NOTED SCIENTIST

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26630, 28 November 1947, Page 6

NOTED SCIENTIST

CHICAGO PROFESSOR BRIEF VISIT TO DUNEDIN When Dr R. W. Gerard, professor of physiology at the University of Chicago, stepped off the afternoon plane at Taieri yesterday he was too impressed with the country he had seen to speak of scientific matters. He arrived at Auckland on Wednesday afternoon and flew south yesterday on a brief visit to Dunedin. He will leave by air on Monday morning to join the clipper bound for the United States. In spite of his 24 hours’ acquaintance with New Zealand, Dr Gerard has formed definite impressions of the country. He brushed aside a question on his interest in the solution of social problems by science and spoke enthusiastically of the beauty of Auckland’s harbour and the attractive cities he had seen. The landscape had intrigued him since leaving Auckland. A distinctive feature, he said, was the rows of trees along boundary lines. He was anxious to confirm his opinion that they were poplars, and were used as shelter belts. The hillsides covered in yellow scrub had also attracted his attention. He was surprised to learn that the yellow cloak of the hills was gorse or broom. “ I must make a closer study of your tre.es,” he added, “but I have very little time, You certainly have a lovely country.” Besides being professor of physiology at the University of Chicago, Dr Gerard is a neuro-physiology investigator of note and takes a keen interest in the part science can play in solving the problems of society. He is also the author of several books.

In view of his high qualifications and wide interests, it was not surprising that Dr Gerard should have been invited to be the first visiting professor of the National University of Australia.

After addressing the conference on neuro-physiology at Canberra early in September, Dr Gerard embarked on a je eture tour of the main cities speaking ’on scientific and social matters Dr J. C. Eccles, professor of physiology at the Otago Medical School, and Dr C. McC. Brooks, of Johns Hopkins University, who has been on an extended visit to Dunedin, were among the scientists attending the Canoerra conference.

During his say in New Zealand, Dr Gerard is the guest’of the New Zealand Government, and while in Dunedin he is staying with Dr Eccles. To-night he will give a lecture at the Medical School to members of the Rcyal Society, the British Medical Association, the Institute of Chemists, the University staff and students. His subject will be “ The Biological Basis of Imagination.” He is anxious to inspect the Medical School and meet its staff, and he also hopes to make a closer acquaintance with the countryside. '