1897.] Editor’s Table. 509 
EDITOR’S TABLE. 
That the human mifd works similarly under similar circumstances, 
is well known. That the tendencies of thought are similar at similar 
periods of life and experience, is also well known. The scientific mind 
presents such phenomena no less than the minds of other men, but 
modified by the conditions necessary to its peculiar occupation. What 
naturalist does not know that the young investigator has a tendency to 
exaggerate the defects and errors of his predecessors, and that he takes 
great delight in exposing the same? This tendency generally disap- 
pears as success in research rewards his own exertions. Who does not 
know with what lofty scorn the anatomist and histologist regards the 
discoverer of previously unknown species, and him who arranges the 
same according to their characters in systematicorder. And yet, after 
he has made a good record of errors in capital questions for want of 
systematic knowledge, he is at last glad to have the taxonomist identify 
his specimens for him. That any one should think the describing of 
cells or nuclei more scientific than the describing of feathers or scales, 
is only due to the respect for thaumaturgy which still lingers in the 
scientific mind, while it runs riot in the populace. It will not be long be- 
fore it will be as scientific to see a thing with the naked eye, as to see it 
through a brass tube furnished with lenses. If to such merit be added 
the further one of publishing beautifully colored pictures, a higher 
flight for scientific thought has been attained. While an important 
adjunct of biologic research, section cutting is not the only guide to a 
knowledge of biology, as may be readily derived by a reading of the 
remarkable hypotheses put forth from time to time in matters of phylo- 
geny, by the cultivators of this fine art. It is time that managers of 
educational institutions in America knew that to learn how to cut and 
stain sections in Germany does not necessarily make a man either a 
knower or teacher of biology. And this brings us to the question of 
scientific fads or fashions. We have no fault to find with them, but 
cite them in further proof of the truism that human minds are at basis 
very much alike. An able investigator of popular personality, can 
easily create a fad, especially among his patriotic countrymen. 
1 This short essay marked by our late lamented Chief Editor “ Editorial ” is one 
of the last from his pen which will appear in that column. It is appropriately 
general in theme and untechnical in treatment : nevertheless it contains wise coun- 
sel to the budding naturalist, and is from a master who has had great experi- 
ence. We heartily commend it to young students.—P. F. 
rT 
