficial to the survival and well being of that species. 
Historically, humans have survived as a species because there existed genetic 
diversity, because the mind of man has been free to invent and because man has 
had the intellectual ability to control the application of invention without 
restriction of the invention itself. Placing restrictions on invention or 
research leading to invention restricts the ability of humans to adapt to a 
changing environment or to control food supply to meet the needs of all 
humans. This leads to class distinctions of those with and without adequate 
food. Insufficient food leads to social unrest and wars far more devastating 
to the survival of mankind than the addition of a gene to the genome of a 
species providing food for man. Indeed, the added gene to the genome of a 
cow, sheep or pig may add to the diversity of that species in a way which 
enhances its survival or well being as countless mutations have done through 
the generations. 
I urge the Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee to consider proposals to 
introduce modified exogenous genes into the germ line of living organims on 
the merit of each proposed experiment. The broad sweeping, simplistic 
authoritarian edict proposed by Rifkin is not supportable by scientific 
understanding of genetic or population biology . In fact, adoption of the 
proposed amendments presents a distinct risk to the survival of man and 
animals in our constantly changing environment. 
The Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee should continue to develop guidelines, 
policy and recommendations based on safety, documented risk and benefit to 
society. Adoption of regulations of policy broadly restricting research on 
the transfer of genes across species will likely result in the research and 
its application occurring in an uncontrolled and undisclosed manner outside 
the United States and in private industry. In part this has happened already 
with human in vitro fertilization and has resulted In a poor data base of 
primate research from which decisions about procedures put into practice in 
human IVF can be made. 
I strongly urge rejection of Rifkin* s two proposals. 
Sincerely, 
Professor 
cc : R. G. Cassens 
N. A. Jorgensen 
L. M. Walsh 
R. R. Burgess 
[ 524 ] 
