Originally Posted by
Warren Mickley
It could be that, a dozen years down the road, basement scientists all across America will be saying how much he inspired them and contributed to science. I doubt that any of the Phd scientists in my family have ever heard of him.
I don't see what's wrong with this Warren. If Brown succeeds in getting people interested in science and engineering, more people will formally study science or work quietly in the basements as tinkerers and inventors. No, the PhDs will never hear of him, and if they did might turn up their noses as some PhDs are wont to do. But that doesn't make Brown's contribution less real - if he gets people interested in science.
To me, it is similar for Schwartz and hobbyists. It's a pretty sure thing that I will never reach the levels of perfection that someone formally trained as an apprentice will achieve. But I can learn from the man's books, as I would learn from a book you'd write Sir (if we ever talk you into writing one ).
Fred
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."
“If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.”