SCIENCE AND ETHICS, 479 
where m is the mass of the electron, 7 is the distance between the electron and the 
nucleus, / is the quantum constant and 7 is an integer which expresses the quantum 
state of the electron. It should be noted that this expression does not contain NV the 
charge on the nucleus, nor e the charge on the electron. A free electron (not bound in 
an atom), for which ” is zero, has no quantum force and thus acts strictly in accord with 
Coulomb’s law. But when the electron becomes modified by undergoing quantum 
changes, resulting from the emission of radiation, it is not able to come indefinitely 
near to the nucleus, but tends to reach a definite position of equilibrium. The total 
potential energy of the atom in each of these positions (corresponding to the different 
values of 7) is the same as the total energy of the atom in Bohr’s theory. The distance 
between the nucleus and the electron in its equilibrium position is the same as the 
radius of the orbit of the electron in Bohr’s theory. Finally, the period of oscillation 
of the electron about its position of equilibrium is the same as the period of revolution 
of the electron in its orbit about the nucleus in Bohr’s theory. 
This represents merely an attempt to interpret the quantitative results of Bohr’s 
theory on the basis of a static arrangement of electrons. Without further assumptions 
regarding the properties of the electrons, it is not possible to account for the fine 
structure of the lines. Nevertheless, it seems useful to pursue this line of reasoning 
to other atoms and molecules, particularly to construct models which will throw light 
on chemical relationships. By assuming an analogous (although not identical) quantum 
force between two electrons in the same atom or molecule, I have been able to devise 
models of the hydrogen molecule and helium atom which give the total energy more 
accurately than any of the other models that have been proposed. I am planning 
to study models of lithium and other simple elements in a similar manner. This theory 
seems to afford a very satisfactory explanation for the fact that only two electrons 
occur in the first shell of any of the atoms. 
SCIENCE AND ETHICS. 
By EB. H. GRIFFITHS, Sc.D., D.Sc., LL.D., FBS. 
Let us consider the dictionary definition of the two words I have chosen 
for a title. 
‘ Scrence : Knowledge—the comprehension or understanding of truth or facts 
by the mind.’ The dictionary adds : ‘ The science of God must be perfect.’ 
‘Eruics: A system of moral principles; a system of rules for regulating 
{he manners and actions of men.’ 
Tf we agree with these definitions it must appear impossible to accept any 
code of ethics which igrores that ‘comprehension and understanding cf truth’ 
which is the hall-mark of the scientific mind. Yet for centuries the disciples 
of what they termed ethics imprisoned, nay, tortured, the searchers after truth 
wherever they encountered them. Even to-day many regard ethics and natural 
science as antagonistic rather than as closely allied, and I believe that certain 
of our educational difficulties arise from this misapprehension. 
I trust, therefore, that a necessarily brief and imperfect inquiry into the 
causes and effects of this imaginary antagonism may not be considered in this 
section as an unworthy subject for consideration. 
The neglect of natural science by the British public has compelled those 
who believed in both its technical and ethical value to use, in their efforts to 
overcome the prevailing indifference, those arguments which would most strongly 
attract attention and arouse interest. Special emphasis, therefore, had to be 
laid on the material value of the applications of science and the benefits to 
industry which have had their origin in scientific research. This Association 
has, during the past ninety years, played a great part in the awakening of 
the public conscience, and the ‘man in the street,’ and, what is more surprising, 
the politician in his Cabinet, is beginning to realise that his prosperity, his 
security, his comfort, his health are in no small measure due to the achievements 
of the pioneers of science. 
