Regarding ITALY-NEWS NEWSLETTER 13 FEBBRAIO 2001 An article published in your Newsletter stated, in the English language version, that a woman's body temperature had been reduced to 34 degrees Fahrenheit (34 °F). (see reference at end) Checking the same story in Italian and Spanish, it appears that the actual temperature was 18 degrees Celsius (18 °C). The true temperature (18 °C), therefore, is closer to 64 °F (nearly room temperature) than it is to 34 °F (nearly freezing). More significant than the fact that someone converted the temperature incorrectly is the question "Why was the temperature converted to Fahrenheit at all?" English speaking people in England, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India and elsewhere, all use Celsius temperature and don't understand Fahrenheit. Even we Americans, who continue to use the old Fahrenheit temperature scale, are in many cases at least somewhat familiar with Celsius. It is unfortunate that an error was made in converting from Celsius to Fahrenheit. It was even more unfortunate that you felt that a conversion was necessary for Americans readers. You should also consider your non-American English speaking people as well as the many Americans who also prefer metric. (Dr.) William Hooper U.S.A. > IN TURIN, SURGEONS OPERATE ON WOMAN UNDER "ARTIFICIAL DEATH" > With her skull open, her blood being circulated outside of her body, and > her body temperature lowered to 34 degrees farenheit, a woman underwent > surgery in conditions known as artificial death at San Giovanni Bosco > hospital in Turin.
