Humanism in An Age of Science

In this thoughtful little essay, Dr. Fulton expresses his concern over the ever-widening gap between the humanities and the sciences in modern education. Recent great discoveries in science and medicine may result in still more emphasis on the technological, at the expense of the cultural, training of men for the practice of medicine, itself "a great humanistic enterprise." As one means of bridging this gap Dr. Fulton suggests the historical approach-"an approach which draws upon our cultural heritage (the humanities) in giving perspective and meaning to the sciences." To illustrate his thesis Dr. Fulton cites two historical examples of the interrelation of science and culture. The discovery of the telescope was soon reflected in the prose and poetry of the great masters, John Donne, Ben Jonson, and Milton in particular: and the discovery of the microscope caused even greater stir, as shown by passages from Hudibras, The Tatler, and Gulliver's Travels. Years ago Osler, Welch, and others realized the need for liberalizing the education of American physicians, and as a result American medicine profited immeasurably. In these critical times, however, there is a trend, perhaps inevitable, in the opposite direction. Dr. Fulton is to be commended for his efforts to maintain, if not to raise, the standards of the past. Every teacher and student will be richly rewarded for the few minutes it takes to read this brief, delightful, and scholarly essay.