08-09-2004, 07:08 PM
Hi,<br>
<br>
The times of the <em>homo universalis</em> like Da Vinci are long gone. Specialisation is an inevitable process, started several decades ago. But that's not really that astonishing. The real concern is the lack of ability to consult (secondary) sources of these specialised research items. Especially for non-academic researchers. It's hard to keep up with the latest of the latest when you are not or no longer (as in my case) in the academic field. Lack of resources, time and sometimes the necessary funds is all to familiar for the 'amateur' researcher. The Internet is - to a certain extent - a useful tool to keep up with the bibliography in specialized research areas, but that doesn't mean you are capable of first locating that source you need mentioned in that bibliography (where is it available), and secondly to get to it once you located it.<br>
<br>
Like the Rolling Stones already knew: You can't always get what you want. (But if you try...)<br>
<br>
Hans <p></p><i></i>
<br>
The times of the <em>homo universalis</em> like Da Vinci are long gone. Specialisation is an inevitable process, started several decades ago. But that's not really that astonishing. The real concern is the lack of ability to consult (secondary) sources of these specialised research items. Especially for non-academic researchers. It's hard to keep up with the latest of the latest when you are not or no longer (as in my case) in the academic field. Lack of resources, time and sometimes the necessary funds is all to familiar for the 'amateur' researcher. The Internet is - to a certain extent - a useful tool to keep up with the bibliography in specialized research areas, but that doesn't mean you are capable of first locating that source you need mentioned in that bibliography (where is it available), and secondly to get to it once you located it.<br>
<br>
Like the Rolling Stones already knew: You can't always get what you want. (But if you try...)<br>
<br>
Hans <p></p><i></i>
Flandria me genuit, tenet nunc Roma
