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56. Yet another reason pointed out by the learned trial Judge to disbelieve recovery of MO13, buried in sludge for 14 months, is the absence of copper sulphate deposit on the brass ring between its handle and blade portion. Observations in paragraph 63 of the trial court's judgment were actually without any reference to any standard text book on Chemistry. As per the World Book Encyclopedia (1997 edition, Vol.4) physical properties of copper make the metal valuable to industry. These properties include (1) conductivity, (2) malleability, (3) ductility and (4) resistance to corrosion. Copper sulphate is obtained by reaction of copper and sulphuric acid and it is a brilliant blue salt which readily dissolves in water. Solubility of copper sulphate is temperature-dependent and increase in the water temperature encourages faster dissolution of the salt. The observation by the trial court that absence of copper sulphate on the brass part of MO13 is an indication that it was immersed in water shortly before its recovery cannot be accepted as it is against basic scientific principles.

57. Moreover, brass, according to World Book Encyclopedia (1997 edition, Vol.2) is an alloy of copper and zink. Brass is widely used in making electric fixtures, inexpensive jewellery and metal decorations. In our country, it is used for making utensils also. According to the Encyclopedia, the amount of copper used in brass ranges from 55% to more than 95%. Colour and properties of brass vary with its composition. The book further says that it is used for making marine hardware, screw, warships, etc. Therefore, once a stable alloy of copper and zink in the form of brass is formed, it may be difficult to notice presence of copper sulphate or other oxides of copper even if it is immersed in water. We are of the considered opinion that the court below should not have drawn any inference about scientific facts without referring to any authority on the subject or without any reliable expert evidence on record. We remind all concerned that personal predilections of judges shall not be the basis for deciding cases.