From TOM NASH
Over fifty years ago a radical group tested the officially recommended
method of gas-proofing rooms. As a result, The Daily Worker castigated the
British government for deceiving the public – the room, apparently, leaked
like a sieve.
Only later was it discovered that the ‘leakage’ was due to the same
effect now responsible for the disappearance of carbon dioxide from inside
Biosphere 2 (This Week, 5 February). The gas was used as the tracer in the
tests, being cheap, harmless, and readily estimated by katharometer. Unfortunately
it was also readily absorbed by the walls of the room – presumably fairly
fresh plaster. Reds with red faces. I believe that J. B. S. Haldane was
involved, possibly the only boob in a distinguished career.
Tom Nash Sherborne, Dorset
