Recommended Books
Discovering: Inventing and Solving Problems at the Frontiers of Scientific Knowledge
by Robert Scott Root-Bernstein
Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1989.
(1991 paperback 501pp.) Reprint October 1997
Also Reprinted in January 1997 by Replica Books
Discovering Robert Scott Root-Bernstein's book may be difficult even though it has been out in at least 3 versions since its first publication in 1989. However, once you do find a copy, perhaps at your local library, you will be entranced by the story of scientific mind bent on discovery. Told through the eyes or rather mind of 6 fictional characters, not all of them scientists, we see how knowledge can be used to create further knowledge in the scientific realm.
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A scientist at Michigan State University, Root-Bernstein won the coveted MacArthur Foundation Fellowship - the so-called genius award - in June 1981 for the history of science category. Currently he is involved in challenging some of the fundamental assumptions of HIV research. His probe into minds involved in the science of discovery then may never stray too far from his own persona.
Synopsis from Barnes and Noble
This study of scientific creativity is in the form of a discussion among six fictional characters: "Ernest, a biologist and scientific gadfly, better known as Imp, {who} is the instigator of the project; ... his wife, Jenny, a historian of French culture; ...Hunter, a down-to-earth chemist and history of science buff; Ariana, an endocrinologist, who as a photographer and amateur cellist brings her artistic predilections to the debate; Constance, a patent attorney and historian of science; and Richter, Imp's colleague, who serves as the resident curmudgeon and traditionalist. This group ... {debates} whether discoveries are inevitably unpredictable stumbles and sudden flashes of insight . . . or the result of reproducible methods or a bent of mind that might be taught and applied." (N Y Times Book Rev) Bibliography. Index.
From the Critics
From Barry Barnes - The Times Literary Supplement
{The author} provides a rich compendium of examples of scientific innovation, clearly and attractively described in a text, which should present few difficulties for the scientifically literate general reader. And he makes good use of his examples to draw general conclusions and offer relevant insights. He values intuition, analogy {and} dissent.... The danger lies in pressures to conform ... and in the imperatives of application and utility.... While the message is conveyed very well by the examples in the book, it is in no way justified by them. The examples are selected to call attention to a particular aspect of the operation of science, and their interpretation goes even further in laying stress on that aspect and drawing attention away from others. Should the book lead readers to disdain uniformity, conformity and utility in science then it will do them a disservice, for the possible importance of such characteristics is never seriously explored.
From Henry P. Godfrey - Science Books & Films
Although the format is somewhat precious and, in some ways, reminiscent of Hume's Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion, the book is well written, absorbing, and a pleasure to read. The ideas and observations discussed are clearly illuminated by interesting figures and well documented by good references. Many common myths surrounding important scientific discoveries (such as those of Pasteur and Fleming) are carefully examined, and plausible accounts of what really occurred are presented. As a result of this probing, the book has much to offer to both scientists and non-scientists.
From Marcia Bartusiak - The New York Times Book Review
Does this book's fictional approach succeed? Yes and no; the device wears thin after a hundred pages. That the author has done his homework cannot be doubted. But the characters spew forth nuggets of wisdom in machine-gun fashion.... More disturbing is the air of cynicism that pervades the book, evidently springing from Mr. Root-Bernstein's personal battles with 'Big Science.' A running subplot, overly technical and incomprehensible to the non-specialist, has Imp attacking molecular biology's most cherished dogmas.... The author's digs at the workaday scientist may alienate the very audience he must persuade. It is only in the last quarter of the book that Mr. Root-Bernstein convinces. Coherence finally replaces frantic fact-tossing... 'Discovering' is sometimes frustrating, chaotic and, in several places, obscure, but it is also surprising and thought-provoking.
From Booknews
Root-Bernstein (natural science and physiology, Michigan State) attempts to understand how scientists invent through an imaginary reconstruction of the arguments, reflections, and games of six fictional characters. The index is of names only. The bibliography is extensive but would be more useful to general readers if it were classified or annotated. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
From Antony Anderson - New Scientist
{This book} tries to get inside the minds of scientists and presents science as an imaginative endeavour.... {The characters} examine historical figures, such as Louis Pasteur and Alexander Fleming, by analysing their laboratory notes, letters, publications and personal histories. {They} argue issues furiously and fall out with each other. In the end, they come up with some worthwhile conclusions. Meandering along the interesting byways of thought in this book, returning every now and again to the main theme, made me think about what constitutes creativity.... Root-Bernstein suggests several ways of stimulating scientific discovery, for example, by avoiding uniform curricula for the sciences and systematization of education.... {The book} is enjoyable and well worth reading.
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