SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION AND PROGRESS. 301 



adoption of scientific methods in dealing with intellectual problems. 

 The scientific method is applicable to all kinds of intellectual problems. 

 We need it in every department of activity. I have sometimes won- 

 dered what the result would be if the scientific method could be em- 

 ployed in all the manifold problems connected with the managament 

 of a government. Questions of tariff, of finance, of international rela- 

 tions would be dealt with much more satisfactorily than at present if 

 the spirit of the scientific method were breathed into those who are 

 called upon to deal with these questions. It is plain, I think, that the 

 higher the intellectual state of a nation the better will it deal with all 

 the problems that present themselves. As the intellectual state is a 

 direct result of scientific investigation, it is clear that the nation that 

 adopts the scientific method will in the end outrank both intellectually 

 and industriallv the nation that does not. 



What are the ethical results of scientific investigation? No one 

 can tell. There is one thought that in this connection I should like 

 to impress upon you. The fimdamental characteristic of the scientific 

 method is honesty. In dealing with any question science asks no 

 favors. The sole object is to learn the truth, and to be guided by the 

 truth. Absolute accuracy, absolute fidelity, absolute honesty are the 

 prime conditions of scientific progress. I believe that the constant use 

 of the scientific method must in the end leave its impress upon him 

 who uses it. The results will not be satisfactory in all cases, but the 

 tendency will be in the right direction. A life spent in accordance 

 with scientific teachings would be of a high order. It would prac- 

 tically conform to the teachings of the highest types of religion. The 

 motives would be different, but so far as conduct is concerned the re- 

 sults would be practically identical. I need not enlarge vipon this 

 subject. Unfortunately, abstract truth and knowledge of facts and of 

 the conclusions to be drawn from them do not at present furnish a 

 sufficient basis for right living in the case of the great majority of 

 mankind, and science can not now, and I do not believe it ever can, take 

 the place of religion in some form. When the feeling that the two are 

 antagonistic wears away, as it is wearing away, it will no doubt be seen 

 that one supplements the other, in so far as they have to do with the 

 conduct of man. 



What are we doing in this country to encourage scientific investiga- 

 tion ? Not until about a quarter of a century ago can it be said that it 

 met with any encouragement. Since then there has been a great 

 change. Up to that time research was sporadic. Soon after it became 

 almost epidemic. The direct cause of the change was the establishing 

 of courses in our universities for the training of investigators somewhat 

 upon the lines followed in the German universities. In these courses 

 the carrying out of an investigation plays an important part. This is 



