February 2, 1984
Dear David:
Many thanks for your insightful letter. The only place where you are less than a seer is in the matter of the revision of RNA Tumor Viruses. Yes, we are really at it again, spurred on by the prospect of a two-volume paperback edition with massive supplements to existing chapters, plus a very lengthy appendix of maps and sequences. In fact, I just received Natalie's (relatively brief) update to Chapter 2.
You have correctly sensed from my avoidance behavior that my heart is not in this job -- at least in the matter of putting together the Intervirology piece you keep requesting. Taxonomy is not at the bottom of my list when I can see the substantive issues more clearly; for example, I was deeply involved in working out the nomenclature for onc genes. But I have taken your suggestions to heart, and I have written to Natalie Teich to see whether she would be willing to assume this position in my stead -- or, at the least, take responsibility for preparing the Intervirology piece you seek.
I'll be back in touch soon.
With best regards,
Harold E. Varmus, M.D.
American Cancer Society
Research Professor