20 Introductory Biology 



such a way that you have a clear, vivid picture of what has been done. 

 Really to understand a thing you must be able to describe it properly 

 in your own words. Practice this faithfully in your various phases 

 of work. 



One of the attributes of science is accuracy. Strive to be as accurate 

 as possible in your descriptions, dissections, drawings, and examinations. 



One of the chief difficulties encountered in the study of any new 

 subject, such as biology, is a mastery of the vocabulary or new terms. 

 Make it a rule to look up the derivation of each new word. Pay par- 

 ticular attention to its correct pronunciation. Recall other words with 

 similar derivations. Use all newly acquired words as repeatedly and 

 accurately as possible to ensure familiarity. 



Read an assignment through for the purpose of getting a general idea 

 of its contents. Then reread the same assignment more carefully, em- 

 phasizing the details and weaving them into a unified whole. When 

 studying, it may be desirable to make notes of the most important 

 points, placing them in such form as to be most serviceable in retaining 

 the valuable ones. Seeing these facts in your own handwriting makes 

 them more lasting and valuable. Certain statements must be copied 

 verbatim, but many should be written in your own words. This latter 

 point is important, because, if you can write it correctly in your own 

 words, you probably will really understand it. When studying an 

 assignment, always refer to diagrams, graphs, and illustrations which 

 pertain to the topic in question. Correlate these as much as possible 

 with your laboratory work. 



When attempting to remember something, take the attitude of "intent 

 to remember." We may read a paragraph and at its conclusion be 

 unable to tell its contents. Read with the intent to remember. In 

 this attempt associate your new ideas with those you already know. 

 Utilize your new information as frequently as possible in your thinking, 

 conversation, and writing. 



TIL THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD 



One of the most valuable results of a study of such a science as 

 biology is the development of the so-called scientific method. A course 

 in biologic science should give the student a correct idea of the aim and 

 nature of science, the methods employed, and the value and limitations 

 of it. Science attempts to observe and describe facts and relate them to 

 each other. Its conclusions are always subject to revision in the light 



