46 THE JUST CLAIMS OF NATURAL SCIENCE. 



works mischief to attempt to draw such lines. Thus the 

 physical and metaphysical studies of organic life are as 

 closely and organically interlocked as are the actions 

 of the heart and lungs. Yet, for most purposes of prac- 

 tical work, that study of the material elements of nature 

 called natural science is well defined. 



We may now weigh and measure its work by itself. 

 Whatever may have been the nature of the study in the 

 past, we may to-da\> r value or undervalue it strictly on its 

 own merits. 



The second claim which may fairly be made for science 

 to-day, is that, through its representatives in all nations, 

 it is doing an honest, faithful work. It might seem 

 that this point had already been covered by what has 

 previously been said. This is true only to a partial ex- 

 tent. What is now claimed comprehends much more 

 than anything j>reviously advanced. What has already 

 been said in this regard has reference only to the general 

 professional definition, limits and nature of science 

 among the various departments of study in human prog- 

 ress. As a profession it claims to do only honest work. 

 But the question yet remains as to the actual practice in 

 the experience of scientific workers. Can it be also fairly 

 claimed that they are in the main carrying out the 

 honest professions of science ? Are those who are the 

 leading exponents of science to-day carrying out its high 

 principles by showing themselves honest, unprejudiced 

 searchers after truth, and above such weak motives as 

 might impair the integrity of their work ? Are scientific 

 men honest] y carrying out the true and honest mission 

 of science '. 



We may claim, without hesitation, that they are. 

 After making due allowance for the elements of human 

 weakness, inherent in all human transactions, for the in- 

 evitable percentage, in all callings, of narrow-minded, 

 prejudiced, or positively dishonest ones, the greater part 



30 



