Universal, scientific knowledge emerges from research practices. Scientists tinker with
and align local conditions to produce scientific knowledge. Research equipment and
scientific instruments are essential tools for knowledge production. Scientists differ,
however, in their ability to handle these material resources of research. One type of
scientist, who also represents a way of handling resources, is referred to by field scientists
as a "gadget-man." Drawing upon a participant observation study of a marine labora
tory in the Caribbean and a study in which the author traced the development of
photographic identification of cetacean, this article characterizes "gadget-scientists" in
their research quest for scientific knowledge.
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