The physiology of the carbohydrates : a reply to Dr Pavy's "Epicriticism" / by D. Noël Paton.

  • Paton, Diarmid Noël, 1859-1928.
Date:
1896
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The physiology of the carbohydrates : a reply to Dr Pavy's "Epicriticism" / by D. Noël Paton. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Glasgow Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Glasgow Library.

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    At the conclusion of an article on our present knowledge of the Physiology of the Carbohydrates, published in the Edinburgh Medical Journal for December 1894, I said:—“ In endeavouring to give a fair statement of the present state of our knowledge in regard to the relations of sugar in the economy I have been compelled to subject Dr Pavy’s observations and theories to adverse criticism. But this I have done in no spirit of animosity, for no one can more admire the devotion with which he has given his time and energy to the investigation of a problem of such pro- found scientific interest and deep practical importance. The greatest compliment which one scientific worker can do another is to carefully study his work, and to frankly state his opinions upon it. For truth, like distance, is better learned by double than by single vision.” Dr Pavy has now published what he entitles an “ .^icriticism,” (J. & A. Churchill, 1895), in which, instead of taking my criticism in the spirit in which it was offered, he chooses to ascribe to me discreditable motives, and accuses me of wilfully misrepresenting his meaning for the purpose of getting the better of him in argument. Before replying to his “Epicriticism,” 1 would state, first, that my motives were simply those set forth in my article; and, secondly, that any misrepresentations of which I have been guilty were not made with malicious intent, but were the result of misconception of Dr Pavy’s work.^ 1 When I sent him the article in question I received from him the followinc letter:— ° “ 35 Grosvenok Street, “Grosvenor Square, W., Dec. 1, 1894. “ Dear Dr Paton,—Accept my thanks for having sent me a copy of the Edinburgh Medical Journal containing your communication on the ‘ Physiology of the Carbohydrates.’ “ I recognise and appreciate the spirit in which you have written. There ought to be no personal consideration in this matter. I take it we are both actuated by the same motive, and simply seek after truth. Your statements require a rejoinder. I will deal with tliem seriatim, and furnish a categorical reply. In doing so I hope you will find that I shall keep to the maxim that I have said ought to be observed by both of us as scientists.—Yours faithfully, “F. W. Pavy.” How far his action harmonizes with his “maxim” I can leave it to his readers to judge. B