Abstract
THE excellent editorial in NATURE of Nov. 13 suggests a few comments. Several years ago, Lady Gregory came to the University of Colorado and lectured on the Irish drama. She insisted on the importance of each country or region fostering its own dramatic art, and cultivating dramatic expression among its citizens. Under such conditions, she urged, not only is there a quickening of the general intelligence, but also genius finds its appropriate setting and chance for appreciation. Surely the same argument may be used with reference to science. It is not possible to determine the native ability of various nations from such statistics as are cited by Dr. Slosson. Very much depends on popular recognition, and even the discovery of new chemical elements is largely controlled by opportunity. Although the genius is an asset of incalculable value, he is only of value to communities intelligent enough to profit by his labours. In 1914, 105,681 infants under one year died in Great Britain. In 1924 the number was only 65,259. In the same period the deaths per thousand were cut down from 23.9 to 19.3. This was not done through the brilliant inspiration of some genius, but by the incessant labours of thousands of relatively or absolutely obscure persons using the knowledge communicated by scientific men of all grades of distinction.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
COCKERELL, T. Scientific Achievement and Aptitude. Nature 119, 84 (1927). https://doi.org/10.1038/119084a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/119084a0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.