Annual Meeting of Chinese Scientific Societies

Abstract

A JOINT annual meeting of the Science Society, the Zoological Society, the Botanical Society, the Meteorological Society, the Mathematical Society and the Geographical Society of China was held at Pehpei, Chungking, during July 18–20 of last year. Despite the hot weather which prevailed then, 240 members attended the meeting, which was presided over by Dr. Wong Wen-hao. In his opening address, Dr. Wong said that a joint meeting like this is especially desirable in war-time, in that it is economical in time, labour and expenditure and will enhance co-operation between societies which are related in character. In view of the present tendency to overlook the study of pure science, Dr. Wong remarked that truth is what science values most, regardless of whether or not practical use can be derived from it; and he urged the pure scientists to stand firm. As a geologist and the Minister of Economic Affairs, he illustrated with first-hand examples how what appeared to be pure geology at first turned out later to be of much practical value in the detection of China's natural resources. The address of the Generalissimo was then read, in which he declares: "Pure science is the foundation of all applied sciences. If we wish to stand up among the modern great nations there must not be the slightest tardiness in the prosecution of pure science"(see also NATURE, Aug. 14, 1943, p. 180). While most of the official emphasis has been laid on the practical side in the recent tide of national industrialization, it will do the nation good to remind people of the significance of pure science.