Without natural science we should understand neither nature nor
society. Spencer shows the wide-reaching value of science knowledge in
our modern life: "For leaving out only some very small classes, what
are all men employed in? They are employed in the production,
preparation, and distribution of commodities. And on what does
efficiency in the production, preparation, and distribution of
commodities depend? It depends on the use of methods fitted to the
respective nature of these commodities, it depends on an adequate
knowledge of their physical, chemical, or vital properties, as the case
may be; that is, it depends on science. This order of knowledge which
is in great part ignored in our school courses, is the order of
knowledge underlying the right performance of all those processes by
which civilized life is made possible. Undeniable as is this truth,
and thrust upon us as it is at every turn, there seems to be no living
consciousness of it. Its very familiarity makes it unregarded. To
give due weight to our argument, we must therefore realize this truth
to the reader by a rapid review of the facts." He then illustrates, in
interesting detail, the varied applications of mathematics, physics,
chemistry, biology, and social science to the industries and economies
of real life, and concludes as follows: "That which our school courses
leave almost entirely out, we thus find to be that which most nearly
concerns the business of life.
Pages:
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73