Art of Scientific Investigation [Paperback]

William Ian Beveridge (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0394701291 | ISBN-13: 978-0394701295 | Publication Date: April 12, 1960

In The Art of Scientific Investigation, originally published in 1950, W.I.B. Beveridge explores the development of the intuitive side in scientists. The author's object is to show how the minds of humans can best be harnessed to the processes of scientific discovery. This book therefore centers on the "human factor"; the individual scientist. The book reveals the basic principles and mental techniques that are common to most types of investigation. Professor Beveridge discusses great discoveries and quotes the experiences of numerous scientists. "The virtue of Mr. Beveridge's book is that it is not dogmatic. A free and universal mind looks at scientific investigation as a creative art. . . ." The New York Times

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Beveridge’s book is not dogmatic. A free and universal mind looks at scientific investigation as a creative art... -- The New York Times --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Vintage (April 12, 1960)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0394701291
• ISBN-13: 978-0394701295
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 4.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,533,224 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The nature of the "art" and the "artist"., June 27, 2001

By 

Gary Sprandel (Frankfort, Kentucky) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Art of Scientific Investigation (Paperback)

Starting with the first sentence ".. the most important instrument in research must always be the mind of man.", this book offers insight, not dogma, into the nature of research and the researcher. Peppered with examples from his own research, and scientists as Pastuer, Paul Ehrlich, and Darwin, Beveridge shows the importance of the mind of the researcher. Particularly powerful was the chapter (and appendix) on recognizing chance, as Pastuer states "chance favors only the prepared mind".

Beveridge offers a nice contrast to an overly mechanist hypo-deductive method, and recognizes the value of hypothesis in guiding research as well as precautions in the use of hypothesis. Unlike journals that refuse to publish mistakes, or graduate students who are afraid of failure, he offers Whiteheads "panic of error is the death of progress". Beveridge recognizes the role of chance, error, intuition, and creativity in the research process. Although, many examples are from biology, the physicist should not be viewed as aloof from the need for creativity, and he quotes Einstein "There is no logical way to the discovery of these elemental laws. There is only the way of intuition ...".

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Research is a state of mind, February 2, 2000

By 

Phillip H. Hey - See all my reviews

This review is from: Art of Scientific Investigation (Paperback)

This is not a book for a beginner or someone looking for a how-to-do-it or for-dummies. Beveridge takes his time, in the same way a good novelist might be said to take his time, in discussing the motives, characteristics and values of research and good researchers. For anyone seriously interested in learning about research, it's just excellent.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars inside the researchers mind, July 2, 2006

By 

Renee (Amsterdam, The Netherlands) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Art of Scientific Investigation (Paperback)

Although this book was published in 1957, and does not even mention DNA or Watson and Crick, it still provides what is in my mind a very accurate picture of how scientific research is really performed. It takes some getting used to Beveridge's style and the old examples can appear to be ancient at first, I found that in the end I could not put this book down. It offers a complete overview of all the steps involved in scientific discoveries (reason, chance, intuition and strategy) that still holds true for the 21st century.
This is a great book for anyone starting in science and also for those who are going through a rough time when results are not coming along as smoothly as one might hope: it is a strong reminder that science really is an art!