Analytical Research Fellowships F R O M early times patrons of the arts and sciences appear to have been a necessary sustaining element, because these two handmaidens of cultural development have been traditionally not self-supporting. -4s in Europe, their vicarious support in this country in the early days was undertaken by those who by good management or good fortune turned the natural resources of this country into wealth and power. The support of the arts and sciences under these conditions was in the class of favors, and such support could be withdrawn at the whim of an irascible individual whose sole purpose might well be to glorify his name among his fellow men. Industrial development in America has been paced by the science applied to the perfection of old processes and products and the creation of new ones. In the early days the inventor exploited the natural resources of pure science and often ridiculed the academic scientist who labored only for the love and excitement of discovering new knowledge. I n our new era of industrial development, the research team has taken the place of the inventor. Present-day products as developed by applied research demand the incorporation of many factors, all of which must be studied and interrelated for the success of the whole. One person cannot effectively carry out such a development. Applied research has now reached the point where it has used up much of its fundamental information and must think about how best to replenish it. The fact that universities now have institutes devoted to industrial fellowships and even directed to research which may result in patents has only complicated our process of obtaining fundamental knowledge. Research leaders in industry are viewing this moneymaking attempt with some apprehension and much thought is being given to the responsibility of industry t o effect means of proper financing of academic re-
search. The reason for this attitude stems also from the fact that management is no longer in power for the benefit of the few. Stockholders by the thousands, with modest investment, are today vitally interested in the success of industry and in the good deeds which this new form of patron can perform for the welfare of the society in which they live. In the past, industry has given scholarships and research fellowships in science as one would give to a worthy cause. There is a growing awareness that our present academic system for procuring fundamental knowledge must have substantial contributions from industry if we are to be a successful nation where the individual will have not only economic support but cultural as well. That we are aware of this problem-and a start is being made to solve it-is a most encouraging sign, and shows that we are not entering a decadent period in our development. Money so invested will pay handsome dividends to applied research and to our economy in the future. We have written about this problem broadly because the broad picture gives meaning to the component parts which form a segment of the larger goal. Analytical research fellowships for postdoctoral study contribute to the realization of this larger goal. It is important also that those who receive the money have the aptitude and demonstrated ability to pay back on the investment. A study of the scholastic record of the 5th Merck Research Fellowship reveals that Donald H. Wilkins stands among the top students of his class at the University of Illinois and has demonstrated outstanding ability in research during his study for the doctorate to be conferred in June. Such students will pay back many times dividends to the science of analytical chemistry and be a credit to their profession in upholding its high standards, while they themselves will receive personal satisfaction and reivard in scientific accomplishment over the intervening years. L. T.HALLETT Science Editor
