Lampiugh : Man as an Instrument of Research. 195 



call Truth. Herein rests the need for the rooted scepticism 

 of Science, democratic in essence and standing in sharp con- 

 tradistinction to the aristocratic attitude of pre-scientific times, 

 when solitary visions and imaginings demanded and received 

 unquestioning credence. Hence, also, even repetitional obser- 

 vation in science has its value, in confirming or, it may be, 

 amending previous impressions ; so that every application of 

 the intelligence has some measure of collective usefulness,, 

 whether it yield new matter or simply confirm what is known. 



The scale of temperamental variation being widest in the 

 interpreting and communicating faculties, it is in them that 

 the individuality of the investigator becomes most apparent. 

 At one extreme of the scale is the type, already discussed, in 

 which the capacity for direct observation is great, while the 

 capacity for co-ordination and expression is deficient. At 

 the other extreme is the type in which there is little or no 

 aptitude for original observation, but high capacity for the 

 assimilation of ideas and for their classification. The majority 

 of scientific workers rank, of course, between these extremes, 

 though usually with a very perceptible leaning toward the one 

 side or the other. 



We may figuratively compare the functions of the first type 

 to those of the plant that seizes upon surrounding particles 

 of unorganized matter, and builds up from them an organised 

 substance which thereafter passes as vital currency through 

 the whole chain of life. So, the simple impressions captured 

 and held fast by the observer are converted into conscious 

 knowledge. The hitherto Unthought becomes Thought, and is 

 available for merging into Collective Thought. 



We may pursue the simile further. The activities of the 

 other extreme type may be likened to the animal function, that 

 remains almost inert to inorganic matter, but readily assimilates 

 the products of the plant and constructs from them substances 

 of still higher complexity. When provided with pabulum of the 

 right quality, this type will extract from it the hidden essence ; 

 but when such material is lacking, its action is ineffective. 



The interdependence of these types is manifest. Their 

 functions are complementary ; and it is only through com- 

 bination of service that either can achieve its full power as 

 an instrument of research. 



But we are all naturally inclined to over-rate those qualities 



1910 May I. 



