The fact that he said any of you was telling, and Ichabod noted it, even as he fairly bristled at the nickname the young man chose to keep for him. He could tell the young man to use his job title, but his jurisdiction was not likely to extend to this place, so there was little point. Besides, if Chase was as he seemed to lead on there would be no purpose in revealing it too quickly.
"An examination, a process of experimentation and a process of elimination. Scientific techniques, Mr. Collins; knowledge of the wrong sort comes through rash actions, though it is no less valid. The risk is far too great. From what I understand some of the attempts have lead to injury and death. I cannot imagine you would desire the latter- at least not for yourself."