An unidentified assailant attacked Rosemary C.R. Taylor, assistant professor of Sociology, as she walked home Wednesday night at approximately 11:15 p.m.

Taylor was sprayed in the face with an unknown substance, and blinded for about 10 minutes.

The assault took place as Taylor emerged from a darkened alley connecting Museum St. and Francis St.

Taylor said she immediately screamed very loudly, and began running blindly from the assailant and another unknown man who surprised her as she walked out of the alley.

Her screams were heard by nearby residents who alerted the Cambridge Police. After regaining her sight Taylor went to the University Health Services on her own, and was apparently unharmed.

Taylor described her assailant as being bald and stocky, about 30 years old.

Taylor said the spray smelled like insecticide and may have been mace.

The police told Taylor the motive for the assault was probably robbery, but Taylor said she feels the motive was malicious harm.