The Présidentes Message . · .

1948—a Challenge to the ACS 1948 will be an important year for the peoples of the world. The past five vears have witnessed the devastation of European countries that in the past have been a ricb source of culture and scientific knowledge. These countries are now faced with a gigantic task of reconstruction—both psychologically and economically. Governments are weak and some have collapsed while productivity has been re­duced to the point where but few of the nations are self-supporting.

Out of the war two ideologies have emerged which are diametrically opposite in their conception of how best to meet the needs of the people. In one case the state is supreme and the individual is completely subservient. To this, our philosophy of life does not subscribe—we believe in the reverse.

The economies of all nations are interdependent, particularly those of the smaller ones. By necessity nations are lining up, and during the coming year decisions will probably be made as to which philosophy they shall embrace.

The United States is not inactive and is offering aid in the form of loans and out­right gifts to those wartorn countries who seek it. In so attempting to maintain a certain standard of subsistence and shelter, it is our hope that these nations can make a free and considered judgment as to which type of principles can do most for them. We have been forced to enter a race to prove to the world that man can develop best—spiritually, culturally, and materially—in a free society.

Our immediate forms of aid are only pro tern measures. Constructive assistance must be in the form of leadership, scientific and industrial, to show them how to help themselves. In order to overcome the setbacks of World War II , and to produce the food, clothing, and shelter for a growing world population, it is necessary that all nations enter into an era of greater productivity. This demands new and im­proved techniques of mining, manufacture, and agriculture. There must be more rapid processing, greater food production, and more efficient transportation. At the root of all these requirements is science, both fundamental and applied, which is the work of the members of this Society.

The chemist and chemical engineer who work in both pure and applied science are key figures in the solution of the problems of the world. I t is hardly necessary to point this out—the man in the street is now conscious of the role of science be­cause of the spectacular weapons used in the war. The prestige of our profession has increased enormously, but we should not be vain and complacent on that ac­count. Many of our wonderful developments are but practical extensions of in­ventions and discoveries that were made in Europe.

As representative of one of the most important segments of American science, we face the task of proving that fundamental science can thrive here and that tech­nology and applied science will continue at a high level. From this will come greater productivity for all mankind. In 1948, the crucial year, we must meet this challenge.

CHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING NEWS WALTER J. MURPHY, Editor