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P U B L I S H E D BY THE A M E R I C A N C H E M I C A L S O C I E T Y W A L T E R J. M U R P H Y , E D I T O R
Growing Pains K e are justly proud of the elegant methods of modern experimental science, but their use is severely limited in this infinitely more complex situation. Where we issue of ilmerican -4ffuirs, the noted educator states: would like to see data and equations, we must contend n-ith demands and speculations. ,4 workable solution The standaid xeaknesses of social thinking afflict all men in varying degrees. Scientists are best in science: that is as far as sometimes requires compromises with ignorance, prejuMe can go. Just as historians are best in history, and military dice, and selfishness, even though they are not justimen in military affairs. Science alone cannot make secure the answers. fied by impersonal logic. No wonder the physical The performance of scientists when faced x-ith social scientist is repelled! or political problems certainly lends weight to this Nevertheless, we must face this fact : Today’s social viewpoint. To take an embarrassingly close example, problems are so terribly urgent that we cannot afford how have we reacted to what is fair compensation for the cowardice of neglecting them. The atomic age the chemist and chemical engineer? K e must admit has created a servant who will be equally obedient to that the cool, impartial, objective attitude is too fremankind or the Angel of Death. There is no middle quently absent hen talk turns t o providing meat n i t h road. The stark alternatives have shocked the world our potatoes and education for our children. into realizing that the social problem of creating lasting K h e n tangible evidence is presented, we have a t peace is the greatest issue facing mankind. And the times actually betrayed our scientific heritage by ignoring comfortable illusion that the scientist can work in the it. HOW else can we explain the reaction to the talk by laboratory with his back to the social and political world Robert French a t the spring meeting of the AMERICAN has been shattered forever. The scientist is growing CHEMICAL SOCIETY?His statistics showed that the up. The process is often painful, and we have made median earnings of ACS members agree very closely some ludicrous displays in our ignorance and naivet6; with those for the medical profession, and have been conbut our bumps and bruises are a small price to pay, sistently above the lawyers in recent years. Certainly if our scientists thereby grow to a long-overdue maturity this is a convincing indication that the American chemof real citizenship. ist or chemical engineer fares quite well in comparison R e have much to learn in assuming our broader rewith the other top professions. Yet many letters to the sponsibilities, but at the same time we should not Editor discussing income still insist that the chemical overlook the fact that we have a powerful contribution profession lags behind the doctors and lawyers in finan-the scientific method-to make most social probcial rewards. I t is one thing to say that the chemical lems are susceptible, a t least in part, to measureprofession suffers in comparison with other top proment. When such inforniation is collected and, with fessions. and quite another to say that probably all due allowance for its limitations, used with that which professions are underpaid. But this still leaves unis less tangible, progress is inevitable. answered the question whether all professions are underIt is hard to understand why workers in the physical paid. Indeed, the chemists’ and chemical engineers’ sciences, secure in their cross-checked craftsmanship, problem is paralleled by that of the doctor, the lawyer, have so little appreciated those who deal with social the dentist, and above all, the teacher. problems. The latter are yet in the most crudely exWe uould be the last to claim that social compensaploratory stages of comprehension and control. Nevertion can be effectively determined merely by a coldtheless, they have dared to struggle against heavy blooded manipulation of figures. The realities of huodds with a welter of powerful and half-understood inan aspiration, the diffeiing yet legitimate needs of forces that must be guided properly if man is to beour nonscientist neighbors, the heavy inertia of tradicome master of his destiny. An integrated partnership tion, and the sad truth that blind self-interest governs of effort betn-een scientist, politician, and civilian, in many humans are factors that defy mathematics, Init which each understands, supports, stnd supplements must also be taken into account. the other, must become reality if we are to hope for How does one come to grips with such intangibles? ultimate salvation.
AT\‘ all our problems be solved by objective scienC tific methods? Isaiah Bowman, president of Johns Hopkins University, thinks not. In a recent
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