X-Message-Number: 7551 Date: 23 Jan 97 03:39:28 EST From: Paul Wakfer <> Subject: More Prometheus Correspondence This is a continuation of the previously posted correspondence. You wrote: >I agree with your comments on cryonics - they are >putting the cart ahead of the horse in a big way, and lots of basic >research is needed before the cryonics idea is even considered as a >practical proposition. (But it makes great TV, so there will always be a >few flakes who buy it). I take no offense by your remark about "flakes" even though it applies to me since I am currently signed up for cryonics - just in case, and doing all that I can to assure that I won't ever need it until it is perfected. The problem with your (and most other scientist's) "lots of basic research is needed before the cryonics idea is even considered as a practical proposition" approach, is that it does not help the person who is currently dying, either prematurely (say, of aids) or of old age. If the currently damaging cryopreservation processes of cryonics (which *are* done with the best applicable current scientific medical and cryobiological techniques) are successfully preserving the memory and other mental faculties, then it *is* possible, given enough time, that techniques will be developed to recover those memories and mental faculties and reconstitute them in a clone of the dying person. Certainly, we know that we are preserving intact DNA by the cryopreservation process. So if you are dying and you want any chance for more life, there is simply no other recourse but "impractical" cryonics. I have no problem with those who are dying *wanting* to be cryopreserved, nor with those who are *doing* the cryopreservations (and they certainly aren't making any money out of it!). NO, my problem is with spending any time, effort and money on the *promotion* of cryonics instead of putting that time, effort and money into getting the research done which will make it work for certain, and demonstrate that to the public. If we longevists wish to do the most to promote our own chances of extended life and at the same time to bring this option to large numbers of people, then research to develop and prove our product is what we must concentrate our major efforts on. Thanks again for your interest and consideration, -- Paul -- Paul Wakfer email: phone:909-481-9620 pager:800-805-2870 HELP TO ACHIEVE - PERFECTED SUSPENDED ANIMATION WITHIN 20 YEARS! Check out the Prometheus Project web site at URL: http://www.prometheus-project.org/prometheus/ Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=7551