PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS V 



knowledge may have until after it is acquired, and the seeker after 

 purely useful knowledge will fail to acquire any real knowledge 

 whatever. In this fact lies the explanation of the extreme rarity 

 with which the functions of an investigator of the laws of nature 

 and those of the inventor who applies these laws to utilitarian pur- 

 poses, are united in the same person. 



This theme is one of special importance at the present time, 

 because it is customary to ask about every new discovery in science, 

 "Wb.at is its value ? It is only by going backward over the develop- 

 ment of applied science that it is possible to realize the funda- 

 mental importance of research work. For instance, hardly any of 

 the basic principles of engineering were discovered by men with 

 any intent on practical work. The mathematical methods which 

 are necessary for the engineer are the result of strictly scientific 

 investigation, and the laws of physics and chemistry are being 

 determined hj the research work of men who care little whether 

 their discoveries are to find immediate practical application or not. 

 The development of industrial processes often suggests new sub- 

 jects for investigation, and some of the best research work of 

 to-day is heing guided In' business corporations, but the men who 

 are so engaged are working in a purely scientific spirit, and leave 

 the practical development of their results to the engineer. 



The beginner in research work may be discouraged when he 

 reviews the work of more advanced scientific investigators, in the 

 belief that the greater part of the work has Jjeen done. He will 

 soon learn, however, that in tlie words of the late Cecil Rhodes, 

 " there is so much to be done." For instance, how little we really 

 know of meteorology except a few statistics. How intangible is the 

 air, yet it uproots strong trees firmly anchored in mother earth, 

 tears heavy structures from their foundations and drops them in 

 fragments far from their original location. 



There is mucli to learn and plenty of room for every new worker 

 wlio has the inclination, the energy and the persistency to wrest 

 from nature licr jealously guarded secrets. 



Satiitanj scientific worl-. — In tliat branch of science with 

 wbicii my daily work brings me in intimate connection, prominence 



