This digitised material is free to access, but contains information or visuals that may:<ul><li>include personal details of living individuals</li><li>be upsetting or distressing</li><li>be explicit or graphic</li><li>include objects and images of objects decontextualised in a way that is offensive to the originating culture.</li></ul>By viewing this material, we ask that you use the content lawfully, ethically and responsibly under the conditions set out in our <a href="https://wellcomecollection.cdn.prismic.io/wellcomecollection/d4817da5-c71a-4151-81c4-83e39ad4f5b3_Wellcome+Collection_Access+Policy_Aug+2020.pdf">Access Policy</a>.

You must accept the terms to view the content.

National Research Council, Ottawa

Galleries and Reading Room

Library

Shop

Café

From January 2026 Wellcome Collection will close at 18.00 on Thursdays.

We're running paid user research studies to improve Wellcome Collection online

Take part in research

Correspondence regarding an Anniversary Lecture ("The Genetic Code"), delivered in Ottawa on 22 September, 1966, as part of the National Research Council of Canada's 50th Anniversary Ceremonies. The file includes an official programme of events and related information booklets.

Subsequent correspondence (1968-69) concerns the late delivery to Crick of a "set of wax pressings" of recordings made of all Anniversary Lectures (Crick's lecture being one of six given during the course of two days). "A set of metal masters is to be preserved in our Public Archives" (letter to Crick, 21 August, 1968). The correspondence records Crick's adamant refusal to allow publication of his lecture.

Content advisory

National Research Council, Ottawa

Licence and re-use