Humanistic Engineers

In a lifetime of work as a professional librarian and avid bibliophile, I have seldom read a book review as concerned and caring as the one by Lee Dembart of “The Civilized Engineer” by Samuel C. Florman (“An Engineer Extols Virtues of a Humanistic Outlook,” April 28).

It strikes me as an important book for educators and intellectuals alike to read and ponder over, especially in this age of specialization and computerization. For even if the cultural gap between science and humanism cannot be bridged, as Dembart states, at least with profound pleas such as Florman’s, there can be communication.

What saddens me about Dembart’s review is his pessimism in feeling that the Flormans of the world are a small minority. But they do exist, and may their tribe increase.

SHERRY TERZIAN

Los Angeles