Sir – I entirely agree with Mr John D. White’s explanation of scientific method (Letters, January 24). I have been familiar with it for some 70 years.

Belief in the paranormal is not unusual. Most British people believe that paranormal events sometimes occur. I myself have studied a great deal of evidence in the past 65 years. But alas it seems no amount of evidence will overcome Mr White’s prejudice. He says that the ‘vast majority of leading scientists do not think it worth their while exploring the paranormal’. Could this be because most modern scientists get their grants and salaries from large organisations such as universities, governments or corporations?

If they published unorthodox views they would not get promotion. So they would never become leading scientists. Non-conformists have always been unpopular with the establishment whether in religion or science. Perhaps atheism and materialism are religions. Their leading adherents certainly seem very dogmatic. I fear Mr White and his colleagues will never apply scientific method to psychic phenomena. Too bad!

M. Hugh-Jones, Oxford