210 Canadian Record of Science. 



characteristic of the genuine student of nature, he wisely 

 ventured further than most men would dare to-day, in the 

 range of topics concerning which he spoke with authority. 



But at the present time and under existing conditions 

 there is little excuse for unsupported assumption of know- 

 ledge by men of science, and, fortunately, the danger of hu- 

 miliating exposure is correspondingly great. The specialist 

 is everywhere within ea-y reach, and the expression of 

 opinions concerning things of which one knows but little, 

 is equally prejudicial to the interests of science and society. 



The scientilic man should also be at least reasonably free 

 from egotism in matters relating to his own specialty, and 

 particularly in reference to his own authority and attain- 

 ments therein. In controversy he has the advantage over 

 most disputants in that he can usually call to his support an 

 unerring and incontrovertible witness. A well conducted 

 experiment or an exhaustive investigation, carried out with 

 scrupulous honesty, deservedly carries great weight, but it 

 must not be forgotten that it does not, in a very great degree, 

 depend upon the personality of him who directs the experi- 

 ment or plans the investigation. One must not confound 

 himself and his work, to the extent of assuming that upon 

 him ought to be bestowed the praise and admiration to 

 which his work is, perhaps, justly entitled. This blunder is 

 analogous to that of the mechanic in whom the first symp- 

 tom of insanity appeared as a conviction that he was as 

 strong as the engine which he had built, evidence of which 

 he unpleasantly thrust ivpon any who might deny the truth 

 of his assertion. " By your works shall ye be judged " may 

 be especially affirmed of men of science, not only as regards 

 the judgment of the public, but particularly that of their 

 colleagues and fellow-workers. Least of all should title, de- 

 gree, membership in learned societies or the possession of 

 medals or other awards of distinction and honor, be paraded 

 unduly, or offered by himself, in evidence of his own fitness. 

 In general these are honorable rewards which are justly 

 prized by scientific men, but some of them have been so in- 

 discriminately bestowed and, in some instances, falsely as- 



