LAURENCE LATTMAN'S letter ("Claims Against Scientist False") states that the allegations against Spencer Lucas and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science have "no merit," even though Stuart Ashman, secretary of the state Department of Cultural Affairs now concedes that they may.
Ashman, who oversees the museum, is on record stating that his earlier "no merit" response was "insufficient" and "not enough of an answer" and will reinvestigate.
If Lattman wants to persuade anyone, he will have to show that he is correct in the face of all the evidence, not just assert it.
MIKE TAYLOR
Gloucestershire, U.K.
Editor's note: Taylor is a paleontologist.