Some years ago I mused on the idea of starting a column – this was in the days before blogs. I would call it “Musings of a Medieval Mind.” I ended up deciding against the column because, upon reflection, it seemed I would be accused of burning witches, hating my own sex, and ridiculing science. And all this before anyone read a word beyond the title.
I still could, and no doubt will, be completely misunderstood and accused of all of that and more in this new venture, but I am hopeful that it will happen a little farther into the project.
However, right here, upfront, let me state categorically that I think burning witches is the antithesis of what a civilized person does; that my best and dearest friends are women; and that while I don’t find science as fascinating, as say, someone smashing up particles in Cern would, I have no objection to it. In fact, far from objecting, I am very grateful for some of the results such as antibiotics, anesthetics and indoor plumbing. (more…)