To the editor:

Concern about a flu virus is sensible, since many virologists have, for many years, predicted an eminent plague. The most trustworthy authority I have found, Dr. David Williams, is convinced that some sort of viral plague that will kill about one-third of humanity is “just a matter of time.”

Thus, we need to consider carefully the decision of our medical practitioners to ignore two-time Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling’s assertion that multigram doses of buffered vitamin C will protect most of our population from this danger. If they are wrong, we will pay a very dear cost.

First, let us remember that medical mistakes are the third-leading cause of death in the United States today.

Second, let us remember that doctors make money when we are sick, and so have a financial interest in discouraging large doses of vitamin C, if Pauling’s findings are correct. Pauling noted that most medical expenditures would be eliminated if mis- or disinformation about vitamin C requirements was stopped.

Third, let us remember that doctors are poorly trained in both scientific method and nutrition. Hence, they are vulnerable to manipulation by conspiratorial drug companies, attempting to increase income from drug and vaccine sales. The biggest industrial price-fixing conspiracy conviction in history was won against such drug companies.

Bet your life, and the lives of your loved ones, that they are right, or take gram level doses of mineral ascorbates. Your choice.

Stephen Fretwell,

Lawrence