Abstract
The author, citing an historic case of self-delusion and another instance of an outright attempt at fraud in the promotion of claims to scientific discoveries, suggests that lack of rapid evaluation technique and defective education in engineering are responsible in part for the ease with which bogus ''dopes" and processes are sold. While urging that new ideas not be discounted in advance it is urged that claims for new ideas and devices be checked by known scientific methods before acceptance.
The following guides are suggested for evaluating new schemes for controlling corrosion: 1) If claims are based on testimonials and not on available authoritative data, dismiss the device until authoritative evidence is supplied. 2) Be cautious concerning devices claims for which include statements obviously wrong. 3) Be cautious of devices operated by no known scientific principles.
The National Association of Corrosion Engineers is advised to set up a council of respected members of the corrosion engineering profession to pass on acceptable advertising in Corrosion and acceptable exhibits at its national conferences.
