THE EMBRYOLOGIST AS A SCIENTIST 9 



The Embryologist as a Scientist 



There are certain characteristics necessary for success and satis- 

 faction in pursuing the study of embryology, or, in fact, any science. 

 Some of these may be inherent, but it is more reaHstic to assume that 

 they can be developed. 



First: One must have the completely open mind characteristic of 

 any true scientist. A student must come to any science without bias, 

 without preconceived or prejudiced concepts. He must be willing to 

 say: "Show me, give me proof, and then Fll believe." Science is a body 

 of knowledge, accumulated through generations by fallible human be- 

 ings. It is therefore as reliable as human experience but it is subject to 

 change with knowledge gained through further human experience. 

 Basically this body of demonstrated fact can be accepted at its face 

 value as a foundation upon which to build. It is a heritage of genera- 

 tions of trial and error, of observation, experimentation, and verifica- 

 tion. But the scientific attitude presumes that there is still much to 

 learn, and some ideas to be revised. The scientist maintains an open 

 mind, eager to be shown and willing to accept demonstrable fact. 



Second: The student of embryology must have the ability to visu- 

 alize dynamic changes in a three-dimensional field. Most embryos are 

 not naturally transparent and it is difficult to observe directly what is 



Post- 

 erior 



FRONTAL SECTION -LATERAL VIEW 



FRONTAL SECTION- DORSAL VIEW 

 Dorsal 



TRANSVERSE SERIAL SECTIONS - LATERAL VIEW SAGITTAL SECTION - LATERAL VIEW 



Planes in which the embryo may be cut or sectioned. 



