Letter: In Brief

Sir: Glenda Cooper's article "Mad dons and dreaming spires" (27 August) reminded me of the old tale of an elderly Oxford don who had failed miserably to come to terms with the presence of female students at his lectures. No matter how many women were present, he would always commence his lectures with the word "Gentlemen".

One day he arrived to find the lecture hall full of women. There was only one male student present. Grasping his gown with both hands he took a deep breath. "Sir ..."

JAMES W BROWNE

London WC1