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"Avoiding ambiguity", by Sunetra Gupta, Nature, 9 August 2001.
In this week's regular "Words" column, Gupta compares mathematical and poetical metaphors, studies the powers and limitations of the language of mathematics, and laments how the language of mathematics has been misappropriated by some in the social and biological sciences. "The language of mathematical reasoning is no less beautiful for the lack of concealment of meaning.... What makes mathematics special is its promise of prophecy, the promise that it will help us understand all mysteries and all knowledge. Without a humble awareness of its limitations, such prophecies can have a very hollow ring."
--- Annette Emerson
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