1 EXHIBIT 4F (2) COMMITMENT REDUCTION NOTICE To: The First National Bank of Chicago, As Agent (the "Agent") under the Credit Agreement Described Below. Re: 364 Day Credit Agreement, dated December 15, 1998 (the "Credit Agreement"), among Dexter...

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                                                                  EXHIBIT 4F (2)


                           COMMITMENT REDUCTION NOTICE



To:  The First National Bank of Chicago,
As Agent (the "Agent") under the Credit
Agreement Described Below.

Re: 364 Day Credit Agreement, dated December 15, 1998 (the "Credit Agreement"),
among Dexter Corporation (the "Borrower"), the Agent, and the Lenders named
therein. Terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings
assigned thereto in the Credit Agreement.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         The Borrower hereby gives notice under the Credit Agreement that the
Scheduled Asset Sale occurred today and the Borrower has received proceeds in
excess of $200,000,000.00. Pursuant to Section 2.7 of the Agreement, the
Aggregate Commitment under the 364 Day Credit Agreement is automatically and
permanently reduced from $300,000,000.00 to $100,000,000.00.



Very truly yours,

Dexter Corporation

By:       /s/ Xxxx Xxxxxxx

Name:     Xxxx Xxxxxxx

Title:    Treasurer

Date:     February 26, 1999