THE AGE OF THE EARTH.
"Both pure and applied mathematicians are in search of truth, but the former seek truth in itself, and the latter truths about the universe in which we live. In both fields there is room for indefinite advance, but it appears to me that it is easier to find a field for advantageous research in pure, rather than in applied mathematics," said Sir Geo. Darwin, in opening the fifth International Congress of Mathematicians at Cambridge on August 22. His contention, he proceeded, might be illustrated by Lord Kelvin's celebrated investigations as to the cooling of the earth. Lord Kelvin was not, and could not, be aware of the radio-activity of the materials of which the earth is formed; and he (Professor Darwin) thought it was now generally acknowledged that the conclusions which he deduced as to the age of the earth could not be maintained. Yet the mathematicial investigation remained intact. Specialisation had become a necessity of modern work, but intercourse, such as was promoted by that congress, served to promote comprehension of the work that was being carried on in other fields.
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Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 130, 19 October 1912, Page 1 (Supplement)
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187THE AGE OF THE EARTH. Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 130, 19 October 1912, Page 1 (Supplement)
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