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Finding more founders In the article "Rare History, Common Disease",1 various founder populations were mentioned. Glaringly omitted from these were the Amish, particularly the Old Order Amish. Work on the Amish started when Victor McKusick discovered several genetic defects in a uniquely inbred group of people, the Old Order Amish. This discovery resulted in the publication of Mendelian

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In the article "Rare History, Common Disease",¹ various founder populations were mentioned. Glaringly omitted from these were the Amish, particularly the Old Order Amish. Work on the Amish started when Victor McKusick discovered several genetic defects in a uniquely inbred group of people, the Old Order Amish. This discovery resulted in the publication of Mendelian Inheritance in Man (MIM) which is now also available online (OMIM). It was my privilege to briefly work for McKusick, while completing my MPH degree. The number of entries in OMIM now numbers more than 18,800.

Michael Bunnemeyer
Arnold, MD
mgbunem@verizon.net

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I totally agree with Richard Gallagher's opinion that basic scientific research could rescue impoverished African nations.¹ I also commend his sincere appreciation that the continent's shortfall is not due to lack of scientists, but mainly due to lack of opportunities to carry out basic research.

As an African scientist, I can also attest ...

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