"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: "I 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 right in your department. What is your
opinion?"
"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
electromagnetic 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 contributions. 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 understand 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 logically. 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 you to speak will
carry much weight. It will be 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 thoroughly, 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?"