----------------- HES POSTING ----------------- Actually, I'm not sure how far that distinction (university/college/school) works to shed light on the incumbency factor or on the level, quality and content of "skill". On skill it is useful to remember this comment by Wassily Leontief : "Unfortunately, any one capable of learning elementary, or preferably advanced calculus and algebra, and acquiring acqaintance with the specialized terminology of economics can set himself up as a theorist. Uncritical enthusiasm for mathematical formulation tends often to conceal the ephemeral substantive content of the argument behind the formidable front of algebraic signs." And this is what he had to say about the incumbency factor: "A natural Darwinian feedback operating through selection of academic personnel contributes greatly to the perpetuation of this state of affairs." This was I think his presidential address at a meeting of the American Economic Association in 1970. Anil Nauriya ------------ FOOTER TO HES POSTING ------------ For information, send the message "info HES" to [log in to unmask]