EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



Vol. XIV. February. L!t(»8. No. 6. 



An interesting feature of the ^Vashing•ton meeting- of the American 

 Association for the Advancement of Science was a discussion, by six 

 men selected to represent different branches of science, of the ques- 

 tion: How Can P^ndowments be Used Most Effectually for Scientific 

 Research i The occasion of this was a joint session of the biological 

 societies with the American Society of Naturalists. 



While various phases of this question were covered b}" the different 

 speakers, one point quite prominently emphasized b}' nearly all was 

 the prime importance of the //tan. This single factor overshadows all 

 others in research — the theme, the equipment, the surroundings, and 

 other material resources. Large amounts of money, magnificent 

 lal)oratories, expensive and elaborate equipment do not insure research 

 of high order, and only to a limited extent will they promote it. Men 

 with well-developed investigating instincts are the great prerequisite. 

 Such men will rise al)ove their surroundings, and will accomplish 

 results in spite of conditions which are not ideal. They will not allow 

 a lack of the hitest facilities or the best arrangement of their time to 

 deter them from the pursuit of knowledge. This is the genius of the 

 research worker, that his zeal and devotion and his inspiration serve 

 to offset, if necessary, luifavorable conditions which to another would 

 be deterrent. 



Special natural traits and qualifications are required for the success- 

 ful research worker. Considerable of our research work, as one 

 speaker stated, is carried on because research is more or less of a fad — 

 the thing for the student to do; and this often leads men and women 

 into research work who are not suited to it by nature or capable of 

 rising above a comparatively low level in that line of activity. 



The conditions prevalent in this country, with its man}' opportu- 

 nities and distracting influences, do not favor the highest development 

 of the qualities necessary in the research worker. There is a lack of 

 incentive — the opportunity for a career which other lines hold out. 

 The position of the man of science who devotes himself to research is 



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