New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-12-29
SCIENCE At ST. LOUIS.
President Remsen ON the Benefits of
Investigation.

St Louis Dec IS (SpeciaD.-At the opening
sion OF the American Association for the Advance
ment Of Science this morning, the retiring presi-
dent, DR.. Ira Remsen Of Baltimore introduced the
presdent-elect, Carroll D. Wright, of Washington
The usual addresses Of welcome were made by
State and municipal officials and appropriate re-
plies were made by Mr.. Wright. In the afternoon
the nine sections of the association met separately
and listened to addresses from their respective
heads DR.. Rensen spoke in the evening on ''Scien-
tihc Investigation and Progress He said in sub
| stance:
Man, in his slow acquisition OF scientific knowl-
one underlying purpose has been to get a clearer
understanding OF the universe. From the history
OF chemistry one can see how several motives have
worked side by side. One OF the most powerful in
converting lead, copper and other base metals into
god and silver. and thus achieving great wealth.
for disease third set believed that disease was
progress thus far effected, however, only a be
ginning has been made in discovering the secrets
To the question. What does the world gain from
f 6 res a tGg it may be answered that
and ethical The study Of food problems illustrates
the first Though Liebig rendered great service in
founding agricultural chemistry, there is yet room
T T vas: improvement in cultivating the soil
most economical artificial fertilizers. Saltpetre
from Chilli came into notice IN 1860 and the amount
from which that mineral is being removed will be
must us f Alba, back Te on other g resources
in address delivered last June pointed out that
there were other ways TO obtain the essential ee-
version Of atmospherc nitrogen into nitric &c acd
already achieved at Niagara would solve the prob
supplied by calcium carbide, which has the power
OF absorbing nitrogen from the air and giving it
While speaking of the food problem. a few words
am sorry TO say that there is much of prom
Use to report upon in this connection In spite of
the brilliant achievements of chemists in the field
Of synthess, it remains true that thus far they
have not been able to make. except in very small
there is absolutely no prospect of this result being
reached within reasonable time.
One generation differs from another in the way it
earth is the centre Of the universe differs intellect
ually from one that has learned the position
relations Of the solar system otner similar sys-
TENS that make up the universe And go in every
department of knowledge the great generallzatons
that have been reached through the persistent eff
gains that have resulted These great generaIiza-
tons measure the intellectual wealth OF mankind
They are the foundations or all profitable thought.
What the ethical results of investigation?
The fqndamentaI characteristic OF the scientific
science asks fayOrs. The sole object is TO learn
lite accuracy, absolute fidelity. absolute honesty
are the prime conditions OF scientific progress 1
method most in the end leave its impress upon him
Within the last quarter of century scientific
research in this country, formerly sporadic
come epidemic. The most active agent in produc-
ing this result was the adoption by American uni
versides or courses Tor me framing OF Investigators
somewhat on the lines Followed in Germany Should
this policy be maintained for twenty-five years
more, We snall compete Win Inc foremost nations
of the world
Another fact that is working advantageously TO
increase the amount of scientific research done in
this country is the support given by the govern
ment in its different scientific bureaus. The Geo
ioeicai Survey the Department OF Agriculture the
Coast and Geodetic Survey, the National Bureau
OF Standards and other departments are carrying
on a large arrount of excellent scientific work and
thus helping efficiently to spread the scientific
throughout the land.
Finally, two exceedingly interesting experiments
in the " of encouraging scientific Investigation
are now attracting the attention OF the world l
mean of course. the Carnegie Institution with its
Endowment of $4,000 900. and the Rockefeller Insti-
t1te devoted Investigations in the field OF rnedi-
cine which will no doubt be adequately endowed