PRESIDENTS ADDRESS. 5 



scientist must deal with opposition and indifference. How can 

 we make the apprentice see that it will he to his advantage to 

 learn to apply scientific knowledge, and very simple science at 

 that, to his trade? The scientist must show the value of this 

 information If the apprentice does not respond, we must con- 

 clude that we have not made it reasonably clear. 



The wealth of Australia depends on its natural products, 

 minerals, wool, and wheat. Other animal and vegetable products 

 are rapidly gaining a place in the world's market. It rests with 

 those with scientific training to add much to the value of these 

 productions. There can be advanced many reasons why scientists 

 should give some attention at the present time to applied science. 

 It seems to me that members of this Society might well consider 

 whether they cannot change the character of their scientific 

 pursuits during the next few years. A perusal of our Proceed- 

 ings shows that the great hulk of the investigations and observa- 

 tions recorded fall within the domain of pure science. It is far 

 from my intention to decrv the importance of scientific research 

 directed towards no utilitarian end. I appreciate the zest and 

 pleasure gained in the pursuit of the secrets of elusive Nature 

 and the glow of satisfaction that comes when a new fact has been 

 brought to light. We live, however, in a world with our fellows. 

 They may have considered in the past that we were unpractical, 

 stupid, and of little value, hut a growing opinion alleges that we 

 hold the keys that will unlock the gates barring progress along the 

 paths the world desires to pass. There seems to be some notion 

 that attention to applied science is beneath the dignity of the 

 scientist. Some say that we should be above the search for gain, 

 since undoubtedly the pursuit of applied science leads to more re- 

 muneration than the worship of pure science. It may be asked 

 seriously whether there can be any more worthy aim for know- 

 ledge than its application to circumstances which ultimately have 

 to do with the greater happiness of our fellow citizens. The 

 directions in which the scientist can turn in regard to applied 

 science are so numerous at the moment that the scientist may he 

 bewildered by the numerous avenues to which he may pass. In 



