Investigating a scientific legend: the tropinone synthesis of Sir Robert Robinson, F. R. S

Author:

Abstract

Let us learn to dream, there do we find the truth, but let us test our dreams in practice before revealing them. (A. Kekulé) 1. OBJECTIVES I examine through one research example, the tropinone synthesis of Sir Robert Robinson, F.R.S., several matters of broad scientific importance. One is whether the origin of an influential idea of a long-past period can be defined with some degree of certainty even if not spelled out in any primary publication, and to what extent its origin can be consciously related to the temperament of its formulator and his environment. I reflect on the extent to which developments in a rational scientific field can nevertheless be ‘subconscious’. I examine the broader implications of a scientific ‘legend’, even if incorrect: here the general belief that Robinson’s bio- genetic ideas suggested his laboratory tropinone synthesis. Despite its lack of ‘historical’ truth, I indicate why the legend was immensely influential on natural- product chemistry and on Robinson’s career, embodying a deeper ‘scientific’ truth. I adopt an historian’s approach to published work over a widely relevant area, assessing novel ideas against theories and practicalities of the time and location, aided by inquiries and assessments of conclusions from any survivors of the era. My approach requires a first-hand understanding of the psychology of research scientists and of science from a viewpoint not too close but close enough, to the topic, to the personalities and to the situation, with calculated corrections made for ‘hindsight’.

Publisher

The Royal Society

Subject

History and Philosophy of Science

同舟云学术

1.学者识别学者识别

2.学术分析学术分析

3.人才评估人才评估

"同舟云学术"是以全球学者为主线,采集、加工和组织学术论文而形成的新型学术文献查询和分析系统,可以对全球学者进行文献检索和人才价值评估。用户可以通过关注某些学科领域的顶尖人物而持续追踪该领域的学科进展和研究前沿。经过近期的数据扩容,当前同舟云学术共收录了国内外主流学术期刊6万余种,收集的期刊论文及会议论文总量共计约1.5亿篇,并以每天添加12000余篇中外论文的速度递增。我们也可以为用户提供个性化、定制化的学者数据。欢迎来电咨询!咨询电话:010-8811{复制后删除}0370

www.globalauthorid.com

TOP

Copyright © 2019-2024 北京同舟云网络信息技术有限公司
京公网安备11010802033243号  京ICP备18003416号-3