The World Also Scoffed At Copernicus, Galileo
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Editor:

The reported discovery of cold fusion by two chemists at the University of Utah, if accurate, would usher all aspects of modern life into an era of growth and improvement that mankind has not experienced since the advent of fire and the wheel.

But not everybody was happy with the news.

The two chemists were denounced in the scientific community, their work was attacked as were their motivations and personal styles.

But on looking back, history records that Copernicus was so afraid of reaction to his novel theory - the Earth revolves around the sun - that he kept silent about it until he lay on his death bed.

People refused to look through Galileo's powerful telescope, so strong was their fear of having to change their world-view. Galileo stood trial for heresy and was forced on the threat of death to recant his theories.

Surgeons refused for years, out of stubborn resistance to change, to follow the method of Joseph Lister who disinfected his operating area and would not use the same instruments for consecutive operations.

In Europe, the powers of the day heaped scorn on an idea of Robert Fulton that a steam engine would have a practical use in transportation, so he came to America with his plans for a steam-powered boat.

As recently as 1956, the Royal Astronomers of England scoffed at space travel as "utter bilge." The following year, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik.

The high priests of physics were annoyed with the chemists' method of public announcement. For all of the pencil jabbing and eraser throwing, we still don't know whether chemists Pons and Fleischmann have discovered a key to the universe or not.

For small, petty people without -vision or curiosity, such a possibility of a new discovery brings anger and fear. Fundamental change is, more often than not, uncomfortable.

Whether or not Pons and Fleischmann have indeed discovered cold fusion, in their laboratory, I'd give them a 50 percent chance of being vindicated someday. They have done nothing wrong, and they may well have accomplished something that will benefit every human being on this planet.

Our world needs such people who are willing to look where others refuse, who reject commonly held premises in the quest for new truths, who will step before us with brave new ideas, knowing that vilification will follow.

If cold fusion is workable, Pons and Fleischmann will be remembered as men who changed the course of human history.

If it turns out to be a workable mistake, let's remember that here are two men who excited our imaginations for a while and who reminded us that we should not discourage the pursuit of scientific knowledge, even if it flouts conventional wisdom.

—RICHARD HAYES, West Los Angeles

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