Retorts

Caffeine Quibbles

I recently picked up a copy of your magazine (Dec/Jan 1997) and struck an article entitled "Caffeine Anxieties" by Dr Rob Hughes of Canterbury University. At first glance this article looked like it would prove to be an interesting read, naturally as I skimmed the content on my first glance, my eyes were drawn towards the Table at the bottom middle of the page, detailing Caffeine content of certain drinks. Obviously these figures are of interest, however I was disappointed to discover that either the editor or the author had left off the units of measure for the quantities of Caffeine in the shown drinks. Having studied at the Canterbury for many years and prior to that high school, we are told from the out set when presenting data, that if you leave the units off then the data is essentially meaningless.

It is disappointing to see an article in a science magazine, committing such a sin, further disturbing is that the article is by an academic Dr. who I suppose is supposed to set an example and would not think too highly if a student handed in a paper with such an omission.

Despite this, I proceeded to read the article out of interest, and was further disappointed to discover that the author discusses several studies about the effects of caffeine, yet neglects to cite any source, title or authors of the studies he refers to. Particularly in the final paragraph of the article. I realise that this article is written for a "lighter" science magazine rather than a more serious scientific journal, however it is rather unsettling to see the academics of a university you study at, committing errors and sins that they would quite easily fail students in their courses should they do the same.

It would be nice to think that the teachers would adhere to the rules as well, rules which are there for a reason other than to provide a marking schedule for student papers. It would be nice also to see these rules carried over into things they expect to publish, such as the article by Dr. Hughes.

As a student of Canterbury, I pride myself in trying to better my skills to get the approval of my teachers and supposed mentors. It lets me down just a bit, to see them commit sins which really they should by now not do as habit. I believe that leading by example is the best philosophy these teachers/researchers can have, as it is central to the tradition of the University.

James Andrews

The measurement unit on the table in question should have been noted as milligrams -- the omission was entirely ours, for which we apologise to readers and Dr Hughes.

As regards citations, our "rules" request that writers present their material for a general audience, thus the absence of citations, footnotes and the other formal formatting of a peer-reviewed academic journal. I am confident that Dr Hughes -- or any other researcher kind enough to let the public know what they are up to through our pages -- would be happy to provide references to appropriate journals and papers should you so wish.