ABSTRACT

I’ve made the point several times that no teacher, no matter how clever and how kind, can be expected to know everything. Sooner or later, you are going to have to go elsewhere for some of your information, and also for additional stimulation. I am aware that telling someone to ‘look it up’ is much easier said than done. Very often, I’m afraid, it is the remark of a tired, irritated or just ignorant teacher; and it is often more or less useful as advice. For the point is, obviously, that no one can ‘look something up’ unless they first know how and where to do so. I hope this chapter, elementary though it is, will leave you better equipped for independent enquiry.