SCIENCE 
Fray, NoveMser 29, 1918 
CONTENTS 
The Purpose of Research: Proressor H. N. 
RGR erat Re al oinle a a e's die Waves See Rete eIT 525 
Industrial Research and National Welfare: 
THE HONORABLE Exinv RooT ............ 532 
TORIES SOOKE, 5.00, a8 od als aitieie ede itt ge ae afer 534 
The American Association for the Advance- 
qiantidf. Sctanee <\.4. 4 Bisicas . Maiaoasian oa 535 
Scientific Events :— : 
A Journey round the Arctic Coast of 
Alaska; A Proposed British Institute; Agri- 
culture and the Government; Use of the 
Metric System in the United States; An Eco- 
logical Survey of the Palisades Interstate 
Park 
University and Educational News .......... 
Discussion and Correspondence :— 
Food of Aquatic Hemiptera: Prorgessor C. 
F. Curtis RiLey 545 
Scientific Books :— 
Nelson’s Wild Animals of North America: 
JOSEPH GRINNELL 547 
Special Articles :— 
The Substitution of Saccharin for Sugar: 
LOOMS Cnc) ee ee eee 
The American Astronomical Society: Pro- 
FESSOR JOEL STEBBINS 
MSS. intended for publication and books, ete., intended for 
review should be sent to The Editor of Science, Garrison-on- 
Hudson, N. Y. 
THE PURPOSE OF RESEARCH 
One of the articles of the constitution of 
the Society of Sigma Xi provides that the 
president shall explain to the members- 
elect the aims and objects of the society, 
and it is in accordance with this require- 
ment that I now have the pleasure of ad- 
dressing those who have been, by our ac- 
tive membership, adjudged worthy of en- 
listment with us in the army of investiga- 
tors and research workers whose goal is the 
discovery of all truth. ; 
Our constitution sets forth that the so- 
ciety exists for the purpose of encouraging 
investigation in science, pure and applied, 
and limits its membership to those who have 
shown either noteworthy achievement as 
original investigators or who have given 
promise of marked ability in research; and 
if the reward of membership has not proved 
to be sufficiently adequate and compelling 
in the promotion of investigation, the so- 
ciety must, if true to its purpose, devise 
other ways of securing and developing the 
spirit of research, which is its excuse for 
existence. 
With this in mind, I think, Professor 
Stieglitz, of the University of Chicago 
Chapter, has recently proposed that the so- 
ciety at large establish at least three Sigma 
Xi fellowships, with an income of at least 
$1,000 each, as a practical method of stimu- 
lating and strengthening ardor for research, 
since the award of a national Sigma Xi 
Fellowship would stamp the recipient as 
one of whom much is expected and would 
1 Presidential address to members-elect, Alpha 
Chapter, Sigma Xi Society, April 20, 1918. 
