Science Volume 51 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1920 edition. Excerpt: ...gyroscopic effect. THE SITUATION OF SCIENTIFIC MEN IN RUSSIA To The Editor Of Science: The information about Professor Pavlov conveyed in a letter to Science (March 12) is somewhat puzzling in its purport. It is customary to make announcement of events which actually occurred; as for instance birth, deaths, marriages, etc. It would be a most unique procedure to treat the public to news items like these: so-and-so has not yet been born, has not yet died, married, got an increase in salary. Why then this item that on a certain date A.d. Professor Pavlov was not yet dead? It seems likely, therefore, that the only object of the note was to give publicity to a quotation from a letter of Pavlov to some other party to the effect that he was starving and instead of engaging in scientific pursuits was occupied in peeling potatoes. Now, this alleged quotation bears earmarks of a spurious nature. It undoubtedly belongs to that class of hoaxes which the daily press has been imposing upon its innocent readers with an invidious design. It is impossible to reconcile the two statements in the quotation, that Professor Pavlov is starving, and that he has so many potatoes to peel as to be obliged on that account to forsake his science. Even one not versed in the theory of nutrition would be skeptical about the probability of starvation in the midst of plenty of potatoes. (Consult Hinhede on the nutritional value of the potato.) Like all statements intended primarily to force public opinion into a preformed mould, it is not what is actually said but what is indirectly implied that really matters. The quotation from Pavlov's letter is obviously calculated to rouse in us indignation over the sufferings of the distinguished physiologist. But does it not also insinuate...