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THE LIFE OF SCIENCE 



library, the largest available. Indeed the historian of science may 

 be called upon to consult almost every kind of book or periodical, 

 not only scientific but many others as well. However, such a loca- 

 tion may be impossible to obtain or to retain, for an Institute 

 growing within a Library would easily conflict with the latter. 

 The next best location would be in a modest but extensible build- 

 ing, close to a very large library. 



The building should be large enough to accommodate a refer- 

 ence library, the apparatus criticus (pamphlets, MSS, portraits, 

 etc.), offices for members, reading rooms for students and visitors, 

 a seminar room and perhaps a lecture room. It should be as beau- 

 tiful as possible, which does not mean luxurious or expensive. 

 Though open to every bona fide student, it should not be a show 

 place. The best comparison, perhaps, is with an observatory, 

 where astronomical data are patiently accumulated for immedi- 

 ate and secular use. In this Institute historical data would be 

 collected, classified and interpreted, historical methods improved, 

 humanistic traditions guarded, enriched, and transmitted. 



Staff — The staff would include the director, librarian and ar- 

 chivist, and scholars of three grades: senior fellows, junior fel- 

 lows and apprentices. In the selection of fellows and students one 

 would have to take into account, on the one hand, the diverse 

 needs of the Institute (e.g., science vs. learning, East vs. West, 

 contemporary vs. ancient science) and on the other hand, the 

 men available. Some fundamental needs (e.g., the care of the 

 library and archives) should be satisfied at once, while the other 

 departments would be allowed to grow according to the oppor- 

 tunities. 



