The Evolution of the Scientific Investigator: Opening Address at the International Congress of Arts and Science at the Universal Exposition, St. Louis, September September 19, 1904 (Classic Reprint) - Softcover

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Excerpt from The Evolution of the Scientific Investigator: Opening Address at the International Congress of Arts and Science at the Universal Exposition, St. Louis, September September 19, 1904

As we look at the assemblage gathered in this hall, comprising so many names of widest renown in every branch of learning - we might almost say in every field of human endeavor - the first inquiry suggested must be after the object of our meeting. The answer is that our purpose corresponds to the eminence of the assemblage. We aim at nothing less than a survey of the realm of knowledge, as comprehensive as is permitted by the limitations of time and space. The organizers of our congress have honored me with the charge of presenting such preliminary view of its field as may make clear the spirit of our undertaking.

Certain tendencies characteristic of the science of our day clearly suggest the direction of our thoughts most appropriate to the occasion. Among the strongest of these is one toward laying greater stress on questions of the beginning of things, and regarding a knowledge of the laws of development of any object of study as necessary to the understanding of its present form. It may be conceded that the principle here involved is as applicable in the broad field before us as in a special research into the properties of the minutest organism. It therefore seems meet that we should begin by inquiring what agency has brought about the remarkable development of science 4442203fsm nich the vigorld of today bears witness. This view is recognized in the plan of our proceed ings by providing for each great department of knowledge a review of its progress during the century that has elapsed since the great event com memorated by the scenes outside this hall. But such reviews do not make up that general survey of science at large which is necessary to the development of our theme, and which must include the action of causes that had their origin long before our time. The movement which culminated in making the nineteenth century ever memorable in history is the outcome of a long series of causes, acting through many centuries, which are worthy of especial attention on such an occasion as this. In setting them forth we should avoid laying stress on those visible manifestations which, striking the eye of every beholder, are in no danger of being overlooked, and search rather for those agencies whose activities underlie the whole visible scene, but which are liable to be blotted out of sight by the very brilliancy of the results to which they have given rise. It is easy to draw attention to the wonderful qualities of the oak; but, from that very fact, it may be needful to point out that the real wonder lies concealed in the acorn from which it grew.

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