September 12, 1955

Dr. 0. H. Gaebler
Chairman, Program Committee
Henry Ford Hospital
Detroit 2, Michigan

Dear Dr. Gaebler:

After a very hectic summer, I have finally been able to get
down to a serious consideration of the session on the Gene~Enzyme Rela-~
tion for the November Symposium.

Perhaps, in addition to the lack of time, the past few months,
one of the factors contributing to my procrastination has been the feel-
ing that the scope given to the chairman was somewhat too limited, at
least in my case. Both Hershey and Hotchkiss have very interesting results
to discuss, are outstanding workers, and it is fine to have them on the
progran, However, the pertinence of their topics to the gene-enzyme rela-
tion is perhaps somewhat tenuous. On the other hand, the work of Yanofsky
on the enzymatic function of the td gene (tryptophane synthetase) is one
of the best analyzed and pertinent cases available and certainly should
be discussed, perhaps in more ‘detail than Horowitz will have time to give.
It might also have been good to have someone like Watson on this session
to discuss relationships of DNA, RNA and enzymes from the genetic stand-
point.

In considering these and other aspects, and keeping the number
of additional invited discussants to two as suggested in your earlier
letters, at the moment I am handicapped by not knowing the extent of flexi-
bility of the program at this time,

For éxample, would it be feasible to rearrange the schedule as
giver on the enclosed copy? This would permit focussing the first part of
the session and discussion on the nature of the gene and its divisability,
and the second, the real meat, on the gene-enzyme relation. The two addition-
al discussants would be Demerec and Yanofsky.

On the assumption that these modifications are passible, and that
invitations to tne added discussants may come from the chairman, I ani
writing Demerec and Yanofsky. Copies of the proposed program are being sent
to them, as well as to the other participants. I assume that my letters to
Demerec and Yanofsky should be followed by your formal invitations, includ-
ing the complete progran of the Symposium.

Noping that these actions will meet with your approval as within
the responsibilities of the chairman, I am

Sincerely yours,

E. L. Tatwna
ELT: ps