I must differ with Jan Kijlstra on his definition of "ad hominem."  The
second definition of "ad hominem" in the Merriam Webster Ninth College
dictionary reads:  "marked by an attack on an opponent's character
rather than by an answer to his contentions."

Now if we can just design a mechanical musical instrument to continue
this discussion automatically (:->)

Chris Morgan

 [ Well... no; but let's have one last round.  Could someone please
 [ resolve the differences between the Merriam definitions and the
 [ adage which Jan wrote about?  I am suspicious that Merriam doesn't
 [ give the complete story.  -- Robbie