CHAPTER 



1 



Science 



Biology has become a quantitative, experimental science. So much 

 emphasis is now being placed upon the use of mathematical, physical, 

 and chemical tools in the attempt to learn about living things that the 

 beginner may be bewildered. It is the purpose of this book to provide 

 a starting point from which modern research in biology can be explored. 



Science surrounds us in modern America. Every day we are confronted 

 with some "scientific" marvel. Today's children probably know more 

 about space flight, radar, and viruses than science itself knew a genera- 

 tion ago. Science is prominent in all our lives, and it is the duty of 

 any educated person to find out what science is about. 



As a beginning, therefore, one should ask such questions as: What 

 is science? What are the goals of scientific activity? What is research? 

 Is all of science devoted to improving human comfort and convenience? 

 What is the difference between the scientist and an "ordinary man"? 

 By what methods are the goals of science achieved? Does science have 

 any limitations? Let us briefly explore these and some other questions. 



What is science? 



Science has been with us for a very long time, and yet it is difficult 

 to agree on a precise definition. According to the Latin origins, the 

 word means "knowledge," or better, "systematized knowledge." Science 

 then would be a set of facts, understandings, and explanations arranged 

 in some orderly manner. But is this definition adequate? I have knowl- 



