'Mad Scientist'

‘Mad Scientist' I very much enjoyed “Literature Has Shaped The Public Perception Of Science” by Roslynn D. Haynes (The Scientist, June 12, 1989. page 9), which addresses the public’s perception of scientists and the role that literature has played. No such discussion is complete without mention of the first depiction of a scientist in the memories of most Americans. For those 45 and over, it was in a comic book; for those under 45, it was Saturday morning cartoons on te

Ronald Cape

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I very much enjoyed “Literature Has Shaped The Public Perception Of Science” by Roslynn D. Haynes (The Scientist, June 12, 1989. page 9), which addresses the public’s perception of scientists and the role that literature has played. No such discussion is complete without mention of the first depiction of a scientist in the memories of most Americans. For those 45 and over, it was in a comic book; for those under 45, it was Saturday morning cartoons on television. In both cases, what the child saw was a “mad scientist.” I am sure this image lurks in many minds and complies with what we think is the “correct” image.

RONALD E. CAPE
Chairman, Cetus Corp.
Emeryville, Calif.

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