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'''Scientific evidence''' for a theory consists of [[Scientific observation|observations]] and measurements which are consistent with predictions made by the [[Scientific theory|theory]]. When a theory remains consistent with the facts, no matter how hard scientists try to find counter-examples, scientific confidence in the theory is bolstered.

'''Scientific evidence''' for a [[Scientific theory|theory]] consists of [[Scientific observation|observations]] and [[Experimental science|measurements]] which are consistent with predictions made by the theory. When a theory remains consistent with the [[fact]]s, no matter how hard scientists try to find counter-examples, scientific confidence in the theory is bolstered.

Findings which are contrary to a theory normally cast doubt upon it. The theory must then be discarded, or significantly modified.

[[Scientific discovery|Findings]] which are contrary to a theory normally cast doubt upon it. The theory must then be discarded, or significantly modified.

Sometimes, however, scientists have refused to examine new evidence which could undermine confidence in an established theory. Possibly the best known case of this involved the discoveries of [[Ignaz Semmelweis]] in 19th century [[Vienna]], which led to the [[germ theory of disease]].

Another example is dutch Darwinist [[Eugène Dubois]] who never gave up his dictatorial control over "his" fossils. He withdrew them from public and did not allow others to scientifically investigate them while at the same time he was becoming more and more paranoid. Yet even without evidence available his elementary assertion that ''Pithecanthropus erectus'' ("ape-human that stands upright") was a direct ancestor of modern humans gradually won adherents.<ref>{{cite book

*Sometimes, however, scientists have refused to examine new evidence which could undermine confidence in an established theory. Possibly the best known case of this involved the discoveries of [[Ignaz Semmelweis]] in 19th century [[Vienna]], which led to the [[germ theory of disease]].

*Another example is dutch Darwinist [[Eugène Dubois]] who never gave up his dictatorial control over "his" [[fossils]]. He withdrew them from public and did not allow others to [[Scientific method|scientifically investigate]] them while at the same time he was becoming more and more paranoid. Yet even without [[Scientific evidence|evidence]] available his elementary assertion that ''Pithecanthropus erectus'' ("ape-human that stands upright") was a direct ancestor of modern humans gradually won adherents.<ref>{{cite book

|author=Edward J.Larson

|author=Edward J.Larson

|title=Evolution -The Remarkable History of a Scientific Theory

|title=Evolution -The Remarkable History of a Scientific Theory