PREFACE 



epitomised in the second section of Chapter One. Trouble has 

 been taken to collect anecdotes showing how discoveries have 

 been made, because they may prove useful to those studying the 

 ways in which knowledge has been advanced. Each anecdote is 

 cited in that part of the book where it is most apt in illustrating 

 a particular aspect of research, but often its interest is not limited 

 to the exemplification of any single point. Other anecdotes are 

 given in the Appendix. I apologise in advance for referring in 

 several places to my own experience as a source of intimate 

 information. 



I sincerely thank many friends and colleagues to whom I am 

 greatly indebted for helpful suggestions, criticism and references. 

 The following kindly read through an early draft of the book and 

 gave me the benefit of their impressions : Dr. M. Abercrombie, 

 Dr. C. H. Andrewes, Sir Frederic Bartlett, Dr. G. K. Batchelor, 

 Dr. A. C. Crombie, Dr. T. K. Ewer, Dr. G. S. Graham-Smith, 

 Mr. G. C. Grindley, Mr. H. Lloyd Jones, Dr. G. Lapage, Sir 

 Charles Martin, Dr. I. Macdonald, Dr. G. L. McClymont, Dr. 

 Marjory Stephenson and Dr. D. H. Wilkinson. It must not be 

 inferred, however, that these scientists endorse all the views 

 expressed in the book. 



PREFACE TO SECOND EDITION 



It is most gratifying to be able to add now that the methods of 

 research outlined in this book have received endorsement by a 

 considerable number of scientists, both in reviews and in private 

 communications. I have not yet met any serious disagreement 

 with the main principles. Therefore it is now possible to oflfer the 

 book with greater confidence. 



I am deeply grateful to the many well-wishers who have written 

 to me, some with interesting confirmation of views expressed in 

 the book, and some drawing attention to minor errors. The 

 alterations introduced in this second edition are for the most part 

 minor revisions but the chapter on Reason has been partly 

 rewritten. 



Cambridge, July 1953. W.I.B.B. 



XI 



