Editor's Page
Max Tishler on basic research On March 19 in New Orleans, Dr. Max Tishler, emeritus professor at Wesleyan University, received the 1977 Gold Medal of the American Institute of Chemists. Following are verbatim excerpts of what this veteran research worker and leader and former ACS president had to say on that occasion. Society no longer accepts the basic precept on which basic research in modern science is thought to be based, namely: The pursuit of knowledge is justified wherever it may take us, no matter how prepared or unprepared the world may be to cope with the truth scientists set before it. We cannot forget that independence to explore the unknown has had a very short life in the history of man. It has burned brightly several times before only to be smothered by those frightened by the consequences of truth. In modern times, science has had some long and bitter struggles with both temporal and religious powers. Its freedom today to seek new knowledge is not secure and, it is once again running its historic risk—the risk that society will rebel against it and its enormous power of discoveries. We, as scientists, must act with wisdom and restraint recognizing that—as the decibels increase—the voices of reason are the first to be drowned out. In a calm way, we must insist on our right to know and to investigate recognizing the responsibility this places on us. We must convince society—by words and actions—that our interests and society's interests are the same. This means that science and technology have a tough job ahead. As I think of the perplexity and enormity of the problems we face today and the years ahead, I am completely convinced that mankind needs science badly and that this need has never been more acute than now. The problem of survival of the human race on this planet two decades from now and a century ahead is almost frightening, but it will be met because man has no alternative. On our part, as scientists, it is clear that we shall need more basic research and more science-based technology. The wellsprings of human ingenuity will be absolutely essential and science once again will be called on to serve society, this time on a much greater scale, but on different terms. This summons may, incidentally, be our reprieve with society and with its people, and the opportunity to dissipate the wave of antiscience that has threatened our productivity. Basic research is the endless frontier and from it comes the spark to fire technology. It has lost much of its place in the scheme of things and this is largely because we have never really made the point with the public, Congress, and the executive branch of government of how it fuels the advancement of technology. Scientists in their zeal to further basic research also have frequently abandoned their objectivity in order to advocate a cause, thereby losing credibility. This must be changed, quickly and deliberately, because more than ever we need new concepts and new knowledge to meet the constraints that have risen out of man's indiscriminate consumption of the earth's energy and material resources. While success in our national welfare will only come from major emphasis of both basic research and technology, overemphasis of the practical could kill science and give us useless technology. Industrial progress depends largely on discoveries of new knowledge made in the laboratories of the universities, institutes, and industry. Basic research is not a luxury which is to be pursued only after we have learned to gasify coal or desalinate seawater. Notwithstanding the concerns I have expressed, I find myself optimistic as we look ahead. Deep down, I believe that the scientific enterprise is not going down the drain. But nevertheless, if it is to survive and prosper as one of man's noblest accomplishments, today's and tomorrow's generation of scientists, the young and the mature, must be enormously more dedicated, resourceful, and industrious and ever mindful of their obligations to society. It is only then that science and technology will respond—and respond well—to both the needs as seen by society and the discoveries awaiting them far beyond the horizon. •
C&EN editorials represent only the views of the author and aim at initiating intelligent discussion.
March 28, 1977 C&EN 5
