[ID IAOIRIAIE 
AN unsigned article in Sczence (June 22) entitled “Sigma X1 
at the American Association for the Advancement of Science,” 
calls attention approvingly to a movement to associate meetings 
of this Greek-letter society with those of the Association. The 
rapid rise of the Sigma Xi in American universities is cited, and 
it is affirmed that ‘‘as an honor society it promises to take a 
leading part in our universities in which science holds a promi- 
nent place.” It is urged that ‘it has become a representative 
honor society for the ablest students of science in the institutions 
where it is established.” Respecting its intent, the following 
authoritative quotation is made: ‘In establishing a new chapter 
_. in each case we should make sure that we entrust the 
power of distributing the honor of membership only to such per- 
sons and institutions as are capable of giving the education and 
training necessary to the carrying on of scientific investigation.” 
It is scarcely necessary to make these quotations to show 
that the fundamental feature of the society is the promotion of a 
class distinction based on academic preparation. However laud- 
able this may be, in itself considered, it would seem to be inhar- 
monious with the fundamental purpose of the Association, which 
is the development and dissemination of science among all people 
without regard to race, age, sex, or previous condition of intel- 
lectual servitude. From professional relations the writer should 
not be inappreciative of the value of university training aya! Olt” 
academic achievement. Nevertheless, it seems to him that the 
purposes of the Association are unqualifiedly democratic and 
that the spirit of science is equally so, and that therefore the 
only distinctions which the Association should foster or sanction, 
if it fosters or sanctions distinctions at all, are those which are . 
based solely upon scientific productiveness. And this produc- 
tiveness should be honored quite irrespective of its connection 
359 
