Honorary Degrees: Controversial For Centuries

Top United States research institutions giving honorary degrees to scientists this spring include: University of Arizona, Tucson: Roald Hoffmann, John A. Newman Professor of Physical Science, Cornell University, winner of 1981 Nobel Prize in chemistry; Julius B. Richmond, John D. MacArthur Professor of Health Policy, Harvard Medical School. University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver: Sidney Altman, Sterling Professor of Biology, Yale University, winner of 1989 Nobel Prize in chemistry. Columbia University: Walter E. Massey, director, National Science Foundation; Melvin Schwartz, associate director for high-energy and nuclear physics, Brookhaven National Laboratory, winner of 1988 Nobel Prize in physics; David B. Sprinson, professor emeritus of biochemistry, Columbia University. Duke University: Gertrude B. Elion, scientist emeritus, Burroughs Wellcome Co., Research Triangle Park, N.C., winner of 1988 Nobel Prize in medicine or physiology; Charles D. Watts, senior vice president and medical director (retired), Mutual Life Insurance Co., Durham, N.C. Harvard University: Francois Jacob ...