Retorts

Awarding Science

In response to your editorial [GIGO, May]:

It is high time that the knighthood, a remnant of a medieval period of privilege, is abolished. Knighthood is tainted by the impression that it is a result of whom, rather than what, the recipient knows.

Bestow honours, but have different categories indicating areas of excellence. Scientists do disservice to their vocation by not advertising their academic and civic achievements. Why should a young person enter science if scientists hide their achievements seemingly out of shame?

K. J. Waldmann, Lower Hutt