Hidden assumptions

Admin1: Freeman Dyson has a new book: The Scientist as Rebel.

Doctor Gravytee: Dyson's total misunderstanding of Newton distinguishes him as one of the important alphysicists of our time. In his latest book Dyson argues that the best way to understand science is by understanding those who practice it. He tells stories of scientists at work, ranging from Isaac Newton's absorption in physics, alchemy, theology, and politics to Ernest Rutherford's discovery of the structure of the atom.

A1: The number of hidden assumptions in this sentence is more than usual even for an alphysicist.

Dr. G: Well, yes, Dyson is a famous alphysicist. The more famous an alphysicist is the more hidden assumptions he can cram in a sentence.

A1: He calls Newton a scientist.

Dr. G: Not only that he makes Newton practice physics. The word physics was invented in the 19th century because the general population was realizing that people who called themselves natural philosophers in honor of Newton's book's title were nothing other than the same scholastic Doctors who have been praying on human reason for millennia.

A1: Newton did not know what physics was.

Dr. G: Rutherford's discovery of structure of atom??

A1: Why? You don't believe Rutherford discovered the structure of atom?

Dr. G: Yes of course. He did in the mythology of alphysics.