76 Journal of the Mitch kll Society [Nov. 



Its general meetings, stimnlating interest in chemistry in 

 whatsoever section of the country held, are participated in 

 by both classes of chemists, and the healthy, broadening in- 

 fluence of this contact is appreciated by each alike. 



Its three splendid journals are placed in the hands of 

 every member. While the subject matter of these journals 

 is differentiated, it is rightly assumed that each is of im- 

 portance to every member and the three as a whole thus fur- 

 nish the greatest of all influences in the development of 

 chemistry in our country. 



Rapid growth in membership and increased productivity 

 in research rendering impossible the completion of programs 

 at general meetings, divisions were organized under the ad- 

 ministration of President Bogert. Eeasonable opportunity 

 is thus aft'orded for such specialization as may be desired, but 

 membership in these divisions is open to all and attendance 

 is composite. 



Occasionally a note is heard that we should divide into 

 two separate organizations, the university men in one and 

 those of the industries in another. Happily that note finds 

 no response of any general character and I sincerely hope it 

 never will. 



For the sake of the future let me point out one of the best 

 features of our organization, and yet one which holds within 

 itself the gravest danger if the spirit of cooperation be not all- 

 pervasive. I refer to our Local Sections. With a member- 

 ship distributed over such a wide area and with only two 

 general meetings of the Society held each year, such local 

 sections furnish to many almost the sole opporunity for fra- 

 ternal association, for discussion of matters of somewhat re- 

 stricted interest, for bearing the expense of invited lecturers 

 and for placing before the Council the views of the respective 

 sections on matters of general policy of the Society. These 

 are some of the strong points of this feature. The danger lies 

 in local-sectionalism, which magnifies the part at the expense 

 of the whole, which in the effort to advance locally is forget 

 ful of the common good. The danger is insidious and often 



