150 TRANSACTIONS OF THE 
It has been mainly due to the work of the University 
that industrial progress in the past has been possible, al- 
though the poorly paid professor received very little finan- 
cial reward. Today the university man is beginning to re- 
ceive recognition for his place in industrial development. 
The banker is beginning to realize that a man who devotes 
himself to the development of science for science sake alone 
often yields large financial returns. 
For example: A few years ago the electron theory, 
ionization effects, and especially the photo electric effects 
were considered of pure academic interest. 
This photo electric effect has made possible the wireless 
telephone, and the new amplifier may soon replace the Pupin 
loading coil for long distance transmission. 
Also the phenomenon of pure electron emission has 
been used in the Coolidge X ray tube which is so valuable 
to the physician, and also on the high voltage rectifier. It 
was not long ago when Lord Rayleigh found nitrogen, taken 
from the air, had always a slightly different density than 
that generated in the laboratory. He felt himself obligated 
to science to try and clear up the discrepancy. In co- 
operation with Sir Wm. Ramsay, he discovered argon. This 
gas is very inert and good for nothing, so what was the use 
of all the trouble? The only answer Ramsay would have 
given is that it was a contribution to our knowledge of 
science and is therefore worth while. But a friend might 
have said to him(as a number of my friends have said to me 
about my worthless work of chasing electrons down in the 
laboratory at Provo), ‘Why don’t you invent something 
which will benefit mankind or which will bring you financial 
reward” and he still would have answered, “Science is worth 
while for science sake alone.” 
But very recently (within two years) the most effic- 
ient electric light now on the market is made with this gas. 
It will save millions of people “dollars and cents” and give 
them a very much better light. 
A good example of showing the relation of the progress 
of manufacturing industry and research is the history of 
our talking at a distance. First we called loudly and the 
