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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.
  1. 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
  2. '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
  3. [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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. Even a small number of observations may suggest an explanation—a hypothesis or theory.
    — from How We Think by John Dewey
  8. In such observations three cases are possible.
    — from The Principles of Psychology, Volume 1 (of 2) by William James
  9. 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

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