Pluses and minuses

I realise that tables are meant only as snapshots, nevertheless, omissions can mislead.

In the research funding league poster (THES, April 23), a high placing was recorded for the "University of London Institutes". No such body exists, but the Institute of Cancer Research makes up Pounds 19 million of the Pounds 19.7 million listed under this name. We would like to be identified with what we achieve.

My mother always refused to take family snapshots because she was sure she would cut off someone's head or feet. Perhaps this should be the caveat for all league tables.

Keith Snell

Scientific secretary

Institute of Cancer Research