Page 56 - YB1946

Schofield-chemist but also qlaee-mclder Straughn Samuel Biggs Schofield, A.B., A.M. John Lloyd Straughn, B.S., A.M., Ph.D. The science which deals with the prop· erties of substances and the changes oc- curring in them is one of the foundations of a progressing civilization. Man has ever sought to utilize to the best possible ad- vantage the things in his environment. The chemist, in searching out the secrets of the elements, often discovers better ways of using known substances. Organic chem- istry presents an ever-wideninq field of research in the synthesis of new products. Numerous other branches of study have their roots in chemistry. for chemical changes provide the impetus for phen- omena of many kinds. Chemical reactions. such as those which occur in the body. in foods, and in the soil, are examples which suqqest the close relationship of chemistry to man's existence. Understanding, then, of the principles involved in chemical reo actions provides a firm groundwork for study in other fields. and gives reason- ableness to processes formerly taken for granted.