IOWA ACADEMY OP SCIENCE 
25 
problems of age-long study will have yielded their solution, what theories of 
today will have vanished and what will be the nature of those to take their 
place. For this, as scientists, we can simply say wait and see. But we may 
be content to believe that progress must continue and I believe we may also 
say that in most lines this progress will be on the foundations already laid. 
For one, I have sufficient faith in the science of today to believe that we have 
reached a secure footing and that we may push forward with confidence, that 
the structure we build will not be doomed to complete destruction, even if in 
some of its details the lines must be recast. At least one strong ground for 
effort is confidence in the truth and permanence of the structure on which we 
work and despite occasional voicings of dissent I would hold for faith in our 
own foundations for work. 
When the next quarter century shall have passed and you celebrate another 
anniversary, as I have no doubt you will, for the Academy is now so fully 
established that its lapse is unthinkable, you will plan a wider homecoming 
to include the many members who will have scattered farther still to the ends 
of the earth and I shall hope to meet many or all of you now here with many 
yet to come in that semi-centenary of our birth. Mr. President, you need not 
for that occasion send me any invitation. I shall come without one if alive, 
as I hope to be, and if it is within the range of human possibility to do so. 
But whether here in flesh or not, I assure you I shall be in thought and spirit, 
for I shall carry with me from this day on not only my early love and devotion 
for the Academy but an abiding appreciation for the honor you have showm 
me in asking me to be present 'with you and for the cordial greetings from 
you all. For all this and for your kind indulgence in listening to these re- 
marks, I most sincerely thank you. 
