I should teach the world that science is based upon empiricism - the objective observation of natural phenomena, and the attempt to encompass them in classifications, models, and theories of ever-expanding scope.

This enormously important principle of the Enlightenment still needs affirming. The principle is under threat, from those of every religious and political persuasion and from those of none, who seek to impose their worldview upon scientific enquiry. Science is not more important than morality. But without empiricism, there can be no science.

D Keith Bowen is coauthor of High Resolution X-Ray Diffractometry and Topography (buy this book from Amazon (UK) or Amazon (USA)).