The foundation of science is careful observation. Observation is limited by the tools and techniques available, as well as the person making the observations. It makes a difference whether we are using the human eye, a microscope, a scanning electron microscope, or spectrophotometer. Each new tool allows for observations and data at new levels, which can change previous explanations of phenomena. The kinds of observations made and the data collected can vary tremendously. Not all aspects of nature, for example, are easily measurable and quantifiable. It is easier to measure the beak depth of Galapagos finches than it is to measure their courtship behavior or songs.
During some part of the day I wrote my Journal, and took much pains in describing carefully and vividly all that I had seen; and this was good practice.
-- Charles Darwin,
The Autobiography of Charles Darwin, p.78. New York: W.W. Norton and Company, Inc., 1958 |
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