Question

Some even very significant discoveries have been accidental, but if science is supposed to be rational, then accidents should be oddities for this if they cannot be quantified. Are there generally accepted (or official-like) guidelines about what the role of "accidents" are or can be in professional chemistry? What (for example, tests, procedures, standards, ...) must one fulfill additionally in order to have "accidents" progress into use?

Answer 1

Accidents can play a role in professional chemistry by providing unexpected insights and opportunities for further exploration.

To progress an accident into practical use, additional testing and experimentation is required to confirm the results and evaluate the applicability of the discovery.

Step-by-step explanation:

While research efforts in both basic science and applied science are usually carefully planned, it is important to note that some discoveries are made by serendipity, that is, by means of a fortunate accident or a lucky surprise.

For example, Scottish biologist Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin when he accidentally left a petri dish of Staphylococcus bacteria open, and a mold grew on the dish, killing the bacteria.

This discovery led to the development of the antibiotic penicillin.

In professional chemistry, accidents can sometimes lead to important discoveries. The role of accidents in professional chemistry is to provide unexpected insights and opportunities for further exploration.

In order to progress an accident into practical use, additional testing, trials, and experimental procedures must be conducted to confirm the results, evaluate the applicability of the discovery, and determine its potential benefits and limitations.

These additional steps ensure that accidents are properly evaluated and can be integrated into established scientific knowledge and practical applications.