Some Remarks on Science, Scientists, and the Remote Sensing of Particulates

Abstract

It is flattering to be asked to deliver the opening review paper in this workshop. Despite my efforts I was unable to dissuade the organizing committee from putting me on the program. Besides being a bad speaker, I dislike irregular particles and prefer to deal with idealized homogeneous spheres, though they do not simulate exactly even the smallest water drops (remember surface tension?). Thus, I am afraid you are “stuck” with me and my tendency to digress into critical remarks in areas seemingly unrelated to our main subject. I will try to be brief in order to allow more time for the speakers who will follow me, and who will — I am sure — be more positive, stick more closely to the subject, and have something worthwhile to say.

∏άν μέτρον αριστον. Mηδέν αγαν.