Another problem in providing a comprehensive overview is the sporadic nature of the previous research – much of the domestic history of science consists of stories of individuals or institutions which are insufficient for describing the development of scientific ideas and their relation to the context of the rest of the world.
Raskusi hea ülevaate tegemisele tekitab ka varasema uurimistöö lünklikkus — väga palju kodumaisest teaduse ajaloost on isiku- ja institutsioonilood, mis ei pruugi anda pilti teadusideede kujunemisest koha peal ning nende sobitumisest muu maailma konteksti.