72 Journal of the Mitchell Society [Nov. 



ratories of the eonntry would ])e encroached upon. The field 

 is so large and the problems awaiting solution are so mani- 

 fold that the entire chemical strength of the country is in- 

 sufficient to give these problems that consideration which 

 would bring our industries promptly to the state of efficiency 

 which can be reached only by the aid of the chemist. In the 

 conservation and better utilization of natural resources lie 

 sufficient problems to furnish subjects for theses in all our 

 university laboratories. 



The term "university research," however, has a broader 

 meaning than the selection of a topic for a thesis and the 

 systematic experimentation connected therewith. In its 

 widest significance it is the embodiment of the university 

 spirit itself. It typifies the relation of each university to its 

 environment. Surely no institution can afford to be un- 

 heededful of that obligation. In its entirety it summarizes 

 imiversity attitude toward the complete life of the nation. 



We would do well, therefore, to give serious considera- 

 tion to the question often asked during the past year in a 

 comparative way, "Is there adequate cooperation between 

 our universities and our industries ?" 



I do not feel competent to attempt to answer that question 

 categorically. Certain it is that cooperation implies the acts 

 of at least two parties^ and the question therefore directs it- 

 self with equal force to universities and to industries. Equal- 

 ly sure is the conviction that such cooperation would inure 

 to the benefit of each. 



For five years I was closely associated with successful 

 business men. From that broadening experience I brought 

 back to university surroundings no clearer impression of those 

 men, both individually and in common council, than their 

 desire to know the truth concerning any proposition before 

 them, for with such knowledge they could wisely plan for the 

 future. Desire for publication of that truth may not be so 

 pronounced with them as with us of the universities, but the 

 unflinching attitude towards facts, as revealing truth, is com- 



