JurB 21, 1946,

Dr. A-. E. Sevringhaus,

college of Physicians and Surg30n8,

Columbia University,

New York, I.Y.

lay dear Dr. Sevringhaus:

In crknnection with our conversation of the 19th last, please transmit

tb following petition to t&m Medical Faculty for tentative a&ion:

  It is requested that I be granted leave of absence from the Third Year

until the beginning of the aoademic year 1947-48. This request is made be-

cause of tb development in th? course of nry elective work here of soa ex-

tremely pertinent findings in hrcterial snetics- viz, compelling evidence

not aa yet conclusive for the existence of a primitive sexuality in bacteria
(E, coli) aa demonstrated by the exhibition of genetic recombinations of

biochemical characters in this oranism. The importance of this concept in

considerations related to epidemiology, chemot.%rapy, and the study of gene
                      is

action and growth in general, w such that I could hardly allow myself to

interrupt its development and pursuit. It is not likely that 1 could polish

up this work in suitable form by next &eptember; therefore I reuest this

year's leave to have tine to do so.

I need hardly indicate that it wuld be highly desirable to have the

information mentioned above in confib:ntW. status for tb tti being.

Sincerely yours,

JoAua Iederberg.