W. O. BAKER 



be a large improvement in mathematical knowledge and skills 

 of a large section of our technical administrative population. 

 But is it not time that we began to look at what specific skills, 

 as well as what ideals, are needed for the advancement of civ- 

 ilization? Cannot a fraction of the practice that has been given 

 over the years to the learning of physical skills, like running, 

 jumping, and dodging, and which (except for the last) are of 

 diminishing importance, now be given to practice on proper 

 levels of mathematical reasoning and exercise? If done, we 

 would not only revolutionize such things as money changing in 

 America, but would certainly prepare that small but necessary 

 group which will interpret, as well as the even more necessary 

 group which will create, conceptual science to come. 



Above all, one with the rare, gifted mind can do for pure 

 science, but yet feel that he is doing also for his fellowmen. 

 Society must say to him the lines of John Donne: 



If thou beest borne to strange sights, 

 Things invisible to see, 

 Ride ten thousand davs and nights, 

 Till aae snow white haires on thee, 

 Thou, when thou return'st, wilt tell me 

 All strange wonders that befell thee. 



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