X-Message-Number: 5624
Date: 18 Jan 96 12:02:57 EST
From: "Kent, Saul" <>
Subject: Garret's Left Foot, etc.

	I agree with Garret Smyth. I would rather have Molly Jones
preserved than Garret's left foot.
	I think we may find that in a few years--if we can get brain
vitrification research moving--that the preferred method of cryo-
preservation may be vitrification of the brain because it might be the
most effective way of preserving one's identity. We should be able to
perfect brain vitrification considerably sooner than head or whole-body
vitrification.
	As far as calculating one's chances of reanimation, I think any
such calculation is of little or no use because of the many variables and
unknowns we face. All that's needed to sell cryonics, in my opinion, is
evidence that there is *some* chance of reanimation and that this chance
is improving with time because of advances in research. I was convinced
that there was *some* chance of reanimation in 1964 by Bob Ettinger's
book The Prospect Of Immortality. I think there is evidence that this
chance has improved since then, although I am disappointed about the
relative lack of progress in the past 32 years in comparison to the
physical deterioration I've experienced during this period. My major
interest today is speeding the progress of research in order to improve
the chance of reanimation at a faster rate.
	As far as the idea of "living on" or "surviving" through one's
DNA without the preservation of one's memories and identity, I see that
as a complete contradiction in terms. You don't "live on" because someone
else is carrying your DNA. That wouldn't be any better than having your
left foot...*or* Garret's...attached to someone else.

---Saul Kent


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