"Observation is a passive science, experimentation an active science"

This quote by Claude Bernard is a reflection on the differences between observation and experimentation. Observation is a passive science, implying that it involves the collection of information with no disturbance from the observer. This information can then be used to reason about the subject being observed. On the other hand, experimentation is an active science, indicating that the observer is actively controling the environment in order to test a hypothesis. This manipulation of the environment enables the observer to draw more concrete conclusions about the subject being studied. In conclusion, observation and experimentation are two distinct scientific techniques that can be used to gain knowledge about the world around us.