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Today we hear much about the generation gap. The young people a r e shouting, “Don’t believe in anyone who is over 30.” I am happy to report that, as a result of my exhaustive studies, I have found Tommy Miner is not yet 30; with her youthful spirit, she bridges the generation gap in science, for now we have as part of our Academy, the Junior Academy of Sciences, and through the Junior Academy comes the hope of new youth infiltrating, in the truest sense of the word, every aspect of the Academy.

Dr. Edward Dubono, an eminent British physician, provides a clue to the understanding of how Tommy thinks. He states that there a r e two kinds of thinking-logical thinking, which he calls vertical thinking, premise built upon premise, and lateral thinking which is random and undisciplined.

Vertical thinking alone, he says, often fails to reach its goal and must be rescued by lateral thinking. A s I read this description, I realized suddenly that here was my clue. Tommy combines both vertical and lateral thinking. She is by no means restricted by thelogical process of thought, nor could any one say that her mind is in any sense undisciplined or chaotic. Her mental processes evolve in a smooth curve, ever widening, ever higher, a spiral. Like the nightingale, she spirals upward andoutwardand her song is beautiful to hear.

(The portrait of M r s . Miner, done by M r s . Margaret Spoerri, was then presented to her by Dr. Fremont-Smith.)

RESPONSE TO PRESENTATION O F PORTRAIT

Eunice Thomas Miner, R.E.

Executive Director Emeri tus , The New York Academy of Sciences

President Tsutsui, Doctor Fremont-Smith, honored guests, and friends of the Academy:

As I have listened to the generous plaudits that you, Doctor Fremont-Smith, have heaped upon my efforts on behalf of science and the Academy, I felt that I must either sadly shake my head in full agreement with Horace and say, ‘(Nan sum qualis eram-nunc dimittis,” (‘I am not what I used to be-let us depart”) or, if my earnest endeavors have truly produced such impressions and beliefs, I shall have to re-identify myself with myself t o t ry to live up to this reputation for, with due humility, I assure you that a person with a good reputation walks with courage and honor. I believe with Publilius that “a good name is better than riches.”

I express my gratitude to our excellent President, Minoru Tsutsui, and to those associated with him in the Academy who generated and made this occa- sion possible, as well as thank them for the successful program that they have steadfastly maintained for the Academy’s continued progress. My thanks to Doctor Fremont-Smith, who recognized the conference theme as being of great value toward fostering broader association, discussion, and closer understanding among scientists, and who always enthusiastically encouraged me in my purpose and aims for the development of the Academy. My thanks to you all a r e more than tongue can tell and, if you wish to equate that meas- ure, I can assure you that such thanks a r e incalculable.

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Mr. President, in accepting this portrait, I do s o only momentarily for, since I enjoy being my mobile self, two of me in my small apartment, mobile and immobile, would be more than I can endure. I, therefore, request that you accept it for the Academy-and I do s o without condition, for as Robert Burns has indicated, we do not see ourselves as others see us, and I would prefer that the disposal of the subject, as in the portrait only, be left to the judgment and decision of others. But, with appreciation, I thank the protrait artist, Mrs. Margo B. Spoerri, for her patience with the subject and with the assurance that i f in being a “sitter” for a portrait one could always enjoy such pleasant and articulate company, then I would be an ever-willing subject.

Essentially, we meet today to hear and contemplate upon the projected thoughts of our honored speakers on the subject, “Vistas of Science.” Presi- dent Tsutsui has kindly asked me to express my thoughts on the subject. For a number of years, I had hoped to develop a conference on this theme in the hope of learning whether science, with its great momentum, is traveling with direction or indirection; that is, whether in our universal scientific endeavors, there is a naturally coordinated, but unorganized, basic pattern and goal toward which science, possibly subconsciously, is aiming. I leave the grist of the theme to our outstanding guests whose knowledge and insight, great ability and experience will most expertly refine it for us. But I must confess to an interest and curiosity in those concepts that will shape the future relationship of the scientific learned society and the scientists and whether those concepts will recognize the growing need to educate the public to a deeper understand- ing and evaluation of the benefits of scientific progress for the betterment of all mankind.

There was a time, not so far in the past, when the scientist carried on his research in a state of solitude or semi-isolation. He had little, o r no, com- munication with anyone other than his immediate confreres; and his efforts at times were almost desperate, sometimes reaching the depths of despair to have his results taken seriously and accepted by even his fellow professionals. He had practically no contacts with the so-called general public who considered him rather an odd person of preoccupied and absent-minded characteristics. Because of his serious demeanor and concentrated interests, he was fre- quently excluded from the regular social life of the vibrating and lively circles of Homo sapiens. His laboratory and material comforts were often quite limited because he was not appreciated for his scientific contributions to the public welfare and therefore not well-supported or well-paid.

Even in scientific circles, unless he had spent many years in pursuit of his field and was a veteran in years of effort, his ideas, new results, o r even a breakthrough were not easily accepted. When he approached a learned society to present a report of his results he most frequently was treated as a supplicant for favor and as an immature professional. A new and unusual presentation was likely to be treated with opposition, scornful skepticism, irritating argument o r worse, to depress him and degrade his findings. One need only recall the treatment-ostracism or even worse-that men such as Galileo, Pasteur, Lister and numerous others faced for their startling bril- liance and insight. Even in the more immediate past, the young man who, at too early an age, sought to become a member of a learned society, had to wait until he had received broad recognition and acceptance of his work before he was admitted into the dignified sanctum sanctorum of the hallowed society.

When I first became associated with this Academy, the membership was

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very small and the average age of the members was 53 years. In five years that average had been reduced to 35 years; I hope that i t is now considerably lower, for gradually there has come about a change in the status of the sci- entist. A s the result of the great advancement of science and because many of these advances have emanated from the efforts of the younger scientist, he has now become a confident, well-trained person and has increased, in number, by many thousands. He has broadened his educational and, thereby, his intellectual horizon for a more active participation in world affairs. He has also been placed in a more strategic position to protect his freedom of thinking and of action. He has a greater sphere of resources with which to work and to teach, which are quite well-equipped and comparatively financially well-supported. Generally, he lives in an active community with material comforts equal to those of his neighbors, so that withal, he has changed and is a well-groomed, ably articulate, knowledgeable person. He is also sought as a consultant in many fields of endeavor and is demonstrating his capabil- ities of leadership in government, civic, and community affairs.

Scientifically oriented societies and the scientist are so closely inter- woven in their mutual interests that each wouldbe at a loss without the other. This is especially so in the case of this institution for, without question, an institution such as the Academy would be unable to carry out its stated pur- poses without the cooperation of the scientist. The viability and vitality of such an organization today depends largely upon the degree of successful, encouraging opportunities that it offers to the scientist for presentation, discussion, exchange of information, and dissemination of his research en- deavors in its publications and upon its acceptance of his knowledge and judg- ment to so structure the organizational pattern that it can best serve his needs. The relationship should and must be reciprocal for the scientific organization that progresses i s that which adopts an aggressive and helpful attitude on behalf of the scientist; has an up-to-date, broad vision for its future; and extends a liberal, yet sound, response to those seeking its se r - vices. Today, the scientist must be given favorable consideration to persuade him to take part in the organization’s activities and sometimes he must be urged to do so by impressing him with the high quality and caliber of the objective and of those who will participate with him.

The New York Academy of Sciences has played a most important part in bringing about some of these changes by encouraging younger scientists into its membership; inviting their lively participation in the meetings, conferences and other activities; having a broad, liberal, and generous policy for publi- cation; and, in its wisdom, extending these privileges to scientists universally, thus indicating the worldwide compatibility of its interest and respect for the scientist.

However, as in the earlier years, so it will be in the future: scientific planning will require deep insight, scientific intuition, and even the great courage of the individual scientist. Scientific progress can only be advanced by the use of the brains of the scientist who explores; who uses precise quantitative methods; and who persistently observes, experiments, demon- strates, criticizes. Even then and with all these, the scientist’s success in future achievements will depend on his determination to remain individualistic and to keep his mind independently free, and, because of the present concern for the security of i ts future, on his efforts to raise the public’s confidence and consciousness in the sincerity of his efforts toward the progressive de-

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velopment of the world. The scientist should establish better communications and relations with that great body, the public, and even extend his interest for improvement of the public knowledge of scientific achievement, thereby assuring the public that he is working in its behalf to improve its mental, physical, and material welfare.

This year, the scientific community in this country was made aware, only too well, of the reliance that it now places upon support from the national budget. When, due to the legislative demands for governmental economies, cutbacks of substantial sums were made in the funds allocated for scientific education and research, the impact upon those within the circles so affected caused quite some concern for the projects underway and for those to be undertaken, a s well as for the personnel involved. And yet, this move was made by those making the decision for the economies without great qualm; nor were they o r the general public deeply concerned for the potential serious loss of progress that could result.

This only emphasizes that there is a lack of knowledge and understanding in the public mind about the scientific community; it is important and must receive public support to continue unabatedly because its efforts today affect such a broad horizon of the common welfare. Therefore, it still remains for the scientist and the scientific society to study ways and means to establish a beneficial rapport with the public in order to stimulate its deeper interest and confident belief in the scientist and his achievements.

PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN SCIENCE

Minoru Tsutsui, Ph.D., Sc.D.

President, The New York Academy of Sciences

First, may I express to all the members at the completion of a fulfilling year of service my heartfelt appreciation for the spiri t of cooperation I have received from the Scientific Council, the Trustees, the administrative staff, and all of the committees engaged in our program. The experiences encoun- tered and the friendships established during my service a r e unforgettable. I will be happy to continue to be of service to the Academy in the future.

My talk is devoted to a few specific suggestions to improve the scientific cooperation among nations. International cooperation in science has been promoted by government agencies, the United Nations, and many private organizations through programs such as the exchange of scientists, scientific information, and the sponsoring of international meetings.

These organizations have made definite contributions to the advancement and development of world science. The New York Academy of Sciences, by supporting international conferences and by its publications, is one of these organizations.

Contributions to international science have been made at different stages- before, during, and after the Second World War-although, in truth, most of these organizations either initiated o r intensified international activities after the Second World War. However, there have been obstacles, due mainly to political requirements, in pursuing a goal of true international cooperation.