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JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 
[Vol. 16 
creases as the student progresses to special and research courses and the 
opportunity for stimulating contact may reach its climax in the graduate 
work in special problems where the instructors personal interest in an 
investigation may blend with those of his pupil. The value of this 
contact is unquestioned but in a way it seems regrettable that it comes 
at a time when the student may be least in need of it. If the budding 
entomologist has overcome the pitfalls of his earlier educational career 
he is in a pretty fair way to steer himself through the later processes. 
The means to reach the potential entomologist in his early years of 
student life, except for the rare cases where he is already fixed in his 
purpose to prepare for this profession are not clear. I can suggest nothing 
better than that biological teachers strive to present their subject in 
such manner as to stimulate the latent interest of the student and be 
alert to recognize and encourage talent whenever it appears. 
It must be very manifest that I have only touched upon certain 
phases of this subject which might be indefinitely expanded but I trust 
some of the suggestions may find their place with other topics of this 
symposium and possibly help in an appreciation of the problems to be 
met in the preparation of entomological workers. 
THE NEED OF CHEMISTRY FOR THE STUDENT OF 
ENTOMOLOGY 
By William Moore 
Abstract 
The economic entomologist should be well grounded in chemistry, especially or¬ 
ganic and physical chemistry for the purpose of enabling him to see and solve the 
problems in connection with the use of insecticides. 
Introduction 
The economic entomologist justifies his work and makes his claim for 
federal and state funds upon his ability to make sound recommendations 
for the control of various insect pests. Altho parasites may hold in 
check certain insects and the damage from others may be reduced by 
proper cultural methods, the burden of control rests upon the use of 
insecticides. Progress in the development of insecticides and a knowl¬ 
edge of their action has not kept pace with the development of other 
phases of economic entomology. The failure of the entomologist to 
make greater progress in the development and use of insecticides is no 
doubt due to his lack of chemical knowledge. The chemical training 
of the entomologist in the past has been so meager that he makes and 
