agree to that. Whether my process is true or false, it would be dangerous to let it
fall into the hands of fools and quacks” he waved his hand at the group of
professors seated in the front row, paused and smiled maliciously “as these
gentlemen know quite well. Furthermore it is not necessary to know the process in
order to prove that it will work. Is it necessary to understand the complex miracle
of biological reproduction in order to observe that a hen lays eggs? Is it necessary
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for me to reeducate this entire body of self-appointed custodians of wisdom – cure
them of their ingrown superstitions – in order to prove that my predictions are
correct? There are but two ways of forming an opinion in science. One is the
scientific method; the other, the scholastic. One can judge from experiment, or one
can blindly accept authority. To the scientific mind, experimental proof is all
important and theory is merely a convenience in description, to be junked when it no
longer fits. To the academic mind, authority is everything and facts are junked when
they do not fit theory laid down by authority.”
“It is this point of view-academic minds clinging like oysters to disproved
theories-that has blocked every advance of knowledge in history. I am prepared to
prove my method by experiment, and, like Galileo in another court, I insist, ‘It
still moves!'”
“Once before I offered such proof to this same body of self-styled experts,
and they rejected it. I renew my offer; let me measure the life lengths of the
members of the Academy of Science. Let them appoint a committee to judge the
results. I will seal my findings in two sets of envelopes; on the outside of each
envelope in one set will appear the name of a member, on the inside the date of his
death. In the other envelopes I will place names, on the outside I will place dates.
Let the committee place the envelopes in a vault, then meet from time to time to
open the appropriate envelopes. In such a large body of men some deaths may be
expected, if Amalgamated actuaries can be trusted, every week or two. In such a
fashion they will accumulate data very rapidly to prove that Pinero is a liar, or
no.”
He stopped, and pushed out his little chest until it almost caught up with
his little round belly. He glared at the sweating savants. “Well?”
The judge raised his eyebrows, and caught Mr. Weems’ eye. “Do you accept?”
“Your Honor, I think the proposal highly improper-”
The judge cut him short. “I warn you that I shall rule against you if you do
not accept, or propose an equally reasonable method of arriving at the truth.”
Weems opened his mouth, changed his mind, looked up and down the faces of
learned witnesses, and faced the bench. “We accept, Your Honor.”
“Very well. Arrange the details between you. The temporary injunction is
lifted, and Dr. Pinero must not be molested in the pursuit of his business. Decision
on the petition for permanent injunction is reserved without prejudice pending the
accumulation of evidence. Before we leave this matter I wish to comment on the
theory implied by you, Mr. Weems, when you claimed damage to your client. There has
grown up in the minds of certain groups in this country the notion that because a
man or corporation has made a profit out of the public for a number of years, the
government and the courts are charged with the duty of guaranteeing such profit in
the future, even in the face of changing circumstances and contrary public interest.
This strange doctrine is not supported by statute nor common law. Neither
individuals nor corporations have any right to come into court and ask that the
clock of history be stopped, or turned back, for their private benefit. That is
all.”
Bidwell grunted in annoyance. “Weems, if you can’t think up anything better
than that, Amalgamated is going to need a new chief attorney. It’s been ten weeks
since you lost the injunction, and that little wart is coining money hand over fist.