Re: Russ Allison/art vs science

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From:"Sarah Christo" <schristo@cvm.tamu.edu>
To:<uvsgc@msu.oscs.montana.edu>, <HistoNet@Pathology.swmed.edu>
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Date:Thu, 15 Apr 1999 09:25:32 -0500
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Dear Gayle,
   I think we are talking past each other on this subject because of terminology so I looked up the definitions of the words, art, magic and science.  It is interesting that art comes from a Latin word ars meaning "skill" and science comes from a Latin word scire "to know", magic deriving from the Greek magikos "of the Magi".  (obviously relating to supernatural power or control over natural laws).
   The definition of "art" is "the ability of man to arrange or adapt natural things or conditions to his own uses or the creation of works that are, in form, content, and execution, esthetically pleasing and meaningful, and the principles and techniques governing the creation of such works and the works so created.
  The definition of "science" is the knowledge of facts, phenomena, laws and proximate caused, gained and verified by exact observation, organized experiment, and analysis.
  You can draw your own conclusions.   
To Russ (ia) with love:  
 No one is saying that art and science are the same, just that histology appears to be or can be a combination of the two.  Although, I have worked with techs whose work looks more like trash than art!  Why are there art schools (of which my sister, a botanical illustrator, attended) if no one needs training in art.  You stated, "People in arts and science can discuss arts with equal intellect and 
knowledge.  Arts people cannot discuss science without specialist knowledge (and, probably, training)."  Although your later statement may be true, I believe the former to be in question.  If you have ever watched Sister Wendy talk about painting, you would be surprised on her knowledge.
  Well, I better get back to work.....Sarah


Sarah Christo, HT (ASCP)
Texas A&M University
College of Veterinary Medicine
Dept. of Vet. Anatomy & Public Health
College Station, TX  77868-4458
schristo@cvm.tamu.edu

>>> Gayle Callis <uvsgc@msu.oscs.montana.edu> 04/13 2:13 PM >>>
I put my vote with Russ Allison on science versus art in the world of
histotechnology, also his liking of both areas.  I still prefer to 
scientifically analyze what is happening, going wrong, how to change,
whys, wherefores and how to's mechanically, skillfully and chemically 
of histotechnology. 

Histotechnology is my science, and my art is at home (acrylics, watercolors, 
brushes, paper and art books).  I view and do them as separate entities.

Long ago, I found the comment that what I did in histo was "magic". PSHAW!
This offended me, as there is nothing magic about what I do or did,  
unless I could wave a magic wand and make the commentator turn into a 
huge slimy green toad and disappear!    

Scientifically yours,
 
Gayle Callis







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