No isolated experiment, however significant in itself, can…
“No isolated experiment, however significant in itself, can suffice for the experimental demonstration of any natural phenomenon; for the "one chance in a million" will undoubtedly occur, with no less and no more than its appropriate frequency, however surprised we may be that it should occur to us.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A single experiment, no matter how striking, cannot prove a natural law; many repetitions matching expected frequency are needed.
In simple terms: One experiment isn’t enough to prove a law.
Key Takeaway
Require repeated evidence.
Themes
science
methodology
evidence
Mood
analytical
skeptical
Type
scientific
educational
When to use this quote
- laboratory research
- clinical trials
- field observations
- quality control
Key Concepts
probability
frequency
replication
Questions to Reflect On
- How many repetitions are needed for confidence?
- What defines “appropriate frequency”?
A Different Perspective
Rare events may be misinterpreted as proof without proper statistical context.