Barry writes about how scientists live in the world of uncertainty. He says that the best kind of scientist is one that is comfortable in that world, and does not necessarily seek definite answers, but who seeks for an explanation about the things that do not exist. He characterizes scientific research as never being set in stone; such that is one person disproves something another scientist spent years proving, then it no longer exists. Scientists have to test the boundaries and pass the limitations of knowledge to truly discover something worth knowing. John M. Barry uses experts quotes, an extended metaphor, and strong, passionate dialect to categorize scientific research.

            Barry wanted to give his work some kind of professional insight so he used a quote from a famous French physiologist Claude Bernard. Bernard once said that “Science teaches us to doubt.” Barry uses this quote to explain his theory of scientific curiosity. He explains that certainty creates strength and something to stand on, while uncertainty can be a weakness and brings out tentative feelings. However, he explains that science is built upon uncertainty. Barry uses a quote to give the reader further insight to this theory.

            Barry uses a few metaphors to create his point, but uses one long extended metaphor about the wilderness, a shovel, and a rock that displays the scientific approach. He says “a shovel can dig up dirt, but cannot penetrate rock. Would a pick be best, or would dynamite be better-or would dynamite be too indiscriminately destructive?” He talks about science as if it is a wilderness where there can be surprises around every corner. Scientists have to continuously question themselves to make sure that they are not missing any holes. When one solution does not work, then they have to immediately think of another. He uses an extended metaphor to show this process of questioning and doubt within scientific research.

            This passage is filled with strong, meaningful words to show how intense scientific research is. Barry uses words such as passion, creativity, courage, strength, confidence, aggressively, and ambitious to make the reader wonder. When Barry explains the world of science like this, it makes the reader realize how meaningful it really is. Strong, passionate words gives the passage a more intensified feeling for the reader.

            Barry explains how scientific research is based on uncertainty and doubt and can be altered at any moment in time. He says that “the less known, the more one has to manipulate and even force experiments to yield an answer.” Barry believes that science can always be manipulated and altered based on how any one scientist thinks. He uses quotes, an extended metaphor, and powerful diction to do this.