Re: Most experiments are performed in labs

["Bernard G. Cleyet & Nancy Ann Seese" <georgeann@REDSHIFT.COM>]

Interleaved:

"Paul O. Johnson" wrote:

> I have searched in vain during the past several weeks for a message on this
> list in which the word "lab" was used with its correct meaning.
>
> I know that most readers will dismiss my objection as a nitpick from the
> depths of geezerhood, but I have mounted a crusade in my classes to convince
> ----------- cut

> The word "lab" is a case in point. It appears to be almost universally used
> nowadays by both students and faculty to mean "experiment." We all will
> agree, I trust, that an experiment is an investigation of the relationship
> between variable quantities conducted by accurately measuring values of the
> quantities as they change in time or place. Experiments are usually
> performed in a laboratory.
>
> Calling an experiment a "lab" reflects careless word usage and sets a bad
> example to our students. If we call what we are performing a "lab," what,
> then, do we call the room we are performing it in?

Laboratory.  Lab. is an abbreviation for laboratory expt.   Laboratory is also an adj., meaning of or pertaining to, used, or done in a laboratory.   -- Therefore, lab. manual is "ok" by your comb.

> Some will say that this trend is due to laziness; we are simply using a
> one-syllable word rather than a four-syllable word. Others claim that such
> concerns are out of place in informal communications such as on Phys-L,
> Physhare, and Tap-L.

However, (cf. another post about dirt in a hole), I think there must be a balance between precision and "common-sense" assumption.

> But I lean toward the view that it is really a sign of
> imprecise thinking, and of not considering the impact of poor word usage in
> informal as well as formal writing.

Such as saying (writing) feel instead of think?

> God knows I am not a language person in Dave Barry's league. English was one
> of my least appreciated courses in college. But many years of grading
> student papers, along with a stint of editing manuscripts submitted for
> publication, has convinced me that we must pay more attention to it.
>
> Since the English teachers in our schools cannot get the job done by
> themselves, those of us who care about accurate communication must leap in
> and help guide our students toward better word usage and better spelling.
> And as always, we ourselves learn more when we teach a subject than we ever
> do as students.

Right on!   I've recently posted the recommendation to read Zinsser's "Writing to Learn."  He includes examples of science writing.

> The down side of this is that questionable syntax and poor spelling in notes
> from our contemporaries tend to jump out at us, to the detriment of their
> message.

One must, though difficult, be Zen like.



> End of sermon..
>
> Paul O. Johnson