As a practicing chemist, I have found in this science a great deal of intellectual challenge and excitement. Being with fellow chemists, one also begins to see a distinct culture, a culture with its own brand of concerns, a culture with its own vision of the world we live in. Chemists begin with drawing observations. This data gathering is marked with great care and attention to details. Before, during and after the experiment, the chemist never stops reflecting.
Experiments begin with a design, with a hypothesis in mind.
In the course of the experiment, preliminary data are continuously examined hoping to see early trends or errors in the design of the experiment. From all the collated observations, a chemist tries to draw generalizations. It is a great source of satisfaction for a chemist to see a pronounced reproducibility of events. To a chemist, it is a sign of understanding. Exceptions, however, are also always welcomed.