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THE MAROON T I G ER
8)
Special Articles
A CORNER OF SCIENCE
The general field of natural science and mathema-
maties is, and is becoming more so, one of greatest
importance. The importance of this field is not only
rising above its already dizzy heights within its
own bounds, hut its influence is of such weight that it
is molding and directing the policy of almost every
phase of human endeavor of this age. This general
field includes so many particular fields and so many
lines of specialization within those particular fields that
it would be folly to attempt a general discussion of it
as such in this short space. I shall only discuss very
briefly the very closely interwoven fields of biologv and
organic chemistry from the view-point of their voca
tional possibilities.
These two fields have such closely related interests
that one can scarcely attain any degree of efficiency in
one without a rather comprehensive knowledge of the
other because there is, and is becoming more and more,
a pronounced overlapping, one of the other. This fact
of overlapping holds true generally through the scienti
fic field for that matter, as is well known. One is
pretty safe in predicting an exceedingly tough time or
even failure for the chemist or biologist who attempts
to achieve in his field without a broad comprehension
and a working knowledge of the principles of physics
and mathematics, or vice "versa. But viewed from the
angle of organic chemistry there are three possibilities
worth considering. The first is teaching; second, com
mercial analysis; third, research.
With reference to the first; there is still and has been
for a long time a need for teachers of chemistry who are
broadly enough trained to be able to give, in addition
to the rather isolated subject-matter, the field in its prop
er relationship to its allied fields. As for the second;
the Harlem Laboratories of New York City are an in
spiring example of this type of pioneer endeavor. This
example might well he studied, not only by those in
terested in this particular work, but others who would
no doubt received educational benefits therefrom. The
field of commercial manufacturing chemistry offers little
or no possibilities due to cut-throat competition of im
mense, organized capital. But within the realm of or
ganic research, there is, and always will be, a welcome
chamber awaiting a member of any group who seeks
the joy and fascination of spending his energies unto
complete exhaustion in quest of the hidden truth of
organic chemistry.
The great forces of biological conquest are for the
most part directed toward general physiology. So that
physiological research offers the greatest attractions in
this field. Of course anatomy and other phases come
in for their share of emphasis, hut even there a physio
logical interpretation is called into play. From what
I can see, the field of medicine is not suffering from
a deficiency in its number of converts; unless it is the
type of scholar who will rise above the common level
of physicians. And to do that would of course entail
biological research. The field of dentistry, perhaps,
makes a little better offer while pharmacy gives even
better promise. To me this field of biological research
offers a thrill which is nothing short of romantic. Of
course it makes a great exaction of time, energy, and
studv; but the end-products of self-satisfaction, self
development, and probable achievement, colored by the
unconscious motive of human service, are ample re
ward for labor spent.
Although research is the chief attraction, it is by no
means the only one of interest. More than in the
field of chemistry, there is in biologv a need for broad
ly trained instructors. All over the country institu
tions are in need of men capable of directing their bio
logical departments, men who are wholly saturated with
their field and who are at home in practically any scien
tific atmosphere. This type of man is still greatly lack
ing in this group, and the demand is persistently in
creasing.
To testify to the interlacing interests of these two
fields of biology and chemistry, a comparatively young
field, bio-chemistry, has developed which treats of prin
ciples in common to the two branches of science. This
is an intensely fascinating line of work with a consid
erable promise and great possibilities for those adapt
able to it.
As for these two principal fields discussed, the both
offer unique inducements for development and service
and into which I should like to see men of my group
enter. In these fields, great joys of conquest await
them as well as the economic return which goes along
with them.
Chas. A. Proctor, ’30.
BOOK REVIEW
(What the Negro Thinks—R. R. Moton; Doubleday-
Doran Co.. N. Y.. 1929.)
Coming right in line with the trend of interest in
the Negro, and almost every thing Negroid is Dr. Mo-
ton’s book, What the Negro Thinks.
Undoubtedly, this book is a daring attempt of the
author to present analytically the problems, thoughts,
and reations of the Negro in our American civiliza
tion. There are those who feel that Dr. Moton is too
far removed from the masses of Negroes to know exact
ly what their thoughts and reactions are. But, never
theless, upon careful examination of the book one can
observe that the author has a thorough knowledge of
Negroes in general and about their psychology—for it
cannot be denied that there is such a thing as Negro
psychology—and also that the writer exhibits remark
able insight into what white people think concerning
Negroes as well. It seems fitting, at any rate, for one
in Dr. Moton’s position as one of the most outstanding
Negroes in the country to attempt to interpret Negro
attitudes to other races.
One of the salient features of the book is the bold,
courageous but unoffensive frankness that displays the
sincerity and dexterity of the author in dealing with
such a vital problem—a problem delicately interwoven
in our entire American civilization. The author feels
that the average white man is fooled when he assumes
that he knows the Negro, for there are certain inner
recesses in the minds of Negroes generally to which the
white man cannot gain admittance. Due to the long