Clear documentation serves multiple purposes: 1. Reproducibility: Other researchers must be able to replicate the study to verify results. 2. Regulatory Compliance: Regulatory bodies require detailed records to evaluate the safety and efficacy of substances. 3. Legal Protection: Accurate documentation can be crucial in legal contexts, such as patent disputes or liability cases. 4. Ethical Responsibility: Proper documentation ensures that the research adheres to ethical standards, protecting both human and animal subjects.