Most of the writers seem enthusiastic about the family tree idea. Of 
course, the internet is the place to do this. It beats collecting and 
sending 
pornographic pictures. 
 
        If we regard the history of thought as the history of University 
Professors, Nobel Prize winners, or writers with the most citations; then 
the 
family tree is the way to go. After it is built, we could add some tinsel, 
balls, and put an angel on top.  
 
        If we regard the history of thought as the history of improved ideas, we 
have a chance to build a scholarly community. Of people, not branches and 
leaves.  
A scholarly community -- wouldn't that be something?     
 
Pat Gunning 
Taiwan