Letters, Dec. 27, 1937

Lindberghs

Sirs:

Why, oh why, did TIME yield to the temptation to publish the "sneak" photograph and the write-up about Colonel & Mrs. Lindbergh? [TIME, Dec. 13] Many readers would have appreciated and applauded greater self-restraint.

AILEEN F. UPHAM

Waban, Mass.

TIME is not in the business of restraining itself from publishing legitimate news or news pictures.—ED.

"Amazing Coincidence"

Sirs:

Science and the occult have revealed many strange coincidences, some so unusual that they are pregnant with mysticism and also savor of the supernatural. Such a case appears in TIME. Imagine my amazement when I read in your issue of Dec. 13 a letter identical with mine which you printed Dec. 28, 1936, conceived word for word by another just as it had come to my mind, but exactly one year later—truly an amazing coincidence. . . .

My letter's this year's twin is signed, "Dr. Ernest A. Graupner," although I am not even acquainted with the gentleman. Frankly, I am in a dilemma. Should I turn this matter over to Ripley or to the District Attorney?

SIMON OTTINGER

New York City

To Ripley. Dr. Graupner explains that his letter was "jotted down" after a group conversation at a club, submitted "in the spirit of fun." He never expected it would appear.—ED.

Nitrous Oxide Defended

Sirs:

Your digest entitled "After Gas" (TIME, Nov. 1) includes statements and conclusions which we believe, after carefully reading the article quoted, are erroneous and unfortunate.

The impaired physical conditions observed in this instance are in reality due to the lack of oxygen rather than to the anesthetic. If the highly specialized cells of the brain are deprived of their essential oxygen too long, irreparable damage may result. Such after-effects are not confined to Nitrous Oxide-Oxygen, as they may and do follow the use of other anesthetic agents, for example, ether as mentioned in the report. Destruction of the brain cells may occur as a result of asphyxia without anesthesia.

It was unfair to single out Nitrous Oxide in this manner, when the same condition may result due to the lack of oxygen when any other general anesthetic is being administered. We feel that it is especially unfortunate that your reference gives the impression that damage to the brain as described is due to the anesthetic agent, rather than the attendant lack of oxygen.

Statistics generally show Nitrous Oxide-Oxygen to be the safest anesthetic we have. . . .

J. G. SHOLES

President Ohio Chemical & Manufacturing Co.

Cleveland, Ohio

Gossip

Sirs:

Walter Winchell says in his column: "At TIME'S luxurious offices, whenever they see an employe loafing, he is scolded: 'Take your hand out of the Boss' pocket!'" Does Walter Winchell lie?

G. N. ARTS

Columbus, Ohio

Lie is a strong word, but Gossip Winchell is wrong.—ED.

"Aha!"

Sirs:

I have been incensed by your flippant reference to the President's molar in your recent issues [TIME, Nov. 29 et seq.]. . . .