Sir, - Christopher Hanafin (September 21st) is of course correct in his observation that there are many unsolved mysteries in science. This is likely always to be the case, as by its nature science provides only tentative answers and continuously evolves with the development of new theories and the accumulation of data. This is what makes science so interesting and exhilarating. In contrast to the mysteries of religion, to which Mr Hanafin refers, and which are dictated by dogma and accepted by the faithful, the mysteries of science are questioned and clarified by sceptical thinkers and the result is progress, not stagnation.
I do not agree that "the most spectacular progress made in science has been the development of weapons of mass destruction". Science and resultant technologies have contributed more than any other human endeavour to our general welfare, health and comfort. Modern medicine is founded on scientific principles and practice and we are the better for it.
The drawbacks to which Mr Hanafin alludes to - long hospital waiting-lists and limited attention from GPs - are a consequence of political failings and bad practice on the part of the people concerned rather than of medicine per se.
Alternative medicine, for all the popular press it receives, is empty and hollow in comparison. If modern medicine were to cease to exist tomorrow, the result would be terrible suffering and premature deaths due to such things as transmissable diseases, appendicitis and conditions generally controlled by immunisation. In contrast, if the practices of alternative medicine were to cease tomorrow (and in particular psychic healing, which precipitated this series of letters) I doubt if there would be any such impact. In fact, the world would be a more rational and productive place.
With regard to my criticism of "demons of the mind", I have no difficulty with this being used as a metaphor by people attempting to describe the terrible anguish of depression or schizophrenia. But I have great problems with unfounded claims that such things exist in reality, along with other psychic twaddle. - Yours, etc.,
Paul O'Donoghue, Principal Clinical Psychologist, Highfield Road, Dublin 6.