The Three Profs and General Chemistry There were three Profs of Chemistry To their area much inclined, Who went to teach Gen. Chemistry (Though all of them were blind), That each by lecture loud and long Might bend the student's mind. The First approached the textbook, And happening to spy A picture of an orbital At once stated very dry: "God bless me! but Chemistry Is very like a q!' The Second chalked out with eager hand, Neat lines-both high and lo. Northern Illinois University De Kalb, Illinois 60115
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"What most this wonderous course is like 'Tis clear enough. Let's go And have each student clearly d e His answers fit M.O!' The Third, a careful, questing man, Long o'er the task did ponder. At last with joyous glee said he, "1'11 remove all student wonder. The course will be all snalyt. Hsrd facts blow doubt asunder!' And so these men of chemistry Disputed loud and long, Each in his own opinion Exceeding stiff and strong,
Though ertch was partly in the right And all were in the wrong. And a11 this time the students, With goals as diverse as we, Pollution, pills, and politics, With answers hsrd to see, Sit through the course and wonder, "What does it mean to me?" So oft in educational wars, The disputants, I ween, Rail on in utter ignorance Of what each other mean, And prate about solutions Whose questions are not seen.