NEWSLETTER 
of 
THE AMERICAN SCIENTIFIC AFFILIATION
VOLUME 15  NUMBER 2           April 1973

PROGRAM CHAIRMAN --Dr. Richard Wright Gordon College Wenham, Mass. 01984

"I hope to put together a program which will deal with the topic in a unique way. A major emphasis will be the educational dimensions of the topic-how are the concepts and theories being taught and for some of us not too familiar with the molecular approach, what is being taught." - Wright

In addition-to topics related to the theme there will be some optional sessions on subjects of general current interest. A Considerable effort will be made to present papers on a popular level as well as the more technical approach.


LOCAL ARRANGEMENTS

Chairman- Dr. George Jennings
Geneva College
Beaver Falls, PA. 15010

TRANSPORTATION - Fly in to Pittsburgh Airport, taxi fare is $16 but local committee will pick up those who register in advance. Driving - Just off Pennsylvania Turnpike.

ROOMS - Only $2.75 per person each day with a one time charge of $1 for linen. Motels nearby for $10-19 per day.'

MEALS - $3.90 per day for three meals or can be purchased separately. Wednesday evening banquet is $4.90 at the Holiday Inn.

REGISTRATION $8.00 for members and $12.00 for non-members. Students only $2.00. Daily rates available.

Item I-At least one extra field trip esp. for wives and children so they won't be stuck on campus with nothing to do
Item 2-Provision will be made for children's supervision on campus (i.e. babysitting)
            Item 3-Provision for everyone for use of recreation facilities
Item 4-Length of Meeting shortened some to allow more time for travel and vacationing
Item 5-More non-technical sessions of general interest to families (,and members!)

WHAT A.S.A. STANDS FOR

I really appreciated Bill Sisterson's comments in NOTES FROM THE NATIONAL OFFICE in the February ASA News. The recent-creationist/gradual-evolutionist issue is, as Bill said, "far from being settled among Christians." I was somewhat startled recently to hear a radio appeal for funds for the A.S.A.--the American Schizophrenic Association! Personally, I'm glad our ASA can maintain an open mind and an open forum without becoming schizophrenic. We stand for Jesus Christ, for God's Word, for good science, and for openness on unresolved questions.

Have you noticed the heavy correspondence in other journals in response to stories on the California textbook controversy? A number of letters to the editor appeared in the February 12 issue of Chemical & Engineering News under the heading "Science and religion." Others appeared in the March 9 issue of Science under "Creationism and evolutionism."

FEEDBACK

Even without a "letters to the editor" section, ASA News has been getting feedback on various subjects lately. For example:

Bill Seip, of Baltimore sent us several clippings from the Baltimore Sun about the AAAS meeting. One was on the resolution urging that "the (Biblical) theory of creation not be required in textbooks and other classroom materials intended for use in science curricula." Another, on a lecture by astronomer Robert Jastrow, quoted Jastrow as saying that scientists who insist that chemical evolution of life from non-living compounds in a proven fact are "too dogmatic."

Jim Kennedy of Kingston, Ontario, reacted to the story in our last issue on David Lindberg's course, "History of Pseudo-science and the Occult." Jim says that in the interpretation of the questionnaire results, Dave failed to state criteria by which 4 given person was identified as a skeptic. "I am enough of a skeptic myself to wonder how many of your readers realized that those who disagreed with the ' statements about ESP, astrology, witchcraft, and extraterrestrial visitors displayed evidently less skepticism than did those who agreed with the statements. 'Agreement' could result from faulty consideration of whatever data are available, but 'disagreement' involves a shocking trust in negative data and an extrapolation to a universal negative. Only the 'uncertain' could be truly classed as skeptics, just as the position of an atheist is much more difficult to justify than that of a true agnostic." (What about that, Dave?)

Another member writes that "unfortunately, even if all ASA members were to practice for a year the redeeming procedures suggested in ASA News (HOW TO RECYCLE SOMETHING), the amount of paper re-used probably would be much less than the amount of paper wasted in one day by a giant corporation like the one I work for."

Well, we realize that. Industry may even foster the "throw-away" mentality for its own ends. But eventually it is individual consumers who make up the markets on which most of industry depends. People who learn to think about saving paper are the ones who begin to think about the industrial products they can do without. Influence goes both ways. Money talks--when we don't spend it as well as when we do. When profits are squeezed, industry may begin to think about conservation of its own resources, even if not of the country's resources. Anyway, we hope so.

GETTING US TOGETHER

The ASA Annual Meeting should be on your summer vacation calendar by now: August 20-23, 1973; Geneva College, Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. Theme: "CREATION, EVOLUTION AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY."

Before that, most ASA Local Sections will have spring meetings. Kurt Weiss has arranged for the Federation Christian Fellowship meeting on April 19 in Atlantic City (8 P.M., County Cork Manor Room, Shelburne Hotel). Chi-Hang Lee of White Plains, New York, asked ASA chemists to get together with him at the national ACS meeting in Dallas, April 8-13.

Lots of informal "happenings" bring ASA members together around the country. Dick Bube was at Hope College, Holland, Michigan, in February to give an Inaugural Year Seminar and naturally got together with Harry Frissel and other ASA people at Hope, including Gordon van Wylen (it was his inauguration this year as Hope president that was being commemorated). In March, on a consulting trip to Framingham, Mass., Dick got together with Jack Haas, Jr., John Osepchuk, Dick Wright (chairman of the 1973 ASA Annual Meeting3_1 Marlin Kreider, and Lawrence Starkey. Principal topic was the forthcoming Annual Meeting, of course, but they also discussed John Osepchuk's battle to maintain public acceptance of the safety of microwave ovens in spite of efforts to push public opinion in the opposite direction.

Charles Hatfield was in San Francisco on March 24 to lecture to the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. He dropped in on David Gill, Mack Goldsmith (from Modesto), their wives and other "brothers and Tisters," 'at Wait Hearn's place in Berkeley. Innovations in Christian Scholarship (viz., "The Crucible" of Berkeley and the Institute for Advanced Christian Studies) came up for discussion, and Chuck shared several of his poems. He told about another fortuitous ASA get-together: On a trip back to Harvard from Texas a few months ago, Charlie Thaxton's car had to be towed into Rolla, Missouri. Although the two Charleses had never met, the Lord turned what could have been a low point into joyful fellowship. The Hatfields had room to take them in and were able to expedite repair of their car. No doubt the history of science got a thorough going-over by those two buffs in the meantime.

THINKING AHEAD

Even with grant budgets sliced thinner than the meat in a (no-longer) 19(,k hamburger, ASA members frequently travel to scientific meetings. The New York Metropolitan section would like to extend some Eastern hospitality to those who visit the New Jersey-New York City area. If you're interested in a rap session with fellow ASA'ers, contact (preferably in advance): Ken Olson, 55 Crane St., Caldwell, New Jersey 07006.

Their own budget situation, and Charles Hatfield's trip to San Francisco (see story above), gave Ginny and Walt Hearn an idea. They live in a house built by trolls, overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge, so they're having a receipt printed up bearing the name, "The Troll House, Berkeley." People traveling on expense accounts often hesitate to stay with even good friends. The traveler can't be reimbursed without a receipt, and he feels he's imposing if he can't contribute to the household, yet his trip is sponsored by someone willing to pay for meals and lodging. So now when you come to San Francisco (and everybody seems to, sooner or later), you can stay at The Troll House in Berkeley, enjoy fellowship in the Lord's name, and feel you're contributing, not imposing. Welcome, friends (if you're not allergic to cats, Ginny adds).

OHIO'S OUTSTANDING BIOLOGY TEACHER

Arthur D. Meyer of Brooklyn, Ohio, has been named Ohio's "Outstanding Biology Teacher for 1973" by a team of university and high school educators representing the National Association of Biology Teachers. Arthur, who is 44, has taught at Lakewood High School (Lakewood, Ohio) for the past 15 years. He received his bachelor's degree in biology at Goshen College (Indiana) in 1950 and an M.A. in science education at Ohio State University in 1956. He has also had NSF grants to study and do research in biology and related fields at six colleges and universities. Accepting the award, Art expressed appreciation for the opportunities granted him "to be professional in my work and to pursue my academic interests."

In addition to the American Scientific Affiliation, Art holds membership in the National and Ohio Educational Associations, Ohio Science Education Association, National Science Teachers Association, and the AAAS. He has published articles in The American Biology Teacher and The Science Teacher. He and his wife, Jocel, have two sons attending Goshen College and a daughter in Brooklyn High School. We congratulate Arthur Meyer, who says that "teaching and working with students has been my whole life." What a good way to spend a life.

HOW TO START SOMETHING. No. 15. FRANK ROSE

This series describes experiments by ASA members in meeting all kinds of human needs. No. 14 appeared in the October 1972 issue. Several readers have said they hope the series will continue. We feel the same way--but we're dependent on your contributions to keep it going.

Breathing life into the series once again is Frank E. Rose (Department of Physics, University of Michigan-Flint, Flint, Michigan 48503). We're expressing our thanks by sending Frank one dozen "Scientist's Psalm" greeting cards, complete with (brand new!) envelopes. We think you'll appreciate his innovative Christian response to a burning political issue, no matter which way you might have voted. Here's Frank's account:

"Abortion liberalization (I do not casually surrender the word reform to anyone) is a moral (there is a victim) issue which, now that it has fully arrived, will not disappear during this century. In response to the request of my local church, I developed a panel discussion, 'Abortion Pro or No,' just prior to the recent state referendum on abortion in Michigan.

"The leadoff speaker, Don DeGraaf, was followed by a male theologian and a male obstetrician. The fourth panelist (mother of my four children but, nevertheless, still my wife) promptly asked Alice, a married friend from the audience, to 'tell her story.'

"Alice, at 24 had four children and a low-income husband who was urging her to get an abortion. She was exhausted physically, drained mentally, and wondered whether she could hold up either physically or mentally. This live warm-blooded case brought the abortion question realistically close; it became more than issue of academic ethics or of morality for strangers; it was a here-and-now question eliciting Christian compassion as well as technical philosophical advice.

"Then Betty, a pregnant single college freshman, was invited by my wife to tell her story. She was being rejected psychologically and physically by her family. She loathed the father of her fetus--she believed he was the father. Abortion, she claimed, was the only answer. 'it wasn't as if my baby would likely be healthy,' she concluded.

"Well, the ensuing panel-audience-participation was poignant. During a 30-second recess declared for stretching, Betty was invited to move into the home of one lady who 'would make room.' Alice was offered assistance by one couple who said they would be glad to help her and to adopt her baby if she would abandon her plans to seek an abortion.

"People listened! People thought! People cared!

"When I announced at the end of this two-hour panel discussion that neither Alice nor Betty really existed nor were these two thespians from my college even pregnant, the enthusiastic and spontaneous applause that followed testified both to the effective simulation carried out by these amateur actresses in a strange forum and to the usefulness of their work in focusing attention in a realistic way on the abortion problem as it often is when it is actually encountered.

"Addendum: Although the audience all apparently accepted at face value the stories of Alice and Betty (alpha and beta), the panelists were told of the simulation. The obstetrician, it turned out, had attended the actual birth of 'Betty' nineteen years ago. Three years ago he delivered the single girl playing 'Alice' of a baby which she kept and with whom she says she is very happy. Both girls were deeply moved by their involvement in the program and were reluctant to accept the $10 gratuity we gave to each with our thanks. Afterward, each volunteered, 'I could never seek an abortion.'

"Pollsters indicated, a month before voting day, that 60% of the Michigan voters would favor the resolution, viz., to allow an abortion during the first 20 weeks at the request of any pregnant woman in Michigan. I believe that the previous relaxations of abortion laws, e.g., in New York state, were done by legislatures rather than via popular referenda. Through abortion awareness efforts, however, conservative Catholics and some evangelicals apparently were joined by many other voters as co-belligerents who were 'too liberal to withdraw the right to life of individuals, even if unborn.' The resolution was defeated by those voting: 617. No; 39% Yes."

GOD, SEX, AND VINCENT

We know we're pretty naive to ask ASA members for information about yourselves and then give you only a little postcard to return it on. Some of you energetic types could fill up a postcard a week. We'd never have room to print all of it, of course, but once in a while it's inspiring to find out what you've been up to.

Take Merville 0. Vincent, for example. We've reported that he wrote the chapter on "Birth Control" in Our Society in Turmoil .,,(available from ASA HQ) and a book called God, I Sex, and You. Our latest report on him is as follows: (1) The August 1972 issue of Eternity had an article by him on homosexuality. (2) In September he received a Diploma in Community Mental Health from Harvard Medical School and returned to Homewood Sanitarium in Guelph, Ontario, to become the new medical superintendent. He also gave a couple of speeches to the Ontario chapter of the College of Famiiy Physicians of Canadj. His talk entitled "Help Stamp Out Psychiatrists" emphasized that anyone can help in crisis intervention who can keep his cool, be sensitive, empathic, reasonably objective, and sensible, and who doesn't "take over" the person in distress. In his talk on "Trouble in the Life of a Doctor's Wife," he said that busy doctors may use professional life as "an opportunity to cop out of the responsibilities of marriage." (Suppose that shoe fits any other profession?)

(3) In October he was in Ithaca, N. Y., to speak on "Identity--Crisis, Curiosity, or Certainty?" to the Cornell University Graduate Christian Forum, sponsored by the Cornell Christian Fellowship. (4) In November he was presenting a lecture on "Sexual Ethics" at the First Baptist Church in Guelph; interviews on two national TV networks; a Pastor's Seminar at the Oxford Mental Health Centre, Woodstock, Ontario; and a seminar on "Human Sexuality" at De Anza College, Cupertino, California, sponsored in part by the Christian Medical Society and the Nurses Christian Fellowship. Quotables from a newspaper account of his talk: "Life-long monogamy is becoming a revolutionary idea in our society." "Adultery destroys marriage, the family, and society, but other than that it's all right."

We think he did something in December-March, too, but the handwriting on this postcard is getting too small to read.

CHANGES--WE HOPE FOR THE BETTER

VITA (Volunteers In Technical Assistance) is an organization ASA members have supported with financial assistance and professional expertise, "serving the poor and underprivileged of the world through the delivery of quality technical assistance. (The "I" in VITA used to stand for "International".) VITA expanded greatly when federal agencies contracted for technical back-up for domestic programs like the VISTA Volunteers and Community Action Agencies. The government's "on again, off again" policy toward such programs put VITA through the fiscal wringer this past year. They began 1973 with belt- tightening changes, including a move to the Washington, D. C. area. There VITA can better interact with other private and public organizations dealing with domestic and international development (and give back the space donated for years by their benevolent landlord, Union College in Schenectady, N.Y.). VITA's new address is 3706 Rhode Island Ave., Mt. Rainier, Maryland 20822. They still need our help.

WE'LL MISS YOU, PA

Practical Anthropology has long brought joy as well as information and "awareness" to many of us. This inexpensive little journal has been one of the most significant contributions of evangelical Christians to the world of "letters, science, and art." It was scholarly, useful, and charming, a labor of love by the anthropologists who produced it, and an example to Christians in every other discipline. Beginning with the first issue of 1973, our beloved PA will be continued as Missiology) An International Review, a quarterly journal being sponsored by the newly formed American Society of Missiology. William A. Smalley, editor for many years of PA, will be on the editorial board of Missiology. Bill has tried to assure us that Tan R. Tippett, the new editor and a professional anthropologist of many years' experience, will maintain the same emphasis on the anthropological aspects of missionary endeavor. But one of the subtle charms of Practical Anthropology was a disarming title that made it easy to get non-Christians to read it and learn for themselves that Bible-believing Christians could use their brains. Oh, well, maybe the title and higher price won't matter if the innards are still sound. Four large issues of Missiology for $8 per year, from American Society of Missiology, 135 N. Oakland Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101.

ACTS, FACTS, AND TRACTS

The Institute for Creation Research puts out an attractive monthly bulletin called ICR Acts & Facts "to disseminate articles and information of current interest dealing with creation, evolution, and related topics." It has a regular column by ICR director ' Henry M. Morris, announcements of ICR activities, news items, and sometimes an article arguing the case for recent creationism. The April issue has a short article by Henry on "Evolution, Thermodynamics, and Entropy," and a fascinating report of a debate held March 1 at Sacramento State College featuring G. Ledyard Stebbins (U.C. Davis) and Richard M. Lemmon (U.C. Berkeley) as evolutionists and Duane T. Gish (ICR) and James C. Boswell (pastor, Carmichael, CA.) as recent creationists.

Whether or not you agree with its interpretation of "scientific Biblical creationism," you have to admit that ICR has an impressive program for getting its point across. Their radio program, "Science, Scripture, and Salvation," is on 40 stations and their staff continually cross the country speaking at churches and colleges. They held 2-day "Creation Seminars" in six states in February alone, and have scheduled 4-day "Institutes on Scientific Creationism" at five Christian colleges this summer.

ICR will send you Acts & Facts without charge, but they would appreciate contributions in support of their work. Address Institute for Creation Research, 2716 Madison Ave., San Diego, CA 92116.

SERVE THE LORD! SERVE THE PEOPLE!

We're pleased to see The Post-American starting its second year of publication, still pungently pointing the difference between "American civil religion" and the Christianity of the New Testament. The masthead now lists many distinguished authors as contributing editors, including U.S. Senator Mark Hatfield of Oregon, Arthur Gish, Richard Pierard, Clark Pinnock, John Howard Yoder, and our own David 0. Moberg. Dave is chairman of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Marquette University, Milwaukee, and author of The Church As a Social Institution, Inasmuch, and The Great Reversal. Subscriptions are $2 per year, by the way, from
People's Christian Coalition, P. 0. Box 132, Deerfield, Illinois 60015. They would
also appreciate contributions; and people to distribute the paper in areas where it hasn't yet penetrated.

STEWARDSHIP OF SCIENCE BOOKS, CONTINUED

Have any of you responded yet to our call for the recycling of surplus texts, reference books, or journals? We hope so. Anyway, we keep getting responses from people who need them.

(1) "Manorom Christian Hospital (of the Overseas Missionary Fellowship) would appreciate being put on your list to receive 'surplus but reasonably up-to-date textbooks. Our 99-bed hospital has specialists in obstetrics/gynecology, ophthalmology, dentistry, leprosy, nursing education, pathology, and radiology. The books most needed are medical school level, but junior/senior university level texts would be good, too. We have a big need for up-to-date books on internal medicine. We are in no great need of journals, except for medical technology-oriented journals (arid textbooks). Many of our texts and references date from the early 1950s. Roy W. Olson, medical technologist in our pathology department, is a member of ASA. If you are able to send any of the above categories, please send them by book mail. With grateful thanks, sincerely, (John Townsend, Medical. Superintendent, Manorom Christian Hospital, Manorom, Thailand)"

(2) Stewardship of Science Books would be a real service ASA could render to overseas workers. I hope the idea catches on. If only a few books turn up, one possibility would be to send them to: Readers' Service, University Presbyterian Church, 3240 Dalrymple Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70802. This group collects books from various sources and sends a yearly list to missionaries of the Presbyterian Church, U.S., who may then write in requesting books of interest on a first-come, first-served basis. All expenses are paid by the group. The only drawback is that the service is limited to missionaries of our church. The United Presbyterian Church has a similar service, I believe, and there may be others in other denominations. ASA could offer the same kind of service, open to all but restricted to scientific or educational interest. If so, please put me on the mailing list. At the moment, we could use books on optics and optical instruments, electronics, or computers. Of course, any books relating science to Christian faith are doubly welcome! Yours in His glad service, (Curtis C. Goodson, Av. Fancisco Glicerio 467, Apt. 502, Campinas SP Brasil)"

HOW TO RECYCLE SOMETHING. No. 4

This series welcomes your ingenious ideas for better stewardship of material things. They don't have to be original, just something that has worked for you. Either frugality or ecological sensitivity can be the primary motive.

Envelopes. The last word on conserving envelopes may have come from Alex Balian of Los Angeles. We received a letter from him folded so ingeniously that no envelope was needed. Too bad we can't draw you a picture, but here's the idea: Fold your 81-2 x 11 letter lengthwise about 2 inches from each long edge to make a flattened tube about 4 x 11 inches. Now fold at right angles about 4-1,- inches from the end, with the "seam" of the "tube" on the inside. Complete by folding from the other end, tucking the short end into the flattened tube. If you leave enough of the short end for part of the stamp to stick to, staples or tape won't be necessary to seal the 4 x 5 "envelope." And your return address is on the back of the last page of your letter for reference. Of course, for this "dodge," at least the last page of your letter is best written on a virgin sheet of paper.

Stamps. From Ottawa, Ontario, Jim Ashwin writes: "Scientists who save stamps and have no charitable organization that needs their used stamps should try this. When you send for a reprint from a foreign country, attach 4 or 5 different cancelled stamps to the "request for reprint" card, inscribe "Exchange of used stamps appreciated," and-enclose in an envelope. Over the past two years this simple idea has netted me several hundred foreign stamps and many interesting letters or notes. Only about one in 20 such enclosures pays off, but the occasional letter with 60 stamps, a thank-you note, and the requested reprint (!) makes it worth while." Jim tested us out and received the "Pharmacy" and "Osteopathic medicine" U.S. commemoratives in exchange for his Canadians. (That "Cornelius Krieghoff, painter/peintre" commemorative is a beauty, Jim.)
PEOPLE LOOKING FOR POSITIONS

Kenneth Aring (Mackinac College, Mackinac Island, Michigan 49757) seeks a position teaching physics. He has a B.A. from U.C.Riverside and Ph.D. from Cornell, both in physics. He has taught physics at Cal State Hayward and at Calvin College. He has also taught math and chemistry at a Christian high school. At present he is teaching math and setting up a physics department at Mackinac College. I

Ronnie J. Hastings (9103A Little Walnut Parkway, Austin, Texas 78758) seeks a teaching or teaching/research position in physics. His job as regional science advisor for Texas high schools was a casualty of NSF budget cuts despite the success of the program. Ronnie has also been teaching a graduate-level physics course emphasizing biophysics, radiology, and nuclear medicine through the Extension Division of the U. of Texas. His B.S. and Ph.D. in physics are from Texas A&M University, where he did research under Jack McIntyre at the Cyclotron Institute. He is co-author of a Paper in Physical Review C, 5 (5), (May 1972) on proton-proton quasi-free scattering but is primarily interested in developing instrumentation for nuclear medicine. Ronnie is married, has a 2-year-old son, and is a member of Hyde Park Baptist Church in Austin.

Philip C. Munro (210-16 Airport Road, West Lafayette, Indiana 47906) is looking for a teaching position, according to IVCF's This Week newsletter. He has a Ph.D. in electrical engineering (materials research) and probebly ought to be an ASA member.

Lawrence H.- Starkey (921 Hillside Ave., Elmhurst, Illinois 60126) seeks a position in editing, college teaching, or as a science generalist. For the past four years he had "the most terrific job you can imagine," compiling a whole new set of articles on philosophy and logic for Encyclopedia Britannica. But when the project was completed, the subject-matter experts were laid off. Larry has an A.B. (zoology, math), B.D. (theology), and Ph.D. (philosophy of science and religion). He is particularly interested in the philosophy of nature and its relationship to Christian thought. He has been a professor and registrar at Los Angeles Baptist College (1946-51), a professor at Bethel College (1958-62) and at Alma College (1966-68) as well as a script writer at the Moody Institute of Science and an engineering writer on the Centaur moon-rocket project at the Convair Division of General Dynamics. Larry has been an active ASA member since 1954, has presented papers twice at ASA annual meetings, and has served three terms as president of local sections.

Charles Thaxton (29 Concord Ave., Apt. 308, Cambridge, Mass. 02138) is looking for a position teaching physical chemistry (or chemistry in general) where his research and publication can be done in the history of science. Charlie has a Ph.D. from Iowa State University with thesis work on structure elucidation by X-ray diffraction. He spent several months at L'Abri in Switzerland, and is now completing two years of study in the history of science at Harvard. He was a member of ASA until he ran out of dues money as an unemployed scholar. He is a scholar worthy of employment, says Walt Hearn, who was on his Ph.D. committee at ISU.

POSITIONS LOOKING FOR PEOPLE

All we have for you hungry scholars this issue is a note gleaned from IVCF that Whitworth College is looking for instructors in sociology, anthropology, education, business and/or economics, women's physical education, psychology, social work and history. "Enthusiasm for Jesus Christ, ability to mix with students, and an earned doctorate (social work and business excepted) are required. Contact: David K. Winter, Vice-President, Whitworth College, Spokane, Washington 99218."

LOCAL SECTIONS ACTIVITIES

NOTES FROM THE NATIONAL OFFICE