Methods are usually best described in the order in which they were used. So, in the following sentence, taken from a manuscript in preparation, it would be helpful if you reversed the order of presentation, as from:

to:

Unless a previously published method is generally known, the reader will appreciate being told its essential features. Thus, a reference figure may well be considered inadequate, as in this example from a manuscript in preparation:

Little need be added to give the reader the broad outline of the method (revised text in boldfaced italics):

The kidney volume was measured with an ultrasound apparatus containing a built-in volume program.

A new procedure, however, should be described in sufficient detail to allow a trained scientist to repeat the investigation. For the novice writer it can be hard to find a middle course between too much and too little information; often the novice errs on the side of too much. An experienced colleague can help to remove excess detail.

The subjects

I once saw a note taped to a door asking for volunteers – completely healthy, nonsmoking women aged 55 to 60 – to participate in a study of the effect of estrogen on blood circulation in the legs. The door led from a huge bicycle garage (reserved for workers at the hospital) into the elevator hall.