VAUGHAN ON VALUE OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH TO STATE. 23 



attained by the labors of a given man are variable quantities. As a rnle 

 the contiibntions of any one individual taken by themselves would be of 

 but little value, but when added to the sum total they mar be of the great- 

 est importance. The direct application that can be made of a scientitic 

 discovery is not a correct measure of its value. It often happens (h:it a 

 certain investigation leads to the discovery of a fact which at the time 

 appears to be wholly without value, but the advances made in subsecjuent 

 years may conveit the rough ])ebble dug from the mine, i»os?ibly centuiies 

 before, into a most valuable jewel. We are therefore correct when we 

 eay that science should be f)ursued for its own sake and without any 

 refei-cnce to its future utility. Discovery must always y)i-ecede use; 

 Bcicnce mu?t live and labor before art can exist; pure science must always 

 precede the a})pIication of scientific knowledge. 



A scientific man is one who adds something to the surn total of knowl- 

 edge j)osses'sed by his race. Scientific research is the [)rocess by means 

 of which these discoveries are accomplished. The range of science is un- 

 limited; it embraces everything existent; it deals with both matter and 

 energy; it may concern itself with the infinitesimally small, or it may 

 lead to investigations that carry ones thoughts to distant j)arts of the 

 universe. Some people say that science is materialistic and the scientist 

 a materialist. Such assertions are made by those who know not whereof 

 they sj)eak. More than anyone else does the scientist realize that there 

 are other thirg? in the universe than matter. He knows that energy is 

 as real as substance. He is aware of the fact that light, heat, motion, 

 electricity, and other forms of energy are as real as the matter in which 

 or through which they manifest themselves. Tn fact, it is the scientist 

 who measures energy, and it is by means of his discoveries that the won- 

 derful applications of electricity and other forms of energy have been 

 made to the benefit of the race. 



Having endeavored to explain what I mean by scientific research, I 

 now desire to say a few words concerning its value to the state. I shall 

 not attempt to measure the value of scientific discoveries in dollars and 

 cents, because I apprehend that there are other values which the mass of 

 mankind can appreciate, and which many at least are wise enough to pre- 

 fer to wealth. I think that all will agree with me when I state that a 

 scientific discovery which reduces sickness and death and gives to man- 

 kind longer life and greater happiness is of value to the state. A dis- 

 covery which lessens crime and empties our penal institutions is by do 

 means without value. A discovery which gives us grander conceptions of 

 the universe, which awakens and develops lofty ideals and leads to 

 strength of character and purity of life is one, the value of which to man- 

 kind caniiot be placed upon a financial basis. 



A few illustrations of the good that has come to man from certain 

 scientific discoveries may not be amiss. Of 'course I cannot go very deeply 

 into the subject as I have neither the time nor the inclination to trespass 

 oi>on your indulgence too greatly. 



Primitive man as he wandered over the earth, more of a beast than a 

 human being, saw many things undoubtedly which greatly surprised and 

 in some instances terrified him. Probably nothing else had for him 

 greater terror than the volcano, which his crude imagination and his su- 

 perstitious theology believed to be the opening into regions occupied by 

 demons and devils.^ If in pursuing his scarcely less savage game he came 



