304 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



" Because every discovery becomes the basis for further discovery, 

 the imagination of the investigator is constantly stimulated. New 

 facts suggest in turn other facts, and point to unexpected relations 

 l)€tween things that have long been known. . . . These excursions 

 of the imagination offer repeated suggestions for fresh adventure, the 

 look is always forward to what may be seen when the next step is 

 taken. . . . The chance of beholding unsuspected wonders, or the 

 possibility of finding that something imagined is really true, is a 

 constant incitement to further search, and furnishes the zest and 

 interest which are among tlie best rewards of the investigator." 



The permanent character of scientific work is a large element in 

 the satisfaction which comes from its pursuit. It is not merely the 

 production of something eiDhemeral, of transient value or use; but it 

 aims at the discovery or application of facts which are lasting. To 

 quote Prof. Cannon again: "The value of labor that brings a reve- 

 lation of new knowledge does not cease with the daj'^; it remains as 

 a permanent acquisition for the race. There is really great satisfac- 

 tion to the investigator in this thought of the durable results of the 

 perishable years." 



A scientific fact is a permanent product, and the steps by which it 

 is attained are only secondary in value l^ecause they lead to a broader 

 and more permanent understanding of the subject. Even though the 

 results do not lead directly to generalizations the work is w^orth 

 while if w-ell done. What Huxley dcvsignated as " the slaying of a 

 beautiful hypothesis by an ugly fact," while often disheartening to 

 the investigator, is not without value in clearing the way. Many 

 negative or inconclusive results are usually necessary to the estab- 

 lishment of a truth. Its attainment is the highest and most enduring 

 product of man's activity. 



The service of the man of science is founded on individual effort. 

 It is not merely a drifting along from day to day, doing the routine 

 duties that come to hand, or working as a part of a big system in 

 which the individual is well-nigh lost sight of. It is objective indi- 

 vidual effort, which puts a man to the test and brings out the best 

 there is in him. It taxes his knowledge, his ingenuity, his resource- 

 fulness, his perseverance. It is bounded by no limitations except the 

 initiative and industry and ability of the individual. 



The position to which a man may advance in his science and its 

 applications is determined only by himself, if the opportunity be 

 given him, and at this time the opportunity will be likely to mate- 

 rialize if the qualities are present to demand it. A great variety of 

 positions varying in grade and in the opportunitj^ they afford are now 

 presented in this country, and unfilled places await men who shall 

 be qualified to take them. This gives an unusual inspiration and 

 incentive to such a career. 



