Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
fessional could ever be an adequate substitute. To those who embraced a
vision of scientific popularization as free expression in a free society, it
was the quality of the product that mattered rather than the writer's aca-
demic training. Was a story accurate? Did it serve the audience's needs
and satisfy their curiosity? Was the information useful? Davis had been
running the organization since Slosson's illness in January, had earned
the trustees' respect, and had many powerful supporters. He lobbied hard
for the position. His allegiances had always leaned toward the journalists,
however. As chemist W.H. Howell, chairman of the trustees' executive
committee, wrote to Davis, “In spite of your protests I reckon you as a
newspaper person, because invariably you take that point of view when
debatable matters come up”.
13
To the scientist-trustees, selection of an
eminent researcher to replace Slosson would enhance the organization's
reputation among the scientific community. To the newspaper execu-
tives, a director who understood the marketplace would assure survival.
Davis pointed out that being a scientist did not guarantee access to
newspaper offices. What mattered was whether “editors are confident of
the authoritativeness and the reliability of our product.”
14
Nevertheless,
the executive committee offered the position to a well-known zoologist
who had little experience in publishing or popularization. When that sci-
entist refused the job, Davis was kept in limbo for another eleven
months, while trustees (led primarily by James McKeen Cattell) at-
tempted to reorient the organization away from the Scripps's vision of
democratic expression and toward becoming a publicity machine for sci-
ence.
15
Finally, in 1933, in the depths of the Great Depression, Davis was
appointed director.
Davis was an energetic and ambitious man, described as “exception-
ally capable [...] enthusiastic, vigorous and very likeable.”
16
He pos-
13
W.H. Howell to W. Davis, June 24, 1936; SIA RU7091, Box 4, Folder 3.
14
W. Davis to David White, February 10, 1931; SIA RU7091, Box 131, Folder 9.
15
According to Davis, James McKeen Cattell and physicist Robert A. Millikan wanted
to abolish the policy “that we do not operate as a publicity organization, that we
charge for everything we send out and pay for everything we get.” Davis stated that
“there will be a stiff fight on this score, so far as I am concerned.” W. Davis to J.W.
Foster, Scripps-Howard Newspapers, February 12, 1931; SIA RU7091, Box 124,
Folder 10.
16
H.L. Smithton to W.E. Ritter, January 2, 1924; SIA RU7091, Box 23, Folder 6.
