Abstract :
Science of a few centuries ago, far from positivistic, nevertheless was dogmatic, and was based upon superstition, tradition, and mysticism. But by the end of the Middle Ages men were losing their compliant faith in tradition, and the scientist turned to material observation and experimentation for the explanation of natural phenomena. The consequent search for immutable laws again introduced in science an element of dogma, which remained effective until about the end of the 19th century. During the present era, scientific thought seems to be turning away from the realistic approach, because the shattering of seemingly well-established laws has made men doubt their own senses. The author of this article stands in the middle of this era, looks at science in retrospect and in prospect, advances some provocative riddles, but lets the reader contrive to find his own answers.
