X-Message-Number: 9429
Date: Thu, 9 Apr 1998 10:30:34 -0400
From: Saul Kent <>
Subject: 21CM

        I'm happy to see Bob Ettinger's positive 
response (#9426) to my message (#9420) about 
21st Century Medicine.

        Here are my comments on his message.

        Bob said that it is "welcome" that 21CM
is going to "expand its program" to include "suspended
animation research."

        Actually, suspended animation research has
always been the heart of the 21CM program.  We have
already conducted some brain cryopreservation research,
and our other research projects: hypothermia, resuscitation,
and the cryopreservation of organs other than the brain are
all relevant to suspended animation.  

        Bob suggests that BioPreservation and 21CM
will be well equipped to handle human cases, and that it
is unlikely that a new company (BioTransport) will be able
to procure the capital and equipment needed to do the job.

        Bob goes on to suggest that BP and 21CM "could 
provide cryonics emergency services as a sideline, not relying 
on that for its main revenues."

        The problem with that scenario is that BP and 21CM
have come to the conclusion that being responsible for human
cases interferes too much with the research effort. We find that
it is difficult or impossible to do two things well with limited
personnel.  

        One of the main reasons for the formation of
BioTransport is the desire of 21CM to focus as much of its
attention as possible on research.

        That doesn't mean that BP and 21CM will not be
involved in human cases.  On the contrary, 21CM will be
conducting research to develop human vitrification, and
BP and 21CM will be involved in human cases in a support
capacity....as much as time allows without seriously interfering
with the research.

        Moreover, 21CM and BP expect to cooperate closely
with BioTransport in sharing equipment and facilities as well
as personnel in performing human cases.

        It's understandable that Bob questions whether it will
be possible to raise enough money for BioTransport from the
cryonics community.  However, reality dictates that cryonicists
are going to have to make some hard choices in the next few
years about *both* research and cryonics services.

        I believe we are now in a position to develop truly
advanced, scientifically proven, cryonics methods, and to offer
these advances to the cryonics community.  However, it will be
costly to provide both, and those in the cryonics community who
can afford it are going to have to decide if they want to see both
research and advanced services funded.

---Saul Kent
CEO, 21CM

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