MATHEMATICS AND RESEARCH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26479, 5 June 1947, Page 10

MATHEMATICS AND RESEARCH

Sir,—There seems unfortunately to have been some confusion over my reports of the Science Congress. My aim was to present facts and comment thereon since it was obviously impossible fully to review 70 lectures in 600 words, and since Press Association reports should have covered facts fairly fully, I merely described briefly and commented on what I thought were each day’s highlights. In cne report I wrote:—"Dr J. T. Campbell . complained of the ignorance of, and even scorn for, mathematics shown by workers in other sciences. It is a pity that the medical worker despises the chemist and biologist, who in turn look down on mathematics.’’ It is perfectly obvious that while the first sentence, in the past tense, refers to what Dr Campbell said—perhaps " scorn for ” was a little strong compared with his remarks—the second sentence, in the present tense, was my own opinion, nothing more nor less. Unfortunately, in the published report the second sentence was put in the past tense, and “ he said ” inserted. While under the circumstances I do not blame Dr Campbell for being annoyed, I must disclaim responsibility—l am, etc., June 3. Special Representative.

Sir,—l was present at Dr Campbell s lecture during the recent Science Congress at Wellington. It was one of the most stimulating and interesting that I heard during the whole congress, and it conveyed to me precisely the meaning that Dr Campbell wished it to convey. I am absolutely certain that Dr Campbell was not guilty of uttering the sweeping condemnations that were attributed to him by your correspondent. As a general comment I would like to state that your correspondent did not convey to the Dunedin public the keen and serious atmosphere that characterised the congress. I was amazed at the way attendances were maintained during the very heavy programmes of the four days. —I am, etc., J. C. Eccles. June 4.