"A great many things have been pronounced untrue and absurd, and even impossible, by the highest authorities in the age in which they lived, which have afterwards, and, indeed, within a very short period, been found to be both possible and true"

In this quote, Catherine Crowe is highlighting the reality that many ideas and beliefs have been dismissed as false and ludicrous by those in positions of power and authority during their time. Nevertheless, as time passes and new discoveries are made, these same concepts are shown to be not just possible but likewise real. This functions as a reminder that even if something is considered difficult or absurd by those in authority, it does not indicate that it is in fact so. History has shown that what may appear impossible at one point can come true in the future. For that reason, we should not fast to dismiss ideas and beliefs without appropriate consideration and expedition.