Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 64.djvu/295



T the weekly services of many of our churches it is customary to begin with the reading of a verse or two from the Scriptures for the purpose, I suppose, of putting the congregations in the proper state of mind for the exercises which are to follow. It seems to me that we may profit by this example, and accordingly I ask your attention to Article I. of the Constitution of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, which reads thus: 'The objects of the association are, by periodical and migratory meetings, to promote intercourse between those who are cultivating science in different parts of America, to give stronger and more general impulse and more systematic direction to scientific research, and to procure for the labors of scientific men increased facilities and a wider usefulness.'

The first object mentioned, you will observe, is 'to promote intercourse between those who are cultivating science in different parts of America'; the second is 'to give a stronger and more general impulse and more systematic direction to scientific research'; and the third is 'to procure for the labors of scientific men increased facilities and a wider usefulness.' Those who are familiar with the history of the association are well aware that it has served its purposes admirably, and I am inclined to think that those who have been in the habit of attending the meetings will agree that the object which appeals to them most strongly is the promotion of intercourse between those who-are cultivating science. Given this intercourse and the other objects