Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/18/84; site bbncc5.UUCP Path: utzoo!decvax!genrad!mit-eddie!think!harvard!bbnccv!bbncc5!sdyer From: sdyer@bbncc5.UUCP (Steve Dyer) Newsgroups: net.med Subject: Re: Testimonials Message-ID: <407@bbncc5.UUCP> Date: Fri, 16-Aug-85 16:33:07 EDT Article-I.D.: bbncc5.407 Posted: Fri Aug 16 16:33:07 1985 Date-Received: Sun, 18-Aug-85 19:46:03 EDT References: <1092@cbdkc1.UUCP> Distribution: na Organization: Bolt Beranek and Newman, Cambridge, MA Lines: 36 > Now the testimonial itself doesn't prove or disprove the aluminum theory. > Many testimonials combined do. Not by laboratory study but by real-life > experiences. But how is science to advance in the proper direction if the > testimonial is given the consideration voiced by these two writers? If each > testimonial is trashed out then there is no final workable answer, the > inevitable result is a return to the laboratory. Had these writers > simply reminded us to use caution and not jump to conclusions then that would > appear to be a responsible scientific statement. But to destroy a > valid/worthwhile/usable testimonial by connecting black magic and impossible > facts to it is hardly scientific. If our approach to helping people is so > unscientific, please tell us how does the scientific community research a > problem that could take 30-40 years to develop and still include all of > lifes variables and use real-live people and help people today? > Mr. Stanions seems not to be aware of public health and epidemiology, the science whereby "individual testimonials" and disease incidence are translated into useable predictions. The reason for their vehemence in dismissing Stoll's comments was twofold: First and foremost, Stoll was not asking the question "isn't it interesting that granny used aluminum pans and now she has Alzheimers. Is there a link? Can we study this?" Rather, his reasoning was completely bizarre, saying, "Granny warned us of this, and now look at her. She's been 'proved' right." No one should ever treat this statement as making sense. Perhaps it reflects emotion and bereavement, but it's useless as anything other than an individual testimonial. Second, researchers have already been quite active in the field and have ruled out aluminum, especially the tiny amounts found in food prepared in aluminum pans, as having any link to the development of Alzheimers. This comes PRECISELY from the examination of actual Alzheimers patients and their habits, so please do not accuse anyone of "dismissing evidence." -- /Steve Dyer {decvax,linus,ima,ihnp4}!bbncca!sdyer sdyer@bbnccv.ARPA