58 



truest friend and uoble helper" was never more applicable than now and 

 at home. 1 appeal to you as men of science to lend a helping hand and 

 bring forth the truth to a receptive humanity. 



Relation of Scientific Organizations to Manufacturers. 



R. B. Polk. 



In looking over the constitution and by-laws of this organization, I 

 find stated among its objects the following: "To assist by investigation 

 and discussion in developing and making known the material, educational 

 and other resources and riches of the State. To arrange and prepare for 

 publication such reports of investigation and discussions as may further 

 the aims and objects of the Academy as set forth in these articles." 



Being identified with the manufacture of certain food products, and 

 being a member of this organization, has induced me to give some thought 

 to the results which might be produced if there could be consummated a 

 closer relationship between this society and maniifacturers. In suggest- 

 ing that a movement of this kind be inaugurated, I am taking it foi' 

 granted that the paramount motives of this organization are for the en- 

 lightenment of the public at large, and the advancement of science in 

 general. 



It is a fact that there is a certain amount of prejudice on the part 

 of manufacturers against scientists, which I believe to be directly due to 

 a lack of understanding and cooperation. There is, in fact, too much an- 

 tagonism between manufacturers and our health officers. This is, per- 

 haps, due, to some extent, to impractical and incompetent men being 

 placed in these positions. It may, indeed, be laid in some cases to the 

 fault of the laws they are trying to enforce. And. though I whisper it. 

 it may be due to a desire on the part of some manufacturers to use 

 fraudulent methods in the sale of their goods. 



It is a belief too primaiy to question that science in the hands of 

 men of genius has been directly responsible for nearly all great improve- 

 ments in the production of pure foods. We have to but mention such 

 names as Appert, Pasteur, Liebig, Hansen, Jorgensen and others and 

 investigate tln-ir woi-ks to substantiate this assertion. 



