Scientific statements must be subject to verification. Irrelevant evidence can be cited as though it supported the original conclusion. The test of relevance can be applied easily, merely by asking how directly the data are related to the conclusions drawn from them. Dependable, reliable reporting is usually written in sober, precise, cautious language, and any writing that departs from this should be very critically examined. A platitude is a statement of a truth so obvious as to be almost inane, - pointless or silly.
Tautology is the needless repetition of the same idea in other words.
Skillful tautological writing sounds impressive but is devoid of meaning. If the work is filled with terms that have no exact meaning, with imprecise prose, it is probably the hallmark of questionable propaganda. The test of consistency is perhaps the most useful test of all, providing that one knows the other facts regarding the matter. There is no substitute for factual knowledge in interpreting data. Since the complete details of every invention that is patented are available to everyone at the U.S. Patent Office, all stories of suppressed inventions are suspect.