the noblest tradition of science

Via The Island of Doubt, where James Hrynyshyn reports a quite particular case of retraction, of a paper published in American Scientist, 52 years ago.

Two statements in Dr Homer Jacobson’ paper, were used by creationists who have quoted [his] not merely out-of-context, but incorrect, statements, to support their dubious viewpoint. [He is] deeply embarrassed to have been the originator of such misstatements, allowing bad science to have come into the purview of those who use it for anti-science ends.

He discovered that and made the right thing: retracted the paper.

There is one thing in the comment of Rosalind Reid, editor of American Scientist I don’t understand. She spoke about “embarrassment of public correction” as reported in The New York Times by Cornelia Dean. What embarrassment? He should must be proud about his movement. I do retained Ms Reid qualification of Dr Jacobson’s did: “in the noblest tradition of science”.

Know what. I love that. Thank you Dr Jacobson. More than just a gentleman, a scientist gentleman.