Inconvenient facts have always been “inconvenient”
“Whenever a new discovery is reported to the scientific world, they say first, ‘It is probably not true.’ Thereafter, when the truth of the new proposition has been demonstrated beyond question, they say, ‘Yes it may be true, but it is not important.’ Finally, when sufficient time has elapsed to fully evidence its importance, they say, ‘Yes, surely it is important, but it is no longer new.’”
(Michel de Montaigne, 1533-1592)
Going on from Monsieur Montaigne’s quote, I often wonder if we are witnessing history repeating itself – re the ill health that results from organophosphate poisoning during flying.
The question is, in years to come, will those doctors and scientists who deny there’s a problem be claiming they knew there was a problem all along?
Ideally, though, we don’t want to leave it too long before the truth about organophosphate poisoning on planes becomes common knowledge.
So how about speeding things up a little?
How about putting scientists and doctors on board a BAe 146 when the cabin fills with noxious fumes? And ask them to take a few deep breaths? Then record the results.
In the interests of scientific accuracy, the procedure could be repeated over and over for the maximum “benefit”.
There would also be a case for taking blood samples from them, before and after the flight, to check if there are any noxious chemicals (particularly organophosphates) in their blood.
If they felt ill after exposure, would it be evidence that these fumes are responsible for the organophosphates and other toxic chemicals in their blood?
Would it be the causal link that currently is so vehemently denied by airlines?
One thing is for sure, I doubt many doctors and scientists would be willing to give the experiment a go. But in the name of good honest scientific research, why not live a little dangerously?
As it is, Monsieur Montaigne got it right in the 16th century. The scientific establishment will deny evidence that is staring them in the face – right up until the bitter end. And then they’ll say, “Yes, surely it is important, but it is no longer new.”
Sometimes you just can’t win…
Tags: bae 146, michel de montaigne
You can comment below, or link to this permanent URL from your own site.
October 22, 2009 at 11:33 pm
An analogy might be sought in the working of a large manufacturing plant in a factory. ,