PRODUCTIVE SCHOLARSHIP 609 



support the creative work of every department and of every scholar in 

 the entire institution will be greater in volume and better in quality. 



The proper distribution of routine duties and responsibilities at any 

 institution is an important question, and there is a numerical ratio, not 

 a large one, either, between professors and students beyond which noth- 

 ing can be properly done; but as far as possible let the research man 

 be relieved of routine drudgery and worry of every type. Of course, how- 

 ever, if at the head of his department, he must have something to do 

 with executive work, but this should be only of the most general nature 

 and at infrequent intervals. The routine and the details of it should 

 be left to others. Some one else can do this class of things as well and 

 commonly better, for the mind that is in tune with the one is out of 

 harmony with the other. 



Finally let the professors be encouraged to attend the principal 

 meetings of those societies to which they belong, or should belong, and 

 not only to attend but whenever practicable to take with them suitable 

 communications. They are certain to hear at these meetings many 

 papers of interest, and their own communications will receive all that 

 attention and respect they deserve. But far better than the informa- 

 tion they will get from the papers heard, or from the discussion of their 

 own, will be the enthusiasm inspired by the association thus secured, 

 even though temporary, with the productive scholars of the entire 

 country; an enthusiasm that welcomes difficulties and leads, through 

 persistent attack, to their ultimate solution. 



It can not be emphasized too strongly that quality of work depends 

 upon efficiency of equipment, and that therefore as the professor is the 

 most essential part of the university's equipment he at least must be 

 kept free from rust and from corrosion. He must attend the meetings 

 of scholars in his own line, where friendly mental friction will give him 

 that alertness and enthusiasm that will increase the quantity of his 

 work and improve the quality of every thing he does. 



It may not be practicable for many institutions to follow the lead 

 of a certain excellent college — one that deserves the name university — 

 and set aside a sum of money to help pay the expenses of its representa- 

 tives at these meetings; but those who can do it will find this an in- 

 vestment that will repay an hundredfold, in enthusiasm, in efficiency 

 and in productiveness. 



Frankly, as a nation, and especially in certain sections, we Ameri- 

 cans have not been, and are not now, doing our share of original work ; 

 not taking our part in the creation of new arts and the promotion of 

 civilization. But the case for us is far from hopeless; already here and 

 there are signs of a true awakening, a realization that opportunity means 

 duty. The past is not creditable, but the present bids us look confi- 

 dently to the future when soon the sincere and capable alone will 

 achieve success and recognition. 



