47 



lieve will prove its value. A delinite idea should be develoiied as to tin; 

 principal feature of the program, and the participation of individual mem- 

 bers should be secured to treat of its various i)hascs lying within the range 

 of their several fields of work. This involves much labor, but the results 

 will justify the effort, and 1 am sure the connnittee will be willing to give 

 the necessary time and energy to the accomplishment of the plan. The 

 writer does not believe that tlie papers form the most important part of 

 the work of the Academy, but it goes without saying that a well-planned, 

 attractive program is of first importance in gaining attendance and inter- 

 est at the meetings, and without these all other ends A\ill suffer defeat. 



One result of the specialization of today is the narrowing of the inter- 

 ests of workers to smaller and snialli-r limits within the fields of their 

 special activities. I quote in part from the address of Dr. .Tohn M. Coulter 

 to the Academy on the occasion of the celebration of its twenty-fifth anni- 

 versary. There is "a tendency ro become narrow in our vision and lose 

 our perspective of the whole field not only of science but also of education. 

 You will find that as scientific men become less and less interested in other 

 fields of work, as they grijid their own groo^•es deeper and deeper, they 

 become k^ss and less effective as teachers and less and less influential with 

 their students. You will find men with bi'oad outlook, clear and wide vis- 

 ion, men with sympathy — men can only get these things by coming in con- 

 tact with larger fields than their own — are the men who win with stu- 

 dents." So spoke one of Indiana's most effective teachers, and we must 

 all be quite in accord witli his opinion. Since we recognize this tendency. 

 1 would point out that a program which by its general interest and excel- 

 lence will provoke thought and discussion in other than innnediate indi- 

 vidual fields of activity would be of inestimable \alue in the work of the 

 Academy for its memliers. To this end may we not exi»ect and demand the 

 hearty cooperation of officers and committees and a ready and enthusiastic 

 support from the whole membership? 



One other consideration in connection with the regular programs is 

 worth a passing mention. Modern ])hotography and improved projection 

 apparatus afford an important addition to the means of clear and inter- 

 esting presentation of results of work, and in connection with this visual 

 method I venture to suggest that more attention be given to the exhibition 

 of specimens, apparatus, or preparations. The greater part of our mem- 

 bers are teachers or are in some way closely identified with educational 

 work, and the display of aj^paratus or preiiarations that have proven help- 



