Answer to Question #1209 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Historical Issues/Applications

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

How was the scientific method developed?

I believe the 16th century philosopher Francis Bacon had much to do with the development of modern scientific method. See the Web site below for a detailed summary of his work.

http://www.utm.edu/research/iep/b/bacon.htm

Also, Loren Eiseley, a late professor at the University of Pennsylvania, writes in his book about Bacon, The Man Who Saw Through Time, that he ". . . more fully than any man of his time, entertained the idea of the universe as a problem to be solved, examined, meditated upon, rather than as an eternally fixed stage, upon which man walked." I highly recommend this wonderful book. It was published in 1973 by Scribner and Sons but is now out of print. Amazon.com has a limited number of used copies. Go to Amazon's Web site, click on "books," and put Eiseley in the "search" box.

David J. Allard, CHP

Answer posted on September 20, 2001. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.