PresidenVs Address. 33 



The day is past when any one can successfully deny the truth- 

 seeker the divine right of freedom to investigate, to put to 

 the test any and all puzzling questions, and to publish his 

 results. This retrospective study shows us that the scientific 

 stimulus is the hunger to know, and its reverence and yearn- 

 ing are always picketed along the borders of the unknown, 

 pioneering, peering into that wilderness where no one ever 

 trod before, while the scientific spirit lingers behind, a pro- 

 motor of the good, a strong ally to all that uplifts humanity, 

 by keeping close to the facts and finding the proper relation of 

 cause and effect, while its mission is to eliminate that which 

 is untrue and hurtful, to augment all that is good and true, 

 and to find all the avenues of service. 



We sometimes hear of two classes of scientists : Those who 

 give special attention to the discovery of the theories and 

 laws of nature, the finding and study of truth in all its re- 

 lations for its own sake and the advancement of knowledge; 

 and those who emphasize the application of these facts in 

 the various arts and industries. In a word, pure and applied 

 science, the difference being that of emphasis. However, pure 

 science is the foundation upon which all of its products are 

 built, and of necessity must precede and blaze out the way 

 whereby its applications may continue their activity in every 

 sphere of life, giving to it increased vigor and power. As we 

 glance over the history of man and study the factors that have 

 contributed to his present advanced condition, we cannot fail 

 to be impressed with the part that the various sciences have 

 played. Thus, by its fruits we may measure its value. 



We find science, in its applications, lifting burdens from the 

 oppressed, placing man upon a higher plane of life with a 

 greater control of the forces and materials of nature at his 

 command, that he may use them for the betterment of his 

 fellows. Science dignifies all the avocations of life, broadens 

 the scope of man's influence, that he may come in touch with 

 man wherever he may be, removes sectionalism and binds 

 every race and nationality, as it were, into a single commu- 

 nity. Mountains, deserts and oceans are no longer barriers 

 between races, while the products of any single clime are 

 familiar to all climes; also cheap and rapid transportation 

 facilities, combined with quick and convenient means of com- 

 munication, along with sanitary and architectural discoveries 

 and improvements, are relieving our greater centers of con- 

 -3 



