Literary notes about observations (AI summary)
In literature, the term "observations" takes on a multifaceted role, ranging from casual remarks to systematic scientific data. In narrative works such as Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina [1] and Dickens’ Our Mutual Friend [2], observations reveal characters’ internal dilemmas or serve as subtle commentary, while in scientific and historical texts—from Newton’s systematic experiments in Opticks [3] to Lewis and Clark’s precise measurements [4], [5]—they denote rigorous records of empirical data. Authors like Darwin [6], Dewey [7], and James [8], [9] use observations as the foundation for developing arguments or hypotheses, highlighting both subjective insights and objective scrutiny. Thus, whether in reflective, anecdotal, or analytical contexts, "observations" function as both a narrative device and a methodological tool, enriching the text by linking firsthand perception with broader interpretative frameworks.
- Trivial as these two observations were, they perplexed her, and she had her doubts as to Madame Stahl.
— from Anna Karenina by graf Leo Tolstoy - 'You can't tell me the name of my trade, I'll be bound,' she said, after taking several of these observations.
— from Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens - [Pg 193] THE SECOND BOOK OF OPTICKS PART I. Observations concerning the Reflexions, Refractions, and Colours of thin transparent Bodies.
— from Opticks : by Isaac Newton - The clouds last night prevented my taking any lunar observations this day I took Equal Altitudes of the 0 with Sextant.
— from The Journals of Lewis and Clark, 1804-1806 by William Clark and Meriwether Lewis - of this place the mean of 2 observations is 46° 34' 56.3" North.
— from The Journals of Lewis and Clark, 1804-1806 by William Clark and Meriwether Lewis - Hence, I will give the observations which I made in some little detail.
— from The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection by Charles Darwin - Even a small number of observations may suggest an explanation—a hypothesis or theory.
— from How We Think by John Dewey - In such observations three cases are possible.
— from The Principles of Psychology, Volume 1 (of 2) by William James - It ought to be observed, however, that Buccola's figure has little value, his observations not being well fitted to show this particular point.
— from The Principles of Psychology, Volume 1 (of 2) by William James