206 



SCIENCE. 



[N. S. Vol. IV. No. 86. 



which we should seek to advance on terms 

 of equal service. 



Atmospheric conditions have led to suc- 

 cess in astronomical observations and pho- 

 tography. The great extent and diversified 

 surface of the land have offered unusual 

 opportunities for geological research and 

 have preserved rich paleontological remains. 

 The surviving tribes of savages and the un- 

 obliterated relics of extinct races have given 

 the anthropologist a favorable field. In 

 astronomy, in geology, in paleontology and 

 in anthropology we have not failed to take 

 advantage of our position and stand equal 

 at least with other nations. But the extent 

 and newness of our habitat bring with them 

 certain corresponding disadvantages. We 

 have no one center, such as London, Paris 

 and Berlin, where men of science may meet 

 and be stimulated by personal contact. We 

 must travel great distances, and at a time of 

 year when traveling is most difiicult, in 

 order to attend the annual meetings of our 

 Association . 



Our unexplored resources have made de- 

 sirable, and our more flexible institutions 

 have made possible, the establishment of 

 scientific departments under the govern- 

 ment. The Greological Survey, the Coast 

 and Geodetic Survey, the Weather Bureau, 

 the Department of Agriculture and other 

 institutions, have been supported by lib- 

 eral subsidies and have contributed greatly 

 to the advancement of science. On the 

 other hand, the connection of science with 

 politics is fraught with many dangers, and 

 the alliance requires continual vigilance in 

 order that the liberty of science may be 

 maintained. 



The rapid development of our material 



institutions has stimulated invention and 

 the applications of science. But it is prob- 

 able that in some cases the energy directed 

 to applied science has been diverted from 

 the advancement of pure science. The 

 acquirement of large fortunes and an aris- 

 tocracy of wealth have lead to the rich en- 

 dowment of educational and scientific in- 

 stitutions. On the other hand, the attrac- 

 tions of commercial success have drawn 

 too much of the best ability of the country, 

 and we lack a leisure class contributing to, 

 and taking an intelligent interest in, the 

 progress of science. 



Our advantages we have and need not 

 lose. The drawbacks are such as can be 

 obviated or mitigated by proper appreciation 

 and generous effort. Men of science should 

 unite and stand together, even though on 

 occasion it may require self-sacrifice on the 

 part of the individual. In every community, 

 whether of men or of the lower animals, 

 each member must be prepared to sacrifice 

 something, and it may be everything to the 

 general welfare. A community whose 

 members are not ready to give and to take 

 cannot survive. 



No one can consider what a difference it 

 would make to the world at the present 

 day if the men of science of this century 

 had not been faithful to their work, with- * 

 out realizing the responsibilit}'^ of those of 

 us who are now engaged in the advance- 

 ment of science. Not only our material 

 surroundings, but also our social institutions 

 and ethical ideas, are dependent on the 

 progress of science. Those who appreciate 

 the extent to which this is the case will not 

 willingly leave scientific work for the count- 

 ing room or patent office ; they will not 



