Love called Bromobenzene's writings "self-indulgent, computerized warmongering" and the use of the Unabomber's photo "of the lowest possible taste."

Davis joined in the dialogue, perhaps a little less bothered by the postings than his teaching fellows.

"I think it's perfectly appropriate for people to blow off steam on the discussion group as well as to ask for help with the problem sets," he posted.

He added that he was genuinely interested in some of Bromobenzene's allegations.

"I would be very pleased to meet with you to talk about the things you raised in your piece...I'm not angry, just concerned," Davis said.

Bromobenzene later wrote that he is dismayed at the way people interpreted his writings but that he is glad that they prompted discussion of the course.

"Discourse is exactly what I was looking for," he wrote.

But Bromobenzene decided to call it quits, citing concern about his grade should his identity be discovered.

"You won't have Bromobenzene Boy to kick around anymore," he wrote in his final posting on Nov.4.

After a final message from Davis on Nov. 6, which urged Bromobenzene to call him, the discussion group has proceeded onto more academic grounds.

In midterm evaluations of the course received this week, many students expressed disapproval of Bromobenzene's messages.

"Please ban manifestos," reads one. "Down with Bromobenzene Boy," says another.

Davis said he is considering dividing the discussion group into two, one for "straight chemistry" and one for general discussion.

As for how his students feel about the course to date, Davis said he doesn't think Bromobenzene's view is representative of the class.

"I think from the informal evaluations that it's not a widely held viewpoint, but I would love to pursue it," Davis said.

"Everybody's entitled to their opinion," he said.