In response to Lloyd's friend,

> 2. The advantage of synthetics is that, by definition, they are always
> exactly identical so therefore how they react to their environment can
> always be exactly predicted.  (snip)
> The only reason for preference for synthetics is that their behavior (in
> fibers, medicine, "rubber", etc) can be exactly predicated and controlled.

There is one more variable that has been left out of this list which to some
degree invalidates the overall statement.  Each individual person responds a
little differently to these synthetic medications.  What may be a boon to one
individual may have overwhelming side effects to another.  Thus the beauty of
the synthetic is great in the lab, but disappears (to a great degree) when
brought out into the real variable world.  I realize that there may be some
exceptions, but isolated natural insulin versus synthesized (via GM bacterial)
human insulin which was discussed on another thread is a great example of this
variability.  The different reactions of individuals to cholesterol controlling
(reducing?) drugs is another example.

Tom

--
"Test everything.  Hold on to the good."  (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

Tom Elliott
Chugiak,  Alaska
U.S.A.
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