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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 ...".
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19 of 19 people found the following review helpful
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!
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16 of 16 people found the following review helpful
This book is one of the most profoundly insightful and useful books I have ever found. I am just starting out as a researcher, and this book has helped me advance quickly in my skills and knowledge. I find it so useful, that I read it on a monthly basis (7 readings and counting) just to keep its wisdom fresh in my mind. It is absolutely vital for any new researcher, as it gives you a jump start into scientific investigation, and I also highly recommend it for senior researchers and scientists, as its wisdom is perfect for giving oneself a new perspective on one's research. I routinely give away copies of this book to other new researchers that I meet, and all of them give it the same high praise that I do. It is a must buy.
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20 of 22 people found the following review helpful
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.
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In 90's I was reading this book's Chinese version in college. I believe it has been translated into more languages. Now I read it again in English in a Christmas holiday after 10 years post-PhD research. It is no doubt a wonderful book in demonstrating and educating the real world of research science and scientists. Beautiful language and great story-telling stytle/technique. I do not recommend it to absolute beginners - it may be just too abstract. I think it suits more the researchers with several years of experience - they can better understand, appreciate and take advantage of it. They may even add their own experiences and stories to it when they read and say "yes I had that too". Or after reading it they can intentionally use or strengthen some aspects which they vaguely realized before.
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I am a practicing PhD level biologist. I discovered Beveridge in high school when looking for an interesting volume to read for a book report. The idea of ART and SCIENCE together seemed novel. After I finished my assignment, I promptly forgot about the book. Later, when I got to college and graduate school, I seemed to know how to 'think' about doing science in ways that my colleagues were struggling to master. AFTER I got tenure at my university, I picked up Beveridge again (unpacking a box of books that had been in storage), and stayed up all night rereading 'The Art'. This is where I 'got my groove'. It was amazing to see what I had underlined as important when I was a kid! While this book was published originally before I was born (and the females in my class perceive some of his attitudes as 'sexist'), the insights you will find here about the doing of science will inspire and enlighten you. I have been teaching a professional development course for plant scientists for more than a decade, and Beveridge is a required text. If you are a working scientist or just a student thinking about science, you need to inhale this! It's not a 'how-to' manual, but the operating philosophy is timeless. Can you tell I'm a fan?
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Being a scientist myself, I was amazed at how much of my own thoughts and feelings were to be found here, in a 50 years old book about science and scientists. The book is spot-on in describing and discussing various aspects of how, when, and where favorable conditions for scientific progress arise. Its built on a nice mix of the author's own experience, findings from studies, and just common sense. The focus is, throughout, on what type of person a scientist really is, and has to be, to succeed. I think it will mainly be appreciated if you are a scientist yourself, or a prospecting scientist, whereas a reader searching for "scientific theory" or principles better search elsewhere.
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