Dear Tony & Evan,
I address your comments jointly to save space on the base. I, as I said
previously, have no intention of undertaking any comms. on the definition of
a scientist, since this will lead to all sorts of comms. that will fill the
base with unnecessary comms.. However, I must say, in the defence of De Re
Metallica (of which I happen to have an origiinal copy in Latin), that
whether one is a Doctor of Medicine, or indeed anything else, from whatever
period of time, & whatever background, that that person who who gives such
dedicated professional information to another, by whatever means, is a
professional ijn the strictest sence. Now, I am breaching my previous
intention by becoming invloved in the description of a scientist. There is no
doubt, by what you both say, that he (Agricola) was indeed a scientist,
absolutely without doubt, no question - medicine or otherwise: does medicine
alone determine a scientist? As I said before, what is the worth of research,
study, & investigation, and thought? What, after all, does a scientist do?
Therefore, though he well served the community in one direction, he also took
mining as seriously as he did medicine as all else. Does that exclude him
from being an expert/scientist in the field of mining? Does that exclude him
from being the Father of "Modern Mining". No. No one wisely advised would NOT
agree I am sure, that he was responsible for the instigation of techinques
that formed the foundation of 'modern' mining - he put it into print after
all - and it was used as THE text book on the subject for a great many years.
There are of course pbls. of that or similar date (I have such orig. pbls.),
that are very pertinent to the history of the current Mnrl.Ind.: who dares
challenge these past very learned people who saw, researched, and
investigated the Art & Science of our Industry. I have read many learned
studies, papers, and treatises on mining etc., & many, if not most
individuals, have not sought the accolade of being a scientist. Many though
have more than well deserved it, through their logical and intelligent
perceptions and ideas of/on various techinical observations without any
sought after accolade. I take my hat off to all these people, they serve us
all, indeed they serve all humanity in whatever discipline that they have
written: what after all would this World be without our Mineral
Industry????????
Thought & thinking gives & allows progress, 'progress' innovates the future
for better or for worse. Who dares say what is best for all? (B.R.Moore quote
30/8/00)
My apologies, I feel strongly on this matter. Regards to All, Bernard
p.s. All notice has been made from your comments.
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