49 



isolation, however, lis not that of tlie individual, but of a society. Isola- 

 tion of the individual kills ; of the society, vivifies. Segregation, with 

 its consequent freedom from intimate contact with distracting forces and 

 especially with its consequent interaction of varying kinds and degrees 

 of like tendencies and interests, is of paramount Importance in the 

 development of the individual. This kind of segregation is just what 

 our organization can and should accomplish. As members we are each 

 interested in some particular field of work and too many of us find it 

 difficult to keep in touch with the broad fields of which ours is but a 

 part. No other agency can do so much to help us here as the personal 

 contact which our meetings make possible. During the last two decades 

 the pendulum has .swung too far in the direction of intense specialization 

 to the exclusion of the broader training, and already clearer minds are 

 calling us back to the fact that science is one great field, and that to 

 succeed in any part, one must have a l)road view and a fail' knowledge 

 of the whole. The distinguished president of the British Association 

 laid emphasis upon this in his address upon "Continuity" at the Bir- 

 mingham meeting last month. President Van Hise says that for the 

 training of a geologist there must be intimate knowledge of at least two 

 ba.sal sciences with a broad knowledge in other fields. "No man," says 

 he, "may hope for the highest success who does not continue special stud- 

 ies and broadening studies to the end of his career. Besides the broad 

 training in language which is essential in every field, there must be 

 an intensive training in chemistry, physics, mineralogy, and l)iology." 

 In other words the study of geology alone cannot make a competent 

 geologist. Professor Bes.sey. whose word always commands the thoughtful 

 attention of all teachers and students in America, contends tliat the 

 fundamental training of a botanist may well be limited in the .special 

 botanical Held to three years of xmiversity work, so that time and energy 

 may be spared to the ac(iuisition of the broader foundation necessary 

 tor subsequent specialization. With such a wide training the student is 

 able to take up his special work with an intelligence and understanding 

 that is impossible to one trained in a narrower fashion. In his presiden- 

 tial address to the Academy three years ago Dr. Evans said : "lie is a 

 poor chemist, who is only a chemist." Further testimony from experts 

 in the scientific and educational fields could be cited, but I believe we all 

 agree as to the value of hmad training and the maintenance of ln'oad inter- 



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