The Craft of Scientific Writing

In October 1984, the weak writing in a scientific report made national news. The report, which outlined safety procedures during a nuclear attack, advised industrial workers "to don heavy clothes and immerse themselves in a large body of water." The logic behind this advice was sound: Water is a good absorber of heat, neutrons, and gamma rays. Unfortunately, the way the advice was worded was unclear. Was everyone supposed to com­e up for air? Be­ completely submerged? 

The writing conveyed the wrong im­pression to the public. The report came across as saying "go jump in a lake" -- not the impression you want to give someone spending thousands of dollars to fund your­ research. Chances are that Dan Rather will not quote your documents on national television. Still, your writing is important.

On a personal level, your writing is the way in which people learn about your work. When you commu­nicate, you receive credit for your work. When you do not communicate, or are too slow to communi­cate, the credit often goes to someone else. On a larger level, your writing and the writing of other scientists influence public policy about science and engineering.