18 JUNE 1994, Page 27

Crossed line

Sir: The digital nature of our genetic codes does not disprove a life force (`The tele- phone exchange of life', 11 June). It could simply be the way the life force expresses itself. Richard Dawkins might as well take the manuscript of Mozart's 'Jupiter' Sym- phony, make a chemical analysis of the paper and ink and claim that this is the essence of the 'Jupiter' Symphony. He does not explain why our genetic codes (or any- thing else, come to that) exist. A life force will be found in cause rather than effect.

Robert Davies

7 Willowcroft, Lee Park, London SE3