GRATITUDE FOR SCIENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3230, 29 May 1911, Page 2

GRATITUDE FOR SCIENCE.

THE ATTITUDE OF GERMANY

“Germany and its head, the Emperor, have again shown the world their oratitude for the achievements of science,” says “Nature.” “Not content with endowing the universities and technical high schools from the iLxchequer with what appear to us relatively enormous sums, a society lias been founded, under the ‘protection’ of the Emperor, for the advancement of science. .

GERMAN AND ENGLISH METHODS.

“It is instructive to note the difference between their method and ours. Botli countries possess what is called ‘technical education’ ; but while we have founded schools in considerable number, destined to capture the workmen (who seldom attend) and the prospective foremen, they have aimed at the education of the manufacturers and the works managers. Instead of numerous institutions giving elementary science instruction, tney have a few imparting the most advanced. Instead of a system of small scholarships, intended to bribe the clever children of the lower middle class, they leave it to the parents to find out that their children, suitably trained, are equipped for their lifework, and will, if they are diligent, be certain of reasonable incomes and respectable positions. “At the celebration of the centenary of the Berlin University, held last October, the Emperor announced that this society had at its disposal a capital of half a million sterling. It is proposed to devote its income to the equipment of institutes in which men already eminent in their respective subjects will be installed. They will have the right to take student-assistants, i.e. young men, who, wish to graduate in one or other of the universities; tney will thus be able to pursue research aided as much or as little as they please. “It is wonderful how deeply the spirit ot trust in science has penetrated the whole German nation. When Prof. Ostwald, many years ago, apnealed to the Saxon Government for money to build his physico-chemical laboratory, the Socialists in the Saxon Parliament voted for the grant to a man, believing that greater expenditure on pure science would contribute to -greater industrial opportunities. This spirit, which permeates the German people, from the Emperor on his throne" to the representatives of the peasants, causes admiration ; would that it could inspire imitation !

“One is led to speculate on the cause of this. Why is'it that the people of Germany have such sympathy for scientific endeavor? The -reasons are many. “First, and above all, is the discipline which the German people have undergone by their military training; more are thus prepared for practical life in a measure which cannot be otherwise attained. It has its disadvantages; on the whole, the people are not so selfreliant-, but they become more trustworthy machines. Second, there is a deeper understanding of scientific achievements' and their bearing on industry. • “This manifests itself in many ways; the German Government is not above asking for, and acting on, scientific advice-. The social position cf the savants, scientific and literary, is therefore assured, and tli-o incomes of the higher posts compare favorably with those earned by professional men and manufacturers. This higher social standing secures attention to those who tender advice. Third, there is a constant exchange between academic and industrial posts; many men leave chairs to become managers of factories; many men enter the teaching and investigating profession from factories. Chemical and physical factories, too, -there form a training school for the;,younger scientific experts; where many are employed, the more advanced communicate their knowledge- and the results of their experience to the junior members of the scientific staff; in fact, they have apprenticeship at its best. 1

GERMAN TRUST IN SCIENCE

“Here, in prosperous times, the manufacturer thinks that he has no need of scientific assistance; in times of bad trade he believes that he cannot afford it. And, lastly, the process of training the people has gone on in Germany for nearly a. Hundred years. Rewards have been given, not to- successful examiners, and not in the form of scholarships ; but have; been earned in the battle- of li r c, lor which ample preparation has b-een given.' This spirit ol' trust- in. science lias permeated to the highest in tec land; that- it- has been fertile in pin-crtical results is .amply proved by the inception, of the Kaiser-Wllbelon Society for the- furtherance of science.”