THE ART OF SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION 



merely because some contrary facts are found. False ideas are 

 only dropped when hypotheses more in accord with the new 

 facts are put forward. 



SUMMARY 



The hypothesis is the principal intellectual instrument in 

 research. Its function is to indicate new experiments and 

 observations and it therefore sometimes leads to discoveries even 

 when not correct itself 



We must resist the temptation to become too attached to 

 our hypothesis, and strive to judge it objectively and modify 

 or discard it as soon as contrary evidence is brought to light. 

 Vigilance is needed to prevent our observations and interpreta- 

 tions being biased in favour of the hypothesis. Suppositions can 

 be used without being believed. 



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