Re: Is this acceptable Chemical English?

From: Borek (borek_at_parts.bpp.to.com.remove.pl)
Date: 02/27/05 

Date: Sun, 27 Feb 2005 20:38:34 +0100

On Sun, 27 Feb 2005 11:25:38 -0500, Marvin <physchem@cloud9.net> wrote:

> In one of my first publications, my prof and I wrote in the discussion
> section "We believe ...". The editor wanted it changed to "It is
> believed ..." We replied that there is no "it" that believes anything,
> and our phrasing was kept. Third-person writing can be bad at times.

That's stupid idea for me - 'it is believed that something' suggests
that 'something' is considered to be true by majority, or at least by
large group. 'We believe that something' suggests that it is our idea
and we think it is true; others have yet to agree or disagree. Meanings
are completely different here, especially in scientific paper.

But perhaps my English fails me, it did before :(

Best,
Borek 

-- 
http://www.chembuddy.com - chemical calculators for labs and education
BATE - Base Acid Titration and Equilibria
program for pH calculations