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It is impossible to devise an experiment without a preconceived idea; devising an experiment, we said, is putting a question; we never conceive a question without an idea which invites an answer. I consider it, therefore, an absolute principle that experiments must always be devised in view of a preconceived idea, no matter if the idea be not very clear nor very well defined.
Claude Bernard
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Experiments are based on preconceived ideas, as they stem from questions that need answers.

Claude Bernard emphasizes that the foundation of any scientific experiment is rooted in a preconceived idea or hypothesis. He contends that when we formulate questions to investigate, those questions inherently arise from existing ideas, even if they are not fully formed. This highlights the interplay between thought and inquiry in the scientific method.

Themes

ExperimentPreconceived IdeaScientific MethodInquiryHypothesis

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used to emphasize the necessity of having a hypothesis in science classes.

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Now, a living organism is nothing but a wonderful machine endowed with the most marvellous properties and set going by means of the most complex and delicate mechanism.
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