X-Message-Number: 1462
From: 
Subject: CRYONICS This and that
Date: Thu, 17 Dec 92 12:06:02 PST

Re Dave Pizer's posting:

> . . . we should be working hard to build a
>cohesive organization that can raise the money to do the research that
>is needed to improve our suspension techniques.
>
>The fallacy is (in my humble opinion), that many cryonicists think that
>we are preserving enough brain matter in a good enough state that
>cryonics might work.  However, many of the "experts" in cryonics feel
>that we are not.  

While I mostly agree with Dave, improving suspension techniques is not 
easy.  The main problem (besides money) is *measuring* improvement.  
But I feel that some of the indirect methods which have been used for 
some time will suffice.  (Looking at enzyme levels and tissue 
photomicrographs.) 

This aside, we already *know* what could be done to greatly improve 
suspension quality--and it does not need research, "just" changes in 
the law.  I refer, of course, to premortum suspension--the situation 
Dr, Donaldson tried to set up through the courts.  The long period of 
low blood flow before most people deanimate causes significant damage.  
And it is going to take more improvement in suspension technique than 
I can imagine to compensate for 10 hours in a hot coroner van. 

Re Perry Metzger's suggestions, I agree that people do not need to 
respond to provocative postings.  Along this line, I have to 
compliment Ralph Whelan for restraint.

Re Saul's open letter, I think he misread the intent of my open 
letter, which was mostly to let the "winning" side know that they had 
to lead--which means to me that they have to get out there and set an 
example by *working* (not just politicking).  I think that some of them 
(Brenda, for example) took it the way I intended.  In my letter I 
wrote: ". . . . I will do my best to support our new president, Steve 
Bridge."  I suspect a shortage of money is going to be Alcor's worst 
problem next year.  I wrote the copy and hand signed 600 fund raising 
letters this week to help alleviate that problem.

Re Saul having excessive influence over Alcor--Saul's goals are now 
fairly well known--we shall see. 

Keith Henson

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