The Mind of a Scientist = The Mind of an Artist??

[ktlee+ at pitt.edu]

Deb Britt wrote:
> 

> 
> Well, just as not all artists are scientists, not all scientists are
> artists.  I for one can't manage anything better than stick figures.  When
> I taught labs, I used to xerox a lot, so that I didn't have to draw
> (unrecognizable to the students) on the board.  I do, however, have some
> musical ability, and know (or know of) many scientists who are also
> musicians.  I think that creativity is one of the characteristics that is
> necessary to become a good scientist, although the outlet for that
> creativity differs according to the talents of the individual.
> 
> Deb
> 
> --
> Deborah Britt, Ph.D.
> Department of Medical Oncology
> Rhode Island Hospital


I know what you mean. :-) I start all my classes by explaining that I 
will be using overheads frequently because I can only draw stick 
hearts and stick brains. (I teach Anatomy and Physiology).  In my 
other life, I am a singer, and can't imagine what my life would be 
like without music.  I know lots of people who are both scientists and 
either musicians or artists.

Somebody once told me: "Science is 10% creativity and 90% drudgery.  
Every scientist lives for that 10%."  I'm not sure the percentages are 
accurate, but the sentiment is rings true for me. 

Karen

Karen T. Lee (ktlee+ at pitt.edu)
Dept. of Biology
Univ. of Pittsburgh at Johnstown