Evening star., 1937-12-26
By DIR. JOHN MERRIAM,
President the Carnegie Institution Of
Washington.


President the Carnegie Institution Of
washington.
(Written Tor the Associated Press)
The Carnegie Institution Of Wash
hston today has behind 1t IS years
Of scientific research and service to
the American people following the
principles laAd down by its founder,
Andrew Carnegie.
The institution may properly have
pride In the scientific discoveries made
by its workers in archaeology, biology,
genetics, nutrition, paleontology,. an
thropology, atomic physics and many
other fields Of research. These dis
coveries have added much to the sum
total Of human knowledge.
Consistently throughout these last
s. years the institution has attempted
to disseminate as widely as possible
the scientific information 1t develops,
not only among other research work.
ers. but also among the public at large,
In the belief that such scientific prog
ross should become a part Of the con-
sciousness Of every person. Much has
been accomplished but much also re-
mains to be done.
Enjoyment Of Living.
The belief that science is responsible
for many of our economic ills has been
frequently expressed. Broadly speak
ing, however, scientific research has
been and is being applied in such
~ hat yn~ci<iNyN Nf
human kind with reference to main
tenance of life. to the advancement
Of individual interests and to apprecia-
ton and enjoyment of living.
In the forward march of science
and civilization we seem to pass
through periods in which We are con-
cerned with intensive delving for facts
or materials or items considered i'm
portant in themselves At other times
We direct attention toward organiza-
ton of these materials into patterns
Of special human significance. d,
During periods of exceptional stress
such as the recent depression, there
Is a strong tendency to reorganize
scientific thinking and known facts
in such a way as to contribute toward
the maximum betterment Of human
living. We are apparently now in the
midst Of such a period Of readjust-
ment. formulation Of new views, and
establishment of new institutions in
tended to attain that objective.
Other critics of science and its ap-
plications have often maintained that
1t has tended to diminish the interest
Of mankind in nature and the tremen.
dous range Of evidence Of creation ir
the world about us. I am a con.
drmed optimist. however. concerning
the effects of science on man.
With the extension Of our knowledge
Of the universe through science in al
directions-by the telescope into th<
Infinite spaces inhabited by the spira
nebulae. by the microscope into the
infinite littleness Of the world o1
bacteria and molecules, or by the stu.
dent Of history through the vas
reaches Of time-we have come to Sc,
the world as almost infinitely compli.
Gated. and yet having all Of its part
intimately related. Therefore, w
think with some assurance on the tdea
Of unity Of nature.
Seen In the light Of the broader
reach Of science. the world about us
becomes more complex and more won
derful, and yet more dependable, more
clearly creative and more beautiful.
Nevertheless. feel that we are stand
Ing only at the threshold Of that
better life which science can help to
bring to mankind.