LABORATORY ENDOWMENT. 733 



very little. The material accumulated would undoubtedly so system- 

 atize and extend our knowledge of these important substances, that 

 we should soon be able to determine in advance all the properties of 

 a proposed alloy, and even to ascertain by calculation what alloys 

 could or could not be formed. The extent of research here suggested 

 may be realized when we remember that, out of the sixty-five ele- 

 ments now known, not one has been thoroughly described, or de- 

 scribed with even a moderate approximation to thoroughness. These 

 investigations upon the elements would be for chemistry and phys- 

 ics what the preparation of star-maps and planetary tables is for 

 astronomy, or the dissection of the human frame for medicine. They 

 would certainly furnish a foundation for exact physical science such 

 at at present is scarcely even begun. 



After the examination of the elements would come the consider- 

 ation of compounds. These should be taken up, series by series, in 

 some regular order, and at least every typical body carefully de- 

 scribed. Thus, step by step, the lines of assault would be drawn 

 around the besieged problems, until at length the citadel would 

 yield, exactness would replace the present chaos, and definite laws 

 would stand where now are speculations. Could any branch of 

 applied science fail to reap a benefit from this result ? Would not 

 every industry in any way dependent upon either chemistry or phys- 

 ics be helped ? Apart from direct applications of science to the 

 arts, the mere substitution of accuracy for inaccuracy in questions of 

 scientific principle ought greatly to facilitate technological investiga- 

 tions, put new weapons into the hands of the artisan, and so add 

 immensely to the resources of civilized life. 



The investigations here indicated are not by any means the only 

 researches proper for an endowed laboratory. They are merely types, 

 to illustrate the general character of work which such an institution 

 should do. It is true that, although individuals cannot deal with these 

 greater problems in their entirety, individuals may, woiking separate- 

 ly and disconnectedly, contribute much toward their solution. But, 

 unfortunately, researches of this kind are among the most difficult and 

 arduous. They savor much of hard routine and yield no quick return 

 of glory to the investigator, who, already familiar with monotony in 

 his ordinary duties, natm-ally prefers to undertake labors producing 

 with less effort a more immediate reputation. The discovery of new 

 compounds is less troublesome, and brings speedier celebrity ; hence 

 the more solid work of establishing accurate numerical data is very 

 little done. When done, it is done piecemeal. Garden flowers are so 

 much easier to raise than oaks. 



Now, assuming that a laboratory for research ought to be established, 

 let us consider some of the leading questions as to its arrangement 

 and organization. First, with regard to the building. This need not 

 be very expensive, since architectural experiments have no necessary 



