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your report on the newly published genetic atlas of the world [Science, Jan. 16] states that its conclusions flatten those of The Bell Curve. But The History and Geography of Human Genes is primarily a study of the distribution of human genes and presents a kind of ``global family tree.'' This is far from a study of the distribution of intelligence among human beings, which is the focus of Charles Murray and Richard Herrnstein's book. All humans are closely related. Desperate attempts to reduce the impact of The Bell Curve [which holds that intelligence is determined by heredity, not environment] are so blatantly irresponsible as to be near to criminal.
Robert C. Reynolds Corrales, New Mexico
The Bell Curve and The History and Geography of Human Genes reach the same conclusion: races are remarkably similar, there being more difference among individuals within a race than among races. Therefore, the policy implications that ought to flow from both books are the same: justice should be color blind. Stop treating each race as if all its members were identical. That, specifically, is the burden of what The Bell Curve's authors ask.
Wayne P. Hughes Jr. Pacific Grove, California