Field notes on science & nature

Field notes are the recorded observations of a scientist or naturalist and typically include both textual notes and sketches. This volume includes discussions of traditional paper-and-ink methods of maintaining field notes as well as more modern digital developments, along with the strengths and weaknesses of each. Canfield (organismic and evolutionary biology, Harvard Univ.) starts off with an overview and brief history of field notes. Twelve field scientists then provide perspective on their experiences and approaches to note-taking. A number of them trace this activity back to their childhoods. The volume is copiously illustrated with reproductions from actual notebooks. The value of field notes extends beyond a simple record of observations, however. The process of recording notes or drawing necessitates thorough observation and examination of the subject and may have profound influence on the subsequent development of ideas. Although this is not an instruction manual per se, it includes advice and provides examples for those currently working as field researchers or amateurs. Some sections do take on a more practical, instructional tone. Summing Up: Essential. Biology collections serving lower-division undergraduates through researchers/faculty; general readers. C. E. Buckley Illinois State University