The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1927. SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 May 1927, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1927. SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH.

The world lias little opportunity for showing appreciation of many lives given up to scientific research. Now and again says the “Lyttelton Times,” names Hash into prominence by reason of some startling discovery which benefits the whole of mankind, but in t nearly every case these achievements have been made possible only by the i patient, and laborious efforts of many j workers in the cause of science who I are unknown to the world. Hundreds, even thousands, of tired-eyed explorers in realms just beyond the margin of our knowledge, receive little reward ' and less appreciation for a. life-time of invaluable service. To some, inj eontivc for their task comes through a | spirit of adventure leading them into the scientific unknown ; to others, from a passionate desire to solve the problems that with-hold comfort and happiness from their fellow-men. With attention riveted for years on a closely circumscribed field these unrecognised workers in the realms of science prepare the way for the great discoveries that advance civilisation. Professor Charles Rieliet, one of the scientific leaders of France, who recently retired full of honours from his long tenure of the Chair of Physiology in the University of Paris, in his book, “The Natural History of a Servant,” translated by Sir Oliver Lodge, asks. “What then, is civilisation?” To the question he supplies an answer that the fundamental element of civilisation is knowledge. “To he civilised it is necessary to know something of the forces that surround us and the better one knows them the more is one civilised.” Every secret wrung from nature marks a stage in intellectual progress. To know that disease is not the work of an offended and malignant god, or that an eclipse of the moon is not caused by the devourings iaws of a dragon is a forward step in civilisation. But Professor RioHet points out that civilisation does not altogether ensure happiness, for when scientific discoveries are misapplied to the hurt of mankind it is a sure sign of a retrograde step. If aeroplanes were to be used solely for bombing towns aviation would le a disastrous discovery, and if chemistry consisted only in manufacturing gases to wipe out thousands of soldiers in a moment or two, then chemistry would be an accursed science. Civilisation, then, in its widest meaning of a better condition of human life demands “a morn! orflgr file notions pf corporate

welfare and human fraternity; ,a due regard to light.” Knowledge in itself is not sufficient; it is necessary (hat intellectual development shall he employed for good and not for evil. Science advances with startling rapidity, and the pupil of the primary school to-day knows? more of its ways than did the giant intellects of ancient Greece. And wo arc only at the beginning. ‘‘Who could have foreseen fifty years ago,” asks Professor Biehet, “the telephone, wireless telegraphy.

aviation. vaccinal ion, serotherapy, chemical synthesis?" The marvellous advance leads him to prophesy confidently that our grand-children will see wonderful things which it is impossible for us lo imagine. But science eann ,t develop by itself, and without it there can lie no progress. The patience, perseverance and intelligence of those "ho give their lives to research should lie recognised by the State and by society. Science demands the exclusive s.uriliee requiring from devoted individuals their, whole existence, and they should he assured not only of laboratories equipped with everything necessary for their work, blit also with salaries that afford a comfortable liiolihood. "We cannot enkindle genius." the French scientist says,' "bill at least we can, and we must, give to the

elite among our young men, the opportunity of I doming illustrious it they possess the creative divine spark." Professor B idiot's appeal for a more generous recognition of the value of scientific research, and the need for providing opportunities for those intellectually gifted to respond to its call, . is especially applicable lo New Zealand. Some of our most brilliant, minds have been compelled to leave .the Dominion to pursue their researches in lands where the value of scientific progress is fully realised. Within recent times there appears to have been symptoms of interest in New Zealand, hut lack of funds prevents the authorities of our university colleges from employing their most gifted students to discovering the jealously guarded secrets ol nature. Expenditure for this purpose is money well invested. "The future and the happiness of humanity depend on science’’ is the conclusion rear-lied hv Professor Biehet, to which profound conviction he adds, and “so much the worse for society if it fails to apprehend this outstanding truth.