The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-31
MISSING LINK MAY SOON BE REVEALED
Scientists Review Many Ad- vanCes Made In Aids To
 Humanity

CINCINNATI. O., Dec. sc.-(By As- sociated Press. )-The missing link" long sought by scientists as definite connection between man and the anl- nal world and about which probably millions of words of opinion have been written is in fair way of being discovered-in fact 1t may be found any day.
 This the opinion of Dr. H. L. Fair child, professor emeritus of biology of the University of Rochester who spoke Saturday night before gen. eral session of the American Associa- ton for the Advancement of Science.
 ''The very narrow gap between the higher living primates and the genus homo may be closed almost any day by new discoveries" he declared. Already we have a number of sug- gestfve seni-human fragments. It. should be realized that only 8 small part of the world has been carefully examined, a large part of the Orient, the probable field of human develop nant, not at all. America and west ern Europe have been explored but the vast areas of Asia and Africa are the hopeful fields. The missing link may not long be missing"
 Further developing the theme of evolution which has woven Itself into the scientists. presumably because of recent opposition of certain clements, Dr. Fzirchi1d declared that the sub ject had long passed the theoretic stage. That 8 multitude of people do not yet accept 1t does not affect it's status. Scientific truth is not depend eflt upon belief to be decided by a majority vote"
 Want PuJbAtS To Have Facts.
 Scientists were called upon to furnish the truth instead of the sem sational matter which is being given the public in lieu of the facts" The assocd ation should assume the lead ership in the crusade against the foes of knowledge and of human prog ress," he declared.
 The educational function. the ad- vanceunent of science by diffusion of knowledge, has not been undertaken in an active and systematic way and the need is pressing for popular and general scientific education.' he said Not only are many people in the land of education ignorant of elementary science and being served with sensa- tion instead of fact, but to multitudes the theories and truths of science are repugnanE."
 The major portion of pr. Fair child's address was devoted to a re- sume of the 75 years work of the association. which is celebrating it's seventy fifth anniversary at the present convention.
 The incident which he describes as a phenomena In psychology" proved that frequently the common thing is overlooked in the search for the ab- truse.
 Past presidents of the organiza- ton, including Prof. T. c. Menden- hall and Prof. T. c. Chamberlain aIe loI 4fo Ri ganiza tion.
 Fifty-fonr Group Meetings.
 Today's session, which included 54 separate group discussions of various branches of science and the annual election of officers concluded the third day of the convention. In the main tomorrow will be a day of in- activity, but several branches will hold meetings and all will resume Monday to continue through Wednes- day.
 New York, Philadelphia and Wash fngton are not geologfcally immune from earthquake disasters and any Pacific coast or Mississippi valley city may be visited by severe earthquake, according to Dr. T. A. Dagger, IT,, just returned from a study of the Japanese disaster and who for eight years previously lived in a crater of a Hawaiian volcano.
 All cities should make adequate preparations for such calamities, even if the possibilities of their com ing seems remote, he declared, urg- ing also that i've should not hush up the 'quake talk as Is done In some cases."
 Geologists might forewarn of an earth disturbance, Is one way of fore stalling great damage. he said. and the elimination of the hazard of great fires which invariably do as much