Science of Biology and Scientific Method 19 



effects of geographic distribution of living organisms^, and we must be 

 familiar with some of the geologic records left by organisms of the past 

 in the various strata of the earth. 



Biology can also serve as a foundation for such professions as medi- 

 cine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, agriculture, forestry, education, en- 

 tomology, horticulture, landscape gardening, and the "profession of 

 living." In our preparation for such professions, we will appreciate 

 the interrelationship of all the sciences, such as chemistry, biology, 

 physics, geology, geography, psychology, sociology, history, paleontology, 

 and many others. 



A conscientious and extensive study of the natural sciences will aid 

 us in one of the most worth-while problems of our existence — the forma- 

 tion of such a philosophy of life that we shall live long, happy, and 

 prosperous lives, ready to attack willingly the problems of the day and 

 not to shirk our many responsibilities. It may suggest that each of us 

 has a mission, no matter how great or small, and that there is a cer- 

 tain responsibility for our individual life which is loaned to us at birth, 

 taken away at death, and for which we should feel somewhat account- 

 able during our existence. 



II. HOW TO STUDY BIOLOGY 



Undoubtedly to some persons such a topic as the above seems some- 

 what superfluous, but experience shows that students frequently have 

 difficulty in mastering a science in college whether they have had a 

 similar course in high school or not. A great part of this difficulty may 

 be attributed to a lack of knowledge as to how best to study a par- 

 ticular science. Consequently, a few suggestions as to the best pro- 

 cedures to follow may not be amiss. Naturally, there can be no rules 

 which can be applied by all individuals with equal success. Some of 

 the following rules are somewhat general and can be applied profitably 

 in the study of any subject. Others are more specifically related to the 

 mastery of such a science as biology. 



Have a particular time and place for study. Permit nothing to 

 interfere with your program of study. Make study a habit which can- 

 not be broken. Start your work promptly; do not waste valuable time 

 in getting started. Before studying a new assignment spend some time 

 reviewing previous work with which you have had particular difficulty. 

 Attempt to associate the various parts of the assignment into a unified 

 whole. Associate the work of the classroom, laboratory, and books in 



