National Academy

Steve Clark (ssclark@facstaff.wisc.edu)
Thu, 24 Dec 1998 10:37:20 -0600

A couple of weeks ago, Kevin O'Brien made the astonishing assertion that
the National Academy of Sciences was not made up of distinguished
scientists. In order to make his point that virtually anyone can become a
member of the NAS, Kevin claimed to have been elected several times to the
Academy, declining the honor each time.

I just came across this quote in Behe's recent book, Darwin's Black Box
(Free Press, 1996, pp165-66),

"Established in 1971, [the Journal of Molecular Evolution] JME...is run by
prominent figures in the field. Among the more than fifty people who make
up the editorial staff and board, are about a dozen member of the National
Academy of Sciences."

Clearly, Mike believes that NAS members represent a subset of prominent
scientists. Nevertheless, I expect Kevin won't be swayed that virtually
all professional scientists disagree with his contention.