This is about a book published this year - "The Emperor of Scent" by
Chandler Burr". It was reviewed February in, among other
publications, both the daily book review section and again in the
Sunday book review of the New York Times. In this fascinating story
the author points to a (my words) self-serving and non-objective
condition in the scientific community's publishing and evaluation of
merit processes. In my view someone somewhere should have discussed
the merits of the author's investigative findings and offered some
defense, if it was appropriate, of publishing processes etc of new
findings that might challenge the practices of the "establishment".
My first search in google developed nothing of this nature. In my
view someone somewhere should have picked it up and asked the
"establishment" what was going on with respect to the scent-related
findings of Luca Turin, the subject of Mr Burrs book. My question -
is there any follow up anywhere of any nature? Is there any
oversight of the publications that seem to control the appearance of
novelty in discoveries not recognized by their own "community"? If so
where? |
Request for Question Clarification by
techtor-ga
on
18 May 2003 23:31 PDT
Hello Finler,
I found that certain scientific journals and studies have been
questioned in many instances even in past years. Would you like links
to these cases and other articles about scientific publication
integrity, even if they do not relate to the book you mentioned?
|
Clarification of Question by
finler-ga
on
19 May 2003 08:55 PDT
If there is something specific addressing the particular book (post
publication) or author I would be interested and inclined to stop
there. However if that is dry I would be interested in "links" dated
after the books's publication on the general issue, and also the Nobel
prize process, pertinently mentioned in the book although I did not
remember to mention Nobel prize in mt original question. I find it
impossible to imagine people involved in scent related industry, trade
or research not having read this book by now. I am interested in
anything it may have stirred up. My personal interest is primarily
"accountability" and so-called professional "self-policing". (I am an
accountant).
|
Request for Question Clarification by
techtor-ga
on
22 May 2003 02:24 PDT
I found many reviews of the book on the Internet, though nothing about
any major controversy that it stirred. I only saw brief mentions of
criticism and opposition from scientists, but nothing that would
attract some great publicity.
|
Clarification of Question by
finler-ga
on
22 May 2003 07:35 PDT
Thank you. I was not expecting any great public outcry of course -
but if you can give me the source of the few criticisms or adverse
comments on the author's reporting reliability or on Mr Turin's
scientific approach and findings I will consider my interest fairly
answered.
|
