Spencer Heath Archive

Item 2275

Handwritten letter to Heath from Duncan M. Kennedy, Elmont, New York

March 22, 1942

 

 

Dear Mr. Heath:

I have read your paper on the energy concept applied to population and find it very provocative, indeed. I am hoping for an opportunity to discuss the matter with you before long, as the suggestiveness of the writing has given rise to a number of trains of thought in my own mind, which further reflection on your basic ideas brings out clearer and more connectedly.

 In my reading of the article there were certain minor changes — perhaps more in the line of organizing the material — which seemed to me desirable. For instance, the distinctive contribution you have made might be set off more boldly if you included a history or sketch of what has been attempted in the field before — Pareto, the idea of applying the phase rule to social problems, the attempt to apply the Newtonian laws of gravitation, the laws of mass action etc — and wherein these efforts have fallen short.

 Also, a mathematical treatment of a rigorous character plus an application or two, might prove valuable.

 I liked the point you brought out in connection with the conflict of cultures in England — the Saxon as opposed to the Norman.

 These are just a few random thoughts; discussion would be a thousand-fold more satisfying.

 With every kind wish from us both,

                          Sincerely yours,

 

                          Duncan M. Kennedy