Welcome

Because there are so few men of eminent stature and challenging thought with whom the student comes into contact, the William James Lecture series and particularly this year's lecturer is a worthy and welcome part of Harvard University. When Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer begins his lecture this afternoon, the audience will greet one of the world's foremost scientists and philosophers.

It is somewhat encouraging to note that the outstanding scientists of this century show an increasing interest and a striking ability in the study of philosophy. Dr. Oppenheimer has more than proven his abilities as a scientist, and while a judgment of his philosophy might be presumptuous and premature, his recent books, Science and the Common Understanding and The Open Mind have been recognized as the work of a major mind.

Harvard has always welcomed such men in the past, and it is a pleasure to do so today.