[088 PONTIFICIAE ACADEMIAE SCIENTIARVM SCRIPTA VARIA - 76 
continually revised to find a proper place for all known facts. 
A single new observation may call for a more comprehensive 
theory. The older accumulated knowledge continues to remain 
valid; later discoveries must, however, be integrated with the 
earlier knowledge. The accumulation of scientific knowledge is 
inscreasing through the efforts of all the scientific workers of the 
world. A new fact may be observed or a new theory formulated 
by any worker, however young, and in any country where 
research has been established. International collaboration is, 
therefore, an indispensable condition for the progress of science. 
3.4. Authority derived from status is irrelevant to science. 
Science has introduced a new concept of ’’scientific’’, or 
‘objective validity’’ which has its foundation in nature itself, 
and which cannot be upset by any authority based on status 
or by supernatural powers. The transformation of all the 
advanced or rapidly advancing countries has been based on 
accepting, in an increasing measure, a scientific or rational view 
of life. This is the foundation of the modern age. 
3.5. It is essential in every country to establish and 
strengthen the outlook of science, a way of thinking which 
becomes more and more powerful as it is more widely adopted, 
and which replaces dogma, superstition, and outdated customs. 
This scientific outlook cannot be established by force. It must 
depend on acceptance through proper understanding. In prac- 
tical affairs, the important point is that a wise policy and 
programme of action should be increasingly adopted on the 
basis of rational argument, supported by relevant factual evi- 
dence, and should not be rejected because of emotional bias or 
formal dogmas or conventional rules of procedures. It is, 
therefore, necessary continually to encourage and promote the 
advancement of science in every country, large or small. Be- 
cause science is indivisible, and also because science must be 
established in every country, it is also necessary, continually, to 
promote scientific collaboration between all countries of the 
world. large and small, and advanced or developing. 
‘141 Mahalanobis T - pag. 20