(5 of 5)
Your report on the re-excavation and opening of Egypt's Dahshur pyramids to the public was brilliant [Archaeology, July 22]. I regret, however, the disparaging way in which American archaeologists engaged in the recent work spoke of their predecessor on the site, French archaeologist Jacques de Morgan. One called his methods "very crude." Of course De Morgan's digging techniques of 100 years ago were not up to our modern standards, but no excavations of that time were. Compared with the work of his contemporaries, De Morgan's excavations were certainly outstanding. De Morgan was a pioneer in the study of the prehistory of Egypt before the Pharaohs. Next year an exhibit at the Louvre will retrace his career. ANNIE CAUBET, General Conservator Department of Eastern Antiquities Louvre Museum Paris
