Chemists are not scientists?

[Sir HC]

Hopkins made a big mistake in a study, and the researchers say "We're scientists not chemists!"
 
 http://observer.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,6903,1037007,00.html
 
 So does the scientist have to change his name?

[markie]

well if you order some white powder or clear liquid, do you trust what is sent, as labelled?
 
 Personally I have never tested any reagents I have purchased in that way. Which is in some ways quite worrisome.
 
 Than again the reagent was such a critical part of the study.   And not noticing it was the wrong thing means that they probably not do any quality control on it, or check its purity in any way.

[Sir HC]

And the bigger question is who is this supply house and what other big mistakes could they have been making?  Imagine if it turns out that dozens of studies are all hosed because they sent out shoddy merchandise.  
 
 Can you sue the seller for giving you the wrong thing, or is there some "Use at your own risk" in the labeling?

[markie]

Originally posted by Sir HC:
 
 Can you sue the seller for giving you the wrong thing, or is there some "Use at your own risk" in the labeling?

but dont things sold in america have to be fit for use. If you buy a car that doesnt go, in the UK at least, it is deemed not fit for use and the seller has to pay the money back. In theory at least.
 
 I guess though that using a lot of monkeys, as the study did, would have been fantastically expensive. As well as that the effect on the reputation on the scientists, institutes and journal will all have been severely harmed.
 
 
 but it must be a niche supply company, the drug was ecstasy (MDMA?) and they shipped speed, (methamphetamine) by mistake. I doubt many companies are allowed to make or supply those drugs. I dont think there is a medical use for either, unlike cocaine or heroin (dimorphine).

[Sir HC]

You are right, which almost begs the question is the supply house somehow government related?  If they are in well with the Feds or DEA and they shipped it wrong on purpose this could get the conspiracy theory guys going on something new since the 9/11 lies...

[markie]

Originally posted by Sir HC:
   which almost begs the question is the supply house somehow government related?  

I think the production is government licensed not owned.
 
 But as they shipped speed without the correct papers for shipping speed,  I would guess they will be in trouble.

[Venerable Bede]

well, states have lemon laws for cars, which allow the consumer to return the car and be refunded the money.  that's got nothing to do with mislabelling stuff.

[markie]

Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  well, states have lemon laws for cars, which allow the consumer to return the car and be refunded the money.  that's got nothing to do with mislabelling stuff.

the "lemon laws" are because an article is not fit for the use it was sold for?
 
 If I want to run around at twice my normal pace I will use speed. If I want to do the same and hallucinate I will use E.

[ggw]

Originally posted by Anton Newcombe:
  the drug was ecstasy (MDMA?) and they shipped speed, (methamphetamine) by mistake.

I hate when that happens.....

[Venerable Bede]

if you go and buy a car, and that car immediately and repeatedly requires maintenance for whatever reason during the first year you own it, it's considered a lemon and can be returned to the dealership.  but the scientists didn't know they were dealing with speed and not ecstasy.  that's not the same thing.  however, the company that sold the university the wrong item should be responsible for reimbursement and any other "damages."  those would be different laws.

[mankie]

Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
  if you go and buy a car, and that car immediately and repeatedly requires maintenance for whatever reason during the first year you own it, it's considered a lemon and can be returned to the dealership.  but the scientists didn't know they were dealing with speed and not ecstasy.  that's not the same thing.  however, the company that sold the university the wrong item should be responsible for reimbursement and any other "damages."  those would be different laws.

All cars require maintenance.

[Venerable Bede]

Originally posted by mankie:
 All cars require maintenance.

they do??  well hell, that explains everything.

[ggw]

Originally posted by mankie:
  All cars require maintenance.

Even them fancy new Italian jobbies?

[mankie]

Originally posted by ggwâ?¢:
   

Originally posted by mankie:
  All cars require maintenance.

Even them fancy new Italian jobbies? [/b]

YEP!...some more than others though.

[markie]

Originally posted by mankie:
 YEP!...some more than others though.

I saw a new maserati convertible in Georgetown last week. I was hoping it was going to be you driving it, but it was some middle aged guy, balding with a big paunch and a small willy. His bird was ugly too.......