Scientific experiments [ Politics & Society / Science ]
… while allowing individuals to retain their private opinions as to interpretation. Beyond the circle of those immediately present, ‘virtual witnesses’ were recruited by the publication of written accounts of experiments and observations, … It adopted a series of regulations to keep the talk flowing freely, stipulating that discussions should be open to all present, and the chairmanship should rotate among the members. Jargon and ‘disquisitions’ by specialist members, … (Oxford University Press, 2002). The Dissenting minister and teacher Joseph Priestley wrote, in his History and Present State of Electricity (1769), that electrical experiments ‘furnish the most pleasing and surprising appearances …
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