Need for standardization in scientific illustration

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify ideas or concepts usually transmitted through images in the life sciences and also identify the most commonly used combinations of signs to express these concepts and establish which of them might be considered consolidated by continued use. For this purpose, a sample of 3894 figures was analyzed. These images were extracted from the most provided scientific books in the libraries of the faculties of Medicine, Biology and Veterinary. In each illustration different concepts that had been represented by symbols were identified and organized in a table. Then we analyzed for each of these concepts graphic symbols and resources used for their representation and we determining the most prevalent combinations. Later, for each of these concepts we analyzed the symbols and graphic resources used for its representation, and the most prevalent combinations were determined. Among the conclusions of this study include the lack of homogeneity in the symbols used to express a given concept. There are notable differences between them even within a single treaty, which could reduce its effectiveness. Furthermore, overuse of some symbols to represent concepts very different was also detected, which can produce a greater ambiguity in interpretation. For these reasons it is advisable to establish rules on the use of symbols in scientific drawing.