OKLAHOMA ACADEMY OF SCIENCE 11 



session with the Science Teachers Section. During the years 

 1914, 1918, and 1919, no meetings were held. 



In the above discussion concerning the Oklahoma Academj' 

 of Science the subject matter has had to do chiefly with the or- 

 ganization. The work that has been accomplished in the past by 

 the Academy may be judged by the character of the programs and 

 the reports published in these proceedings. However, it may be 

 stated that perhaps the greatest advantage to the members has 

 been in the discussions at various meetings concerning the purpose 

 of the Academy and the incentive to instil an interest in research 

 work in science. 



The third matter worthy of due consideration is the present 

 opportunity of the organization. My purpose has been to call to 

 mind those things for which the Academy stands, and to invite 

 discussion of the subject, so that the Academy may fulfil its 

 chief aims as an organization to stimulate scientific research ; to 

 promote fraternal relationship among those engaged in scientific 

 work in Oklahoma ; to diffuse among the citizens of the State a 

 knowledge of the various departments of science ; to investigate 

 and make known the mineral, educational, and other resources 

 of the State; and to publish such reports, papers, or dicussions 

 as may embody the purpose of the x^cademy of Science. 



The opportunity for certain lines of scientific investigation in 

 this State is unexce'led. It is a work that invites and needs the 

 united efforts of all progressive citizens and science workers. 



If Oklahoma is to stand for scientific progress the v/ork of 

 active investigation must be done. No one institution can do the 

 work, nor can it be done by individuals, but it requires the united 

 effort of organizations that will bring together and secure the 

 hearty cooperation of all workers. We have in this State those 

 men who have the ability to do such scientific work that the 

 S'Towth and development of the State may be assured along this 

 line. It is the purpose of the Academy to invite cooperation — 

 :t give to all interested in science the opportunity to express 

 themselves and give to the public the value of their investigations. 



In the early history of the Academy of Science, a committee 

 on legislation was appointed to bring about incorporation by a 

 special act of the legislature, and in 1915 the Academy appoint- 

 ed on such a committee C. W. Shannon and H. H. Lane. These 

 members prepared a bill to accomplish the results desired and 

 presented the same to the legislature. The bill received due con- 

 s:dcration until some legislator interpreted the bill as creating an 



