Editorial May 17, 1900 Issue

Preconception and Misconception

Editor

The extent to which the world of thought and action has been governed by preconception and misconception, is a theme worthy the serious consideration of philosophers and thinkers. Preconception, based on right premises, is for the world's good. Preconception based on misconception works evil for mankind.

To illustrate: Perhaps in all past ages, the world believed that the only means of locomotion on land was by the propulsive force of the legs of man and animals. No other was deemed possible. Every preconception was to that effect. Not until, by a long series of experiments, steam was proved to be a propulsive force, was this preconception overcome. These experiments were made in the face of the opposition, scepticism, scorn, and derision, which have ever greeted the innovator and reformer.

The preconception, based on misconception, that "the lightning of the heavens," or electricity, could not be utilized as a propulsive power, has only recently been overcome by actual demonstration.

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