424 ANNUAL REPORT SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 1946 
objective of the program is to further understanding between the na- 
tions and peoples of this hemisphere, to advance their interests, and 
to maintain peace. That the plan is successful in advancing interna- 
tional relations has been demonstrated repeatedly. Authorization for 
the extension of this program to other parts of the globe is now before 
Congress. Cooperation in science on a world-wide scale, in improving 
economic conditions within nations, can contribute much toward re- 
moving a fertile and continuing cause of wars. We must remember 
that any discussion relating to the welfare of peoples cannot avoid 
consideration of ways and means for preventing wars, which cause 
losses in human and material resources beyond appraisal. The last 
war cost this country alone over a million casualties and 354 billions 
of dollars. These partial costs show clearly the futility of planning a 
comfortable standard of living if wars, on the modern scale, are per- 
mitted to recur at intervals. 
The question has been asked as to whether science is not given an 
undue portion of the projected program and whether the well-being 
of peoples would not be advanced further by including the humanities. 
These have always been international in character and thus furnish a 
meeting ground on which races, creeds, and nations may find common 
appreciation and understanding. The humanities play an important 
part in the progress of mankind, and obviously the advancement of 
human welfare and peace must include the humanities in ever-increas- 
ing amounts. One answer to this question is that a program including 
the humanities is now operating under the guidance of our State 
Department and it will expand as it receives further support from the 
United Nations Organization and from other programs of interna- 
tional scope. It is a separate program and should remain so, both as 
to direction and support. Perhaps the principal answer to the question 
is that survival and recovery are the immediate needs, and science has 
demonstrated its ability to function in emergencies. Science is ready 
to go ahead now and it has world-wide support. In addition to meet- 
ing immediate needs, science can do much to sponsor international 
good will for it, too, is truly international in character. Science has an 
important role in pointing the way to the recovery, well-being, and 
peace of the world; but it will make its greatest contribution to human 
welfare when it realizes the necessity for pooling its efforts with those 
from other sources of assistance. Thus, whether we consider our 
problem from the national or world-wide viewpoint, all science might 
well adopt the ideal to which Hugh Taylor, in speaking for the 
physical sciences, gave such eloquent expression : 
In the free world to which we still dare to look forward, with the soldiers and 
statesmen, artists, humanists, philosophers, and priests, we must integrate our 
scientific skills with the social and spiritual aspects of human life and nature. 
That goal attained, we shall not lack either direction or support. 
