An Introduction to a Biology 



§3 



In scientific investigation there are two pro- 

 cesses. The phenomena are first to be observed 

 and described ; and then, when this is completed, 

 an attempt is made to interpret them. But it is 

 very rare that this chronological sequence is strictly 

 adhered to by the investigator. It is very rare 

 that, as a necessary preparation of himself, he 

 deliberately purges his mind of any preconceived 

 interpretation of the phenomena he is about to 

 describe. Yet if his description is to be unbiased 

 and uncoloured by any interpretation, it is obviously 

 necessary that he should do this. I fear that Inter- 

 pretation (if I may personify that process for a 

 moment) at the threshold of a piece of research 

 does not hold back and say to Description, " Allow 

 me — Description first." Both rush in together, with- 

 out ceremony, hand in hand. For they are in- 

 separable companions. And the result is that in 

 the work of Description the hand of Interpretation 

 can always be traced. 



In its simplest and least dangerous form the 

 influence of interpretation upon description is seen 

 in the work of the budding investigator, when he 

 first embarks upon a piece of " original research." 

 The subject of inquiry is usually suggested by the 

 lad's teacher, who, in the worst cases, wishes the 

 results of the inquiry to point in a particular direc- 

 tion, and does not conceal his wishes from his pupil, 

 and who in all cases indicates the lines along which, 

 and the methods by which, the research should be 

 carried out. But this is not a dangerous form of 



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