Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-07-11


mathematics is admitted, he said, Al
though, If it were necessary it could be
established from either hedonistic or ever
CYSTIC premises. He only desired to con-
slider the relative value of mathematics as
regards culture taken in the broadcast
sense. This value is proved beyond doubt
by the history Of individuals. of nations
and races, for only the most highly en-
dowed have achieved mathemat teal dis
tincton.
Latest Culture Product.
AS latest culture product said Prof.
Smith, higher mathematics must iIirvc the
most important culture value. In this con-
nection between work and pay is import
ant as grounding and explaining the in
herent superiority of liberal over practical
studies as culture expressions and agencies.
Pure natherua tics is Drc-cmfnentiy no.
Bile sport of the intellect, hence peculiarly
fitted 10 further its natural growth.
Speaking of the grounds and nature OF
the culture value of mathematics. Prof.
Smith claimed 1t is the mother and nurse
OF exactness in thought. The concept is
the logical unit as the cell is the marpho-
logical. Mind growth consists in the for
nation and systematic cohesion of con-
cepts, an organic body growth in the null
IMPLICATION and conpaction of cells. The
need of precise concepts is like the need of
sharply bounded cells. II is particularly in
mathematics that this need is met.
Mathematical methods and ideas exert an
increasingly profound transformative in
fiuence in contiguous and even in very re-
mote regions of thought Mathematics has
become not only a necessity to the phil
osopher, but all sciences have become more
and more interpenetrated by mathematical
spirit
Higher mathematics contributes uniquely
to mind growth in quickening the sense of
possibility. 1t is the specific solvent of
Dv tnf,o n,16 ma rims fh.a ih.,.. Of
thought. Hence the calm audacity of the
mathematical spirit and its wide-reaching
sway over the scientific temple.
Some of the Results.
Notice, also. said the professor the self
criticism of the mathematician, the level
praise and serenity of the mind, the lively
consciousness of his limitations, the alb
sence of personal aims and partisan bias.
Such conditions have only a general ten
dency, always liable, such is the incon-
sistency of human nature, to more Or less
effective counter action.
High mathematics also brings the stu
dent into close contact with the infinite
and unknown, overcoming all prejudice
against the idea by vigorously precise
doctrine of infuitudes and nulIitudes, 4
doctrine singularly expansive of the spirit.
Here, too, said the speaker, there are fruit
full and unfruftfII methods of studying and
teaching. That mathematical ideas broad
en- and illunlne the mind is strongly at
tested even by the norma thematical stu
dent. The Divine omnipresencc is made
literally conceivable by the docNine of
higher eXte its; our space may be only 4
cross section of a four-fold space.
1t is in mathematics as in no other sci
cree, that the soul holds converse with the
eternal and unchanging. The Heroditic
doctrine of :mpeImaEeDce has been accent
Cated by mo lern kinetic theory. The mod
ern scientific search for constants is I'M
satisfying, becar Sc mathematics alone con-
templates the universe under the aspect Of
eternity. which other sciences have not as
yet done. Here the aesthetic element III
mathematics comes to light, when ma
thesis clasps hands with art. This emo
bling and inspiring potence is daily attestei
by class room experience.
The doctrine of the culture value of
higher mathematics, said the professor, in
conclusion, is not a rev one, and ne ex-
pressed the hope that it would soon be-
Gene universally recognized. not only by
educators, but the general public.
Prof. Smiths paper was regarded as one
of the most valuable and interesting real
during the convention, and at it's concur
sion he received very fattering plaudits
from the teachers assembled.
Miss Eleanor Simords of this city gave
two contralto solos, 1t was a pleasing va
ration in a very philosophical and scientific
program.
Superintendent Brooks Theme.