The April 20 letter titled "Evidence in fossils? Yes, not supporting Darwin" repeats the unfounded assertions made in the self-published book "Brainwashed and Miracles" by Aaron L. Kolom, a proponent of "intelligent design."
Mr. Kolom is not a biologist; he has appeared on religious TV programs favorable to the line of argument that in 1909 noted invertebrate paleontologist Charles D. Walcott hid evidence unfavorable to Darwin's theory of evolution.
A little research conducted at my favorite branch of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library revealed that Mr. Walcott, after his discovery of Cambrian fossils in 1909, traveled and searched extensively from 1910 to 1924.
After his death in 1927, his work was put in storage (far later than the conspiratorial date of 1909 stated in the April 20 letter).
Both Charles Darwin and Charles Walcott were puzzled by the "Cambrian explosion" findings. The debate, disagreements, and study continue about possible causes, including whether it was caused by the end of an ice age or changes in oxygen level or chemistry.
Mr. Walcott did not hide his findings. Unscientific and untrue stories by intelligent-design believers do little to disprove a theory that is still evolving.
Scientific studies by J. Wil-liam Schopf, Richard Foley, Stephen Jay Gould, and others are there for the reading.
As the "Old Perfessor" Casey Stengel said, "You could look it up."
Don Mohr
Stafford