PART III. INTRODUCTORY. 



through an extensive preliminary investigation. (Conclusion 11.) 

 (12) We can accomplish practically nothing of consequence by 

 ourselves, and therefore the widest collaboration is necessary 

 in scientific work. (Conclusion 12.) (13) We familiarise our- 

 selves through a few examples with the form an enquiry should 

 take. (Conclusion 13.) (14) We seek to determine the precise 

 nature of the problem to be investigated. (Conclusion 14.) 

 (15) Common experience resembles shifting sands, and common 

 terms and reflections mirror them. Accordingly, in seeking 

 to determine the precise nature of the problem, we need to 

 aim throughout the enquiry at rigidly defined terms, at precise 

 comprehensive conclusions, and at definiteness in thought and 

 statements generally. (Conclusion 15.) (16) We look around for 

 undisputed facts apposite to our enquiry, and note what patent 

 resemblances and divergences they present. We turn in every 

 direction in space and time to collect samples of the pheno- 

 menon until we are reasonably sure that we fairly apprehend 

 its specific nature. In observing, there is need of strenuous 

 mental application, and need of the observations being, among 

 other things, graded, comprehensive, important, numerous, full, 

 rational and relevant, original, automatically initiated, and 

 methodically developed. (Conclusion 16.) (17) We take now 

 a snapshot at a particular fact. We examine whether it is 

 really one and not composite, really composite and not one. 

 We distinguish it from its environment, and measure the in- 

 fluence of time and position in space and consciousness. (Con- 

 clusion 17.) (18) To observe, even for an instant, is mainly 

 to recognise; to observe for several instants involves that we 

 do not forget what we observe from instant to instant; and the 

 conduct of an enquiry therefore commonly implies an efficient 

 memory and keeping and consulting records. Furthermore, the 

 process entails adaptation to circumstances known and unknown, 

 and therefore a more or less full use and understanding of the 

 imagination and a systematic utilisation of the thought process. 

 (Conclusion 18.) (19) We acknowledge the need for ensuring 

 easy, exhaustive, 'and impartial observation. (Conclusion 19.) 



(20) We search for the simplest practicable case. (Conclusion 20.) 



(21) We are habitually alert, and keep our attention unremit- 

 tingly concentrated. (Conclusion 21.) (22) We collect the largest 

 number of facts accessible to an indefatigable investigator, and 

 ascertain the unlike as well as the like. (Conclusion 22.) (23) We 

 exhaust classes of static and dynamic facts, their conditions, 

 and their accompanying uniformities. (Conclusion 23.) (24) Our 

 attitude is throughout critical and our treatment provisional, 

 and we test results repeatedly. (Conclusion 24.) (25) Having 

 observed a number of instances, we collate the common charac- 

 ters, and form one or more generalisations. In generalising, there 

 is need of strenuous mental application, and need of the generali- 

 sations being graded, comprehensive, important, numerous, full, 



