Difference between revisions of "Lab notebook"

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*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=63854 Laboratory notebook]
 
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=63854 Laboratory notebook]
 
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=76003 Encrypted Lab Notebook]
 
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=76003 Encrypted Lab Notebook]
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*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=153272 How do you keep your lab notebook?]
  
 
[[Category:Lab safety]]
 
[[Category:Lab safety]]

Latest revision as of 15:26, 4 September 2019

A laboratory notebook, commonly referred to as lab notebook, lab book, lab notes or sometimes lad notepad is a paper notebook used to write down and record lab research, including procedure, results, observations.

While lab notebooks are commonly paper notebooks, electronic tablets or other recording medium can also be used. However, due to the corrosive nature of the lab environment which may damage electronics, paper notebooks are generally preferred. Paper notebooks also do not require a power source.

Structure

Classic

Most convenient lab notebook used for writing down experiments is the type with grid pages, though blank page notebook can also be used. All experiments must be dated, with the date being noted in the upper page, usually right corner.

Agendas can also be used as lab notebooks.

Electronic

For electronic lab books, MS Word files are the most convenient.

Other

While video and audio recording are an attractive alternative to written notes, there's usually too much unnecessary data from the aforementioned methods.

Legal considerations

It's recommended to record all your experiments in a lab notebook, in the event of a police visit, to prove that you're doing experimental science and not something else.

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads