130 KADIOACTIVITY. 



which were supposed to come into existence through certain life 

 processes only, we must learn to separate the electron from the atom 

 or to decompose it into a group of electrons, and perhaps out of these 

 to build up a certain desired element. The solving of the first of these 

 problems would become at once of great practical significance. Our 

 control of the powers of nature would thus attain development beyond 

 imagination, would be increased a million fold ; for, however incredi- 

 ble it may sound, the processes with which we have liitherto been 

 occupied are of minor importance compared with the atomic proc- 

 esses. 



Are we to succeed in solving this problem ? That the path 

 toward the goal is long and difficult and not easily followed no one 

 will deny. To learn to control thousandfold greater supplies of 

 energy may well offer difficulties a thousandfold greater, but the 

 notable results of the study of the powers of nature, increasing from 

 decade to decade through the last century, inspire us with courage 

 and arouse hope of great achievements in the new century already 

 so full of promise. The naturalist of to-da}^ is not pessimistic. If at 

 first we are allowed to lift only a little corner of the veil with 

 which nature has so carefully concealed the secret we pursue, we Avill 

 not relinquish hope, but will 



Attempt the end, and never stand to doubt ; 

 Nothing's so hard but search will find it out. 



