FOR INTER-DEPARTMENTAL USE
STANFORD UNIVERSITY

OFFICE OF 27 April 1959

 

m ”

Tos Dr, Joshua Lederberg
Department of Biophysics

Re: “estex Committee on Planetary Biology

Dear Dr. Lederberg:

I think it will be best if I resign from the Westex committee, The
subjects under discussion are far removed from my major interests in geochem-
istry, and I haven't felt that I could make any significant contribution to
the committee's work, I had hoped to find time to build up a background in
planetary geology, but time for such extracurricular activity is just not
available. I have so many irons in the fire right now that I am not doing
justice to any of them, and I think my best move is to get out from under those
projects where i am contributing least.

This resignation is submitted with considerable reluctance, because
I have found the discussions of your committee most interesting and the members
very congenial, But so far the benefit has all been to me rather than to the
committee, and I hardly feel that I can continue to ask NASA to finance my
education in planctary biology. If the committee needs geochemical (or astro-=-
chemical) advice, I am sure that Dr. Urey is in a much better position to
help you than I am.

Thank you for giving me the chance to serve on the committee,

Sincerely yours,

food ff

Konrad B, trauskopf

»{

‘DM Gd oASHOES