Letters page - Paleontology

Letter to the Editors — By Hero

Mr Smytthe-Buckfast’s drawing of Pterodactyl indica

Sir,

With regard to Mr. Smytthe-Buckfast’s letter in the first issue of your publication, I have the following comments to make.

Mr. Smytthe-Buckfast displays his appalling lack of knowledge in the field of paleontology when he states that he observed a “Pterodactyl indica” (sic) near the Matrimandir.

Firstly, there never was any such creature as a Pterodactyl indica. The various species of Pterosaur are certainly not “birds” and most of them are also not “large”. They do not “flap”, they glide by jumping off the Matrimandir or any similar structure. They categorically do not feed on Hibiscus flowers.

The beast he observed was in all likelihood a local subspecies of Dimorphodon. Therefore, whereas I am in no position to judge his merits as a greenworker, I suggest he lays off paleontology, which is a serious science, not to be approached in the cavalier manner his letter displays.

Secondly, his remarks about the “Entry Group” are vacuous in the extreme. It is well known that all the members of that august body are (with one exception) Dimorphodons. (The exception is an Ichthyonsaur). But seriously, Dimorphodons sitting in unbiased judgement on Dimorphodons? We may as well expect the Fraternophagus suporensis to give up their diet of white lambs, doves and olive branches. In conclusion, let me advise Mr. Smytthe Buckfast to stick to greenwork and not publish such frivolous letters which serve only to give serious scientists a bad name.

Sincerely,

Sir Hero S. Neogy, FRCS

Auroville University