New Magazine States Science Topics Simply

A new undergraduate science magazine written for lay people makes its first appearance today.

Inquiry: A Magazine of Science and Society will be written in non-scientific terms because "it is so important that science be de-mystified," Stephen J. Gould, a faculty adviser and professor of Geology, said yesterday.

The magazine deals with the question of whether scientists should promote research for its own sake without especially taking into account the greater good of society.

Staff member Mark B. Wenneker '80 said yesterday non-scientists at Harvard think scientists speak another language. "Society can and should understand the issues in order to make intelligent decisions about the kind of science they wish to promote," he added.

"There is a need for a magazine that gets science and society together in one breath. Too often fields get artificially divided," Geoffrey Wisner '80, a staff member, said yesterday.

Joy E. Hecht '80, another staff member, said yesterday she is pleased with the first issue even though it focuses more on political issues, such as nuclear power, than the staff had intended.

She added she hopes to see in future issues more articles on nonpolitical subjects such as community medical plans and agricultural development.

Inquiry has no editorial hierarchy, and many staff members said they prefer the shared responsibility to "power politicking" even though they need more time to produce an issue.

The enterprise began in September 1977 funded by a University grant, staff members plan to publish an issue every semester beginning next fall and will meet in April to discuss production of the next issue.