Conant Listens to Senator, Discovers Atom 'Old Stuff'

"It all started with Alexander the Great," explained Senator Kenneth McKellar (D. Tenn.) to a surprised President Conant before a committee investigating the appointment of David E. Lillienthal as Atomic Energy Chief. The subject of discussion was atom splitting.

"I don't want to challenge your information, but it's news to me," Conant acquiesced. Piqued by the pedagogue's refusal to stamp Lillienthal "a red," the legislator also tipped Conant off to the fact that Lucretius had done some work on the atom.

Clifton Fadiman could not be reached last night to comment on McKellar's chances for a regular berth on Information Please.