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 Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=5624