2 
TRANSACTIONS OR THE TEXAS ACADEMY OF SCIENCE. 
The most profound discoveries of modern science unite in replacing 
this old “training” idea of education by one immeasurably higher, finer, 
nobler. 
We now know that the paramount aim of teaching at every stage, 
and preeminently of the final stage, at the university, should be to help 
the developing mind, the developing character, the developing person¬ 
ality. 
Judicious, delicate, sympathetic help is now the watchword. Even horses 
and dogs worth owning are no longer “broken;” they are “gentled.” 
What has brought about this glorious change ? 
Science , the greatest achievement of human life, the one thing that 
puts to-day, the present, in advance of all past ages. 
Not only by having subjugated the forces of nature to the dominion 
of mind, but also b}^ its intellectual influence, science is remodelling the 
life and thought of modern humanity. 
Though science is the purest knowledge, yet even our estimate of 
knowledge has been changed by science. 
Mere acquirement is now considered an unworthy end or aim for en¬ 
deavor. 
Action, production alone now receives our homage, now gives a life 
worth living; and therefore each must aim either at the practical appli¬ 
cation of his knowledge, or at the extension of the limits of science 
itself. For to extend the limits of science is realty to work for the pro¬ 
gress of humanity. 
This is a fitting crown to the sweet and symmetrical evolvement which 
true teaching aids—the unfailing spring of pure pleasure which it affords. 
The laws of physical, but above all of mental health made clear by 
science let every one realize how now our truest education stands ready 
to aid, to save, to satisfy, endangered or craving bodies or minds. 
Nothing is more beautifully characteristic of young children than the 
desire to know the why and wherefore of everything they see. This 
natural spirit of inquiry needs only proper direction and fostering cai'e 
to give us scientists. 
But no one can teach science who does not know it. For a teacher, 
however subordinate, to have the true informing spirit to vivify his 
book-knowledge, even of the very elements, it is found almost uniformly 
essential that he should have been in direct personal contact with some 
one of those great men whose joy it is to be able to advance the age in 
which they live, and lead on mankind to unexpected victories in the 
progressive conquest of the universe. But it is the highest function of 
a university to help the gifted young man on his way toward becoming 
one of these glorious creatures, these men who make and who honor the 
age in which they live. 
