OPENINGS FOR SCIENCE

Greymouth Evening Star, 15 February 1930, Page 4

OPENINGS FOR SCIENCE

MEDICINE AND INDUSTRY. Science now offers immense possibilities to young men and women for ! furthering their own country’s wel--5 fare, writes Professor Leonard Hill. > Director of Applied Physiology, National Institute of Medical Research. Hampstead, in the London “Daily Chronicle.” There are wanted real knowledge, • intelligence and imagination for adapt- ■ ing that knowledge to practical ends. Look at the great openings that ■ have been made by the discovery of stainless steel and artificial silk, of varieties of wheal which will grow in the colder climates of Canada; of methods of economically and efficiently using coal so as to extract all the valuable by-products—gas, motor fuel, dyes, explosives—and leave a smokeless fuel for domestic consumption. Be it noted that new methods of heating by gas, by rays which are more like sunlight, have .just been evolved —an important contribution to ‘ comfort. In medical research there are openings for further discoveries, great as are those already made, for preventing the plagues which still make a vast toll of human life, and lessen the working power and happiness of man. The abolition of the common cold and influenza and pneumonia—what a blessing that would be! There is great need for the perfection of ventilation of working places, and for cheapening building materials, and evolving the most healthy buildings. The lengthening of efficient happy life up to 100, and even 150 years, commonly lived by Red Indians in the prime days of their race, is quite possible. The insurance companies, aided by the scientists, are beginning to see to this being attained. The bringing up of healthy, vigorous children, and their easy birth by healthy mothers will become common to all through future guidance of the race.

We do not want our young men coddled and spoilt by the easier conditions of walking and Tiding, motorboats in place of rowing and sailing, etc. We do not want mothers to spoil them by over-anxietv and sheltering. There, is so much to be done, such treasure in earth and in heaven to be gained by striving. Let. us seek the ideals of bodilv perfection and of knowledge, of how to live well and contribute to the stock of human happiness.