igi3] Editorials 147 



Obj ection 4 raised by 15 



Obj ection 5 raised by 3 



Obj ection 6 raised by 6 



Objection 7 raised by i 



Obj ection 8 raised by 4 



While it is admittedly not permissible to base sweeping conclu- 

 sions upon a vote of only seventy-three individuals, yet these indi- 

 viduals are fully representative of the workers in the biological 

 Sciences, and in general they approve the plan. A Classification of 

 the objections shows that, aside from the doubt regarding the finan- 

 cial estimate and support, the most important objections are those 

 to the fusion of existing biological societies. In fact these are the 

 important objections, for the first two can be established only by a 

 general canvass of the Situation, while the latter threaten the plan in 

 its inception. The question then arises : Can these essential objec- 

 tions be met? The summarized suggestions are instructive in this 

 particular: A federation instead of a general society; a special busi- 

 ness Organization to finance the proposed abstract Journal; auton- 

 omy for the biological societies as the constituent sections. Such 

 suggestions are valuable for the formulation of opinion, but are not 

 decisive until supported by numbers sufficient to afford a working 

 basis for Organization. 



The views already expressed stimulate thoughts of more effective 

 Organization and should be conducive to that end. The Biochem- 

 ICAL Bulletin suggests that at the next annual meetings of the 

 biological societies, free discussion of this entire matter be included 

 in the order of business of each section and that the results of this 

 discussion, together with the vote of each society on the evolved 

 plan, be formulated by the respective secretaries and sent to the 

 Bulletin for publication in its January issue. The coördinated 

 conclusions might serve as a dynamic basis for the future. Reprints 

 of this summary would be furnished to societies upon request. The 

 Bulletin is anxious to assist in every way to a concrete conclusion 

 in the matter. Walter H. Eddy. 



The dogmatism of experience is a most dangerous clog to scientific 

 progress. — Dunning. 



