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we deem to be of our own begetting, for it 

 makes us take pains in following them up and 

 collecting sustenance for them in the shape of 

 additional facts. But this parental solicitude, 

 unless kept within lawful bounds, is liable to 

 spoil our theories even more completely than 

 too much indulgence spoils our children. 



It is necessary for the parent of a hypothesis 

 to be sternly impartial when it is beset by hostile 

 criticism. He must to a great extent imitate the 

 conduct ascribed to Edward III. of Cressy, and 

 let his offspring " win its spurs " by its own merit. 

 I admit (and I speak from experience) that it 

 is very painful to one's feelings to have a 

 favourite theory which one has nurtured from 

 its youth up turn out badly, and prove unworthy 

 of further support, when it has to face adverse 

 evidence. Let me say in parenthesis here, that 

 to the student of science facts are the best critics. 

 Pretty nearly anything may be proved by argu- 

 ment, and most theories so established are as 

 easily disproved by the same means. But when 

 a matter is established by facts it may be con- 

 sidered that it has come to stay. Moreover, if 

 an inanimate fact tells against one of our pet 

 notions, we are not so ready to become fierce 



