SCIENCES

On the Art and Craft of Doing Science

by Kenneth Catania
Princeton Univ. Feb. 2025. 224p. ISBN 9780691249261. pap. $22.95. SCI
COPY ISBN
In this volume, Catania (biological sciences, Vanderbilt Univ.; Great Adaptations: Star-Nosed Moles, Electric Eels, and Other Tales of Evolution’s Mysteries Solved) looks back over his career and reflects on the elements and personal characteristics that make up the successful craft of science. He focuses on the creative, messy, and nonlinear aspects of science instead of logical, linear, and analytical factors. The book brings to the fore an important point: that soft skills are equally—if not more—critical in conducting science (in comparison to hard skills), but they are frequently absent from any serious discussions of how quality science is conducted. This title is an excellently written and illustrated work and contains many examples and illustrations from Catania’s own scientific career.
VERDICT The book is clearly directed to budding or novice scientists and loaded with advice on how to improve their scientific skills and communicate better with the general public. Recommended for all academic libraries.
Reviewed by Marjorie Mann , Dec 13, 2024
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

NONFICTION

The Portable Feminist Reader
NONFICTION

Queer Lasting: Ecologies of Care for a Dying World
by Ensor, Sarah
NONFICTION

Calling In: How To Start Making Change with Those You’d Rather Cancel
by Ross, Loretta J.
NONFICTION

Pollinators of the American West: A Field Guide to Over 300 Invertebrate Pollinators
by Denver Botanic Gardens, & Butterfly Pavilion
NONFICTION

Deviant Matter: Ferment, Intoxicants, Jelly, Rot
by Tompkins, Kyla Wazana
NONFICTION

Dreaming Reality: How Neuroscience and Mysticism Can Unlock the Secrets of Consciousness
by Miskovic, Vladimir & Steven Jay Lynn
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?