Advice for a Young Investigator

by Ramon Y Cajal, Santiago; Swanson, Neely; Swanson, Larry W.

• ISBN13: 9780262681506
• ISBN10: 0262681501
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-02-27
• Publisher: Bradford Books

Summary

Santiago Ramon y Cajal was a mythic figure in science. Hailed as the father of modern anatomy and neurobiology, he was largely responsible for the modern conception of the brain. His groundbreaking works were New Ideas on the Structure of the Nervous Systemand Histology of the Nervous System in Man and Vertebrates. In addition to leaving a legacy of unparalleled scientific research, Cajal sought to educate the novice scientist about how science was done and how he thought it should be done. This recently rediscovered classic, first published in 1897, is an anecdotal guide for the perplexed new investigator as well as a refreshing resource for the old pro. Cajal was a pragmatist, aware of the pitfalls of being too idealistic -- and he had a sense of humor, particularly evident in his diagnoses of various stereotypes of eccentric scientists. The book covers everything from valuable personality traits for an investigator to social factors conducive to scientific work.

Author Biography

Neely Swanson is a scholar of romance languages.

Larry W. Swanson is Senior Member of the Salk Institute, Adjunct Professor in the Department of Neurosciences at the University of California, San Diego, and Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

Table of Contents

Foreword	p. vii
Preface to the second edition	p. xiii
Preface to the third edition	p. xvii
Preface to the fourth edition	p. xix
Introduction	p. 1
Thoughts about general methods
Abstract rules are sterile
Need to enlighten the mind and strengthen resolve
Organization of the book
Beginner's Traps	p. 9
Undue admiration of authority
The most important problems are already solved
Preoccupation with applied science
Perceived lack of ability
Intellectual Qualities	p. 29
Independent judgment
Concentration
Passion for reputation
Patriotism
Taste for scientific originality
What Newcomers to Biological Research Should Know	p. 53
General education
The need for specialization
Foreign languages
How monographs should be read
The absolute necessity of seeking inspiration in nature
Mastery of technique
In search of original data
Diseases of the Will	p. 75
Contemplators
Bibliophiles and polyglots
Megalomaniacs
Instrument addicts
Misfits
Theorists
Social Factors Beneficial to Scientific Work	p. 89
Material support
Having a profession and doing research work are compatible
The investigator and his family
Stages of Scientific Research	p. 111
Observation
Experimentation
Working hypotheses
Proof
On Writing Scientific Papers	p. 125
Justification for scientific contributions
Bibliography
Justice and courtesy in decisions
Description of methods
Conclusions
The need for illustrations
Style
The publication of scientific works
The Investigator as Teacher	p. 137
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