In this quote, Nabokov explores the scientific process, emphasizing how a scientist formulates a hypothesis. He describes this process as a combination of practical testing and theoretical reflection, where the truth is imitated through calculations and experiments. This initial plausibility of the hypothesis can influence others, creating a consensus around it as the accepted explanation for a specific phenomenon.

However, the acceptance of such a hypothesis is often temporary. It remains valid until a critical examination reveals its shortcomings. Nabokov highlights the dynamic nature of scientific understanding, where ideas evolve based on new insights and evidence, demonstrating the constant search for deeper truths in science.