Quasicrystals and quasi-scientists: How a story from the past can give us clues about the present of science
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62059/LatArXiv.preprints.475Keywords:
Quasicrystals, History of Science, CrystalsAbstract
In 1982, Daniel Shechtman discovered quasicrystalline structures that would lead to a change in the very definition of crystal. Linus Pauling was a staunch opponent of this change, despite the evidence. Alan Mackay, on the other hand, had already predicted such structures when he spoke of widespread crystallography. This essay explores the contrast between the two and how the history of quasicrystals provides an opportunity to reflect on the basic principles of well-practiced science: scientific evidence, reproducibility, and correct attribution.
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