January 28, 1904] 
NAT ORE 
3097 
of the conception of evolution. And so in every department 
of knowledge the great generalisations that have been 
reached through the persistent efforts of scientific investi- 
gators are the intellectual gains that have resulted. These 
great generalisations measure the intellectual wealth of 
mankind. They are the foundations of all profitable 
thought. While the generalisations of science belong to 
the world, not all the world takes advantage of its oppor- 
tunities. Nation differs from nation intellectually as in- 
dividual differs from individual. It is not, however, the 
possession of knowledge that makes the efficient individual 
and the efficient nation. It is well known that an in- 
dividual may be very learned and at the same time very 
inefficient. The question is, what use does he make of his 
knowledge? When we speak of intellectual results of 
scientific investigation, we mean not only accumulated 
knowledge, but the way in which this knowledge is in- 
vested. A man who simply accumulates money and does 
not see to it that this money is carefully invested is a miser, 
and no large results can come from his efforts. | While, 
then, the intellectual state of a nation is measured partly 
by the extent to which it has taken possession of the 
generalisations that belong to the world, it is also measured 
by the extent to which the methods by which knowledge 
is accumulated have been brought into requisition and have 
become a part of the equipment of the people of that nation. 
The intellectual progress of a nation depends upon the 
adoption of scientific methods in dealing with intellectual 
problems. The scientific method is applicable to all kinds 
of intellectual problems. We need it in every department 
of activity. I have sometimes wondered what the result 
would be if the scientific method could be employed in all 
the manifold problems connected with the management of 
a Government. Questions of tariff, of finance, of inter- 
national relations would be dealt with much more satis- 
factorily than at present if the spirit of the scientific method 
were breathed into those who are called upon to deal with 
these questions. It is plain, I think, that the higher the 
intellectual state of a nation the better will it deal with all 
the problems that present themselves. As the intellectual 
state is a direct result of scientific investigation, it is clear 
that the nation that adopts the scientific method will in the 
end outrank both intellectually and industrially the nation 
that does not. 
What are the ethical results of scientific investigation ? 
No one can tell. There is one thought that in this con- 
nection I should like to impress upon you. The funda- 
mental characteristic of the scientific method is honesty. 
Ia dealing with any question science asks no favours. The 
sole object is to learn the truth, and to be guided by the 
truth. Absolute accuracy, absolute fidelity, absolute 
honesty are the prime conditions of scientific progress. I 
believe that the constant use of the scientific method must 
in the end leave its impress upon him who uses it. The 
results will not be satisfactory in all cases, but the tendency 
will be in the right direction. A life spent in accordance 
with scientific teachings would be of a high order. It 
would practically conform to the teachings of the highest 
types of religion. The motives would be different, but so 
far as conduct is concerned the results would be practically 
identical. I need not enlarge upon this subject. Un- 
fortunately, abstract truth and knowledge of facts and of 
the conclusions to be drawn from them do not at present 
furnish a sufficient basis for right living in the case of the 
great maiority of mankind, and science cannot now, and I 
do not believe it ever can, take the place of religion in some 
form. When the feeling that the two are antagonistic 
wears away, as it is wearing away, it will no doubt be 
seen that one supplements the other, in so far as they have 
tc do with the conduct of man. 
What are we doing in this country to encourage scientific 
investigation? Not until about a quarter of a century ago 
can it be said that it met with any encouragement. Since 
then there has been a great change. Up to that time re- 
search was sporadic. Soon after it became almost epidemic. 
The direct cause of the change was the establishing of 
courses in our universities for the training of investigators 
somewhat upon the lines followed in the German universi- 
ties. In these courses the carrying out of an investigation 
plays an important part. This is, in fact, the culmination 
No. 1787, VOL. 69] 
of the course. At first there were not many following these 
courses, but it was not long before there was a demand for 
the products. Those who could present evidence that they 
had followed such courses were generally given the pre- 
ference. This was especially true in the case of appoint- 
ments in the colleges, some colleges even going so far as 
to decline to appoint anyone who had not taken the degree 
of doctor of philosophy, which is the badge of the course 
that involves investigation. As the demand for those who 
had received this training increased, the number of those 
seeking it increased at least in the same proportion. New 
universities were established and old ones caught the spirit 
of the new movement until from one end of the country to 
the other centres of scientific activity are now found, and 
the amount of research work that is done is enormous com- 
pared with what was done twenty-five or thirty years ago. 
Many of those who get a taste of the work of investigation 
become fascinated by it and are anxious to devote their 
lives to it. At present, with the facilities for such work 
available, it seems probable that most of those who have 
a strong desire and the necessary industry and ability to 
follow it find their opportunity somewhere. There is little 
danger of our losing a genius or even one with fair talent. 
The world is on the lookout for them. The demand for 
those who can do good research work is greater than the 
supply. To be sure the rewards are not as a rule so great 
as those that are likely to be won by the ablest members 
of some other professions and occupations, and so long as 
this condition of affairs continues to exist there will not 
be so many men of the highest intellectual order engaged 
in this work as we should like to see. On the other hand, 
when we consider the great progress that has been made 
during the last twenty-five years or so, we have every reason 
to take a cheerful view of the future. If as much progress 
should be made in the next quarter century, we shall, to 
say the least, be able to compete with the foremost nations 
of the world in scientific investigation. In my opinion this 
progress is largely dependent upon the development of our 
universities. Without the opportunities for training in the 
methods of scientific investigation there will be but few 
investigators. It is necessary to have a large number in 
order that the principle of selection may operate. In this 
line of work as in others, many are called, but few are 
chosen. 
Another fact that is working advantageously to increase 
the amount of scientific research done in this country is the 
support given by the Government in its different scientific 
bureaus. The Geological Survey, the Department of Agri- 
culture, the Coast and Geodetic Survey, the National Bureau 
of Standards and other departments are carrying on a large 
amount of excellent scientific work, and thus helping most 
efficiently to spread the scientific spirit throughout the land. 
Finally, two exceedingly interesting experiments in the 
way of encouraging scientific investigation are now attract- 
ing the attention of the world. I mean, of course, the 
Carnegie Institution, with its endowment of 10,000,000 
dollars, and the Rockefeller Institute, devoted to investi- 
gations in the field of medicine, which will no doubt be 
adequately endowed. It is too early to express an opinion 
in regard to the influence of these great foundations upon 
the progress of scientific investigation. As both will make 
possible the carrying out of many investigations that would 
otherwise probably not be carried out, the chances of 
achieving valuable results will be increased. The danger 
is that those who are responsible for the management of the 
funds will be disappointed that the results are not at once 
of a striking character, and that they will be tempted to 
change the method of applying the money before those 
who are using it have had a fair chance. But we who are 
on the outside know little of the plans of those who are 
inside. All signs indicate that they are making an earnest 
effort to solve an exceedingly difficult problem, and all who 
have the opportunity should do everything in their power to 
aid them. 
In the changes which have been brought about in the 
condition of science in this country since 1848, it is safe to 
say that this association has either directly or indirectly 
played a leading part. It is certain that for the labours of 
scientific men increased facilities and a wider usefulness 
have been procured. 
