I was saddened to read Robert Holmes' rather bombastic letter about Julian Cole's excellent article on the big bang theory (Letters, May 4).

As an astronomer, it is good to read something to become inspired about and Julian's piece did just that.

On the other hand, Robert's preaching of religious dogma reminds me of the dark age of man: of intolerance that forced Galileo to recant over the Copernican theory; of intolerance that caused early chemists to be burned alive as witches; and of intolerance that set one religion against another.

Science may reveal the fine intricacies of this cosmic watch, but it is up to man to be inspired to seek its maker.

Phil Shepherdson,

Chantry Close,

Woodthorpe, York.

...I thought everyone knew it was Albert Einstein, the physicist (and landlord of the Charles Darwin Arms) who created the series of big bangs and "Time", when the lads in the tap-room wouldn't sup up and go home!

Dale Minks,

Ancress Walk,

York.

Updated: 12:11 Thursday, May 09, 2002