In Search of Mnemonics To the Editor:
Forenslc Sclence Defined To the Editor:
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I am interested in collectine as manv examnles as nossible of mnemonic devices, i.e., memory prodders-which may be OF CHEMICALEDUknown to the readers of the JOURNAL CATION.
A simple example is the phrase PURE SILVER TAXI for keeping straight the base pairing in DNA molecule (DNAmonic-J. CHEM. EDUC.,56,733 (1979)). Another example is the phrase "Man Very Early Made Jars Stand Up Nearly Perpendicular," in which the capital letters indicate the sequence of planets from the Sun outwards in the Solar system. Much more sonhisticated mnemonic devices exist. of course. and J. CHEM. E'DUC. readers are undoubtedly familiar with many through their specialized training. I am also interested in tracing the sources of these devices as far as possible, to teachers in one-room school houses, college - textbooks, or wherever. Any reader who has a mnemonic in his memory and who wishes to contribute it-no matter how elementary i t may seem to him-is asked to contact the undersigned. Ashok Kumar Goyal
McMaster Univarsity Hamilton. Ontario Canada L8S 4M1
Humorous Anecdotes Sought To the Editor:
For a second edition of "A Random Walk in Science," I should welcome contributions of humor in science. historic and contemporary: anecdotes, witty accounts, cartoons, self-deceptions and hoaxes. Especially sought are items which while humorous also have value for history and insight. Please identify fully the sources of contributions. Robert L. Weber 104 Davey Laboratory University Park. PA 16802
288
Journal of Chemical Education
I am writina this in resnonse to an article which anoeared in Volume 56,~umber li, November 1979 issue titieh, "An Organic Chemistry Experiment for Forensic Science Majors!' As a practicing Forensic Scientist and as an instructor a t a Universitv involved in Forensic Science, I would like to take issue witl; the statement in this articlewhich refers to our profession as criminoloev. This articular misunderstanding has been in existence f&a long iime, and it seems to me thn.1 some termsshould be defined in order roclariiy the situation. I would like to submit the followine definitions for consideration.
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1) Forensic Science-is the application of the principles of natural
sciences (Chemistry, Physics, Biology, etc.) to matters of legal dehate. ~~2) Crirnrnoltsl ror Forensic Sri~n1isr)-is a person who works in a Crime Laboratory and provides expert cestimons ,wrirt~nand oral) lo his findings in a court of law. This person is a selentrat in the field of natural science. 3) Criminologist-is a person practicing in the social science of criminology. 4) Criminology-(as defined by Webster) is the scientific study of crime as a social phenomenon (i.e.,why people behave in a criminal or antisocial manner). ~
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I would like to have this letter published in an appropriate section as this has implications as to fields of study for young chemists. For example, if one wishes to enter the forensic science field one needs a strona chemical and bioloeical background, not a social science background. As a laboratory director who sees many applications for jobs come across my desk, it is important for pre-professionals to choose a rigorous course of study in the natural sciences.
R. C. Brlner
Semo Reg onal Crime Laooratory ~ O .n versoty So~theastM ~ S S O UState Caw G raraea,. MO 63701
