SCIENTIFIC HUMOUR

Dunstan Times, 2 November 1936, Page 2

SCIENTIFIC HUMOUR

EXAMPLES AT BLACKPOOL Proof that modern professors are not absent-minded about giving their audience a laugh now and again was amply provided at the British Association meeting at Blackpool, says the ‘Christian Science Monitor.’ Here are a few of the smiles handed out during addresses: — Sir Josiah Stamp, president of the association, told of Anatole France’s aphorism that the worst of natural science is it stops you thinking. “ Perhaps,” Sir Josiah added, “ this was more subtly expressed in the simpler words of the darkie mother: ‘if yo’ ain’t got no education, yo’ve jest got to use yo’ brains! ’ ” Professor William Cramp, engineer, reminded his listeners of a certain French professor who, when asked how many students he had, replied: “As few as possible; 1 find they interrupt my work ” Professor H. L. Hawkins, dealing with palaeontology, made a number of remarks about the way in which those who hunt fossils are regarded by others. “ In many quarters,” he declared, “ a fossil hunter is still looked upon as perhaps amiable and probably harmless; while the small economic value of his treasures is clear indication of abnormality. Most of us who work in the field still experience the difficulty of convincing casual observers that the specimens wo collect and cherish are objects worthy of the attention ot grown men who arc also sane.” A jingle for a gasworks was given by Professor J. C. Philip, president of the chemistry section:— Little drops of water, little bits of coke, Fill our mighty gas-bags—good, then let it soak !