4. The classification and explanation of the result.
5. The extension of the knowledge gained by turning it to investigations suggested by what has already been learned.
6. The practical application of the knowledge gained.
II. In ordinary experiments for educational purposes the experimenter follows in a general way in the footsteps of the original investigator. There are the following elements to be considered:
1. The arrangement of conditions in general imitation of the original investigator. This arrangement needs only to be general. For example, if an original investigation were undertaken to determine the composition of a metallic oxide, the metal and the oxygen would both be carefully saved to be measured and weighed and fully tested. The ordinary experiment would be considered successful if oxygen and the metal were shown to result.
2. The careful consideration of what should happen.
3 The determination that the expected either does or does not happen, with examination of reasons and elimination of disturbing causes in the latter case.
4. The accepting as true of the classification and explanation already given. Theories, explanations, and laws are thus accepted every day by minds which could never have originated either them or the experiments from which they were derived.
The method of original investigation, strictly considered, presents many difficulties. A long course of preliminary training--a thorough knowledge of what has been done in a given field already--a quick imagination--a genius for devising forms of apparatus which will enable him to work well under particular conditions in the most simple and effective way--the faculty of suspending judgment, and of seeing what happens, all that happens, and just how it happens--patience--caution--courage--quick judgment when a completed experiment presses for an explanation--these are some of the characteristics which must belong to the original worker.
Were we all capable of doing such work there would be these advantages, among others, of studying for ourselves: