Kohlenberg—Factors in Scientific Research. 1297 
sicists are still debating tbe explanation of such a simple proc¬ 
ess as the solution of a lump of sugar or of salt in water. But 
the experimental physiologist works on undismayed even though 
he be obliged to blaze his own way in chemical and physical 
matters. This is after all as it should be, for hesitation and 
delay, because a cognate science can not furnish all information 
needed to go ahead, can not be tolerated long. Has not the 
law of conservation of energy itself been discovered by a young 
physician, Julius Robert Mayer, and may we not expect ad¬ 
vances in physics and chemistry in the future from those who 
are primarily engaged in physiology? From the study of the 
structure and function of the cell we have much to expect; but 
the study of the functions of aggregations of cells as they make 
up the various organs and the organism as a whole must not 
be neglected, and even those who strenuously believe in the cell 
theory of living beings must needs bear in mind the necessity 
of macroscopic study of function. In the progress of experi¬ 
mental physiology lies our hope of finally placing the treat¬ 
ment of disease upon a truly scientific basis. Bacteriology has 
taught us of the existence of micro-organisms that produce dis¬ 
ease and pointed out the methods of combatting these para¬ 
sites, but it remains for experimental physiology to point out 
the way in which many of our bodily ills may be cured with¬ 
out resorting to the surgeon, by simple and effective means in 
unearthing which the physiologist, pathologist and therapeutist 
require the efficient and sympathetic aid of the chemist in 
particular. Furthermore, the work in experimental physiology 
lies at the very basis of scientific agriculture. The princi¬ 
ples of biological growth and function are general in charac¬ 
ter, and the work of the physician and the scientific farmer is 
really based upon laws that are identical. I take it that it 
will commonly be conceded that above all things upon the sci¬ 
entific horizon at the present day experimental physiology is 
of utmost importance for our welfare. Tbe progress of surgi¬ 
cal treatment in which America has had such a large share 
deserves due recognition and respect of all. Bfut the successful 
combatting of ills of the body without the use of the knife is a 
