236 INTRODUCTION TO SCIENCE 



results of Science which are light-giving (lucifera) 

 and those which are of direct practical utility 

 (fructifera). Regarding which, he came to the 

 memorable conclusion: "Just as the vision of 

 light itself is something more excellent and beau- 

 tiful than its manifold use, so without doubt the 

 contemplation of things as they are, without 

 superstition or imposture, without error or con- 

 fusion, is in itself a nobler thing than a whole 

 harvest of inventions." It is an intolerable nar- 

 row-mindedness which supposes that a science 

 can be judged only by its practical fruits and not 

 also by its virtue of illumination. 



FUNDAMENTAL VALUE OF "THEORETICAL SCI- 

 ENCE." This little book will not have been 

 written in vain if it contributes to expose the 

 pernicious fallacy, which has deceived many, 

 that science can be pruned of its theoretical 

 developments and yet continue to bear fruit. 

 It is supposed by the ignorant that these "efflor- 

 escences" could be dispensed with mere luxu- 

 ries of the intelligence, and out of place in a 

 utilitarian age. The fact is that they are the 

 blossoms, which in part become fruits. 



One of the deleterious results of the fallacy 

 is that it has suggested to students and directors 

 of studies at all levels the mistaken policy of 

 trying to secure a "technical education" with- 

 out an adequately substantial scientific training. 



