If X is a topological space then exp X denotes the space of non-empty closed subsets of X with the Vietoris topology and λX denotes the superextension of X Using Martin's axiom together with the negation of the continuum hypothesis the following is proved: If every discrete subset of exp X is countable the X is compact and metrizable. As a corollary, if λX contains no uncountable discrete subsets then X is compact and metrizable. A similar argument establishes the metrizability of any compact space X whose square X × X contains no uncountable discrete subsets.
