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Newcomb, Simon, 1835-1909

"Side-Lights on Astronomy and Kindred Fields of Popular Science"


Leaders must be added one by one, each being judged by those who
have preceded him before becoming in his turn a member of the
body. As the body grows its members must be kept in personal
touch, talk together, pull together, and act together.
The writer submits these views to the great body of his fellow-
citizens interested in the promotion of American science with the
feeling that, though his conclusions may need amendment in
details, they rest upon facts of the past and present which have
not received the consideration which they merit. What he most
strongly urges is that the whole subject of the most efficient
method of promoting research upon a higher plane shall be
considered with special reference to conditions in our own
country; and that the lessons taught by the history and progress
of scientific research in all countries shall be fully weighed and
discussed by those most interested in making this form of effort a
more important feature of our national life. When this is done, he
will feel that his purpose in inviting special consideration to
his individual views has been in great measure reached.


XII
CAN WE MAKE IT RAIN?

To the uncritical observer the possible achievements of invention
and discovery seem boundless.


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