The Art of Scientific Writing: From Student Reports to Professional Publications in Chemistry and Related Fields

Most scientists live in a "publish or perish" environment, but few would describe themselves as brilliant (or enthusiastic) writers. Coming to the aid of all those wishing to improve the quality of their scientific writing -- established researchers and aspiring students alike -- three experienced authors/scientists from differing backgrounds and cultures have compiled this classic guide.
This new edition has been completely revised to reflect dramatic changes in communication over the past 15 years. The primary emphasis is on writing techniques, accurate expression, adherence to accepted standards, and above all clarity, but the authors also venture into communication technology and organizational as well as ethical aspects of science. Numerous appendices and a particularly comprehensive index complete this highly useful book.

"The authors have a passion, not only for clarity and economy of style, but also for precision and consistency."
(Nature)

"A wealth of information contained in a single book of manageable proportions. Students reporting on a simple laboratory experiment and their teachers preparing a paper or lecture will both find this book a constant companion."
(European Science Editing)

"The book under review claims, 'we know of no book as broad in its coverage, as critical in its analysis of existing trends, and as international in its scope'. This claim is immodest but accurate."
(Trends in Pharmacological Sciences)

PART I: GOALS AND FORMS IN SCIENTIFIC WRITING.

1. Reports.

2. Dissertations.

3. Journal Articles.

4. Books.

PART II: MATERIALS, TOOLS, AND METHODS IN SCIENTIFIC WRITING.

5. Writing Techniques.

6. Formulas.

7. Figures.

8. Tables.

9. Collecting and Citing the Literature.

Appendix A: Reference Format.

Appendix B: Selected Quantities, Units, and Constants.

Appendix C: The 20 Commandments of Electronic Manuscripts.

Appendix D: Conversion Tips.

Literature.

Index.