the human genetic engineering technology that it sponsors, funds 
and develops. The profound social implications involved in the 
genetic engineering of human beings are raised with the first 
experiment now being proposed to change the genetic instructions 
in a human being. 
The scientific community can no more divorce itself from the 
social significance of this powerful new tool than it could 
responsibly disavow the issues raised by the development of the 
atomic weapon, for the issues presented by human genetic 
engineering are as significant as those raised by that 
development. Adequate evaluation of those issues requires broad 
interdisciplinary oversight. 
Our proposed amendments to the Guidelines, to create the 
HEAC , and to make related changes in the Guidelines to 
incorporate HEAC recommendations into NIH decisionmaking in this 
area are enclosed. Your consideration of our proposal is greatly 
appreciated . 
Sincerely yours. 
FOUNDATION ON ECONOMIC TRENDS 
President, Foundation on 
Economic Trends 
Enclosures 
[ 458 ] 
Recombinant DNA Research, Volume 13 
