Without my ‘Aquatic Ecology Subject Index’ (175 pages, available here), I never could have written Ecology of the Planted Aquarium. From the 1990s onward, I subject-indexed every scientific paper I read. Eventually, the index provided a framework for my book. I enjoy reading scientific papers. Many contain interesting experiments and inspiring ideas. Admittedly, the scientific jargon, conflicting nomenclature, and statistics can be daunting. But these barriers can be breached by further investigation and being organized. To be a scientist, you do not have to have a Ph.D., but you do need a love of science.
Diana Walstad's Books and Articles 