Astounding British Edition, Vol. 6, No. 8 — page 7: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE CATSPAW - 5 Hansen, the chairman of this reviewing board. Gentlemen, this is Thomas Barden. You have read his brochure?” There was a nod of assent. “We have called you to ask a few ques- tions,’ said the chairman. “Gladly,” said Barden. At least they were considering it. And so long as it was re- ceiving consideration, it was far better than a complete rejection. “This is, I take it, an experiment in sheer semantic reasoning?” “It is more than that,” said Barden slowly. “Not only is the reasoning logical when based upon the initial presumption, but I am firm in the belief that the initial pre- sumption is correct.” Dr. Murdoch laughed. “I hope you'll pardon me, Mr. Barden. I’m rude, but it strikes me that you are somewhat similar to the prophet who sneer the short-range predictions and prefers to tell of things that lie a hundred years in the future. By which I mean that testing out any one of your theories here would require the expenditure of a small fortune. The amount to be spent would be far in excess of any practical laboratory’s budget unless some return is ex- pected.” “If the premise proves true, though,” said Barden, “the returns would be so great as to warrant any expenditure.” “Agreed,” said Murdoch. “Agreed. Just show me proof.” “It is all there.” “Mathematical proof? The only proof of valid mathematics is in the experimental data that agrees. And may I add that when experiment and math do not agree, it is the math that gets changed. As witness Galileo’s results with the freely falling bodies.” Barden nodded slowly. “You mean that mathematics alone is no proof.” “Precisely. Figures do not lie but liars can often figure. No offense, Barden. I wouldn’t accuse any man of willful lying. But the math is a lie if it is based on a false premise.” “You have no experimental data at all?” asked Harrison. Murdoch looked at Harrison and smiled tolerantly. “Since Mr. Barden is not independently wealthy he could hardly have made any experiments,” said Murdoch. Dr. Hansen looked at Barden and said: “T believe that you have stumbled upon this line of reasoning by sheer accident and so firm is your belief in it that you are making an attempt to have it tried?’ Barden smiled. “That is exactly right,” he said earnestly. “I do admire the semantic reasoning,” said Hansen. “I am admittedly skeptical of the premise, Dr. Jones, you represent the Space Laboratory. This seems to be ri your department. What is your opinion?” tin» “If his theory is correct, great returns are obvious. However, I am inclined to view the idea as a matter of sophistic reasoning.” Barden hastened to get Dr. Jones’ attention. “Look, sir. The same relegation of a theory to sophistic reasoning has happened before. Admittedly this is a new science. SO have been several others. Someone must discover them in one way or another. The entire science of electronics was discovered in this way—Maxwell formulated the _ electro- magnetic equations. Hertz made the initial experiments many years later. Marconi reduced them to practice, and then a horde of others came forth with their own contri- butions. Yet the vast technical holdings throughout the electronic field were initially based upon the mathematical predictions made by Maxwell.” “You seem well trained in logic and reasoning,” smiled Hansen. “That was a rather sharp parallel. Yet you must under- stand our feelings in the matter. First, Maxwell was an accredited scientist before he formulated the famous Equations. Now if— and remember that big if—if this is a truly parallel case, we'd all like nothing better than to give you the acclaim you deserve. On the other hand, you expect us to foster you in your attempt to have millions spent on the experimentation you outline so logic- ally. You must remember, Mr. Barden, that despite the fact that we, none of us, will have a prime function in the disbursement of any funds, we are none:the less a primely responsible body. The fact that we permit ou to speak will carry much weight. It will ‘e a recommendation by us to the rest of the members. As such we must be cautious.” “Is there no way for an unknown man to make a contribution to science?” asked Barden. “Of course. Produce one shred of evidence by experimentation.” “The cost!’’ exploded Barden. “You admit that every piece of equipment will require special construction. There is nothing in the solar system at the present time that will be useful.” “All of which makes us skeptical.” Murdoch spoke up: “We’re not accusing you of trying to perpetrate a hoax. You must admit, however, that it is quite possible for any man to be completely carried away by his own theories. To believe in them thor- oughly, even to the point of despising any man who does not subscribe to the same belief.” “That I do admit. However, gentlemen, I implore you to try. What can you lose?” Hansen smiled wistfully .“About three 2 million dollars.” “But think of the results.” Hansen’s_ wistful expression increased. “We're all thinking of the result of dropping about three million dollars at the theory of Eomichoo <SiEiGO