To the Editor,

It is impossible for us, as humans, to avoid having some impact on our environment and the other organisms in it. This is true regardless of whether or not we eat meat or use
animal-based products. This paper was once a tree. So we have to weigh the cost and benefits of all our actions. Your article focused on the use of animals in research, with little
reference to what the animals are used for. This is clearly a justifiable news item, particularly since some were not aware that animal research is conducted here. One point of clarification; "animal testers" can also refer to folks in the cosmetics industry. I can assure that all this type of research is not done at Wesleyan. However, such a limited focus provides about as much information about boilogy as an article about pigments informs us about Picasso. It is unfortunate that the product of our craft as scientists often does not produce the kind of immediate appreciation or understanding in nonscientists by examining a work of art. Nevertheless, there is beauty in science for those with a little patience. Moreover, it is becoming more important every day for all to gain a better understanding of science, as potential benefits (and risks) of biotechnology increase. To this end I encourage all to take more courses in the natural sciences. This would provide a basis for evaluating, for example, whether or not an animal feels pain after part of the brain is destroyed. This might also blur the ethical distinction between eating plants and animals (both groups have very complex sensory systems which they use to respond to their environment). I am not implying that more science would make vivisection an easier issue to deal with or that one needs to be scientifically literate to have high moral standards. However, as with any debate, a common language is essential. Even if scientific literacy does not change a person’s ethiical concerns about difficult issues like animal research, at least he/she will understand why the research is being done. Who knows, after a few more bio courses, some students might be inspired to help us devise novel research strategies that reduce the need for animal research in the future. They may even develop an eye for the beauty in biology along the way.