'l lie bogey of equality has again raised its head—this time concerning a Catholic Training College. (Recently, Anglican women were agitating about getting into the pulpit!) Is it not time that more reflection were given io this word —not least as to its ultimate meaning? What do women really want? Do they wish to become mere copies of men?
To one who, during the past thirty years, has watched the entry of women into so many fields hitherto barred, it seems that the pendulum has swung far enough. Moreover, it is open to doubt whether feminine emancipation (as it is termed) has produced all the advantages expected. Granted there have been. and are, a few gifted women of balanced intellect, but these are few and far between. Generally speaking, the feminine mind needs a stabilising masculine influence to preserve it from triviality; this applies to most fields. The Church in her wisdom realises only too well that the two were created to be complementary, and not competitive. It is the confusion on this point which is responsible for a good deal of our modern social chaos.
(Miss) Gertrude M. Bannister London, S.W..
Dr. Willis's letter concerning fluoridation of water supplies (Sept. 13) does not contain all the relevant facts,
(I) Fluoride is not a synthetic drug. It 'is a naturally occurring
inorganic chemical of the same group as chloride, and occurs
widely in nature in minerals such as fluorspar and cryolitc.
(2) It bus. iii fuel. a very wide margin of safety: in many parts of
the world it occurs naturally in water at levels 20-30 fold the proposed level in treated supplies wed, except in a few instances, its only known toxic effect at this level of intake is to cause mottling
or teeth. It is currently used in medicine at very much higher
levels in the successful treatment of certain bone diseases.
(3) Water supplies in this country are extensively manipulated before reaching the consumer. Bacteria causing disease ale removed, and in many areas the wider is artificially softened by removing calcSum salts; chlorine is fairly frequently added. So far, no public outcry has arisen about
these measures. In some parts of the country, the fluoride level exceeds the amount which it is proposed to add. The opponents of fluoridation to be consistent. should advocate the removal. of fluoride from such supplies, but so far they have not done so.
(4) Those who object to artificial manipulation of our water supply ought to extend their objection to the other measures already in use. People who have travelled in certain Continental and African countries will know the frequency of intestinal upsets which afflict the non-immune stranger in those countries. The typhoid outbreak in Zermatt is a recent reminder of the dangers of untreated water.
have no knowledge of the benefit or otherwise which fluoridation provides in respect to tooth decay. But 1 hope that your readers will realise that the Public Health Authorities are not acting in the arbitrary and despotic manner which Dr. Willis's letter might imply.
Dr. J. D. Pryee, M.D.. L.M.S.S.A. Consultant in Chemical Pathology, Ipswich.
hose of your leaders who are acquainted with the work of the American Catholic Worker movement on behalf of the underprivileged (of whatever race or creed) will be interested to know that Dorothy Day, its founder-editor and leader, will be visiting England next month and will take part in the PAX weekend conference of October 18-20 at Spode House, on the theme of "Peace through Reconciliation".
Other speakers at the conference, which is open to non-members, will be Eileen Egan of N.C.W.C. Catholic Relief Services, Dom Bede Griffiths, 0.S.B., from India. Stanley Windass of University College, Dublin, and (in the chair) Fr. Simon Blake, O.P.
Dorothy Day and Eileen Egan will be remaining in this country during the ensuing fortnight and would no doubt appreciate any offers of hospitality and perhaps undertake a few speaking engagements. Invitations should be sent by airmail to 647 Second Avenue, New York City 16, U.S.A.. or to await arrival at Spode House, Rugeley, Staffs.
Charles S. Thompson (Editor, PAX Bulletin)