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Topic

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This article is about the current version of DF.
Note that some content may still need to be updated.

A diagram of all knowledge topics.

Topics (also Tech or Innovations) are part of knowledge.

There are around 300 innovations that can be discovered. Many of them have requirements, and many do not, so it's kind of a tech forest/grassland rather than a tree. Notably missing are innovations related to practical labors in the game (which will be added later in development). Only the discovery of literary form topics has any effect on gameplay, as it allows scholars to write new types of books.

Several innovations require innovations from other branches, and since all knowledge is individually tracked, that implies some investigators will need to be at least well-read if not skilled in various topics (there aren't currently joint research projects). There are some old and new mechanisms in place to ensure this happens.

There are 9 "branches" of the knowledge system. Each branch is further divided into categories of topics, such as methodologies, theories, etc.

Discovering Topics[edit]

According to a Future of the Fortress reply:

Fortress scholars do activity cycles, the length of which is 1-2 days (whether they are pondering or discussing etc.) Once they get through 50 cycles, it rolls 0-50 vs. the number of completed cycles minus 50 to see if they get "breakthrough credit." So at 51, they have a 2% chance, and at 100, they have a 100% chance. Then, it resets the cycle number to zero and gives them breakthrough credit, based on a skill roll plus 100 (for discuss, the other researchers contribute half of their summed skill rolls.) Based on the difficulty (1-4) of the topic, total lifetime breakthrough credit is then assigned a number of 50-sided dice. An easy topic is dice=credit/2500, then /5000, then /10000, then /20000 for level 4 topics. The number of dice cannot exceed 10. Then roll these dice -- if you get a 50 on any of them, discovery! This is a bit archaic, and I'm not suggesting it works particularly well. But that is how it works. Also: if they fail to get the breakthrough after the 50-sided rolls, they have a 2% chance of switching topics, or if their credit exceeds 100000, they always switch topics (though they keep the credit, so returning to the topic later gives them a decent chance at breakthrough.)

For unskilled roles, some initial back-of-the-envelope calculations and some rough estimates observed through dfHack gives a basic idea of just how long research can take. Note that player testing had found that the skill roll contributes a lot to the breakthrough credit. Even dabbling dwarves can gain over 2000 breakthrough credit at once and may average around 1000 breakthrough credit. Additionally the formula for the skill roll seems to have a very large spread, players have reported as low as 3000 breakthrough credit and as high as 25000 breakthrough credit awarded to a dwarf with legendary skill. Analytically calculating from the algorithm Toady gave, it takes an average of 58.54 cycles to get a breakthrough credit. Player testing has confirmed breakthrough credits typically take 55-65 cycles, so this calculation seems plausible. Likewise, player testing has not shown any correlation between skill level and number of cycles to get breakthrough credit. An unskilled dwarf might average around 120+ cycles to get their first breakthrough die for a level 1 topic. With only a single research die, it would take an average of 2528 cycles to get a breakthrough. Pondering takes slightly over 2 days per cycle, so this would be around 14 years. In a real fortress, the research dice and skill level will be increasing during the process. However, in a real fortress, the scholars will also need to take breaks to eat, drink, and meet other needs. A more reasonable estimate is around 5-10 years for a breakthrough starting with no skills. In short, research takes an unreasonably long time with an unskilled dwarf.

To optimize for research, there are several ideas worth considering. Discussion is faster, taking only a single day, but requires at least 2 dwarves. Player testing has found discussion also awards more XP, (0-5 for pondering vs. 15-30 for discussion). So to optimize research, dwarves should be separated by topic/skill, with unskilled dwarves paired with skilled dwarves. This way, discussions will be equally divided between increasing the skilled dwarf's cycle count and the unskilled dwarf's cycle count. Only half the cycles will go to the skilled dwarf's cycle count, but discussion only takes a single day, so this is at net the same speed for the skilled dwarf with the additional bonus of the unskilled dwarf's cycle count also being increased. Both dwarves benefit from the increased XP gain.

Note that several topics benefit from skills that can be trained through faster means. Diagnostician and Wound Dresser can be trained through intentionally causing injuries or simply engaging in dangerous activities that require regular dwarf healthcare. Organizer can be trained through assigning make work to the manager, or Mechanic can be trained by spamming the creation of mechanisms. Skill level will increase much faster through these activities than through pondering or discussion. Thus, to optimize for producing breakthroughs in engineering topics, mechanics could first be quickly trained to a legendary within a year or two at only the cost of the stones for the mechanisms, and then assigned as a scholar.

Player testing has also found that visitors can come with research credits already done, thus, for forts aiming to maximize research, it makes sense to prioritize attracting wandering scholars.

Astronomy[edit]

These topics are relevant to astronomers.

Topic Description Wikipedia link Subdivision Skills used in research
Empirical observation Methods of empirical observation in astronomy Empirical evidence Method Astronomer
Path models The method of forming precise models for the paths of astronomical objects Orbit modeling Method Astronomer
Astrography The creation of star charts Star chart n/a Astronomer, Record keeper
Dates of lunar and solar eclipses The dates of lunar and solar eclipses Saros (astronomy) n/a Astronomer, Record keeper
Daylight variation with solar year The variation of daylight with the seasons Daytime § Daytime variations with latitude and seasons n/a Astronomer
Geocentrism The theory that the sun moves around the world Geocentric model n/a Astronomer
Height of tides vs moon and sun The height of the tides, the moon and the sun Pytheas § Pytheas on the tides and Tide n/a Astronomer
Heliocentrism The theory that the world moves around the sun Heliocentric model n/a Astronomer
Path of the moon The path of the moon Orbit of the Moon n/a Astronomer
Phases of the moon The phases of the moon Lunar phase n/a Astronomer
Precession of equinoxes The precession of equinoxes over great periods of time Axial precession n/a Astronomer, Record keeper
Relationship between lunar/solar year The relationship between the lunar and solar year Lunisolar calendar n/a Astronomer, Record keeper
Shape of the world The shape of the world Spherical Earth n/a Astronomer
Star catalogues 100 The compilation of information about stars Star catalogue n/a Astronomer, Record keeper
Star catalogues 1000 The precise compilation of information about stars Star catalogue n/a Astronomer, Record keeper
Star magnitude classification The classification of stars according to brightness Magnitude (astronomy) n/a Astronomer, Record keeper
Stellar Spectroscopy The classification of stars according to color Astronomical spectroscopy n/a Astronomer, Record keeper
Summer/winter moon The rise of the moon according to the season Lunar calendar n/a Astronomer
Summer/winter sun The rise of the sun according to the season Solar calendar n/a Astronomer
Tides and the moon The relationship between the moon and the tides Seleucus of Seleucia § Tides and Tide n/a Astronomer

Chemistry[edit]

These topics are relevant to chemists.

Topic Description Wikipedia link Subdivision Skills used in research
Adhesives The preparation and use of adhesive materials Adhesive Chemicals Chemist
Aqua regia The preparation of aqua regia Aqua regia Chemicals Chemist
Oil of vitriol The preparation of oil of vitriol Sulfuric acid Chemicals Chemist
Spirit of niter The preparation of spirit of niter Nitric acid Chemicals Chemist
Alkali and acids The classification of alkali and acids pH Classification Chemist, Record keeper
Combustibles The classification of combustible materials Combustibility Classification Chemist, Record keeper
Elemental theory The classification of materials based on which elemental materials might form them Classical element or Atomic theory Classification Chemist
Ores The classification of ores Ore Classification Chemist
Scratch test A method of classifying the hardness of materials by scratching them against each other Scratch hardness Classification Chemist, Record keeper
Alembic The construction and use of the alembic Alembic Laboratory Chemist
Blast furnace The construction and use of the blast furnace Blast furnace Laboratory Chemist
Crucible The construction and use of the crucible Crucible Laboratory Chemist
Lab ovens The construction and use of laboratory ovens Laboratory oven Laboratory Chemist
Systematic experiments Methods for performing experiments systematically in the laboratory Scientific method Laboratory Chemist, Record keeper
Theory of distillation The theory and methods involved in distillation Distillation Laboratory Chemist
Theory of evaporation The theory and methods involved in evaporation Evaporation Laboratory Chemist
Theory of liquid-liquid extraction The theory and methods involved in the extraction of a constituent liquid from one solution to another Liquid–liquid extraction Laboratory Chemist
Ampoule The construction and use of the ampoule Ampoule Laboratory (glass) Chemist
Beaker The construction and use of the beaker Beaker Laboratory (glass) Chemist
Flask The construction and use of the flask Flask Laboratory (glass) Chemist
Funnel The construction and use of the funnel Funnel Laboratory (glass) Chemist
Retort The construction and use of the retort Retort Laboratory (glass) Chemist
Vial The construction and use of the vial Vial Laboratory (glass) Chemist
Alloys The mixing of metals to produce alloys Alloy Metallurgy Chemist

Engineering[edit]

These topics are relevant to engineers.

Topic Description Wikipedia link Subdivision Skills used in research
Armillary sphere The construction and use of armillary spheres Armillary sphere Astronomy Mechanic
Astrolabe The construction and use of the astrolabe Astrolabe Astronomy Mechanic
Dioptra The construction and use of the dioptra Dioptra Astronomy Mechanic
Mural instrument The construction and use of a mural instrument or mural quadrant Mural instrument Astronomy Mechanic
Orrery The construction and use of the orrery Orrery Astronomy Mechanic
Spherical astrolabe The construction and use of the spherical astrolabe Astrolabe Astronomy Mechanic
Wood lamination The use of lamination Lamination Construction Mechanic
Models and templates The use of models and templates in engineering Prototype and Stencil Design Mechanic
Archimedes principle The law of fluid displacement Archimedes' principle Fluid Fluid engineer
Force pump The construction and use of the force pump Piston pump § Force pump Fluid Fluid engineer
Theory of siphon The action of the siphon Siphon Fluid Fluid engineer
Valves The construction and use of valves Valve Fluid Fluid engineer
Astrarium The construction and use of the astrarium Astrarium Horology Mechanic
Conical water clock The use of conical shapes in water-based clocks to improve their accuracy Water clock Horology Fluid engineer
Hourglass The construction and use of the hourglass Hourglass Horology Mechanic
Mechanical clock The construction and use of mechanical clocks Clock § Early mechanical clocks Horology Mechanic
Shadow clock The use of shadows to tell direction and time Sundial Horology Mechanic
Water clock The use of water-based devices to tell time Water clock Horology Fluid engineer
Water clock reservoir The use of reservoirs in water-based clocks to improve their accuracy Zhang Heng § Extra tank for inflow clepsydra Horology Fluid engineer
Balance wheel The construction and use of the balance wheel. Balance wheel Machine Mechanic
Bellows The construction and use of the bellows Bellows Machine Mechanic
Camshaft The construction and use of the camshaft Camshaft Machine Mechanic
Chain drive The construction and use of chain drives Chain drive Machine Mechanic
Chariot odometer The construction and use of the chariot odometer Odometer Machine Mechanic
Combination lock The construction and use of the combination lock Combination lock Machine Mechanic
Crank The construction and use of the crank Crank (mechanism) Machine Mechanic
Crankshaft The construction and use of the crankshaft Crankshaft Machine Mechanic
Differential gear The construction and use of the differential gear Differential (mechanical device) Machine Mechanic
Double acting piston bellows The construction and use of the double-acting piston bellows Bellows Machine Mechanic
Lever The construction and use of the lever Lever Machine Mechanic
Mechanical compass The construction and use of the mechanical compass Compass Machine Mechanic
Padlock The construction and use of the padlock Padlock Machine Mechanic
Piston The construction and use of the piston. Piston pump § Force pump Machine Mechanic
Pulley The construction and use of the pulley Pulley Machine Mechanic
Screw The construction and use of the screw Screw Machine Mechanic
Straight beam balance The construction and use of the straight-beam balance Weighing scale § Mechanical balances Machine Mechanic
Theory of gears The reasons why gears are effective Gear Machine Mechanic
Theory of lever The reasons why the lever is effective Lever Machine Mechanic
Theory of pulley The reasons why pulleys are effective Pulley Machine Mechanic
Theory of screw The reasons why screws are effective Screw Machine Mechanic
Theory of wedge The reasons why the wedge is effective Wedge Machine Mechanic
Theory of wheel and axle The reasons why the wheel-and-axle construction is effective Wheel and axle Machine Mechanic
Trip hammer The construction and use of the trip-hammer. Trip hammer Machine Mechanic
Tumbler lock The construction and use of the tumbler lock Pin tumbler lock Machine Mechanic
Verge escapement The construction and use of the verge escapement Verge escapement Machine Mechanic
Warded lock The construction and use of the warded lock Warded lock Machine Mechanic
Water-powered piston bellows The construction and use of the water-powered piston bellows. Du Shi § The Water-Powered Blast Furnace Machine Mechanic
Water-powered sawmill The construction and use of the water-powered sawmill. Watermill Machine Mechanic
Water-powered trip hammer The construction and use of the water-powered trip hammer Trip hammer and Water wheel Machine Mechanic
Water wheel The construction and use of the water wheel. Water wheel Machine Mechanic
Windlass The construction and use of the windlass Windlass Machine Mechanic
Atmospheric refraction atmospheric refraction Atmospheric refraction Optics Optics engineer
Camera obscura The construction and use of the camera obscura Camera obscura Optics Optics engineer
Cause of twilight a precise explanation of the cause of twilight involving atmospheric refraction Atmospheric optics Optics Optics engineer
Crystal lens The construction and use of the crystal lens Lens (optics) and Crystal Optics Optics engineer
Glass lens The construction and use of the glass lens Lens (optics) and Glass Optics Optics engineer
Height of atmosphere The calculation of the height of the atmosphere based on atmospheric refraction Atmosphere of Earth Optics Optics engineer
Law of refraction The relation between refraction and the half chord Snell's law Optics Mechanic
Parabolic mirror The construction and use of the parabolic mirror. Parabolic reflector Optics Optics engineer
Theory of color The theory of light and color Color theory Optics Optics engineer
Theory of rainbows The appearance of rainbows based on optical theories Rainbows Optics Optics engineer
Water-filled spheres The construction and use of water-filled spheres as lenses Lens (optics) and History of optics § Early history of optics Optics Optics engineer

Geography[edit]

These topics are relevant to geographers.

Topic Description Wikipedia link Subdivision Skills used in research
Accurate maps The creation of accurate maps Map Cartography Geographer
Cartography The process involved in creating maps Cartography Cartography Geographer
Distance scale The use of distance scale in the creation of maps Scale (map) Cartography Geographer
Economic The placement of economic information on maps Economic geography Cartography Geographer, Record keeper
Geological The placement of geological information on maps Geologic map Cartography Geographer
Grid system The use of a grid system in the creation of maps Grid reference Cartography Geographer
Height measurements The measurement of the height of land features. Topographic map and Levelling Cartography Geographer, Record keeper
Map projections Methods of adjusting maps to account for the shape of the world Map projection Cartography Geographer
Atlases The collection of maps and other information together into a single text Atlas Form Geographer, Record keeper
Econometrics The process of economic data collection Econometrics Method Geographer, Record keeper
Cartographical surveying Surveying by triangulation for the purpose of creating maps Cartography and Surveying Surveying Geographer
Engineering surveying Surveying by triangulation for engineering projects Construction surveying Surveying Geographer
Land surveying Surveying by triangulation for the purpose of allocating land Cadastral surveying Surveying Geographer
Military surveying Surveying by triangulation for military purposes Construction surveying and Military engineering Surveying Geographer
Surveying The process of surveying land Surveying Surveying Geographer
Surveying staff The construction and use of the surveying staff Level staff Surveying Geographer
Triangulation Surveying by triangulation Triangulation Surveying Geographer
Anemology The forces that govern wind patterns Global wind patterns Theory Geographer
Delta formation The process of the formation of deltas at the mouths of rivers River delta § Formation Theory Geographer
Latitude climate zones The division of the world into climate zones Clime Theory Geographer
Origin of rainfall from evap condense The origin of rainfall through evaporation and condensation Evaporation and Condensation Theory Geographer
Water cycle A world-wide cycle involving precipitation, oceans, rivers, and other forms of water Water cycle Theory Geographer

History[edit]

These topics are relevant to critical thinkers.

Topic Description Wikipedia link Subdivision Skills used in research
Alternate history The exploration of how history would be different if some key past events had transpired differently Alternate history Form Critical thinker
Autobiographical adventure The method of writing a biography of oneself, particularly as it concerns a military campaign or adventure Autobiography Form Critical thinker
Biographical dictionaries The compilation of brief biographies into one large collection Biographical dictionary Form Critical thinker
Biography The method of writing the history of a single individual Biography Form Critical thinker
Comparative anthropology The method of comparing and contrasting different cultures Cross-cultural studies Form Critical thinker
Comparative biography The method of compiling several biographies to compare and contrast the subjects' character and to gain insight into history Biography Form Critical thinker
Cultural history The method of accurately and comprehensively describing cultures and civilizations Cultural history Form Critical thinker
Encyclopedia The compilation of many summaries into a single text. Encyclopedia Form Critical thinker, Record keeper
Genealogy The compilation of family lineages and methods of displaying them artfully Genealogy Form Critical thinker, Record keeper
Treatise on tech evolution The method of examining artifacts to determine how methods have changed over time. Technological evolution Form Critical thinker
Archaeology The method of collecting and evaluating artifacts to learn about history and culture Archaeology Sourcing Critical thinker
Personal interviews Using personal interviews as sources Interview Sourcing Critical thinker, Organizer
Role of cultural differences The role of cultural differences in source reliability and interpretation Cultural relativism Sourcing Critical thinker
Role of state bias and propaganda The role of state bias and propaganda in sources Propaganda Sourcing Critical thinker
Role of systemic bias The role of systemic bias in sources Systemic bias Sourcing Critical thinker
Source reliability The reliability of sources Source criticism Sourcing Critical thinker
Historical causation The causes of historical events Causality § History Theory Critical thinker
Historical cycles The notion of historical, governmental and social cycles Cyclic history Theory Critical thinker
Social conflict Conflict between members of a community Social conflict Theory Critical thinker
Sociology The notion of bonds between members of a community Sociology Theory Critical thinker

Mathematics[edit]

These topics are relevant to mathematicians.

Topic Description Wikipedia link Subdivision Skills used in research
Divergence of harmonic series The divergence of the harmonic series Harmonic series (mathematics) Algebra Mathematician
Equations The technique of balancing and completion for solving equations The Compendious Book on Calculation by Completion and Balancing, Algebra, and Equation Algebra Mathematician
Large sums Simple formulas for certain arbitrarily large sums Summation Algebra Mathematician
Pascal's triangle A triangular configuration of numbers relating to the successive powers of any sum Pascal's triangle Algebra Mathematician
Quadratic by completing square The solving of quadratic equations by completion of the square Completing the square Algebra Mathematician
Quadratic formula A formula which solves quadratic equations Quadratic formula Algebra Mathematician
Solving higher order polynomials Methods for solving certain equations involving powers higher than the quadratic Galois theory Algebra Mathematician
Systems of equations Methods of solving systems of equations Linear system Algebra Mathematician
Area enclosed by line and parabola The area enclosed by a parabola and a line The Quadrature of the Parabola Geometry Mathematician
Area of circle Area of a disk Geometry Mathematician
Area of triangle from side lengths The computation of the area of a triangle from its three side lengths alone Heron's formula Geometry Mathematician
Basic geometry Geometric objects: points, lines, circles, triangles, and so on Geometry Geometry Mathematician
Chords The properties of chords Chord (geometry) Geometry Mathematician
Chord tables A table of chord lengths indexed by angle Ptolemy's table of chords Geometry Mathematician
Conic sections The categorization and properties of conic sections Conic section Geometry Mathematician
Existence of pi The relationship between the area of a circle and its radius, involving the ratio of the circumference of the circle to its diameter Pi Geometry Mathematician
Geometric mean The relationship between the length of the altitude of a right triangle and the lengths of the segments into which it divides the hypotenuse Geometric mean theorem Geometry Mathematician
Inscribed triangle on diameter is right The angles of triangles inscribed in a circle with one edge on the diameter Thales' theorem Geometry Mathematician
Irrational numbers The existence of incommensurable ratios Irrational number Geometry Mathematician
Isosceles base angles equal The equality of the base angle of isosceles triangles Pons asinorum Geometry Mathematician
Law of sines The relatonship between the half chords of lengths and the diameter of the triangle’s circumscribed circle. Law of sines Geometry Mathematician
Pi to 6 digits Zu Chongzhi § Mathematics and Milü Geometry Mathematician
Pythagorean theorem The relationship between the lengths of the hypotenuse of a right triangle and the other two sides Pythagorean theorem Geometry Mathematician
Pythagorean triples 3 digit Examples of triples of large whole numbers which, when taken together, are the lengths of the sides of a right triangle Pythagorean triples Geometry Mathematician
Pythagorean triples 4 digit Examples of triples of very large whole numbers which, when taken together, are the lengths of the sides of a right triangle Pythagorean triples Geometry Mathematician
Pythagorean triples small Examples of triples of small whole numbers which, when taken together, are the lengths of the sides of a right triangle Pythagorean triples Geometry Mathematician
Similar and congruent triangles The properties of similar and congruent triangles Similarity (geometry) and Congruence (geometry) Geometry Mathematician
Sum-difference trig identities Trigonometric identities relating to the sums and differences of angles List of trigonometric identities § Angle sum and difference identities Geometry Mathematician
Surface area of sphere The computation of the surface area of a sphere Sphere § Surface area Geometry Mathematician
Volume of cone The computation of the volume of a cone Cone § Volume Geometry Mathematician
Volume of pyramid The computation of the volume of different pyramids Pyramid (geometry) § Volume Geometry Mathematician
Volume of sphere The computation of the volume of a sphere Sphere § Volume Geometry Mathematician
Axioms Axiomatic reasoning Axiomatic system Method Logician
Method of exhaustion An approximation of the ratio of a circumference of a circle to its diameter, using the area of polygons and the method of exhaustion Method of exhaustion Method Logician
Proof by contradiction The method of proof by contradiction Proof by contradiction Method Logician
Algebra Notation for abbreviating the unknown and other elements of an equation in a systematic and useful fashion Algebra Notation Logician
Negative numbers Notation for negative quantities Negative number Notation Logician
Place values Positional notation Positional notation Notation Logician
Scientific notation Notation for very large numbers Scientific notation Notation Logician
Symbol for addition The idea of using symbolic notation for addition Plus and minus signs § Plus sign Notation Logician
Zero A symbol for nothingness 0 (number) Notation Logician
Approximation of root 2 An approximation for the length of the diagonal of a square Square root of 2 § History Numbers Mathematician
Chinese remainder algorithm An algorithm for computing a number which has given remainders when divided by several given primes Chinese remainder theorem Numbers Mathematician
Division An algorithm for dividing one number into another, possibly yielding a remainder Euclidean division Numbers Mathematician
Euclid's Theorem A proof that there are infinitely many prime numbers Euclid's theorem Numbers Mathematician
Euclidean Algorithm An algorithm for computing the greatest common divisor of two numbers Euclidean algorithm Numbers Mathematician
Irrationality of root 2 A proof that the length of a diagonal of a square is incommensurable with its edge Square root of 2 § Proofs of irrationality Numbers Mathematician
Sieve algorithm for primes An algorithm for calculating prime numbers Sieve of Eratosthenes Numbers Mathematician
Unique prime factorization The unique decomposition of a number into products of its prime divisors Fundamental theorem of arithmetic Numbers Mathematician

Medicine[edit]

These topics are relevant to many medical professions, including doctors and diagnosticians.

Topic Description Wikipedia link Subdivision Skills used in research
Anesthesia Anesthesia Anesthesia Method Diagnostician
Asylum for mentally ill The creation of asylums for the mentally ill. Psychiatric hospital Method Critical thinker
Autopsy The method of autopsy Autopsy Method Diagnostician
Cataract surgery Cataract surgery Cataract surgery Method Surgeon
Cauterization Cauterization Cauterization Method Surgeon
Fracture immobilization The method of fracture immobilization Bone fracture § Immobilization Method Bone doctor
Fracture treatment The treatment of fractures Bone fracture § Treatment Method Bone doctor
Hernia surgery Hernia surgery Hernia § Surgery Method Surgeon
Hospital lab The use of a laboratory for preparation of remedies in a hospital Medical laboratory Method Critical thinker
Lithotomy surgery The lithotomy surgery Lithotomy Method Surgeon
Medical school Schools of medicine Medical school Method Critical thinker
Physical examination The method of physical examination in diagnosing illness Physical examination Method Diagnostician
Professional hospital staff The use of professional hospital staff Surgeon and Physician Method Critical thinker
Specialized wards The use of specialized wards in hospitals Hospital § Departments or wards Method Critical thinker
Tracheotomy surgery The tracheotomy surgery Tracheotomy Method Surgeon
Traumatic injuries The treatment of traumatic injuries Major trauma Method Diagnostician
Draining The surgical method of draining Drain (surgery) Method (surgery) Surgeon
Excision The surgical method of excision Surgery § Types of surgery Method (surgery) Surgeon
Incision The surgical method of incision Surgical incision Method (surgery) Surgeon
Ligature The surgical method of ligature Ligature (medicine) Method (surgery) Suturer
Probing The surgical method of probing Surgical instrument § Classification Method (surgery) Surgeon
Scraping The surgical method of scraping Surgical instrument § Classification Method (surgery) Surgeon
Suturing The surgical method of suturing Surgical suture Method (surgery) Suturer
Acute and chronic conditions The distinction between acute and chronic conditions Acute (medicine) and Chronic condition Theory Diagnostician
Anatomical studies Anatomical studies for medical edification Human body Theory Surgeon
Blood vessels The distinction between veins and arteries Blood vessel Theory Surgeon
Classification of bodily fluids The classification of bodily fluids Body fluid or Humorism Theory Surgeon
Classification of mental illnesses The classification of mental illnesses Mental disorder Theory Critical thinker, Diagnostician
Classification of muscles The classification of muscles Muscle Theory Surgeon
Comparative anatomy Comparative anatomical studies for the use in medicine Comparative anatomy Theory Surgeon
Convalescence The theory of convalescence Convalescence Theory Diagnostician
Disease and fouled water The connection between disease and fouled water Waterborne diseases Theory Critical thinker
Endemic disease The theory of endemic disease Endemic (epidemiology) Theory Diagnostician
Epidemic disease The theory of epidemic disease Epidemic Theory Diagnostician
Exacerbation The notion of the exacerbation of a patient's condition Exacerbation Theory Diagnostician
Eye anatomy The anatomy of the eye Human eye Theory Surgeon
Fracture classification The classification of fractures Bone fracture § Classification Theory Bone doctor
Motor vs sensory nerves The distinction between motor and sensory nerves Motor nerve and Sensory nerve Theory Surgeon
Nervous system function The function of the nervous system Nervous system Theory Diagnostician
Paroxysm The notion of paroxysm Paroxysmal attack Theory Diagnostician
Pathology The classification of disease Nosology Theory Diagnostician
Prognosis Determining the likely outcome of a disease given a patient's current status Prognosis Theory Diagnostician
Pulmonary circulation Pulmonary circulation Pulmonary circulation Theory Surgeon
Pulmonary medicine Pulmonary medicine Pulmonology Theory Diagnostician
Reaction time The study of reaction time Mental chronometry Theory Diagnostician
Relapse The notion of relapse Relapse Theory Diagnostician
Specialized surgical instruments The use of specialized surgical instruments Surgical instrument Theory Surgeon
Surgical models The use of practice models in surgery Anatomical model Theory Surgeon
The voice The source of the voice Phonation Theory Surgeon
Toxicology The classification of toxic substances Toxicology Theory Diagnostician
Treatment of mental illnesses The treatment of mental illnesses Treatment of mental disorders Theory Diagnostician
Animals as surgical models The use of animals as surgical models Vivisection Tool Surgeon
Animal remedies Remedies prepared from animals Traditional Chinese medicine § Animal substances Tool Diagnostician
Bandages The method of bandaging wounds Bandage Tool Wound dresser
Dedicated hospitals The preparation and use of dedicated hospitals Hospital Tool Critical thinker
Forceps The construction and use of forceps Forceps Tool Surgeon
Herbal remedies Herbal remedies Herbalism Tool Diagnostician
Mineral remedies Mineral remedies List of traditional Chinese medicines § Minerals Tool Diagnostician
Mud bags as surgical models The use of mud bags as surgical models Anatomical model Tool Surgeon
Needles The construction and use of surgical needles Surgical suture § Needles Tool Surgeon
Orthopedic cast The creation and use of the orthopedic cast Orthopedic cast Tool Bone doctor
Plants as surgical models The use of plants as surgical models Anatomical model Tool Surgeon
Scalpel The construction and use of the scalpel Scalpel Tool Surgeon
Surgical scissors The construction and use of surgical sissors Surgical scissors Tool Surgeon
Traction bench The construction and use of the traction bench Hippocratic bench Tool Bone doctor

Nature[edit]

These topics are relevant to naturalists and trackers.

Topic Description Wikipedia link Subdivision Skills used in research
Dissection The dissection of creatures Dissection Method Critical thinker
Anatomy The anatomical study of creatures Anatomy Observation Critical thinker, Tracker
Embryology The embryological development of creatures Embryology Observation Observer
Foraging behavior The foraging behavior and diet of creatures Foraging Observation Tracker, Record keeper, Observer
Migration The migratory patterns of creatures Animal migration Observation Tracker, Record keeper, Observer
Reproductive behavior The reproductive behavior of creatures Reproduction Observation Tracker, Record keeper, Observer
Social behavior The social behavior of creatures Social behavior Observation Tracker, Record keeper, Observer
Veterinary medicine The diseases of creatures Veterinary medicine Observation Tracker, Record keeper, Observer
Climactic adaptation The way that creatures are suited to the climates in which they live Climatic adaptation Theory Critical thinker
Comparative anatomy The comparison of the anatomy of creatures Comparative anatomy Theory Critical thinker
Food chain The links between the diets of different creatures. Food chain Theory Critical thinker
Physical taxonomy The classification of creatures by their physical features Aristotle's biology § Classification Theory Critical thinker
Struggle for existence The struggle for survival among creatures Struggle for existence Theory Critical thinker

Philosophy[edit]

These topics are relevant to logicians.

Topic Description Wikipedia link Subdivision Skills used in research
Nature of beauty Discourse on the nature of beauty Beauty (ancient thought) Aesthetics Critical thinker
Value of art Discourse on the value of art Aesthetics Aesthetics Critical thinker
Belief Discourse on the nature of belief Epistemology § Belief Epistemology Critical thinker
Justification Discourse on the nature of justification Epistemology § Justification Epistemology Critical thinker
Perception Discourse on the nature of perception Philosophy of perception Epistemology Critical thinker
Truth Discourse on the nature of truth Epistemology § Truth Epistemology Critical thinker
Individual value Discourse on the meaning of individual happiness Value (ethics) § Personal values Ethics Critical thinker
State consequentialism Discourse on ethics as applied to the benefit of the state State consequentialism Ethics Critical thinker
Interpersonal conduct Discourse on ethics as applied to interpersonal conduct Value (ethics) § Cultural values Ethics (applied) Critical thinker
Medical Discourse on medical ethics Medical ethics Ethics (applied) Critical thinker
Military Discourse on ethics as applied to war Ethics § Military ethics Ethics (applied) Critical thinker
Analogical inference Analogical inference Argument from analogy Logic Logician
Deductive reasoning Deductive reasoning Deductive reasoning Logic Logician
Dialectic reasoning Dialectic reasoning. Books on this topic will instead talk about using the dialogue, as this opens up the dialogue literary form. Dialectic Logic Logician
Direct inference Direct inference Statistical syllogism Logic Logician
Formal reasoning Formal reasoning Reason Logic Logician
Hypothetical syllogisms Hypothetical syllogisms Hypothetical syllogism Logic Logician
Inductive reasoning Inductive reasoning Inductive reasoning Logic Logician
Propositional logic Propositional calculus Logic
Syllogistic logic Syllogistic logic Syllogism Logic Logician
Causation The nature of causation Causality Metaphysics Critical thinker
Events Discourse on the nature of events Event (philosophy) Metaphysics Critical thinker
Existence The nature of existence. Existence Metaphysics Critical thinker
Mind body Discourse on the nature of mind and body Mind–body problem Metaphysics Critical thinker
Objects and properties The relationship between objects and their properties Essence Metaphysics Critical thinker
Processes The nature of processes Process philosophy Metaphysics Critical thinker
Time Discourse on the nature of time Time Metaphysics Critical thinker
Wholes and parts The relationship between wholes and parts Mereology Metaphysics Critical thinker
Education Education, its forms and recommendations Education Specialized Critical thinker
Law Discourse on law Law Specialized Critical thinker
Dictionary Dictionaries Dictionary Specialized (language) Critical thinker
Etymology The notion of etymology Etymology Specialized (language) Critical thinker
Grammar Grammar Grammar Specialized (language) Critical thinker
Diplomacy Discourse on diplomacy Diplomacy Specialized (politics) Critical thinker
Economic policy Discourse on economic policy Economic policy Specialized (politics) Critical thinker
Government forms Discourse on government Government Specialized (politics) Critical thinker
Social welfare Discourse on social welfare Welfare Specialized (politics) Critical thinker
Value agendas The philosopher will choose a belief that they have and write about the "worthlessness/nuances/value of (belief)". Reading these books will result in a dwarf's (or adventurer's) values changing. [1] [2] Propaganda n/a
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If visitor scholars are allowed in a library, one should regularly check all books for nature-related value agenda to prevent fortress citizens from wandering off to start a dwarven forest retreat.