Here’s an interesting query that I can’t resolve. A DeSmog reader, looking back on an October 4, 2006 post under my name wondered why I was nattering about Tim Ball presenting himself as a Professor of Climatology when, under the link in that particular post, he was signed as a “Retired Professor of Geography.”

The questioner is correct on the facts. The link – to an “Open Letter to the Royal Society, reported in an NHInsider blogpost dated Sept 29, 2006 – assuredly lists Ball correctly as a retired geography prof. But the letter appeared in many places at the time, most consistently with William Gray as the lead signatory. You can find copies here and here with Ball signed as a “Professor of Climatology.” (Note, too, that the second one was posted by the climate change-denying Benny Peiser.)

I don’t have an original copy of the “open” letter and am not aware of whether a paper version was ever actually sent. But I would be indebted to anyone who can find other versions, reliably date. If the original actually listed Dr. Ball accurately, I will be happy to apologize as prominently as I may.