The means at our disposal now, however, are quite new and seem to be almost of another kind.
The methods of the past were basically ad hoc, even at the therapeutic level. Now we are beginning to think of.
predictable and reproducible changes in our physical composition. When the potentiality will become actual capability is.
not clear. Several breakthroughs are needed before we shall be able to alter living beings and/or their descendants.
predictably and reproducibly. Breakthroughs by their very nature are unpredictable, both in their timing and in the.
direction they will lead us. Nonetheless, it is not too soon for us to ponder these capabilities that may well be ours in the.
next century.
DNA! Some call it the miracle molecule, or the magic molecule. Walter Gilbert, as quoted in this book calls it the "Holy.
Grail" of science. In this volume Fr. Peter Leonard and Dr. David Schlessinger discuss the physical make-up of the.
molecule and what it does. In doing so, they treat at length the concepts behind the mapping and sequencing of the.
human genome. In short, they explain the Human Genome Project (HGP) or the Human Genome Initiative (HGI),.
whichever individuals wish to call it. Drs. Evelyn Crump and Stephen Lefrak discuss both the history of the project as.
well as the ethical and scientific concerns it raises. Mr. Gary Menard, S.J. reviews the computer aspects of the work and.
treats both the capabilities and limitations of today's computerization with regard to the Human Genome Initiative. Dr.
Philip Hefner addresses the theological challenges which this projects brings to light.
We regret that this set of Proceedings does not include a paper from Dr. Hefner. He did not wish us to publish his.
pre-paper and promised a revised version for the Proceedings. Having failed to receive this revised paper from Dr.
Hefner, the editorial staff has decided to proceed without it in the interest of reasonably timely publication of the.
