RE: var., ssp., forma.

robert korfhage (korfhage@lis.pitt.edu)
Tue, 31 Jan 95 08:41:56 EST

Ah! Jan's comments on the task of the scientist "...to collect the existing
opinions of his/her colleagues, to add own knowledge and results, and to
decide..." is very interesting! I'm used to "hard" sciences (e.g., math,
chemistry, physics) where the 'objects' are stable enough that the matter of
personal opinion in classification rarely enters the picture. I've also
become involved through my professional work with the "soft" sciences, such
as psychology, where it seems that personal opinion and individual ideas and
accomplishments often rank far above clear-cut, objective facts. Now it
seems that biology lies somewhere in between, as I interpret Jan's remark.

Bob
korfhage@lis.pitt.edu