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October 17,1978

Dr.Joshua Lederberg
President

The Rockefeller University
1230 York Avenue

New York,N.Y.

Dear Dr.Lederberg,

From the Last issue of News and Notes I have learned

with pleasure that you are working on biography of Edward
L Tatum,a man who was a great scientist and an outstanding
personality.
I was very fortunate that shortly after my arrival to this
country from Poland I was invited by Dr.Tatum to join his
laboratory of Biochemical Genetics and since then for 13
years I was associated with him until his untimely death in
November 1975 (in 1972 I became Associate Professor and during
his protracted illness I was on his recommendation Acting Head
of the Laboratory of Biochemical Genetics ;this lasted since
1974 and a year after Dr.Tatum death).
During my long association with this brilliant man I have
learned to appreciate his scientific genius and his unusual
modesty,a very rare combination . The latter feature was
evident on many occasions. One of them that happened during
the last year of his life is particularily worth mentioning.
In the course of my collaboration with Dr.Tatum on the bio-
synthesis of two peptide antibiotics Edeine A and B I found
another small peptde which exhibits the inhibitory effect
on human osteosa .oma. I decided to name it Tatumine after
his name. He strongly rejected this idea but when I insisted
he finally gave in.

I bear a great admiration and affection for this great
man and all other members of his laboratory felt the same
way. There was an air of freedom and Dr.Tatum was able to
create a very special climate of enthusiasm and dedication
to our work. My scholary and personal relationship with him
was very close. I retain many memories which I'll be most
happy to share with you if you think they may be of value
for the biography of Dr.Tatum you are preparing now.

With warmest personal regards
Sincerely yours,

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Zofia Borowska
Associate Professor
Laboratory of Microbiology