An immodest proposal.As scientists and readers of Commonweal com·mon·weal n. 1. The public good or welfare. 2. Archaic A commonwealth or republic. Noun 1. for forty years, we are disappointed that you would print Jo McGowan's column on stem cells stem cells, unspecialized human or animal cells that can produce mature specialized body cells and at the same time replicate themselves. Embryonic stem cells are derived from a blastocyst (the blastula typical of placental mammals; see embryo), which is very young ("Another Modest Proposal," July 15). Such a dismissive treatment of a serious, promising subject did not belong in your journal. We have tried to discern what Commonweal expected to gain by such a shallow treatment. It would not engage thoughtful readers and it will most certainly reinforce the opinions of the seemingly ubiquitous uninformed. It is immodest im·mod·est adj. 1. Lacking modesty. 2. a. Offending against sexual mores in conduct or appearance; indecent: a bathing suit considered immodest by the local people. b. to propose dismissing stem-cell research Noun 1. stem-cell research - research on stem cells and their use in medicine biological research - scientific research conducted by biologists embryonic stem-cell research - biological research on stem cells derived from embryos and on their use in medicine . ELLEN S. DICKINSON CHARLES DICKINSON Amherst, Mass. |
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