Science is many things to many people: a way of thinking and an activity of individuals in the laboratory; a highly structured institution that recruits, instructs, and regulates its members; and a sensitive, interactive, and integrated segment of modern culture and society. This book presents an introduction to these aspects of science from the viewpoint of a scientist. Using examples, primarily from the biomedical sciences, it provides a general introduction to science studies. Considerations include the methodology, attitude, process, institution, and social force of science. Sections include: "Making Observations"; "Experimental Design and Interpretation"; "Scientific Collectives: Transmission of the Thought Style"; "Scientific Collectives: Maintaining the Thought Style"; and"Science and the World." Among the topics covered in these sections are the concepts of life, the cell gestalt, graduate programs, laboratory research funding, secrecy, fraud, ethical issues, religion, politics, public policy, and human aspects of scientists. Concluding comments are made, and notes and references are detailed. (CW)