IOWA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 33 



system of which we are a small and humble part. A 

 recent writer considers science not as a body of exact 

 knowledge, but a "devotion to truth," the truth that is the 

 object of search, and which is still unknown and undis- 

 covered. The scientist is not a defender or guardian of 

 truth; the truth that has been found and made known 

 needs no defense nor does it require champions. The 

 twentieth century scientist will indeed be devoted to the 

 truth that is, but which he has not yet been able to search 

 out, and which with the strength of his whole soul he 

 strives to reach. 



Such then is science, a vocation, a devotion of one's self 

 to that which alone is worth while. And the scientist has 

 consecrated himself to this unknown truth. In this con- 

 ception of science, and scientists, there can scarcely be 

 degrees of merit, nor can the searchers after any form or 

 manifestation of truth claim greater merit, than those 

 seeking some other form of it. All are equally noble, and 

 all departments of science must be equally free and 

 generous with their aid to any other branch, to further its 

 object and to cheer its devotees. 



