How to Write & Publish a Scientific Paper

by Robert Day

Book Overview

This witty and practical guide to organizing, writing, and submitting scientific research for publication in a scholarly scientific journal is designed to help good scientists become good writers. Each edition of this popular work has quickly become an Oryx bestseller, and the new fifth edition has been extensively revised to reflect the significant impact of the Internet and other electronic resources on the writing and publishing of scientific papers.This...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1573561649
• ISBN13: 9781573561648
• Release Date: July 1998
• Publisher: Oryx Pr
• Length: 275 Pages
• Weight: 1.34 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.5" x 1.0" x 6.5"

Customer Reviews

Teaches how to write, not how to do science

Dr. Day was editting scientific manuscripts for longer than twenty years. His text is eminently readable, even enjoyable, and, yes, he does have some anachronisms - like the suggestion to submit a typed manuscript. But it's been through five editions, spanning major changes in publishing. The text describes how to organize an original scientific publication, as well as posters, reviews, theses, and some other forms of scientific communication. It even presents information about the editorial and review processes. Not how to do the research, but rather what belongs in the introduction, how to organize the experimental, etc. The price of the book is worth it just for his insights on how to organize tables effectively, and he does similar treatment for figures. I've written some twenty papers using Day's text, and I recommend it everyone who is involved with research publications. The style of writing is light and humorous, which contributes to the effectiveness - it's enjoyable to read. I don't understand Dr. Moore's so apparent dissatisfaction with Day's text. True, it does not attempt to present a recipe to slavishly follow; Day assumes he's writing for a scientist who understands the area in which he's working and recognizes that there will be differences for each publication. It does, however, do as promised, assuming you think about what you read: Dr. Day's text teaches you how to write and publish a scientific paper.

Great for all levels

I was first introduced to this book while in college and continue to draw from it as a resource. I encourage my students to purchase it for themselves and I give examples from the book when lecturing on "good" writing techniques. This book is good for all levels from the freshman science student to the accomplished research scientist. Day's use of textual humor and Peanuts cartoons is a welcome break from the typical boring style of "how to write" books. I would recommend this book for anyone involved in scientific writing no matter what their background OR what field they are writing for.

Must-have reference!

I read the 4th edition, but I assume this 5th edition is even better, if that were possible! My copy sits among the dictionary, the thesaurus, and the scientific style guide. Written with humor, this amazing how-to book breaks down all of the components of writing any scientific product, be it thesis or manuscript, and gives practical instructions on what to include and what to avoid. I especially enjoyed the grammar sections, with its real-world examples, such as "lying on top of the intestines, you will perhaps make out a small transparent thread," which is a somewhat gooey spot for observation... I refer to this book every time I write, and find new advice to keep me on track--and published!

The ultimate guide for scientists who want share ideas.

I was acquainted with Robert Day's How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper during my post graduate years. Only the fourth edition was available then. I have since continually recommended it to all people in my scientific circles. Now that I am involved in helping budding scientists take their first steps in research, I use Day's book as my bible. Most of the undergraduate students that have come by me have been exposed to this handy reference, and I believe that through Day's book third world science can actually level up to our first world counterparts.

one of the best !!

as i am preparing for Ph.D. research in law, i thought i bought this book by mistake, for the title contained the word "Scientific"! it turned out to be one of the best readings i did on academic research (and believe me; i did many). a very good book with a direct approach towards the 'techniques' of writing for publication. although it is addressing scientists, most of the tips are suitable for researchers in other disciplines, even humanities. the writer succeeded in the difficult formula: original ideas + sense of humor ! i recommend it strongly.