The first few years following graduation are golden days of opportunity in the way of research. For the majority, perhaps, these are the days when the greatest amount of original study may be possible and under conditions favoring the greatest productivity. As time passes and duties and responsibilities increase the opportunity for uninterrupted work grows less and less. Of course original work should follow necessary preparation but can not be postponed indefinitely, in hopes of a more favorable season, if the individual hopes to accomplish anything of value in his chosen science. Too early publication however is to be discouraged. Most good things will keep for a time at least, and the opportunity to test and verify investigations before publishing is desirable. It is unwise to attempt to harvest a crop of glory, in scientific fields at least, before the seed has had time to germinate. The extremes of too hasty publication and indefinite delay are both to be avoided.
But this disjointed address must be brought to a close, I have indulged in a medley rather than pursuing a connected theme, but it has been in my mind to show how the influence of modern biology has been felt in every phase of human life and modified every phase of human thought. It touches history and illumines it as a record of human activities, the modifications and adaptations of the most dominant organism of earth. It touches language and infuses it with life as the highest evolution of all means of communication among animals. It enters the sphere of human relations and we see society, government, law, as the most complex expression of forces operative all along the line of organic life.
We may gain inspiration in our work from the thought that our field of labor gives opportunity for the highest service in the advancement of human interests and the intellectual uplift of the race.
The club extended Prof. Osborn a vote of thanks for his valuable address.
F. J. Tyler, Secretary.
The Ohio State Academy of Science held its eleventh annual meeting at the Ohio State University in this city on November 29th and 30th. Between thirty and forty papers were given and the attendance was considerably above the average. On the evening of the 29th a joint meeting was held with the Modern Language Association of Ohio, which held its annual session at the University on the dates mentioned above. The committee arranged an interesting and appropriate program for the evening and a large and appreciative audience responded. The Academy meetings have been held heretofore during the Christmas vacation, therefore holding it at this time was an experiment, but judging from the program, attendance, and enthusiasm manifested, the meeting this year may be said to be one of the best the society has ever held.
It is of more than ordinary interest to be able to record the taking of specimens of the European ruff, Pavoncella pugnax (Linn.) in Ohio. Two male specimens are in the Dr. Jasper collection at the Ohio State University, one taken April 28th, 1879, at Columbus, the other November 10th, 1872, at the Licking Reservoir.