Sir, - Public health issues are now a major source of concern in our society. It is appropriate, therefore, that the recent outbreak of amnesia in Dublin be analysed in terms of aetiology and cure.
From the point of view of demography, the incidence of amnesia seems to be confined to politicians, bankers and businessmen. From the point of view of early experience, the playing of rugby at certain elite schools requires analysis. From the point of view of diet, the ingestion of rich food at restaurants such as Le Coq Hardi, should be investigated (as should the phallic resonances of that name). Corporative methods must also be employed; the incidence of amnesia in other EU capitals such as Rome is relevant.
Finally, there is the question of cure. One radical physician who favours a psychosomatic approach suggests a course in the Western ethical tradition from Socrates on ("the unexamined life is not worth living"). - Yours, etc.,
Brian Arkins, Associate Professor of Classics, NUI, Galway.