When one reads old books or articles from the XVIIIth or XIXth centuries or early XXth century the style of these scientific texts approached literary (belles-lettres) style. Authors had a characteristic and very fascinating manner and elegance depending on the age and the language of the authors. Look at the works of Aristotle, Avicenna, Carolus Linnaus, René-Antoine Réaumur, Maria Sibylla Merian, Immanuel Kant, Charles Darwin, etc. Regarding the scientific style of our age this is only a skeleton containing basic information and stylistically totally uniformed when compared with the manner of classical scientists/authors.
I used to mention literature, music, art, history and mythology when delivering lectures and today a student has asked me why I have not written an entomology textbook containing these elements. I told her that the reviewer would delete immediately these unnecessary things.
Is there an opportunity to make scientific writing more interesting? Certainly, I do not think on popular tricks. May have negative consequences of the lack of real style in scientific writing?
Yes, the style is the man. When you have to write a scientific paper, there are certain guidelines to follow. Your style is not the first one. We do must follow the rules.
@Andras, citations follows :"I used to mention literature, music, art, history and mythology when delivering lectures and today a student has asked me why I have not written an entomology textbook containing these elements. I told her that the reviewer would delete immediately these unnecessary things." ____
I do think it is nice to talk that way to students, make them open minded people, teach them not only subject, but life also,...,...etc. I find that such book on entomology would be welcomed! You should try to find well educated reviwer, a man of broad views!
So, You gave the answer to your question about scientific writing being more interesting.
Write book! Regards, good luck!
Yes, the style is the man. When you have to write a scientific paper, there are certain guidelines to follow. Your style is not the first one. We do must follow the rules.
Dear George,
Unfortunately, I am not familiar with the mathematical style.
Dear Ljubomir,
I thought that an author must have a certain freedom in explaining his point. I am not against the logical and progressive guidelines but I need the enjoyable style – genre - of scientific communications. I do not think an advantage when it is impossible to differ articles of various people.
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