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SCIENCE IN GENERAL EDUCATION* By Earl James McGrath U. S. Commissioner of Education Federal Security Agency Since the advent of atomic energy in 1945, our citizens have shom an umprecedented awareness of the part science plays in shaping public affairs. Beginning with the publication of the Smyth report, "Atomic Energy for Military Purposes,' more and more books about things labelled "science" and persons called "scientists' have found their way onto the best-seller lists. Examine the titles most in demand at your local libraries. The chances are you will find among them such works as "Explaining the Atom," "Modern Science and Its Philosophy," and "The Universe and Doctor Einstein." The reading public is curious, to learn about this great, but overwhelming force of the mid-twentieth century. A closer examination of popular contemporary titles, however, C. reveals a significant phenomenon. Side by side with science books arse such works as these: "Peace of Mind, "Peace of Soul,' *Guide for Confident Living,' "You and Your Fears," and "How to Stop Worrying and Start Living." Our citisens are disturbed and confused. The complexities of living in the Atomic Age make for mental insecurity. Today we find ourselves desperately groping for serenity, searching for answers to questions which seem beyond our grasp. *Read by Br. Philip G. Johnson, Specialist for Seience, Division of Elementary and Secondary Schools, Office of Education, Federal Security Agency, Washington, D. C. at the meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, December 29, 1949, Now York City. Published in The Scientific monthly, Uee. LXXI, no. 2. August 1950. " 118. 120