THE ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENT 
31 
energy is transmitted in quanta which do not change with dis- 
tance. We may anticipate in the years to come a vigorous and 
continuous attempt to establish an adequate theory of radiation. 
All of the phases of progress which I have mentioned deal 
with radiation and atomic structure, excepting the fairly exact 
measurement of the unit of electricity or the charge carried by 
the ubiquitous electron. This leads me to make two statements. 
The first is indicated by my selection of material, namely that 
the most important physics problem of the time and perhaps of 
all time, is the structure and behavior of the atom. The second 
is that although the present really great work in physics does 
require accurate thinking it does not demand measurements of 
the highest precision. Yet, peculiarly enough, in the most notable 
contributions in physics from America during the last twenty 
years, reports of precision measurements predominate. Our 
country is not, greatly to our regret, a leader in physics thought 
today. That it can so become is certain. But to attain that goal 
we must lay continually greater stress upon theoretical physics 
and less upon accurate measurements. This suggestion applies 
to teaching in high schools and colleges, and to the thinking of 
those among us who are devoting their lives to physics. I doubt 
not but that you may make similar comments upon the need 
of the change of emphasis in some of the other sciences. Yet 
we must appreciate that in astronomy and geology and perhaps 
in other sciences represented here today America is a leader. 
It has been and now is the custom of the Secretary to make 
specific recommendations to the Academy. Therefore in a few 
comments I shall confine myself to a general statement concern- 
ing the function of the Academy and our responsibility thereto. 
Consider first certain significant facts concerning the location 
of this Academy. Iowa is favorably situated as to climate, hav- 
ing neither the severe winters nor the depressing summers of 
many of our states. Iowa is not overwhelmed with the commer- 
cial spirit but is a state of farms, of small cities, of comfortable 
homes. And what kind of a location does the desirable growth 
of science need? The development of science demands strong 
physiques, keen, logical and broad- visioned minds, and oppor- 
tunities for contemplation free from distractions. Our conclu- 
sion is that the State of Iowa is distinctly favorable to the devel- 
opment of science. Out of these two million people, approxi- 
