The Technical Writer as Naturalist: Some Lessons from the Classics

<jats:p> The contemporary technical writer, who often must fill the current demand for environmental impact statements and similar environmentally oriented documents, can perhaps benefit from reading the works of some of the classic naturalists such as William Bartram, Henry Walter Bates, and Charles Darwin. These early writers show an ability to present concretely detailed observations of flora and fauna without sacrificing readability and without losing touch with the natural world under observation. The best technical writing today can combine essential efficiency with sensitive treatment of environmental subjects. </jats:p>