Abstract
THE object of research is to discover something which was not previously known, or to correct or to confirm some previous observations. There are two methods of research—one by observation, the other by experiment. In medical research the method by observation is much out of fashion; it is slow, and may be often interrupted for want of material. The imperfection of the material is often very disappointing. The method by experiment (not by any means limited to experiments on animals), on the other hand, is the fashion of the day; it is quicker, less liable to be interrupted, and may yield brilliant results in a very short space of time. But it is a two-edged weapon, and needs to be used, and its results to be accepted, with great caution. Mr. Hunter, who was a confirmed and most ingenious experimenter, said in the course of his evidence at the trial of Captain Donellan:— “ I apprehend a great deal depends upon the mode of experiment; no man is fit to make one but those who have made many and paid attention to all the circumstances that relate to experiments.”
Article PDF
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Research in Medicine 1 . Nature 87, 468–469 (1911). https://doi.org/10.1038/087468a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/087468a0