An Introduction to the Study

Humans have devoted considerable time to watching other animals.

They have studied migration, courtship, territory, cooperation, and the conditions under which a creature will emerge from a hole. They have developed specialised equipment, rigorous methods, and an impressive capacity to remain motionless in unpleasant weather.

In most of these records, humans appear as observers.

This seems an unnecessarily narrow classification.

The observers, however, exhibit patterns of their own.

Some are immediately apparent. Others become visible only through repeated examination. Whether these patterns are significant, incidental, or simply accepted without question remains to be established.

There appears to be sufficient material for a separate study.

My approach is straightforward: observe, record, compare.

A single occurrence is noted. Repetition suggests a pattern. An explanation remains provisional until further evidence supports it.

Humans occasionally offer their own explanations. These are retained as additional observations rather than treated as conclusions.

The Journal contains the development of this study. Individual observations may also be presented in visual form. Earlier records remain available, including those that may eventually require correction.

No attempt is made to improve the subjects' behaviour.

Intervention would make the observations less useful.

The study continues.

The subjects, meanwhile, appear to be carrying on as usual.