654 Editors’ Table. [ September, 
EDITORS’ TABLE. 
EDITORS: A. S. PACKARD, JR., AND E. D. COPE. 
The reasons why governments should foster scientific 
research, are simply those which render it important that the 
sciences should exist. We take those reasons to be as follows: 
Firstly, the importance of developing the rational part of the 
minds of the race coincidentally with progress in other directions. 
Scientific publications stimulate thought, both by adding to the 
materials of thought and by opening up new directions for its 
activity. At the foundation of scientific publication and its func- 
tions lies original research, which is the source of all knowl- 
edge. The relation of knowledge to the habit of rational 
thought is obvious. The importance of the rational habit of 
mind in the individual and in the nation, cannot be over-estimated. 
It affects the daily intercourse of men more than any other 
quality, since it is the essential element in morals and in personal 
viability. 
Secondly, scientific research i$ essentially important in the 
light which it throws on our physical relations to our environ- 
ment, and the command it gives us over the resources of the 
world in the amelioration and elevation of our physical condition. 
This, popularly spoken of as the primary mission of science, is 
nevertheless second in order of importance. 
Thirdly, the cultivation of science is beneficial to the commu- 
nity in affording material for the pleasurable occupation of time, 
and through the interest which it evokes, in furnishing an anti- 
dote to ever mischievous idleness. Its attractions doubtless serve 
to divert the mind from activities of a character injurious both to 
the individual and to the community. 
The encouragement and support of scientific research is then, 
evidently a duty of governments, as involving most important 
parts of the interests of their peoples. That this has been the 
opinion of most civilized nations is well known. The great 
scientific works of many of the European nations are among their 
- chief glories. as ca ey 
The peculiar character of our own government offers an inviting 
field for the establishment of organizations for the development 
of knowledge through the aid of the National Treasury ; a® 
thanks to the energy of private citizens and others, a number of 
such organizations have already reflected great credit on our leg- 
islators, and have placed American scientific work on a plane with 
that of the old world. But our opportunity is also our danger. 
