Full Idea
Scientists are not trying to maximise some formal property of 'simplicity'; they are trying to maximise truth.
Gist of Idea
Science aims at truth, not at 'simplicity'
Source
Hilary Putnam (Explanation and Reference [1973], III B)
Book Reference
Putnam,Hilary: 'Mind Language and Reality: Papers vol 2' [CUP 1975], p.212
A Reaction
This seems to be aimed at the Mill-Ramsey-Lewis account of laws of nature, as the simplest axioms of experience. I'm with Putnam (as he was at this date).