I think the reaction to the claims of Cold Fusion was a low point for science and the scientific method. From what I've read, it's very likely that Pons and Fl

I think the reaction to the claims of Cold Fusion was a low point for science and the scientific method. From what I've read, it's very likely that Pons and Fleischmann were (and still are) wrong about what they observed. They almost certainly missed some factor, accidentally or intentionally, that provides another explanation for their claimed results. However, the reaction at the time was nothing less than an emotion-driven witch hunt. It was shameful, really, and not at all in the spirit of science. Very disappointing. Check out this line from the wikipedia article on Cold Fusion about a conference of the American Physical Society on the topic- "Steven E. Koonin of Caltech called the Utah report a result of "the incompetence and delusion of Pons and Fleischmann," which was met with a standing ovation." Ah yes, the personal attack, the very heart of scientific values. The claims were what they were. Wrong? Sure. Deserving of such open vitriol? No. Certainly not from people who call themselves scientists.