o2 RULLETIN OF THE LABORATORIES 



By such combinations of studies can be given the training which 

 will fit the average man for the duties of life and which cannot fail to 

 render the feeble man much less incompetent to make his struggle for 

 existence. 



At the dedication of this beautiful building, we cannot fail to fore- 

 see some of the advantages which must accrue from the muificence of 

 its founder. Scientific men and the public throughout this region will 

 be brought more closely together, a familiarity; unlikely to breed con- 

 tempt on either side, but likely to lead each to learn from the other to 

 cultivate a due humility. It will aid in gaining a hearing for scien- 

 tific men and in assigning the so-called "practical man" to his own place ; 

 it will remove prejudices and will protect the community from great 

 loss of money and of comfort ; the place of the several departments of 

 science will be understood and the good people of Ohio will not expect 

 a botanist to determine the worth of a coal estate, a geologist to discover 

 the habits of insect plagues or to discover means for their extermination, 

 a physiologist to discuss the best localities in which to bore for natural 

 gas, or a naval officer to make the preliminary reconnaissance for a 

 railway route. Before long, there will be no danger that the Legisla- 

 ture will be asked to investigate the honesty of a noble and devoted 

 State Cieologist because he warns the state against the sinful waste of a 

 great blessing, such as natural gas. In a word, the influence of this 

 School of Science will hasten the fall of the charlatan who fattens on 

 the ignorance and cupidity of the community. 



And now, may I say a word to the students and to the alumni of 

 Denison University? The ultimate, absolute success of this institution 

 will depend largely upon you. l"he tie between alumnus and Alma 

 Mater, which some affect to ridicule, is genuine and material Be the 

 fees what they may, they never suffice to defray the cost of instruction; 

 in American colleges, the cost per student is from three to even twenty 

 times the fee, the latter pro])ortion being that in state institutions, where 

 fees are very small. The indebtedness therefore is not ideal but real. 

 Let the alumni hold this school very near to their hearts; let them 

 make its museum, let them build up its library ; and as their prosperity 

 increases, let them help it in other ways, that it may become stronger 

 and stouter, able to do better work in each decade than it did in that 

 preceding. New friends may be raised by an energetic president, but 

 unless the alumni form a constant stream of thoughtful care takers, the 

 burden of chasing for new friends becomes ere long a thankless task. 

 But if you cherish and sui)port vou Ahm Miter, th^re will be no diffi- 

 culty in crying lis'o pcrpetiia with a sturdy faith that thi- pravrr will be 

 answered. 



