Still Feynman obstructed Papp from operating a device that Feynman did not understand.
By doing so he essentially became fully responsible for anything the machine does due to the power being disconnected for too long. It was only Feynman's cynicism that would not have him plug it back in despite Papp's frantic behaviour, Feynman assumed it wasn't anything serious, it was. Papp obviously knew this and did what he could to stop the tragic event that followed. Additionally, can anyone think of a reason why a device designed to dupe people by appearing OU would suddenly explode without power being supplied? It sure seems unlikely, but a reaction that needs to be stopped from going out of control makes more sense as far as I can see. Can anyone suggest how a non-exotic scam would be likely to explode in such a fashion? John On Thu, Jan 23, 2014 at 1:19 PM, Jones Beene <[email protected]> wrote: > Jed, > > > > I thought so too, when Gene first published the other side of the story. > > > > But if your read Feynman’s account carefully, and you should - then you > will see that Papp himself unplugged engine and handed the plug to Feynman. > Feynman did not unplug the machine – he merely failed to give back the plug > to Papp. > > > > BUT FEYNMAN WAS UNDER NO LEGAL OBLIGATION TO CONTINUE PAPP’S SCAM. > > > > Thus the liability is with Papp. If this had gone to trial there is no > doubt Feynman would have prevailed. > > > > However, to settle out of court was probably the best thing for all > concerned since there was a fatality and Cal Tech has deep pockets. > > > > However that death is on Papp. No doubt in my mind that he was legally > responsible. > > > > > > *From:* Jed Rothwell > > > > Jones Beene <[email protected]> wrote: > > > > > > Here is your “back to reality” information on Papp from Feynman himself. > > http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/comments/papparticle2.html > > If we assume the thing was real, then Feynman was responsible for the > accident. He killed someone. It was criminal. Real or not, you should > NEVER, EVER monkey with equipment or unplug a control unit without asking > permission. > > > > If we assume it was not real, and power in equalled power out, it was > still high powered device under the control of the electronics. Even a fake > machine is dangerous if you suddenly disconnect the controls. It is like > reaching over from the passenger seat and turning off the ignition in a car > driving on a highway. > > > > Feynman was sometimes an arrogant, dismissive, unobservant jerk. He sure > was in this case. > > > > - Jed > > >
