SECRETARY'S
A Dangerous Dichotomy It is generally agreed that highly competent manpower is in short supply these days. This statement not only applies to our ow^ field of specialization but to practically all others. Therefore, it is disturbing and discouraging to observe certain dichotomies which are wasteful of human effort and some attitudes which reduce our collective effectiveness. One such which continuously causes friction in our own profession is the lack of sympathy, outright antagonisms in a few instances, between some members engaged in basic research and some in applied science. When the future of our country depends so much upon new discoveries and rapid advances in science and technology, each member of the ACS must assume some responsibility for improving our national position in this area. We have shown by our attitudes and acts that we are not satisfied to live in the manner of our forebears. Yet, that form of life is inevitable unless we push back the frontiers of knowledge just as they gradually extended the frontiers of habitable land. Progress will be handicapped unless all skills cooperate in the manner of the pioneers. In science and technology such progress will be expedited in proportion to (1) the training and experience of the scientific and engineering community and (2) the efficiency and harmony of operation of this entire community. The basic research and applied science dichotomy, where it exists, has no more sound foundation than the proverbial chicken and egg argument. There really is no question about which is more important or which came first because neither could thrive for any length of time without the other. The applied scientist would have no new areas of knowledge to convert into novel and useful products unless the basic research man had pushed into unexplored areas; the latter has increased the opportunities of the "aplier" to make significant contributions to mankind. The searcher for new knowledge and the developer of new theories would lose much support for his work if applied science did not contribute to increasing economic
OFFICE
levels. Some believe that his research would become sterile if applied science were lacking. Also, he should derive huge satisfactions when his pioneering exploration is converted into products that provide greater security for our country or more convenience and comfort for our people. It is one thing to preach that there should be no frictions between our members in basic research and their colleagues in applied science and another thing to provide conditions which eliminate these frictions. As in every case where there are differences of opinions between people, the best way to gain understanding is to bring them together. Through a wise decision of the founders of the American Chemical Society, both basic researchers and applied scientists always have been eligible for membership. The Society is bringing these people together in a number of ways, particularly through its local, regional, and national meetings. This may explain our belief that the frictions between these groups are less in our profession than in certain other disciplines. Certainly every effort is made in the ACS to break down false barriers and to place all members on an equal basis in Society affairs. The Society administers awards and publishes journals for both groups. Programs at local, regional, and national meetings should and usually do ignore artificial boundaries. At the special symposium in connection with the dedication of the new headquarters building a research chemist, an industrial scientist, and an educator were given "equal time/' There are, of course, some areas of interest to people in basic research which are of little or no interest to applied scientists and vice versa. The Society provides for these in the way of special publications, symposia, and other activities. However, these are specialized services to large blocs of members which collectively aid the "team" in working toward our mutual goal. Then we have the problems of routine versus research operators. In certain areas, routine assignments are a part of training and a steppingstone to other assignments. For some, the importance of excellence in routine pro-
vides the personal satisfactions we all seek. Unfortunately, others who lack this viewpoint also lack the basic attitudes and or training for research, basic or applied. Only the second can be remedied. One of the major frictions in our profession today lies in this group which aspires to a different kind of position within the profession but may not have the native ability or, more commonly, may not be willing to make the personal effort necessary to earn what is desired. But, good reliable chemists, willing and satisfied to work on assignments which some consider routine, are an essential part of the team. While the mutual respect of team members with diverse interests is important, it is not the whole story. The training and experience of each person also must be considered. The ACS is doing its part to provide better chemists and chemical engineers through a program to improve training at the college and university level and to provide the opportunities for continued self-improvement thereafter. The extensive program of the Committee on Professional Training has done much to upgrade the training in our field by certain colleges and universities. Our efforts at lower levels of education should pay off in future years. But, this work does not meet the needs completely. Those who try to coast on what they learned in school always will be a drag on professional accomplishment. Chemistry and chemical engineering are not static; one must keep in touch with the latest developments in theory and practice. There is no better medium than ACS publications. Continuation courses, lecture series, and other means of self-improvement are provided by many local sections of the Society. There is no excuse for obsolescence except personal inertia. For the good of our country and for our own well-being, we should be interested in better training, in expanded basic research so that the well of knowledge doesn't run dry, and in the applications of chemical knowledge to development of new materials that make life safer and that lighten man's burdens. Lastly, sympathetic understanding among all and full recognition of the importance of the many separate aspects that make for progress will strengthen the Society and our country. A.H.E.-B.R.S. JAN.
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