In "Islam vs. Science" [September 10], the "something mysterious" that happened "toward the end of the 13th century" that quelled the scientific spirit of the Islamic world was probably the sustained Mongol invasion.

Hulagu, grandson of Genghis Khan, and his troops entered Baghdad and began 40 days of pillage and massacre. Thousands of inhabitants were killed, including scholars, scientists, and poets. Libraries and treasures accumulated over centuries were plundered or destroyed.

Joe A. Tarabino

Trinidad, Colo.

