We regret we did not cite the earlier work of our colleagues in the field of gynecology mentioned above; we disagree with their contention that the methods were put to the same use and achieved the same results. Our study dealt with nonphagocytic spermatozoal transfer of genetic information to cultured somatic cells. Coppleson and Reid regarded sperm as potential mutagens and presented experimental data which bear on this. They have speculated that phagocytic uptake of sperm or sperm components by immature squamous metaplastic cells in the human cervix might lead to carcinoma after a long latent period. Although they do not now regard their concept as productive as they had hoped we believe this latter possiblity to have great merit. The astonishingly high incidence of prostatic carcinoma the anatomical possiblity that sperm can play a role in this disease also and the current difficulty obtaining direct experimental evidence on various stages of this lengthy process make it important to pursue and support systematic fundamental investigations which can be rigorously evaluated at each step.(Full text)