318 THE PRESENT IMPORTANCE OF SCIENCE 



for some thousands of years. The idea of a superman is 

 more than a subject for jest to those who look into the future 

 and who recall the races of the Eurasian continent before 

 the appearance of Homo sapiens. The advance of science 

 may, indeed, be checked by the present level of intelligence. 

 But further evolution may remove this limitation. 



As for the immediate possibilities in biological lines, it is 

 necessary only to trace the growth of scientific knowledge 

 and become familiar with current investigations to appreciate 

 the promise of the morrow. The nineteenth century brought 

 revolutionary advancement in the physico-chemical field. 

 The twentieth century bids fair to witness similar progress 

 within the domain of biology. Not only the medical aspects 

 of biological science, but its social aspects as well, offer start- 

 ling possibilities. The results that may eventually flow 

 from the eugenic and euthenic principles already established 

 are difficult to picture. Biology seems to be entering upon a 

 period in which many of its current problems may be solved. 

 Whatever their solution the results will benefit mankind. 



As we have seen, control over nature is merely acqui- 

 escence in nature's laws and the ordering of human affairs 

 in such fashion that nature serves the needs of man. The 

 winds and waves obey us, in so far as we effect adjustments 

 whereby they accomplish our purpose. In the past, control 

 has been extended mainly within the domain of inanimate 

 nature. Relatively little has been accomplished with re- 

 spect to vital phenomena; but men have caught the 

 vision. Because they have dreamed of a glorious near- 

 future, many of the present generation wish they might live 

 out the present century and play a part in the eradication 

 of disease, the prolongation of human life, and all the attain- 

 ment which seems within reach. Just as the existing mastery 

 of non-living nature has become possible through scientific 

 knowledge, so must the control of living nature be accom- 

 plished. In the long run, such a result is capable of bringing 

 greater happiness than mankind has ever known. 



