58 ASPECTS OF SCIENTIFIC METHOD 



striking illustration of the extent to which emotion rather 

 than reason sways the mass of mankind. Science, being 

 pre-eminently a rational system of thought, does not as 

 a rule influence men's actions or determine their beliefs ; 

 but when, though still based on reason, it becomes 

 glorified by the touch of imagination and extends our 

 mental view of the world beyond the limits of possible 

 experience, then mankind acknowledges its authority and 

 utilizes its conceptions. Imagination is the rider on the 

 white horse ; there is given unto him a crown, and he 

 rides forth conquering and to conquer. 



In conclusion, let me briefly summarize those features 

 of the scientific method to which I have drawn your 

 attention. The scientific method is the means best 

 adapted to secure the end for which the scientific spirit 

 strives, the setting forth of an intelligible causative 

 explanation of natural phenomena. The use of the 

 method demands from him who would employ it aright, 

 that he should regard Nature as an aggregate of 

 phenomena all potentially capable of such causative 

 explanation, that he should deem no natural phenomenon 

 too insignificant or too ignoble for investigation, that he 

 should grudge neither time nor labour in making and 

 repeating observations and experiments, that he should 

 have the fear of error constantly before him, and that he 

 should be unaffected by any consideration as to the 

 immediate practical utility of his work. Free inquiry 

 into Nature conducted along these lines, guided throughout 

 by man's most priceless possession, reason, and illumin- 

 ated by his gift of imagination, has advanced scientific 

 knowledge in the past, and will surely continue to advance 

 it in the future. Thus, through the scientific method, the 

 scientific worker may attain the crown of labour and 

 realize the joy of achievement. 



