MARK PROBERT wrote in a message to SUE ALEXANDER:
 MP>>> The three-year study will involve 336 patients with major
 MP>>> depression, of  whom one-third will receive a 900 milligram (mg)
 MP>>> daily dose of St.  John's wort, one-third will receive a placebo,
 MP>>> and one-third will  receive a selective serotonin reuptake
 MP>>> inhibitor.
 SA>> Are you familiar with the use of St John's wort?  I was wondering if
 SA>> this is an appropriate dose for treatment purposes and if there are
 SA>> any interactions with drugs or food.
 MP>> The purpose of the study is to determine safety, efficacy, dosage
 MP>> and  interactions.
 MP>> I would never presume to know such things before they are
 MP>> empirically  tested.
 SA> I was actually trying to figure out if they were really trying to
 SA> test it or setting it up for failure.  From your answer, I presume
 SA> you can't help me...oh, well.
 MP> Why didn't you ask the question outright?
     I asked questions pertaining to some aspects of the study that I thought 
would help me in determining what I wanted to know about the validity.  Why 
did you not answer my question (re whether you were familiar with St John's 
wort) outright?
MP> Actually, you are partially right, I cannot help you.
     You have more than adequately shown that to me and the other posters. 
Thank you for your time, that is what I wanted to know.
     Sue
... "Certainly the game is rigged." -- Heinlein
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