The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1910-09-28

equ1pplnS those essentially modern
science departments II the institution
is to give adequate instruction in the
more recent extensions of natural
knowledge. To an ever increasing de-
gree these contribute to the education
OF the modern scholar both through
the Importance OF the facts them.
selves and the methods and spirit OF
investigation.
There is grave danger, too. that
the popular method Of estimating i'm
portance by magnitude may here work
almost irreparable harm. For II peo-
pie who provide the support for the
institution see palatial buildings, rich
ly equipped, and beautifully situated
on spacious campus: and IL they see
students consorting thither in hun
dreds and even thousands, swept by
their enthusiasm they may conclude
that what they behold is surely a
great university. Infected by the
pride of the people, this feeling may
be entertained by students and faculty
alike. Yet 1t Is not impossible for a
university even under these favorable
conditions to possess hardly single
element of real greatness.
Interest in Technical knowledge.
There is now an expanding popular
interest in the development of higher
and technical education in America
and indeed throughout the world.
Large gifts from men and women pos
sessed of great wealth are yearly
flowing to many Of our institutions,
and the people are emulating them by
generously granting through their
governments continually larger ap-
preparations for all university pur-
poses. Small buildings are replaced
by larger. expensive equipments are
ever added to. libraries are rapidly
expanded, and gymnasiums lavisly
supplied with all the paraphernalia
deemed necessary for the highly spe-
cialized athletic activities of the mod
ern student. No one will question the
usefulness and Importance of these
aids In the development of the mind.
the character, and the body of the stu
dent. From the desire of greater ease
and effectiveness in working, as we'll
as from an appreciation of the stern
necessities of the student, there are
few professors but would submit to Pc
cuniary and other sacrifices, as indeed
they are submitting. in order that the
material resources and greatness of
their institutions may be increased.
But repeat. that as people, or as
peoples. we are in great danger of
having our Judgment overwhelmed by
the material part of the university
and lamentably fail to recognize that
the university may not be accomplish
ing it's larger purpose. No objection
can be urged against these things in
themselves. provided that necessary
and fundamental distinction is OBJ
served between such aids to intellec-
tual development and intellectual de-
velopment itself.
Two Great Functions.
"It must ever be kept in mind
that the university has two great
general functions: First. the crea-
ton: second. the dissemination of
knowledge first in Importance, for,
originated and systematized knowl-
edge. there would have been little to
disseminate. Upon the second of
these functions the, the greater, but
still not too great, stress has hitherto
been laid in American universities
Yet We are not satisfied that we are
getting the best results possible; or
perhaps we can speak with certainty,
and say We are satisfied that we are
not getting the best possible results.
For. as President Woodrow Wilson of
Princeton is reported to have said {:
we must remember that information
is not education. The greater part of
the work that We are doing in our
colleges today is to impart informa-
ton
However imperfectly it may per-
form its function. the university does
serve its community by educating the
youth of that community. But by vir-
tue Of its power of creating knowl-
edge. the university benefits not only
its own immediate constituency, but
the world at large; for knowledge
when published becomes available for
the instruction of students wherever
an institution of higher learning ex-
| lists. BY acting merely as an informa.
ton bureau a teacher may instruct
a hundred students; by discovering
and calculating new truth the same
teacher will instruct hundred thou.
| sand. His power and influence. when
investigation is added to teaching. are
multiplied beyond measure. To make
but single reference: Had Sir j. J
Thomson confined himself to teaching
mathematical physics he would have
instructed a few score students
through the profound and brillian,
researches which he has conducted
and inspired. he is teaching in every
university in the world. How i'm.
measurably greater has been his in.
fiuence, and that of his university
than what 1t would have been had he
chosen or been compelled to devote
his life to teaching.
Investigation Important.
Civilization advances by the ad.
vancement of knowledge. Should in.
vestigation cease in every line of men.
tai activity, the world would progress
no further than it would be carried
by the Intellectual momentum which
it has acquired through the wonder.
full and almost intoxicating increase
OF knowledge in the last century
Should investigation cease. would We
not repeat the history of China? That
| infelligent people had at one time