520 Second European Journey 



well known to men of science that what is commonly condemned 

 as lacking in " practical ' value often turns out to be of prime 

 utility." 



Smith's and Miss Hedges' translation of Emile Duclaux's Pasteur, 

 The History of a Mind brought many more congratulatory letters 

 than may be quoted here. Dr. M. P. Ravenel, then president of 

 the American Public Health Association and a former student at 

 the Pasteur Institute, was among those who commended and 

 thanked Smith for the volume. Dr. Flexner thanked him for his 

 " most valuable service in giving Duclaux's work to the English- 

 speaking public. ... I shall look forward also," he wrote, " to 

 your forthcoming book [Introduction to Bacterial Diseases of 

 Plants']. It is splendid to know that an authoritative book on that 

 subject is about to appear. Some day before long I may wish to 

 speak with you again about plant pathology for the future." 

 Dr. Welch found " the greatest pleasure" in Pasteur. " I knew 

 that this book existed," he wrote, 



but I had never seen a copy. I agree with your estimate of the work, 

 which is in many ways and especially for a scientific man more interesting 

 and informing than the familiar life of Pasteur by his son-in-law. I enjoyed 

 your sketch of Duclaux, of whose life I was previously but little informed. 

 Delighted as I am to have this book with the dedication in your hand- 

 writing, I am even more glad to have your remembrance and expressions 

 of good will. I reciprocate most heartily with all my best wishes for your 

 own health, happiness and continued capacity to advance scientific 

 knowledge. 



During the year 1920 Smith learned that at the last meeting 

 of the American Association for Cancer Research crown gall as 

 a plant cancer was discussed. He immediately wrote in his diary: 

 " They will be doing this for the next ten years." 



