[Vestiges begins] from principles which are at variance…
![“[Vestiges begins] from principles which are at variance with all sober inductive truth. The sober facts of geology shuffled, so as to play a rogue's game; phrenology (that sinkhole of human folly and prating coxcombry); spontaneous generation; transmutation of species; and I know not what; all to…” quote by Adam Sedgwick](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/76d/adam-sedgwick-38188_breeding_vestiges-begins-from-principles-which-ar_743932.png)
“[Vestiges begins] from principles which are at variance with all sober inductive truth. The sober facts of geology shuffled, so as to play a rogue's game; phrenology (that sinkhole of human folly and prating coxcombry); spontaneous generation; transmutation of species; and I know not what; all to be swallowed, without tasting and trying, like so much horse-physic!! Gross credulity and rank infidelity joined in unlawful marriage, and breeding a deformed progeny of unnatural conclusions!”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Critiques pseudoscientific ideas that ignore empirical evidence, warning against reckless speculation.
In simple terms: Beware baseless theories that lack data.
Key Takeaway
Demand evidence before accepting claims.
Themes
science
skepticism
critical thinking
Mood
cautious
skeptical
Type
analytical
critical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- policy making
- public discourse
- education
- media analysis
Key Concepts
pseudoscience
methodology
empiricism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance openness to new ideas with rigorous testing?
- What safeguards prevent misinformation from spreading?
A Different Perspective
Such criticism may dismiss emerging ideas prematurely.