Show SCIENTIFIC PROGRESS During a conversation with the editor of Student Life last summer in which the coming issues of our college paper were mentioned offered to furnish an article or two durng the year thinking that perhaps I might do some good for the old school which I am so proud to claim as my alma mater Xot long ago Mr Peterson reminded me of my promise hence the appearance of this article at the present time I realize the theme attempted is a hroad one and the weaknesses herein displayed may not be few still I trust the discussion will he worth the reader’s while The theme presents it seems to me three considerations : first what is Science? secondly how is its progress brought about? and thirdly who have been instrumental in bringing about its progress? Science is not an easv term to define There are so manv things that are popularly spoken of as science which strictly speakigg are not science at all For instance we have such terms as Christian Science “Newspaper science” “science of prize fighting horse racing or card playing This is not the use of the term I wish to make I shall speak of science as the term is used in contradistinction to art philosophy literature history etc hv college or university men and wo men Again science is not quackery not “fakerism” nor fraud Science if not always truth for it may consist of hypotheses and theories is ever a search for truth Here then comes in the second consideration how is scientific progress brought about?” It is brought about bv a vearning for truth and light An unsatisfied longing on the part of great minds that only light and truth will satisfy A desire by noble men and women to penetrate nature's vast unknown unravel her mysteries make use of her hidden treasures and therein uplift humanity giving a more complete living and a higher and better civilization Too much can not be said in praise of the scientific workers of our day and days past — men and women who have given their whole lives in patient untiring investigation and experimentation for the ease comfort and advancement of the race The pathway of the scientist has not always been as smooth as it is today Today the world is more willing to help him Wealthy men will advance means to aid him legisla- tures will vote monev to help him and colleges and scientific schools are founded to provide buildings apparatus and other facilities for the progress of scientific investigation Still the scientists are usual- - |