EVOLUTION OF THP] SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATOR." 



By SiJ[ON Nkwcomb. 



As Ave look at the asseniblage gathered in this hall, couiprising so 

 many names of widest renown in every hraneli of learning — we might 

 almost say in every field of human endeavor — the first inquiry sug- 

 gested must he after the object of our UK'eting. The answer is that 

 our purpose corresponds to the eminence of the assemblage. We aim 

 at nothing less than a survey of the realm of knowledge, as com[)re- 

 hensive as is i)ermitted by the limitations of time and space. The 

 organizers of our congress have honored me with (he charge of pre- 

 senting such preliminary view of its field as may make clear the 

 spii'it of our undertaking. 



Certain tendencies characteristic of the science of our day clearly 

 suggest the direction of our thoughts nu)st appropriate' to the occasion. 

 Among the strongest of these is one toward laying greater stress on 

 questions of the beginning of things, and regarding a knowledge of 

 the laws of development of any object of study as necessary to the 

 understanding of its present form. It may be conceded that the 

 principle here involved is as applicable in the broad field before us as 

 in a special research into the properties of the minutest organism. 

 It therefore seems meet that we should begin by inepiiring what 

 agenc}^ has brought about the renuirkable development of science to 

 v.diich the world of to-day bears witness. This view is recognized in 

 the plan of our proceedings by providing for each great department 

 of knowledge a revicAv of its progress during the century that has 

 elapsed since the great event coumiemorated by the scenes outside this 

 h.all. But such reviews do not make up that general survey of science 

 at hii'ge which is necessary to the development of our theme, and 

 wliich nnist include the action of causes that had their origin long 

 'oefore our time. The movement which culminated in making the 

 ninejteenth century ever memorable in history is the outcome of a 

 long series of causes, acting through many centui-ies, wliicli are worthy 



o Opening address at tlie International Congress of Arts and Science. St. I.ouis, 

 September 19, 1904. Rei)rinted Iruui author's revised copy. 



221 



