November 11, 1910] 



SCIENCE 



685 



TABLE XII. 



THE TEN STB0NGE8T DEPABTMENTS IW EACH SCIENCE TOGKTHEB WITH THEIB GAIN OB LOSS 

 IN A PERIOD OF ABOUT FOUB TEARS 



gain in four years has been equivalent to 2.8 

 such men, and this figure is likely to be cor- 

 rect within 0.8. A gain of this kind may be 

 due to the calling of new men or to the win- 

 ning of higher places by the same men. 



It should be kept in mind that the figures 

 refer only to men included in the first thou- 

 sand, and that these are graded for distinction 

 in scientific work, ability in teaching and ad- 

 ministration being given a subordinate place. 

 A university may conceivably have a depa'rt- 

 ment consisting of men of moderate scientific 

 standing, but of personal distinction and su- 

 perior teaching ability. Some universities 

 even have collegiate professors who are not 

 supposed to permit research work to distract 

 them from teaching and the personal oversight 

 of students. The writer believes that such 

 men belong to the past rather than to the 



present generation. Under existing condi- 

 tions scientific men of ability and character 

 wiU be investigators, and there is a high cor- 

 relation between these traits and teaching 

 skill. However, this is one of the numerous 

 questions awaiting scientific solution. 



Another factor not taken into account by 

 the figures is the age of the men. As a matter 

 of fact, this should not be considered in the 

 present strength of an institution or depart- 

 ment, for if a man of forty and a man of sixty 

 have about the same position, they may be 

 regarded as of about equal value for the pres- 

 ent. There are drawbacks and advantages of 

 both youth and age which nearly balance each 

 other or regarding which we have at present 

 no exact information. The writer would pre- 

 fer the merits and faults of the younger men. 

 However this may be, the departments or in- 



