PRESlDENtlAL ADDRESS. 655 



by the Society of Chemical Industry — the study of the truly maguificeut results 

 attained by the systematic application of pure science, and of the indisputable 

 evidence of their commercial value, might prove an object-lesson far more effective 

 than argument for the accomplishment of a sorely needed reform. 



Now if we are to meet successfully the very formidable scientific and 

 commercial organisation opposed to us in chemical industry, we must perforce 

 adopt the methods of our competitors; not only must we learn patience and 

 perseverance, but wo must also call to our aid the best brain-power available. 

 We must recognise clearly that the scientific works-chemist, the only man who is 

 likely to make discoveries of commercial value, must be thoroughly trained in 

 the methods of research by those best qualified to do so, and we must not 

 imagine that when he enters the works he should or could immediately become 

 an engineer and a commercial expert ; his place is in the research laboratory. 

 The practical man — that is to say, the man who has a thorough and useful 

 knowledge of some particular manufacturing process — must be trained under 

 practical men in the works, and we must not imagine that a course of even- 

 ing classes will convert him into an expert chemist. The ideal man who 

 combines high scientific training and sound practical knowledge cannot be 

 produced unless the period of his ducation is extended to half a life-time, 

 and even then only through the co-operation of the chemistry teacher and the 

 manufacturer. 



Admitting the truth of these statements — and I do not think that they can be 

 successfully controverted — we have now to consider what steps can be taken to 

 provide these highly trained works- chemists, and to ensure for them a cordial 

 reception on the part of the manuficturers. 



The first fact which we have to bear in mind is that the great and rapid 

 development of chemistry in recent times has lengthened the period which is 

 required for the collegiate study of the subject. In order to acquire the necessary 

 knowledge of facts and theory, and afterwards to devote even the minimum time 

 to gaining experience in research methods, the future works-chemist must be 

 prepared to continue at the university or other institution during at least five 

 years. The course of study during the first three years might be on the lines 

 now adopted by many of our universities for the B.Sc. pass examination, but to 

 grant this degree in one or two subjects only, and then to call it an Honours 

 degree, is in my opinion a serious mistake, as is also the admission of research 

 work at this stage, both of which proceedings lead to far too early specialisation. 

 The pass degree should be regarded merely as an indication of a sound general 

 education in science, and the future works-chemist should then devote at least 

 two years more to research and to special work in chemistry, on the results of 

 ■which the Honours degree might be awarded. Every encouragement in the form 

 of low fees free admission, research scholarships, and so on, should be oftered to such 

 students, according to their merit and circumstances, in order that they may prolono- 

 their studies ; the cost of these remissions or awards would not be very serious and 

 the money would be well spent. Teachers should then refuse to recommend, and 

 manufacturers should refuse to employ, as a works-chemist, any student who had 

 not passed through such a course satisfactorily, unless it was understood that he 

 was only expected to undertake routine analysis or work outside the research 

 laboratory. By thus extending the period of training, and making research work 

 compulsory as far as possible, a great deal would be gained ; pure science would 

 reap an immediate benefit from the investigations of the students— as has been 

 the case abroad — and this stimulus would necessarily react on industrial 

 chemistry ; tlie manufacturers could be assured that they were being supplied 

 with men of the right type ; they would soon come to recognise that fact, and 

 ithe demand for works-chemists would expand. In the laboratory of the works 

 •■the manufacturer would then have the opportunity of gauging the capabilities 

 and special leanings of every chemist on his stafl:'. Those who were best fitted 

 ■for directing operations in the works could be trained on the spot, as they could 

 ^not possibly hope to be trained in any university or polytechnic; those who 

 jjroved to be the best research chemists would, of course, remain in the laboratory 



