Science and Reason

Mo' po-mo, forbidden books, lost and found.

Hard Science

Professor Kantrowitz ["Letters," March] points out that around 39 percent of the students entering Dartmouth signifying an interest in science "have had their minds changed by exposure to faculty hooked on postmodernism." I certainly have my own arguments with the postmodernists, as I (mis?)understand them, but I doubt that we can lay this one at their feet. It's at least as likely that when students discover how rigorous, demanding, and time-consuming college-level science courses can be, they find that they would rather do something they perceive as easier. Science offers great intellectual rewards, but it does demand patience with technical detail. Nature did not arrange itself to be easily apprehended by humans.

PROFESSOR, PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY DARTMOUTH COLLEGE HANOVER, NEW HAMPSHIRE

Rook Banning

I read in Christianity Today that the Dartmouth administration tried to ban a book, Mere Christianity, by C.S. Lewis, the author of the Chronicles of Narnia children's books. This book, considered to be the classic text of the Oxford professor's lectures on the basics of the Christian faith, could not be a book worthy of banning. Though the article cited the College's official denial of restricting the distribution of this book via the inter-campus mail by the student group Campus Crusade, I have some swampland in Florida that I'd be willing to deed over if you believe that statement is totally true.

What kind of educational institution actually condones this kind of blacklisting? The normal claims of church vs. state simply do not apply at a private educational institution—nor do the recent cries of religious intolerance that attempt to disguise themselves as moral neutralism or, at their worst, American pluralism.

Dartmouth needs to take a positive stand on educational openness on all matters moral, intellectual, and controversial. If students at Dartmouth cannot be trusted to accept or reject the basic tenets of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, or even atheism, then how can they learn to be fluent in French, masters of economics, creators of new technology, or champions of human rights?

PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE ROLLINS@NH.ULTRANET.COM

Overlooked

I enjoyed reading the list of College alums involved in the current Washington scene ["College on (Capitol) Hill," January], One name was missing from the list: Pat Oliphant, the nationally acclaimed political cartoonist and scene commentator, is an honorary degree holder from the College (1981). He surely deserves Dartmouth recognition for his insight and wit over the past three decades—and particularly in respect of today's political morass.

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

Lost and Found

I wonder if by chance, some alum of Dartmouth or a close relative may have lost a very fine quality bracelet? It is definitely of Dartmouth College and sentimental significance. Owner may reclaim by describing.

PO Box 245 WATERBURY, VT 05676 (802) 244-7493

Ma Smalley

I had a conversation recently regarding an exceptional eating club operated by "Ma" Smalley. I lived in Hanover as an infant in '33 and '34 before my parents, Ernest and Katherine Bridge Perkins, relocated to nearby Newport, New Hampshire. My maternal grandmother, Katherine Smalley Bridge (Husband: Edwin) lived in Hanover and was in some way connected to an eating club. I remember visiting there as a young boy. I believe her parents were Frank and Minnie Smalley. I am trying to find out whether Katherine was the "Ma" Smalley. Perhaps one of your senior alum readers might provide information.

2824 RESIDENTS CLUB HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC 29928

Diana

There's a story that has haunted me for many years. I was crossing the Green one morning. After a winter of athletic activities, it was not unusual to see a classmate maneuvering crutches between the icy spots. Coming toward me was one such adventurer. She was wearing the brightest blue plaid pleated skirt I had the pleasure of seeing after months of dark somber ensembles. I found myself mesmerized by it.

When I realized that there was not a leg tucked up behind the skirt, and that I was still staring, I looked for the proverbial rock under which to crawl. I waited for my scolding. What I got instead was a smile bright enough to match the envied skirt and a heartfelt "Good morning!"

I shamefully admit that I mumbled something like "Hi."

Diana, thanks for giving me ["To Die Loving Life," December] the long overdue chance to say to you, "Good morning! Have a great day. And, oh, nice skirt!"

VERO BEACH, FLORIDA

Postmodernism is in the eye of the beholder.