ection and daily welfare of mankind. The
Mellon Institute contributes much to the solution of problems of
applied chemistry.[7] It is interesting to note how the investigation
carried on by these and other foundations is contributing directly to
human welfare by mastering disease. The elimination of the hookworm
disease, the fight to control malaria, the {473} mastery of yellow
fever, the promotion of public health, and the study of medicine, the
courageous attack on tuberculosis, and the suppression of typhoid
fever, all are for the benefit of the public. The war on disease and
the promotion of public health by preventive measures have lowered the
death-rate and lengthened the period of life.

_The Trend of Scientific Investigations_.--While research is carried on
in many lines, with many different objectives, it may be stated that
intense study is devoted to the nature of matter and the direct
connection of it with elemental forces. The theories of the molecule
and the atom are still working hypotheses, but the investigator has
gone further and disintegrated the atom, showing it to be a complex of
corpuscles or particles. Scientists talk of electrons and protons as
the two elemental forces and of the mechanics of the atom. In
chemistry, investigation follows the problems of applied chemistry,
while organic chemistry or biochemistry opens continually new fields of
research. It appears that biology and chemistry are becoming more
closely allied as researches continue and likewise physics and
chemistry. In the field of surgery the X-ray is in daily use, and
radium and radioactivity may yet be great aids to medicine. In medical
investigation much is dependent upon the discoveries in neurology.
This also will throw light upon the studies in psychology, for the
relation of nerve functions to mind functions may be more clearly
defined.

Explorations of the earth and of the heavens continually add new
knowledge of the extent and creation of the universe. The study of
anthropology and archaeology throw new light upon the origin and early
history of man. Experimental study of animals, food, soils, and crops
adds increased means of sustenance for the race. Recent investigations
of scientific education, along with psychology, are throwing much light
on mental conditions and progress. And more recently serious inquiry
into social life through the study of the social sciences is revealing
the great problems of life.