Applied Biology 779 



direction. The studies of lower forms of the Hfe have shown us the many 

 frailties and shortcomings of the human race. This information in a 

 measure may prepare us for what we see when we observe many of the 

 behaviors and reactions of human beings. We come to appreciate that 

 man cannot be expected to be perfect, and we are disappointed that he 

 does not take full advantage of all his wonderful abilities and opportuni- 

 ties. Through our studies of biology we modify the attitudes and philos- 

 ophies of our daily lives. Science has affected us not only in material 

 ways but in mental and philosophic ways as well. 



The science of endocrinology, by studying the ductless glands of cer- 

 tain animals, has pointed out the fundamental and basic principles to be 

 followed in the effective application of this field in human beings. Much 

 more in this field will have to be learned and a great amount of it will 

 be accomplished by first experimenting on other animals. A detailed 

 consideration of the endocrine glands is given in a summary in the chap- 

 ter on Biology of Man. Our studies of disease-producing (pathogenic) 

 bacteria, yeasts, molds, and Protozoa have given many methods of dis- 

 ease prevention, treatment, and cure. The extensive progress made in 

 bacteriology in the last few years has made it possible to reduce the 

 morbidity and mortality rates for many of our infectious diseases in this 

 country. Much more remains to be done, and much is being done daily 

 to alleviate the many human ailments and sufTerings due to these micro- 

 organisms. What we as individuals owe in health and happiness to the 

 hundreds who have scientifically investigated diseases in the past is be- 

 yond our imagination. Many of our human diseases are being success- 

 fully treated or prevented through the use of antibiotics which are the 

 products of certain lower plants, particularly fungi. Additional anti- 

 biotics are being discovered, and improved methods of production and 

 administration are recent contributions. 



B. Biology and Wealth 



Ordinarily, people do not associate biology and biologic products with 

 the wealth of this country. A few data will illustrate very definitely the 

 enormous contribution of biologic products to our national wealth. Over 

 a ten-year period the corn grown in the United States averages over 

 $1,500,000,000 annually. Over a similar ten-year period, the cotton was 

 valued at about $1,000,000,000 annually, while the wheat was valued at 

 about $635,000,000. Cotton is not grown in this country north of the 

 thirty-seventh parallel. In 1926 the South cultivated 44,608,000 acres 



