New-York tribune., 1902-02-21
A SENSITIVE INVESTIGATOR.

Professor Jacques Loeb, whose studies OF the
nature of physical life and the possibility of de
ferrlng death created a stir at the meeting Of
naturalists in Chicago last December IS an
Toyed at the publicity given 10 his work. He
tells THE Inter Ocean" that 1t has brought him
a host Of letters, some Of them asking for fur
ther information, others criticising him. and still
others imputing lacking OF novelty and orlgi-
nality TO his discoveries. False expectations. he
adds raised by premature announcements.
and the investigator suffers from the public
disappointment which results So dsgusted is
the Chicago biologist with his recent experience
that he is tempted to return to his native coun-
try-Germany-where. he seems to think the
privacy which he desires may be enjoyed. An
alternative remedy which he suggests is the
publication of scientific results in technical peri
odicas only.
Some of the incidents of which DR. Loeb com
plains were undoubtedly irritating and mex
cusable, but it is possible that he is unduIy
sensitive. He can afford to ignore correspond
entS who are impertnent in their inquiries or
comments. A large part Of the curiosity con
cerning his Investigations which has been
aroused however. is both natural and legiti-
mate. He cannot be ignorant of the fact that
his studies Of the phenomena of fertilization in
low animal forms had given him high repu-
tation prior to the Chicago meeting The nat
uralists did not hold secret sessions but omen
ones. The press would have been negligent of
its duty therefore, If it did not keep an eve
on him, especially after receiving intimations
that his latest work would he reported there
Furthermore, apart from DIR. Loebs own prom
inence as an investigator serious propositions TO
prolong human life possess an immense practi-
cal Importance. Many scientific discoveries
while fascinating TO the imagination. bear no
relation TO the Wellbeng Of the people Such
an attempt as that in which DIR. Loeb has been
engaged, though, appeals powerfully to the
hearts and minds of the whole public. A man
would be strangely constituted if he were in
different to the possibility of adding from five
TO twenty years to the period of his mortal ex-
istence.
Under the circumstances neither Of the rom
edies which the Chicago scientist mentions
would yield the best results It would be Of lit
tie avail, 1t is to be feared to seek refuge in
Germany. Koch certainly suffered fully as
much as Or. Loeb has from premature an
nouncement and popular disappointment. Even
were it possible TO restrict the publication of
scientific reports to periodicals devoted excIu
sively to such literature it would be highly IN
desirable for two reasons. Hundreds nor n
say thousands, of people scan the pages of tho
daily papers to one who reads a scientific mao
azine' Inc former. too, supply the information
much more promptly. A better plan vouId be
Tor the author OF each paper presented at a
scientific gathering to prepare a summary of
1t for the reporters. This summary conld no
prepared with deliberation in advance and IL
the researches outlined were still incomnleta tho
fact should be emphasized The invastioa+o.
would thus be put in a proper light and tho
public would secure the information which :.
wanted