THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY 
SCHOOL OF MEDICINE 
and 
THE JOHNS HOPKINS HOSPITAL 
DEPARTMENT OF PEDIATRICS Mailing Address: 
Room 6-124 
Developmental Genetics Laboratory 77 * chlldren - s Medlcal & Surglcal Cemer 
THE JOHNS HOPKINS HOSPITAL 
Baltimore, Md. 21205 
Tel: (301)955-6621 
October 24, 1984 
Director 
Office of Recombinant DNA Activities 
Building 31 Room 3B10 
National Institutes of Health 
Bethesda, MD 20205 
Re: Proposed Addition of Prohibited Experiments to the 
Guidelines, submitted by Mr. Jeremy Rif kin of the 
Foundation on Economic Trends, dated August 21, 1984 
and August 23, 1984. 
Dear Director: 
We are concerned about the scientific merit of the recent prohibitions of 
transfers of genetic traits proposed by Mr. Rifkin. Aside from the tremendous 
benefits to be accrued by humans by utilizing gene transfer systems (such as 
the manufacturing of insulin by bacteria, and the production of disease resistant 
plants and animals), Mr. Rifkin' s basic premise is not a biological argument. 
The intent of this amendment is to protect the biological integrity of every 
mammalian species, yet the concept of retaining species integrity is contrary 
to evolutionary thought. 
Species are man-made classifications that designate life forms of like 
individuals, based primarily on morphology. Evolution does not act on species, 
but upon individuals within a species. Each individual contributing to the 
gene pool of a species is genetically different and unique. The gene pool of 
a given species is not stagnant, it changes constantly albeit at a slow rate. 
We all recognize the importance of maintaining the gene pool. The introduction 
of genetic material into individuals does not destroy the gene pool of a given 
species. 
Utilizing classical, Mendelian genetics, we have manipulated the genes of 
literally thousands of individuals (both plant and animals) to provide dometi- 
cated varieties, etc. , of many food sources and for many lifeforms that we deem 
attractive and desirable. How does this differ from introducing genes into 
individuals of a species? We are not destroying the gene pool, just utilizing 
some of the individuals to create homogeneous varieties, breeds, etc. 
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