338 Feder ation of American Biological Societies [Jan. 



Problems of botany, zoology, pathology, pharmacology or medicine, we 

 all have one common meeting-ground, and that is chemistry as applied 

 to animal or vegetable structures, living or dead. As distinguished 

 from the work of pure chemists, organic or inorganic, our efiforts are 

 directed towards throwing light on the life processes and functions of 

 living structures, with the help of chemical and physico-chemical 

 methods. 



Now, it will be granted, I think, that scattered and divided forces 

 cannot develop that coordination of effort that is desirable when many 

 workers have one great interest in common. In such a case, Organiza- 

 tion is beneficial. It encourages research, it furnishes the mechanism 

 for competent criticism and helpful discussion ; and lastly, the very fact 

 that we have feit impelled to organize will make it evident to faculties 

 of science and medicine and to scientific and medical societies that a 

 great and growing department of research demands its fitting place in 

 the general scheme of higher education. 



I come now to the question of an academic career in biological 

 chemistry. You have probably all, at one time or another, been asked 

 to recommend some young man for a teaching position in physiological 

 chemistry. The authorities in question want a man who has had a first 

 class training in organic, inorganic and physical chemistry and biology, 

 has had some experience in teaching physiological chemistry, has an 

 agreeable personality, is a fascinating lecturer, and a promising if not 

 already fruitful investigator. For such a rare combination of natural 

 endowment and acquired culture, there is offered a salary ranging from 

 $800 to $1,500, the title of assistant or instructor, with guarded hints 

 as to promotion at some uncertain date and still more non-committal 

 Statements as to a possible rise in salary. 



Biochemical research is quite the thing to-day. Every species of 

 laboratory, clinical, bacteriological, hygienic, pathological, pharmaco- 

 logical, wants a chemist. All these laboratories no doubt afiford fine 

 opportunity to the young chemist for training in the broad field of 

 biological chemistry. But what of his future? Is it as promising as 

 it should be? 



This State of afifairs is largely our own fault. We attend only the 

 meetings of societies of other specialists for fear we shall lose some- 

 thing that lies on the border line between their territory and ours. 

 These other specialists have their house in order, Organization has done 

 its invaluable service for them, and the result is that every worker 

 knows his f ellows, each knows where to turn for advice and sympathy ; 



