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At Long Last We Know: Modern Science Owes Its Greatness to Flemish Bond Brickwork

By bcohen on July 20, 2006.

For centuries we've languished in the abyss of not-knowing what science is. An abyss so deep and so languishable, that we didn't even know we didn't know. A true Rumsfeldian dilemma, with mixed metaphors to boot. What accounts for scientific excellence and credibility? Why do we trust scientists? Is it because they are so serious? We just never knew.

But now we do: how can we define science? what does it take to *be* scientific? Just ask Penn's Chemistry Department and their new building.

The answer: Flemish Bond Brickwork. And it was right there in front of our faces all along!

This is the answer:

First, the building:

i-264ce731fb65c117e816f8db4009e835-bi0070.jpeg

Second, the description: "A massive reinforced-concrete frame infilled with panels of Flemish bond brickwork to convey the serious purpose of modern scientific work."

[All due thanks to Gordon Cain Fellow, Dr. Jody, faithful correpsondent.]

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