.3o8 POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



than it ever was before, over eight hundred new members having been 

 ■elected within the past year. 



There is every reason for satisfaction at the present condition and 

 outlook of the Association. But this does not mean that we need not 

 be on the alert to increase its usefulness under the circumstances con- 

 fronting us at the beginning of the twentieth century. Evolution 

 occurs by natural selection, but with boundless waste, regardless of 

 time and careless of the individual. Human development must hence- 

 forth be guided by forethought and reason. It is the object of this 

 article to make some definite suggestions regarding the organization of 

 science in America under the auspices of the Association. They have 

 been carefully considered by some of those most interested in the 

 Association and, though they may not meet with universal approval, 

 they are thought to be worth careful consideration. 



The objects of the Association are said in its constitution to be "by 

 periodical and migratory meetings, to promote intercourse between 

 those who are cultivating science in different parts of America, to give 

 a stronger and more general impulse and more systematic direction 

 to scientific research, and to procure for the labors of scientific men, 

 increased facilities and a wider usefulness." This statement may be 

 somewhat systematized and amplified. The legitimate objects of the 

 Association may be said to be (1) the presentation and discussion of 

 research work in the different sciences and the publication of such 

 research. (2) The promotion of research by grants of money and by 

 providing the means for cooperation. (3) The encouragement of 

 addresses, reports and publications on the progress of different depart- 

 ments of science, sometimes of value to the specialist, but more espe- 

 cially important in keeping the sciences in touch with each other. 

 Joint meetings, discussions and publications should be arranged on sub- 

 jects common to different sciences, relating the pure and applied 

 sciences or concerned with science as a whole. (4) The presentation 

 of such addresses, reports, discussions and publications in a form that 

 will so far as possible keep the general public informed on the advances 

 of science, interest them in the opportunities of scientific work and its 

 needs, and impress on them the dignity and supreme importance of 

 science. Here should be included whatever will secure recruits to 

 scientific workers and the money and support that scientific work 

 requires. (5) Offering an opportunity for men of science in different 

 departments to become acquainted personally and by publication, and 

 encouraging their sympathy and loyalty to their common interests and 

 performing, so far as possible, the same function for scientific men and 

 the intelligent public. (6) The guidance of scientific organization 

 in America, which includes the coordination, establishment and 

 arrangements for the meetings, etc., of special scientific societies; the 



