In testimony before the Subcommittee, there were
a greater number of
scientists who doubted that a threshold existed,

and were inclined to accept

the theory of “linear” effect until it could be disproven.

The following is

a sampling of some of their statements;
Dr,

Hardin Jones, University of California Radiation Laboratory:

“I think life-span effects do exist.

JI have no reason to doubt this

at all.
I have some reason to believe that we should look with caution
that a threshold effect exists, although we cannot be absolutely certain

that a threshold effect might not exist,

But as far as my opinion is

concerned, on the hasis of having examined all the facts at my disposal,

I do not believe a threshold effect is verv likelv to exist..."
Dr, Ernest Pollard, Biophysics Department, Yale Universitv:
"I think the linear line is rational.
I would like to see policy
momentarily at least based on it.
If later on it seems there is
a threshold then we are not too badly off.
But if there is not a
threshold and we bet there is one, we are in trouble."
Those who supported the then existing MPC and bv consequence,

the

continuance of testing often used such arguments that the additional amount

of exposure from worldwide fallout was probably less harmful than smoking one

instead of "linear"?

What he is apparently attacking here is representing

the interaction of three-dimensional matter in a two-dimensional form,
It
Non~Euclidean geometry is an even newer field than that of radiation.
may be that in the future such geometry witli prove applicable to the study
of radiation and its effects.

However,

it should he remembered that all

current data relevant to the study of radiation has been presented in terms
of conventional geometry and mathematics, and we are thus forced to hase
our conclusions of these data, and cannot disregard them simply because
“The meaning of symbols, such as the linear representations of Euclidean
If, indeed, his quarrel is with
geometry, is at stake," as Potter states.
using two-dimensional representations for three-dimensional states, then he

brings into question the validity of constructing, with two-dimensional
symbols,

concepts in non~Euclidean geometry.

Thus, by his reasoning one

should be suspicious of the validity of his thoughts as represented on the
two-dimensional plane of the page on which it was written, and by the same
It should also be noted that
token, this page which you are reading now,

while Potter attacks the deceptiveness of metaphysical meaning, he also thus

Lastly, it should
brings attention to his own use of metaphysical language.
be noted that Mr. Potter's critique appears to be oriented policy~ and
philosophy-wise to the support of continued testing in the fact of continuing
Russian tests. Despite its faults, it contains some intriguing and fresh
approaches to certain scientific philosophies
39

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