704 EXPERIMENT STATION RECOBD. 



Some have contended that all facts are contributions to knowl- 

 edge, and that as research depends on the determination of facts the 

 counting of the blades of grass on a plat or the leaves on a tree, 

 wholly apart from any further connection, is research. The results 

 are new facts which apply to the particular case in question, but such 

 facts of themselves have no reach or signifiance, no permanent 

 value, and represent only routine activity. Tlieir determination 

 does not form the part of a plan or supply a link in a theory, and is 

 not guided by any scientific purpose. No matter how scientifically 

 accurate such facts may be their determination manifestly is not 

 what we understand by research. In much the same way, the mak- 

 ing of analyses is in itself not research, although it may be im- 

 portant to that end. Without a guiding purpose that leads beyond 

 the mere determinations they represent routine work. In research 

 the determination of facts is guided by a purpose and aim, and im- 

 plies a use. 



The cataloguing of isolated facts without deducing from them 

 their causes or consequences or relations is not to be classed as re- 

 search. Merely to observe is not sufficient. The observations must 

 be used. We can not be content with the bare facts of the experi- 

 ment. To do so would be to mistake the true nature of science. 

 Isolated facts have little scientific value until they are arranged and 

 correlated. The scientist must set in order. " Science is built up 

 with facts, as a house is with stones. But a collection of facts is no 

 more science than a heap of stones is a house." 



Underlying all research is a definite purpose, a problem which the 

 investigator aims to solve by the marshalling of experimental facts 

 and observations, and their interpretation. Research, therefore, is 

 directed in its selection or determination of facts. We can not know 

 all facts and hence it is necessary to choose those which are worthy 

 of being known, or which for the time being meet the special needs 

 of our investigation. Hence, also, observation and experiment 

 should not be allow^ed to run wild, to wander wherever the facts may 

 lead, but directed for the time being to the special problem under 

 investigation. Fugitive effort accomplishes little. 



The choice of facts is a large element in the method of science. 

 Research advances by a procession of experiments skillfully and in- 

 telligently planned to supply the needed facts. Experiments are not 

 made at random or by chance or to see what will happen, if they 

 form a part of research, but advisedly, as a means to an end, and as 

 an outgrowth of the worldng plan or of what previous experiments 

 have suggested. They are devised for a definite purpose, and in the 

 belief that they will yield the facts needed. It is a part of the func- 

 tion of the skilled investigator to devise ways of getting at the facts 

 needed for his problem. 



