Publisher's Synopsis
Excerpt from Publications of the Clark University Library, Vol. 4
Now investigation, in the scholarly or scientific sphere, means something more than the mere attempt to find something new. It means primarily all activity directed simply and solely toward the advancement of liberal knowledge - knowledge, that is, not Of special or local or purely practical matters, but knowledge in its broader, more theoretical, or purely humane aspects, - those which are concerned not so much with meeting the immediate occasion as with furnishing a generally valid basis of principles and methods that can be applied at will to all of the affairs Of life. Breadth Of application should be the main characteristic of this type of knowledge; it should meet not only the purposes of practical life, but also those Of science and art, besides serving for the realization Of the higher ideals Of culture and conduct. The investigator knows that we cannot assume all desirable knowledge of this kind to be already in existence and to be had for the asking; what we already possess has been gained chiefly by the prolonged and devoted efforts Of previous investi gators, working sometimes alone, sometimes in conjunction with others, and usually in universities or other institutions of learn ing; and we have to see to it that the task is carried on. That the task itself is a worthy one admits Of no dispute incalculable good has come to humanity through its means, and no doubt will continue to come if our efforts do not relax.
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