The Old Humanities and the New Science

This address opens a lively conversation about the place of classical learning in an age increasingly dominated by scientific thought. Delivered by a celebrated physician who also cherished the broader humanities, it situates the Classical Association’s mission within the cultural currents of the early twentieth‑century Atlantic world. The speaker outlines the organization’s founding goals—promoting classical study, improving teaching methods, and fostering scholarly community—while noting the growing challenge of keeping ancient languages and literature on academic curricula.

The core of the talk argues that the humanities and the sciences need not be rivals but partners in the pursuit of knowledge. Drawing on his own experience as a physician‑scholar, the presenter illustrates how a humanistic outlook enriches scientific inquiry and how scientific rigor can invigorate the study of antiquity. He calls for renewed public appreciation of classical education as a vital component of a well‑rounded intellectual life.

Listeners will find a thoughtful exploration of educational values that still resonates today, offering a nuanced perspective on how the old and the new can together shape a vibrant scholarly landscape.