134 MICHIGAN STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE 



efficient instrument and then the means for utilizing it. Any 

 other sequence is irrational and unsafe. 



Again, an investigator in science should be judged by his con- 

 trolling motives or point of view. It has been said, with what 

 accuracy I do not know and shall not inquire, that an English 

 university once wrote over its portals: "No useful knowledge 

 taught here." One of our own scientists is absurdly re- 

 ported to have expressed a regret that chemistry was ever put 

 to money-making uses. Those of us who are devotees of applied 

 science repel such sentiments and, having right on our side, 

 declare with great fervor that we will have nothing to do with 

 knowledge that cannot be brought into the service of humanity. 

 We are glad that learning has escaped from the monastery into 

 a throbbing, busy world. We have no sympathy, either, with 

 the modern monastic spirit sometimes manifested by those who 

 claim to be working in the field of what is designated as pure 

 science and affect contempt for the utilitarian. 



But, on the other hand, it is time for us to give practical 

 recognition to the fact that great victories never have been won 

 in science, and never will be, when knowledge is sought merely 

 that it may be weighed in the balance as bullion. The investi- 

 gator whose foremost thought is financial advantage, either to 

 himself or to others, has an inferior point of view and is devoid 

 of the highest inspirations. I know that some good people of 

 an ultra-practical frame of mind take exception to the statement 

 that the investigator should "seek truth for truth's sake," and de- 

 clare that the controlling point of view should be that of utility. 

 Granting that knowledge reaches its best estate when it serves hu- 

 man needs, it is still to be said that inquiry is not on safe ground 

 unless the dominant impulse is to know the truth. The true 

 scientific mind is the truth-loving, truth-seeking mind. He who 

 possesses it is dominated by a desire for knowledge that leads 

 him to sacrifice, if necessary, opportunities for power, distinction, 

 wealth, or pleasure. In these days of money-making invention, 



