Abstract:

Russian measurements of the quality factor (Q) of sapphire, made twenty years ago have only just been repeated in the West. Shortfalls in tacit knowledge have been partly responsible. The idea of tacit knowledge, first put forward by the physical chemist, Michael Polanyi, has been studied and analysed over the last two decades. A new classification of tacit knowledge is offered here and applied to the case of sapphire. The importance of personal contact between scientists is brought out and the sources of trust described. It is suggested that the reproduction of findings could be aided by a small addition to the information contained in experimental reports.

Submitted for the 5-point breakdown of “tacit knowledge” that makes up the first few pages, as I’ve seen these at work in miscommunication around most development practices.