22 JAN 2014 by ideonexus
Ask Nature Many Questions at Once
No aphorism is more frequently repeated . . . than that we must ask Nature few questions, or ideally, one question at a time. The writer is convinced that this view is wholly mistaken. Nature, he suggests, will best respond to a logically and carefully thought out questionnaire; indeed if we ask her a single question, she will often refuse to answer until some other topic has been discussed.Folksonomies: scientific method investigation
Folksonomies: scientific method investigation
1 
notes
notesAgainst the common wisdom of asking one question at a time.
22 JAN 2014 by ideonexus
The Three Principal Means of Investigation
We have three principal means: observation of nature, reflection, and experiment. Observation gathers the facts, reflection combines them, experiment verifies the result of the combination. It is essential that the observation of nature be assiduous, that reflection be profound, and that experimentation be exact. Rarely does one see these abilities in combination. And so, creative geniuses are not common. 1 notes
notesEach is a virtue, and strength in all three is rare.
23 JUN 2012 by ideonexus
Science is Pursuit of Truth
Science, regarded as the pursuit of truth, which can only be attained by patient and unprejudiced investigation, wherein nothing is to be attempted, nothing so minute as to be justly disregarded, must ever afford occupation of consummate interest, and subject of elevated meditation. Folksonomies: science investigation
Folksonomies: science investigation
1 notes
notesObtained by patient, unprejudiced investigation.
07 MAY 2012 by ideonexus
Why the Pioneer Anomaly is Worth Investigating
In the short run, knowing the gravitational constant to one more decimal digit of precision or placing even tighter limits on any deviation from Einstein's gravitational theory may seem like painfully nitpicking detail. Yet one must not lose sight of the "big picture." When researchers were measuring the properties of electricity with ever more refined instruments over two hundred years ago, they did not envision continent-spanning power grids, an information economy, or tiny electrical signa... 1 notes
notesThe effect is tiny, but magnified over great distances, and if we are meticulous now, we make it possible for future generations to traverse the solar system.
30 JAN 2012 by ideonexus
Take a Break to Find a Solution
If a solution fails to appear ... and yet we feel success is just around the corner, try resting for a while. ... Like the early morning frost, this intellectual refreshment withers the parasitic and nasty vegetation that smothers the good seed. Bursting forth at last is the flower of truth. Folksonomies: investigation working
Folksonomies: investigation working
1 notes
notesWhen dealing with a complicated issue and you feel you are on the verge of a breakthrough, take a break and the solution will come to you.
28 JAN 2012 by ideonexus
Don't Be Discouraged by the Complexity of Nature
Far from becoming discouraged, the philosopher should applaud nature, even when she appears miserly of herself or overly mysterious, and should feel pleased that as he lifts one part of her veil, she allows him to glimpse an immense number of other objects, all worthy of investigation. For what we already know should allow us to judge of what we will be able to know; the human mind has no frontiers, it extends proportionately as the universe displays itself; man, then, can and must attempt al... 1 notes
notesMaintain the enthusiasm that investigation will reveal all her secrets.
20 MAY 2011 by ideonexus
Uncle Paul Investigates the Natural World
And so they say that Uncle Paul knows any number
of stories. He investigates, he observes for himself. When
he walks in his garden he is seen now and then to stop
before the hive, around which the bees are humming, or
under the elder bush, from which the little flowers fall
softly, like flakes of snow; sometimes he stoops to the
ground for a better view of a little crawling insect, or a
blade of grass just pushing into view. What does he see?
What does he observe? Who knows? They say, however...
1 And learns nature's wonderful secrets.
