Re: Taste Testing chemicals

William Laven (wmlaven@platinotype.com)
Fri, 15 May 1998 17:57:23 -0700 (PDT)

>Read what I said carefully.
>
>Only if there are the two options, oxalic acid and citric acid. I assume
>this is an intelligent group and are able to read. I made this point
>emphasize that oxalic acid was not *extremely* toxic. I never said this was
>a general way to test chemicals. I also said that *I* was not afraid to do
>it, not that anyone else should do it. You have extended this into
>something I did not say. I never *advocated* this approach and if you read
>that anywhere in my quote, you are illiterate. If you go around willy nilly
>tasting chemicals, then you are a fool.
>
>I apologize for assuming that everyone here was intelligent and could read.
>
>

Dick,

I DID read it carefully and I still think your post is a bit casual. Fact
is, I've done my share of taste-testing, and might explain exactly what you
did, but only in private where I know my captive audience understands
completely what I'm saying and what I am and am not advocating. Your
apology "for assuming everyone here was intelligent and could read" is
dismissive and something of a red herring. Maybe some people don't read so
carefully and given the many long posts that arrive on this group, perhaps
casual readings happen too often, but even if we could guarantee that
everyone is an intelligent "good" reader, that doesn't excuse people from
being extra cautious when talking about toxicity. Similarly, even if your
brocolli, or whatever, contains more oxalic acid than one might ingest from
a finger-dip's worth in the clearing bath, there's a general casualness
about how you presented that "fact" that potentially softens the reality of
risk one takes working with chemicals. Maybe its a matter of tone which,
however difccicult to quantify or explain, does still exist and is the
responsibility of the author to measure. 'nuff said.

Bill

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