Abstract
THE resolution of the Headmasters' Conference and Headmasters' Association, referred to in NATURE of January 9 (p. 379), that school instruction in natural science should include biology as well as chemistry and physics, reminds me of an impression which has been with me for some time that a similar reform is needed in our higher education. Arising, I suppose, from the curious notion that chemistry and physics are more exact and educative and of more general moment in the lives of animals than are botany and zoology, it is laid down at Oxford, for example, that a student who proposes to take a biological subject for his final school must pass an elementary examination in chemistry and physics, while if he specialises in chemistry or physics he is exempt from any preliminary course in biology. Something similar is, I believe, a pretty general regulation in all the universities in this country—and if not a regulation, at any rate a habit. The result is that a number of chemists are produced who are fearfully ignorant of the simplest truths of biology; they do not even know what biology is about or the general methods whereby a biologist will seek to solve his problems.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
