Presents the principles of using a small computer for laboratory automation as an aid in scientific experimentation. In language accessible to scientists in most fields, it provides the information needed to allow scientists to develop a powerful instrumentation system based on a personal computer. Describes the basic components of a small computer and the function of that computer in the laboratory. Goes on to show how the interface between computer and phenomena of an experiment can be approached at different levels using the information provided--for instance, description of a wide variety of sensors can lead the user toward the solution of many types of laboratory problems. Discusses several other types of problems commonly encountered in the experimental process, such as making a personal computer communicate with other devices, small computer graphics, and computational problems directly related to experimental data.