30 CARNEGIE INSTITUTION OF WASHINGTON. 



projects, however, the ways and means are provided by rather than 

 for, and the investigators are chosen by rather than for, the Insti- 

 tution. In short, the Institution is, in this case, enabled to assume 

 and fix responsibility in the conduct of its affairs and to push them 

 energetically ; whereas, in the other case, responsibility is divided, 

 energy is generally lacking, and time and money are in constant dan- 

 ger of being frittered away amongst a multitude of minor interests. 

 • Summarily stated, therefore, the indications are that the policy of 

 awarding numerous small grants to self -suggested investigators is 

 destined to break down under the sheer weight of the importunities 

 it entails ; that the results to be expected from such grants are 

 meager ; and that the award of them, unless narrowly limited and 

 carefully guarded, may work grave injury to educational institutions. 



The demands for attention from applicants for small grants have 

 left scant time during the year for the consideration of more important 



prospective work falling within the scope of the 

 Institution. It has been deemed essential, also, 

 to devote most of this time to the larger projects already under way, 

 with a view to increasing their facilities and insuring their success. 

 Nevertheless, many new projects have been contemplated, and several 

 of these may be formulated for action without undue delay whenever 

 the Institution is ready to consider them. 



Two of these projects which merit special attention, by reason of 

 the fact that they have been considered at much length by advisory 

 committees and by the Executive Committee during the past three 

 years, are (i) an astronomical observatory in the southern hemis- 

 phere and (2) a laboratory for geophysical research. Referring to 

 Year Books 1 and 2, therefore, for voluminous details with refer- 

 ence to the history of these projects, it is desired here to commend 

 them as worthy of favorable action by the Board of Trustees as soon 

 as the essential funds are available. 



With regard to new projects in general it appears fitting here to 

 call attention to the desirability of allotting ample time for the prep- 

 aration of plans and specifications and to the necessity of allotting 

 ample time for their execution. The inevitable dangers that con- 

 front a research institution are dilettanteism and haste for results. 

 Thorough deliberation in preparation and energetic patience in 

 execution are indispensable to the highest success of such projects. 



Since the query whether different departments of research are likely 

 to be equally promoted by the Institution is often raised, it seems 

 worth while to remark that it is an obvious duty of the Executive 



