The Philosopher's Stone

[brooksindy]

Original Yahoo! HPFG Header:
No: HPFGUIDX C5962
From: brooksindy
Subject: Re: The Philosopher's Stone
Reply To: [Yahoo! #5929] The Philosopher's Stone
Date: 8/6/00 5:56 pm  (ET)

>There
> is some mention of alchemy as well, and since
>this clearly relates to the Philosopher's Stone,
>it makes a mockery of this editorial change for
>the US book (especially as it was used in the
>title!). I know we've said it before, but it is
>*really* irritating.

They apparently thought that US kids wouldn't be sophisticated enough
to know anythng of the history of Alchemy. Grumble from a US person
on this change as well. I distinctly recall a "Tom Swift Junior" book
I read circa 1968 that had a plot that had lots of elements connected
with alchemy. Are US kids these days not considered as bright as they
were in 1968??? Or was alchemy not considered a useful reference point
in the history of science? In essence they have changed history here -
a scary practice!