News
The American Scientific Affiliation
VOL 2 NUMBER 1 7 January
1960
NORTH CENTRAL SECTION
The North Central Section of the ASA met in St, Paul, Minnesota on Saturday,
November 14th, 1959. As usual, excellent program fare was offered in which 40
to 45 persons participated. Abstracts by Dr. David 0. Moberg:
"Wanted: A Philosophy of Science" by J. Frank Cassel, Chairman) Department of
Zoology, North Dakota Agricultural College Fargo. Dr. Cassel, indicated that if
a Christian philosophy of science is to be developed, it must come from the
scientists not the philosophers or theologians. (This reflects experiences of
last summer; the ASA/ETS meeting and Summer Institute on the History and
Philosophy of Science and Mathematics, American University). There is much
basic re-thinking of the philosophy of science as a result of such influences
as quantum theory, the principles of indeterminacy and the increasing inadequacy
of classic theories, such as mechanistic materialism. Although the name of God
is taboo in biology, it is not in physics; God has become a lively option as
a result of their recent experiences in developing especially the sciences of
physics and astronomy. Hence as Christians we can now come into lively conversation with them on our grounds;
we don't need to start with an apology for
our belief in God. So we Christians should go ahead in this, not merely pick
holes in their theories or carp on details. Instead we should clearly present
our basic assumptions and produce a dynamic view of science that is both scientifically consistent and tenable and Christian. He then proposed about 15 items
that might need attention in developing a philosophy of science to meet the
current need- -suggestions for scientists in various of the physical and biological sciences to work on. These ideas were discussed in small groups in
the following session but without any attempt at reaching conclusions. It was
generally felt that the ASA can contribute much to the development of a new
philosophy of science, and that the social as well as other sciences could have
a place in this.
"Time on a Geologic and Cosmic Scale," was the title of a paper presented by
Dr, Paul Gast, Assistant Professor of Geochemistry at the University of
Minnesota. Dr. Gast stressed the rates of decay of uranium, potassium and
rubidium minerals over a long time scale as providing a basis for dating the age
of various minerals since their crystallization. Evidence from many sources
is surprisingly similar in pointing to the conclusion that the probable age of
the solar system is in the vicinity of 4.5 billion years.
"What, Then, Is
Man?" is the title of a book by Meehl, et. al., (Concordia, 1958). This work of Lutheran scholars provided the basis of a symposium in which the following participated:
Dr. Charles Hatfield, Mathematics, University of Minnesota, Dr. Lawrence
Johnston, Physics, University of Minnesota, and Prof. Webster Muck,~ Psychology, Bethel
College. This book deals so ably with various types of determinisms, the
problems of language and communication across the disciplines of theology and
psychology, conversion psychology (centering on the conversion of the Apostle
Paul), learning theory, and the topic of what Christians can do with the
insights of the psychologist (most of whom are atheists calling themselves
agnostics, according to Meehl who was himself converted to Christ from his
atheism) that all in audience felt it would be very worthwhile reading.
"How Being a Christian Affects My Research Work" was the topic taken by Dr.
Henry D. Weaver, Associate Professor of Chemistry, Goshen College. Dr. Weaver's
research is in the kinetics of complex ion formation. He indicated that there
are no shortcuts in science for the Christian; he has no special revelations, so
must use the same techniques, instruments, etc. as any other scientist. The
purpose of the Scriptures is categorically unrelated to the areas about which
science is concerned. The Christian scientist must be governed by a ruling code
of conduct which is Christian. While the non-Christian may possess the same
virtues, the reasons for possessing them may vary. Because of the desire to read
cosmology and such things out of Scriptural passages written for purposes of
spiritual truth, the Christian may actually do a poorer job of research than
the non-Christian. The Christian in research has an overriding interest
beyond his science-the primary task of evangelism in the best sense of the
term. "No man can serve two masters."
So the basic difference lies in the
reason or motive for the work. Christian values apply to the selection of
topics for research and the motive of doing all to the glory of Christ. If
Christians who are scientists do not confront other scientists with Christ,
who will? The difference between the Christian and non-Christian hence lies in
the person, not in the work as such.
The planning for this excellent meeting was under the general supervision
of Dr. V. Elving Anderson. The leadership exhibited by the North Central Section
demonstrates so ably what significant contributions
to the National ASA the local group can make.
SCIENCE AND RELIGION
Dr. James H. Shrader, ASA Member, is busy in many aspects of the science
and religion controversy. In May of 1959 he participated in a conference on
this theme at Scripps College, sponsored by Conference on Science and Religion.
Dr. Shrader is Professor of Chemistry and Chairman of the Department of
Science Eastern Nazarene College, as well as director of the Mann-Shrader
Laboratories and Council Member, Institute on Religion in an Age of Science.
Although he is now retired Dr, Shrader publishes "Religious Inquiry" and is
currently writing a book on the empirical bases for religion.
SOME COMING SCIENTIFIC MEETINGS
There yet remains much to be done in scientific disciplines other than
Chemistry (so well organized by Dr. Walter Hearn) in regards to arranging
ASA get-togethers at the national meetings. The following persons have
indicated to the Secretary that they plan to attend the indicated conventions;
you carry it from here.
American Geophysical Union (May3 1960,17ashington DC)
American Physical Society (May, 1960, Washington DC
Anyone interested in such a project should write directly to Dr, Lammerts
at Germain's, Horticultural Research Division, P*O. Box 253, Livermore,
California. Dr. Lammert's specialty is genetics,, especially as applied to
commercial plant breeding.
WHEATON SCIENCE SYMPOSIUM
The sixth in a series of eight Academic Symposia of Wheaton College's Centennial Year was held January 7th and 8th. ASA members invited to participate were: Dr. Karl Turekian, Assistant Professor of Geochemistry, Yale University, who spoke of
"The Age of the Earth and Man" and Dr. Robert Page, Director of Research at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, who spoke on
"Cosmology and Space Science-" The Visiting scientists participated in a panel discussion on "Interrelations in Science and Christianity" led by Dr.
Russell L. Mixter of Wheaton College.
THE HEAVENS DECLARE
The warmest congratulations of the ASA to Maurice T. Brackbill, Professor
Emeritus) Eastern Mennonite College, Harrisonburg, Virginia. His new book,
THE HFAVENS DECLARE has recently been published by Moody Press. Professor
Brackbill has been a respected member of the ASA for many years and has
contributed in many ways to its growth and development. Retired since
1956)
he now has time to do some of the things he has wanted to do for many years, but
of all the things before him,, nothing is so important as to get others to
share the wonder of the stars and to worship their Creator.
THE HEAVENS DECLARE can best be described as a book on "devotional astromony." It contains many interesting facts and observations put together
in any easy-to-read style, but its greatest feature is the awe and reverence
Prof. Brackbill's writing instills in the heart of his readers. One of the
most interesting chapters is built around Emerson's suggestion. "If the
Stars Shone Only One Night Every Thousand Years" put together in a most
imaginative fashion. The last chapter, "The Tabernacle of God is With Men"
composed entirely of God's own words from Scripture having to do with His
heavens, is one of the most impressive worship passages this reviewer has read
anywhere. Many chapters of this book are suitable for family devotions in
which children participate.
TOM PARKS TO BRITAIN
Gleanings from the stack of Christmas letters: Dr. and Mrs. Thomas D.
Parks
spent their vacation in Britain after Dr. Parks did a
week's work in
Newcastle upon Tyne. They experienced wonderful weather and were very much
taken with Edinburgh and its castle, fabulous London, Paris in the spring,
Dublin, and the beautiful north of Ireland. Dr. Parks is in chemical research
at Proctor and Gamble.
NOISE IN SEMI-CONDUCTORS
The ASA is proud to have one of the world's outstanding authorities on
noise in electrical circuits among its members, Dr. A. van der Zie1, Professor
of Electrical Engineering at the University of Minnesota. one of his latest
volumes " "Fluctuation Phenomena in Semi-Conductors" has just been issued by
the British firm, Butterworth's Publications, Ltd.
VOLCANOES FOR CHRIST11AS
The Christmas letter from the Wayne Aults of the Hawaiian Volcano observatory provides some very interesting observations on volcanoes in the backyard
as seen by the lady of the house.
"Our sky is rosy again.1 The 13th phase of this eruption
has started.1 1,7elve been thrilled in every way with these
outbursts. They are just unbelievably beautiful, awfully ot and maddeningly unpredictable...We now have a new
mountain--the 400 ft. cinder cone formed by the fountain's pumice fall-out. This is red-hot inside. Lee and Ray were
trying to make souvenirs by putting pennies into the hot lava when a ranger sent them flying--Ray tore off his shirt and
grabbed the hot lava....Next they tried the edge of the lava lake down in the crater. It
was raining but they were dry from the lava heat. They burned sticks in the flaming
chimneys of the lava trees.
IWe live 3 miles from the eruption.
Wayne's work is to determine what gases and liquids are coming out of the earth. The difficulty is to collect the samples. He's mighty glad he's had over a year to ready the lab for this. He was able to get samples from advancing lava flows, from the lava lake, from cracks in the pumice cone, and from the volcanic cloud via airplane. The airplane episode was a trial for stomach (violent downdrafts and nauseating sulfur dioxide) and windshield (several airliners have had smashed windshields from flying pumice).
"As I finish this our 15th eruption is booming- -and visible from our house. It is gorgeous! Oh I wish you could see it, Wayne just came in - he was in the crater just across from the eruption. He got a "volcano-burn", just like a sunburn. He said the fountain reached a height of 1900 feet and he had to travel fast to get further away quickly. This would have been serious if the wind had shifted."
MALSKY PRESENTS PAPERS
In June of
1959 Stanley J. Malsky presented a paper entitled, "In Vivo
Disimetry With Miniature Radioluminescent Crystals" before the Society of
Nuclear Medicine. On November 10,
1959
another paper~ "In Vivo Miniature
Glass Dosimetry" was presenued before the Electronics In Biology and Medicine
group of the Institute of Radio Engineers. A third paper, "In-Vivo Dosimetry with
Miniature Radio luminescent Glass RodsII was presented before the New York
Academy of Science on November 17th. Dr. Malshy is one of the
8500
scientists
of the world listed in the first volume of WHO'S WHO IN ATOMS.
FIEA INFORMATION -
Dr. Harold M. Spinka of Chicago has appealed to Prof. Hendrik J. Oorthuys as follows:
"I
have a communication from Dr. B. M. Kennedy of
Baraka Sanitorium5 Box 1~ Bethelehem, Jordan, asking
for help in the control of the flea in his area.
"Could you publish this request in a forthcoming issue of the organizational bulletin--he has used all the fly sprays in his part of the world and nothing seems to affect them.
H. M. Spinka, MD"
Glad to, Dr. Spinka, and the request is also being forwarded to
DATA,3 3201
Middlefield Rd.5 Palo Alto, California, an organization specializing in
supplying technical information of all kinds to missionaries in the field.
NORTH CENTRAL SECTION ORGANIZES
At the dinner meeting of their November 4th conference steps were taken
formally to organize the North Central Section. A proposed constitution is
being sent out by mail for ratification to Fellows and Members residing in
Minnesota3 North and South Dakota, and Western Wisconsin. Iowa is now in the
throes of trying to decide whether they should organize separately or go in
with North Central.
The constitution of the North Central Section embodies many of the features
of the Wilmington Section's constitution included in the last ASA NEWS (Vol. 1
#6). However, because it contains many new features, it is included with this issue for the use of the many local sections now confronted with the problem of
adopting a constitution as they apply for formal recognition of National ASA.
Note especially the feature of election of a panel of workers called the
executive committee which assures a larger group of qualified persons being
involved in the planning.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
PROPOSED BY-LAWS OF THE NORTH CENTRAL SECTION OF
THE AMERICAN SCIENTIFIC AFFILIATION
ARTICLE II MEMBERSHIP
ARTICLE V - - FINANCES
ABOUT MEMBERSHIP RECLASSIFICATION
The Secretary-Treasurer, Walt Hearn, has been receiving a trickle of membership reclassification questionnaires since October, but is still short
several hundred. Please get that (yellow) form back to him at once if you have
just been putting it off. The reclassification required by the new Constitution must be completed before the new Directory can be published.
Walt reports
that comments on a number of the returned forms indicate that not everyone
realizes that the only classes of membership under the old constitution were
Fellows and Associates; some A.S.A'ers didn't realize that they had always been
non-voting Associates and only now may be classed as voting Members if they
are "currently engaged in scientific work."
Walt reports that many seem to prefer to remain as Associates even
though they could qualify as Members. In the future we hope to spread the word
about A.S.A. more effectively by having a very large number of
Associates,
including pastors, under-graduate students, and others interested in the objects
of the Affiliation. For the time being, the class of Members will be the
largest class. In general, with very few exceptions, the Executive Council is
accepting the judgment of the former Associates themselves that they are
qualified by their current activity to become Members. The Council does not
wish to hurt anyone's feelings by these decisions, but must carry out the
demands of the Constitution. The intent of the Constitution is that the voting
Membership consist of "Christian men of science" and not merely "Christians
interested in science."
BALLOT FOR ELECTION OF A COUNCIL MEMBER
If you are a Member or Fellow, use this ballot to vote for the new member
of the Executive Council (replacing John R. Howitt). The Secretary-Treasurer apologizes for this procedural short-cut, but it seems impossible to
complete the reclassification immediately, and the election is already overdue.
Therefore, in order to carry out the spirit of the new Constitution, the ballot
is being mailed as part of the Newsletter for this first election; please make
use of it unless you expect to remain an Associate this year. In future years,
ballots will be mailed only to Members and Fellows.
The nominees are, in alphabetical order:
J. FRANK CASSEL, Associate Professor and Chairma, Department of Zoology, North Dakota Agricultural College, Fargo. Born 1916; B.S, Wheaton, 1938; MS, Cornell, 1941; Ph.D. (Zool.). Colorado, 1952. Dr. Cassel's fields of specialization are ornithology and ecology; he has studied bird and mammal population and distribution in the Black Hills, and is a member of a number of national scientific societies and devoted to zoological subjects. Dr. Cassel read a paper at the Harrisonburg A.S.A. Convention (1954) and served on the program committee of the Ames Convention (1958), organizing the symposium on "The Species Problem." He has also taken part in meetings of the North Central Section, leading a discussion on "A Christian Philosophy of Science" at their most recent meeting. He is the author of one of the chapters of the A.S.A.'s EVOLUTION AND CHRISTIAN THOUGHT TODAY.
DAVID 0. MOBERG, Professor and Chairman, Dept. of Social Science, Bethel College, St. Paul, Hinn. Born 1922; A.A, Bethel Junior College, 1942; B.A. Seattle Pacific College, 1947; M.A, Univ. of Washington),1949; Ph.D. (Sociol.). Univ. of Minn, 1952. Dr. Moberg has published his research in such journals as the American Sociological Review, Journal of Social Psychology and the Journal of Pastoral Care, and is active in a number of professional societies in his field. In 1957-58, he was a Fulbright lecturer in sociology at the State University of Groningen, the Netherlands. For the A.S.A. he has presented papers at four Annual Conventions, including one in absentia in 1957. At the 1959 Chicago Convention, he organized the symposium on "American Culture in the Light of Scriptural Principles." Several of his papers have been published in our Journal of the A.S.A. He has also been instrumental in forming the North Central Section, serving on the original steering committee.