Kenneth G. Wilson (1923–). The Columbia Guide to Standard American English. 1993.
SCIENTIFIC ENGLISH
The language of science is full of low-frequency, highly specialized terms, usually encountered only in special contexts where the parts and processes of scientific experiments and their theoretical explanations must be carefully distinguished. Laypersons are usually ill-prepared to understand a good deal of scientific English. But even when scientific writing is intended for other scientists, one rule ought to obtain: the more complex the subject, the simpler the diction and syntax should be. Some people—scientists and laypersons alike—unwisely try to impress by using long words and involuted syntax, on the false assumption that if the prose sounds hard or obscure it must be very learned. Nothing could be more wrong-headed. The best science writers use polysyllables and long sentences reluctantly and only when no simpler means will serve.
