Onomastic bias

I wish to report a potential onomastic bias, or alternatively a potential onomastic methodologic error, in the work of Rebecca Pollex and colleagues on celestial determinants of success in research.¹ The authors' efforts, although stellar, led to their conclusion that “Gemini produces persons of greater intellect and more powerful invention and genius than any other sign in the zodiac.” I noted that 2 of said authors are Scorpios; however, the first author's surname suggests possible onomastic bias, no doubt innocent but subtle, toward their twin-favouring conclusion. “Pollex” is obviously a postmodern adaptation of the name of one of history's most famous twins and the first-magnitude star named after him in the constellation Gemini. If that's too obtuse, look up, and look it up.

Philip F. Hall Director, Fetal Assessment Provincial Obstetric Outreach and Maternal–Fetal Medicine Programs St. Boniface General Hospital Winnipeg, Man.