Advice for young investigators: historical perspectives on scientific research.

Physicians attempting to carry out well-executed scientific investigations require an historical perspective; an awareness of our ignorance; an imagination unencumbered by scientific prejudices; originality, curiosity and imagination; patience and persistence in the face of frustration; adaptability and perseverance; a critical spirit of evaluation and willingness to question dogma; devotion to the search for truth; and an awareness of those responsibilities to individuals and to society which define the medical profession. This paper explores, through the words of famous scientists, philosophers and authors, the process of scientific investigation and discusses those qualities that investigators can develop to become more insightful and successful researchers.