Heinlein, Robert A – Expanded Universe

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

Page 9

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.