Copyright © 1982 Ohio Acad. Sci. 0030-0950/82/0003-0074 $5.00/0

KIRTLEY FLETCHER MATHER'S LIFE IN SCIENCE AND SOCIETY1

KENNARD B. BORK, Department of Geology and Geography, Denison University, Granville, OH 43023

ABSTRACT. Kirtley Fletcher Mather (1888-1978) was a renowned geologist whose con- tributions range well beyond the geosciences. He was a scientist with a religious spirit and a social conscience. He graduated from Denison University in 1909, received the Ph. D. in Geology from the University of Chicago in 1915, and was awarded 6 honorary doctorates. Mather taught at the University of Arkansas (1911-1914), Queens University (1915-1918), and Denison University (1918-1924). For 30 years (1924-1954) he was a Professor of Geology at Harvard University, serving terms as Chairman of the De- partment of Geology and Director of the Harvard Summer School. In 1951, Mather was elected President of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and from 1957 to 1961 he was President of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. After retiring from the Harvard faculty, Mather continued to be very active as a lecturer, reviewer, and social activist. A superb teacher and productive scholar — as evidenced by his dozen books, 250 professional articles, and 1,200 book reviews—Kirtley Mather was an exemplar of the interdisciplinary approach to understanding the world. His geologic writings concerned geomorphology, petroleum geology, paleontology, and popularizations of all phases of modern geology. His belief in the mutual merits of religion and science received wide attention in 1925 when he participated in the highly publicized Scopes Trial, on the side of Scopes, Darrow, and the evolutionists. A political liberal, Mather frequently opposed movements which he considered to be threats to human freedom and dignity. The rebellion against the Massachusetts Teacher's Oath of 1935 was led by Mather and he was an outspoken critic of the McCarren Act and "McCarthyism" in the 1950s. The volume and diversity of Mather's achievements are impressive, but equally noteworthy is the integrated wholeness of his view of the world.

OHIO J. SCI. 82(3): 74, 1982

INTRODUCTION ing the 1981 Sesquicentennial of Denison In an era when specialization is in- University, his undergraduate alma mater, creasing and attention is turning to the The Ohio Academy of Science is also 21st century, it may seem anomalous to honoring its Past-President of 1923-24 by focus upon the life and times of a liberally establishing the Kirtley F. Mather Memo- educated geologist who was born in the rial program to further the work of the 1880s. But the past has the power to in- Academy. The essay which follows is form the present. A biographical sketch of meant t0 illuminate Mather the man and Kirtley Fletcher Mather (1888-1978) may indicate why his life is worthy of contem- help us comprehend an earlier period in porary consideration. American science and society while at the same time explaining why 2 institutions ORIGINS — THE MATHER CLAN are currently celebrating his life and ac- For many Americans the name Mather complishments. Mather was honored as an probably conjures up the image of a exemplar of the liberal arts tradition dur- Puritanical Cotton Mather (1663-1728) denouncing witches who "met in Hellish 'Manuscript received 19 October 1981 and in Rendezvous" (Summers 1956). Those revised form 25 February 1982 (#81-41). familiar with Harvard University may well 74 OhioJ. Sci. KIRTLEY F. MATHER —A BIOGRAPHY 75

think of Mather House and the legacy of Mather child born in the New World, Increase Mather (1639-1723), the first was Timothy's younger brother. When President of Harvard to come from the Increase and his wife, a daughter of the ranks of Harvard College graduates. Reverend John Cotton, had a son, they Anyone old enough to remember the news- named him Cotton Mather. The practice of paper headlines of the 1950s may in fact using an ancestral surname as a first name recall Kirtley Mather's frequent explains Kirtley's distinctive moniker: adventures with the advocates of the Reverend Lycurgus Kirtley had McCarthyism. But the name Mather pre- officiated at the 1884 marriage of Kirtley's dates any of the American namebearers by mother and father. centuries. An inscription in the Ancient From Massachusetts the descendants of Chapel of Toxteth, in the Liverpool area, Timothy Mather slowly migrated west- speaks of the Mathers as a family of ward. Kirtley's father, William Green "worthy non-conforming yeomen" (Mather Mather (1855-1937), was born in Romeo, 1977). Kirtley was greatly pleased with Michigan, and his mother, Julia Sabrina that description because he felt it summed King (1860-1938), was from Jackson, up his concept of productive members of Michigan. William was the son of a Bap- a free society. tist minister but did not pursue such a In 1635 the American branch of the calling. As a ticket agent for the Michigan Mather family tree was founded. Richard Central Railroad he helped people reach Mather (1596-1669), with his wife and 4 such worldly destinations as Chicago and sons, emigrated from Toxteth, England, to Michigan City. Although he lived to be the Massachusetts Bay Colony. One of 82, William's health was greatly impaired those sons, Timothy (1628-1684), became by constant breathing of dense smoke from a farmer in the Lexington area. By not the locomotives which surrounded his entering the ministry, Timothy was some- ticket booth in the Chicago railroad yard. thing of an anomaly in the family. The Early retirement on disability pension and direct line to Kirtley originates resettlement in Arkansas, in addition to a with Timothy and his wife. Increase, strong Mather constitution, contributed to so named because he was the first his longevity. Six children were born to Julia and William Mather: Asher (1886-1928); Kirtley (1888-1978); Ruth (1890- ); Juliette (1896- ); Harriet (1898- ); and William (1901- ). Kirtley Fletcher Mather was born in Chicago on 13 February 1888. He be- stowed the Mather name on 2 exceptional women: Marie Porter Mather, his wife from 1912 until her death in 1971; and Muriel S. Williams Mather, his bride of 31 May 1977. Marie and Kirtley had 3 daugh- ters: Florence (Mrs. Sherman A. Wengerd of Albuquerque, New Mexico); Julia ("Judy"; Mrs. LeRoy G. Seils of Granville, Ohio); and Jean (Mrs. Jean M. Seibel of New Hope, Pennsylvania). In April 1978 Kirtley suffered a massive stroke and he died on 7 May 1978 in Albuquerque. He was survived by Muriel Mather, 3 younger Kirtley F. Mather (1888-1978). sisters and a brother, 10 grandchildren, Bachrach photograph of 1929. and 6 great-grandchildren. 76 K. B. BORK Vol. 82

THE EDUCATION OF A POLYMATH was not alone. Frank W. DeWolf, a direc- The maxim that education begins at tor of the Illinois Geological Survey, and home was certainly correct in the case of William Embry Wrather, a director of the young Kirtley Mather. Neither of his par- U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), were also ents had been able to pursue formal edu- products of Mrs. Cook's tutelage. cation beyond high school, but both were After high school graduation in 1904 concerned and involved with all facets of Kirtley attended the University of Chicago his intellectual and spiritual growth. By for 2 years and then transferred to Denison word and deed they taught their children University in Granville, Ohio, to complete the moral, social, and religious messages his undergraduate education. Wallace W. built into the Protestant ethic of the era. Atwood and Rollin D. Salisbury were Their Baptist beliefs were actively prac- among the Chicago faculty who had con- ticed, but they seem to have avoided nar- tact with young Mather but it was not row dogmatism and intolerance of the until his graduate career that the full im- many other religious persuasions to be pact of their pedagogy would be felt. found in the complex ethnic mix of South Atwood's 1906 summer field program in Chicago. For the rest of his long life, Kirt- geology, conducted in the Baraboo, Wis- ley was deeply committed to demonstra- consin, area, was an important educational ting that religion had a place in the event for Kirtley. Not only was a city boy increasingly secular and scientific world introduced to field geology, his final re- of the 20th century. William and Julia port, replete with photographs he had Mather were also very supportive of their taken and developed himself, made a very son's interest in science and natural history. favorable impression on Atwood. The Fall When Kirtley became interested in butter- Term of 1907 found Kirtley enrolled at fly collecting, his mother made a net from Denison University, at that time allied mosquito netting and his father fabricated with the American Baptist Convention. the frame from a long wooden handle and There were a number of reasons for the a wire loop. There was no question in the transfer: 1) concern, on the part of grand- household about the merit of college edu- parents, about the education being offered cation, even though definite financial at the "Godless" University of Chicago; strains were involved. William did not 2) an excellent financial package, arranged take disability leave from the railroad until by Prof. Frank Carney of Denison; and Kirtley and his older brother were out of 3) most critically in Kirtley's view, the college. Three of the 4 younger children allure of going to college with so many subsequently finished college, aided by attractive young women. Denison was not contributions from Kirtley. an unknown quantity for the Mathers be- At each stage of his formal education cause Asher, Kirtley's older brother, was Mather had a gifted and inspiring teacher there and Kirtley had visited the campus to who taught him specific information but, speak with Prof. Carney, of the Depart- more importantly, served as a model of how ment of Geology and Geography. Appar- to learn and how to enjoy the quest for ently he checked out more than just the knowledge. Mrs. Jane Perry Cook, of curricular offerings. He later married a South Chicago High School,taught a Denison woman, taught on the faculty, course in "Physiography" which was and developed a lifelong association with unusual in its day for its field trip com- the college and with Granville. ponent. Not only did her students profit The key to Kirtley's educational experi- from her insights in the classroom, they ence at Denison was Prof. Frank Carney. also saw that the real world could be a Evidence indicates that Carney was every- textbook on a grand scale. Kirtley found thing that a fine professor at a liberal arts the course to be one of the pivotal edu- college should be. He was well trained, cational experiences in his career. But he completing his Cornell Ph. D. in 1909, OhioJ. Sci. KIRTLEY F. MATHER —A BIOGRAPHY 77 he was an excellent teacher who used his enough to take full advantage of the stellar own extensive collection of lantern slides to faculty available at the University of Chi- illustrate his lectures, and he was a worthy cago. He has stated that his first year in 'model' of the professional geologist who graduate school was the turning point in also embodied the attributes of the culti- his intellectual life. It is easy to see why. vated gentleman. Carney's course on He became immersed in the super-charged "Geographic Influences" was innovative atmosphere created by T. C. Chamberlin, and difficult, yet popular. In essence it was R. D. Salisbury, W. W. Atwood, and Stu- a treatment of human ecology. For stu- art Weller. During the next academic year dents who went on to become professional he pursued course work, assisted Atwood, geologists or geographers, Carney's broad- and took on his first solo teaching assign- ranging but intensive courses served as su- ment, the Spring 1911 course in Historical perb bases upon which to build a mature Geology. Summers found Mather and understanding of the natural world. Prof. Atwood doing field work in the San Juan Carney also introduced his best students to Mountains of Colorado. Atwood and Salis- research on significant geologic topics. He bury were not overjoyed to hear, in the suggested that Kirtley tackle the vexing spring of 1911, that Kirtley planned to question of the origin of the Black Hand drop out of graduate school in order to earn Gorge, a scenic narrows through which the the money required to marry Marie Porter. Licking River flows. The product of that He was firmly committed to returning to research was Kirtley's first published sci- finish the Ph. D. but equally firm in his entific paper (Mather 1909) and his first resolve to take 2 or 3 years off from the professional talk before a scientific relatively non-remunerative life of a gradu- association — the 1908 meeting of the ate student. Mather's script worked out Ohio Academy of Science. Prof. Carney almost to the letter. The Chicago faculty may not have fully understood the enthusi- supported his candidacy for a job at the asm which his young protege had for the University of Arkansas; the Mather/Porter project: the Black Hand Gorge area was a marriage took place on 12 June 1912; re- favorite picnic and courting ground for search toward the Ph. D. progressed while Denison students. Kirtley, Marie Porter at Arkansas; summer work with Atwood (his wife-to-be) and their friends were only and the USGS in Colorado continued in too happy to have a reason to take the 1913 and 1914; and the Ph.D. was 15-mile interurban ride from Granville to awarded to him, magna cum laude, in Hanover and spend research/recreation 1915. The dissertation (Mather 1915) con- time in the Gorge. College days were en- cerned the Morrow Group (Pennsylvania) joyable but serious academic work was not of Arkansas and Oklahoma. The one nega- slighted. Phi Beta Kappa honors were be- tive note in the 4-year interlude was that stowed on both Kirtley and Marie. The Prof. Drake and the young Prof. Mather potential to become a college professor was did not get along very well at Arkansas. evident as Mather won prizes for his de- Thus, when Drake rejected Mather's bating club, the Franklin Literary Society, request for a leave of absence for the and earned the yearbook's assessment of his 1914-'15 academic year in order to finish loquacity, "I love to wind my mouth up, up at Chicago, Kirtley resigned from the I like to hear it go." Other extracurricular Arkansas faculty. activities included work on the college newspaper and service as an officer in 3 Outside of formal academics there were organizations: the C. L. Herrick Geologi- also persons and events which influenced cal Society, the Republican Club, and the the scientist who was to be at the center of YMCA campus group. so many political and religious contro- versies. For someone almost universally By the Fall Term of 1909 Kirtley was characterized as a sunny optimist, Kirtley professionally and personally mature harbored a rather dark view of the news 78 K. B. BORK Vol. 82 media. It began when Asher and a friend University (1924), Kirtley Mather divided were playfully carrying the 10-year old his professional time between academic ap- Kirtley along the street-car tracks. The pointments and a variety of field projects. Chicago papers the next day contained a The academic positions were at Queen's lurid account of how 2 men were seen University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada, dragging a woman toward Lake Michigan. and Denison University in central Ohio. Not only was there a degree of hysterical Field-based research and consulting were exaggeration, the direction of transport of done in many parts of the western hemi- the 'body' was opposite to the facts. sphere: Colorado, Oklahoma, Tennessee, More constructive educational oppor- Bolivia, Mexico, and Alaska. A World tunities were offered by the sociological War I stint in the U. S. Army Engineer environment of South Chicago at the turn Corps, as geological consultant to General of the century. Demographics of the area Pershing, was derailed when the Army lost ensured that the high school would contain the requisite papers until Armistice was Irish, Italian, and Polish Catholics; Anglo- declared. Captain Mather served in the Saxon Protestants; European Jews; and Army Reserve Corps for his tour of duty. southern blacks. Throughout his long life, There is a hint of disappointment in his Mather never wavered from the tolerant personal letters that it was not a more ac- attitude he had developed in the melting tive role. pot of South Chicago. A summer (1904) Because the bridge to a continued posi- job in a barbed-wire factory, earning $3-75 tion at the University of Arkansas had been for a 55-hour week, sufficed to argue for burned by the June 1914 resignation, the escape from such tedium through edu- recently credentialed Dr. Mather had to cation. Work with the Census Bureau in look elsewhere for a teaching position in 1910 was a forceful introduction to Chica- 1915. When Jesse B. Hyde, a name well go's underbelly of prostitution, flophouses, known to Ohio geologists, resigned from and the situation of the immigrant steel- Queen's University, Ontario, in order to workers. A different sort of education oc- take a position at Western University (the curred in the American West as Kirtley precursor of Case-Western Reserve Uni- learned the ropes, literally, about field versity) he contacted Kirtley, alerting him work on horseback. For a young geologist to the possible slot. The long interval be- there is no better way to grow profession- tween applying and winning the position ally than to work in the field with gifted at Queen's was somewhat nerve-wracking mature geologists. In the pre-Harvard for the Mathers, as well as for supportive years Kirtley Mather had his share of su- faculty at Chicago, but the offer came perb tutors and colleagues: Wallace At- through just before the 1915 summer field wood, J Harlen Bretz, Morris Leighton, season began. The Canadian experience Kenneth Heald, James Gilluly and John was very positive. Kirtley's teaching was Reeside, Jr., were among his coworkers. well received, field work with the Ontario Music and the theater were important Bureau of Mines was rewarding, and fac- to the liberally educated Mathers, but ulty collegiality was high in spite of the Marie was the professional in the musical fact that a young American was on the staff realm. Kirtley did, however, reach a pin- while Canadians were fighting in Europe. nacle of dilettante achievement: he was a It was also a productive time: Dr. Mather's spear carrier in a Chicago production of publications began to multiply and the Verdi's Aida. Mather family expanded with the birth of Florence, the first of 3 daughters. POST-DOCTORAL AND One of the articles written while at PRE-HARVARD PEREGRINATIONS Queen's University is of particular interest In the 9 years between earning a Ph. D. as a harbinger of future controversy and a (1915) and accepting a position at Harvard clue to Kirtley's fundamental beliefs. OhioJ. Sci. KIRTLEY F. MATHER —A BIOGRAPHY 79

"Parables from Paleontology" was pub- came in the form of one of the "officers" lished in the April 1918 Atlantic Monthly who turned out to be a petroleum geolo- and was more of an essay than a profession- gist. Shortly thereafter Kirtley had his al paper on paleontological subjects. The misadventure trying to enlist in the U. S. underlying theme was that organic evo- Army Corps of Engineers. As he would lution and "survival of the fittest" are not find over the next 5 decades, sometimes it opposed to the Christian doctrine of broth- was difficult to be a patriot. erhood. That was a refrain which ran Summer geologizing and the academic through many of the Mather lectures down position at Queen's had been going very through the years. It was also the mix of well but such tranquility was not to last. science and theology which was to get a An invitation came from Clark Chamber- young Harvard professor invited to the lain, President of Denison University, to Scopes Trial of 1925. replace Frank Carney as professor of ge- Summer employment by the USGS ology. The 1917-'18 academic year was evolved as the war in Europe slowly em- already under way at Queen's and Kirtley broiled American interests. In 1915 the refused to abandon his obligations and his Atwood/Mather team pursued its geomor- friends. After repeated offers from Cham- phic and glacial geology investigations in berlain, and much familial consultation, it the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. That was finally decided to return to Denison work continued in 1916 but a portion of beginning in September of 1918. If ever the support had to be diverted to defense- there was an idyllic relationship between related projects. By the summer of 1917 an alumnus and his alma mater, the the United States was formally at war and Mather/Denison linkage could serve as a the USGS threw its human resources into model. There was a chemistry between the the effort to find petroleum resources. As- institution and the individual which trans- signment to the Allen County, Kentucky, lated into a lifelong record of service and field was Kirtley's introduction to petro- reciprocated honor. Mather was excep- leum geology. It was also the first time he tionally active in alumni affairs; he was had received the advice to make himself Graduate Manager of the entire sports pro- known to the local people so that he would gram; he returned frequently to Granville not be shot as an "infernal revenuer" if in order to give speeches; he remained an field work led him into the area of a moon- unusually strong supporter of the college shine still. The Osage Country of Okla- until his dying days; and he is buried at the homa was the next project for 1917. The Maple Grove Cemetery in Granville. All of boom there was noteworthy for several rea- that in spite of a series of unpleasant skir- sons: the Osage Nation owned the land mishes with President Chamberlain and and actually received its fair share of the disgust at the way in which his colleague, income; the anticlinal theory of oil accu- Dr. S. I. Kornhauser, was treated by mulation was verified; and K. F. Mather Chamberlain and the Board of Trustees. began his valuable association with K. C. The "Kornhauser Affair" of 1922 is not Heald. Long hours, hard work, and excel- the stuff of positive public relations, but it lent geological insight led to the discovery merits a few words as an illuminating ex- of 40-some pools of oil during the Osage ample of how Kirtley Mather conducted project. Such efforts did not, however, dis- his life. Kornhauser was a Jew with a Har- suade the irate and righteous citizens of vard Ph. D. in biology. He was respected Tulsa from arresting the "draft-dodging" by his colleagues and his teaching was very geologists as they came out of a Saturday well received by the students. In spite of evening movie in August, 1918. Little sus- such success and the expectation that pecting that the Vigilantes were on the repeated contracts would be given to pro- warpath, the geologists had left their iden- ductive faculty members, Pres. Chamber- tification papers at the base camp. Rescue lain did not offer him a renewal in 1922. 80 K. B. BORK Vol. 82

The suspicion was strong that the heat The teaching was most rewarding, even if generated by a 1920 questionnaire from it meant 511 student-contact hours in the the Lorain Baptist Association may have Fall of 1921, because of the excellence of been a factor in Chamberlain's stance. the students and the constant feedback of While the questionnaire was not anti- compliments. Edgar W. Owen, C. Lang- Semitic in any overt sense, it certainly took don White, Carey Croneis, A. Nelson the tack that liberalism of all stripes was a Sayre, Howard Jefferson, Alonzo W. concern at Denison. To the faculty's credit, Quinn, and L. Don Leet were among not one of the active members saw fit to the Denison students who studied with return the questionnaire. The pressure for Kirtley. retrenchment was felt, however. Kirtley The Denison years were interrupted by 2 was among the faculty members and stu- adventurous, dangerous, remunerative, dents who came to Kornhauser's active de- and life-changing expeditions to the oil fense. The WASPish cliche that "some of fields of Bolivia. The adventure began, in my best friends are Jews" had been literally the Summer of 1919, when Kenneth Heald true for Mather since his youth, but, be- asked the Richmond Levering Company to yond defending personal friends, Kirtley hire Kirtley as a member of the team which perceived the fundamental issues of re- was to investigate the oil potential of ligious tolerance, due process, open com- eastern Bolivia. In addition to being a uni- munication, and the long-term health que professional opportunity, the job of- of his alma mater. In the end, the fered $1,000 a month plus expenses; not Kornhauser-Mather faction lost the battle bad for a professor making less than and Kornhauser went to the University of $3,000 a year. The first expedition was a Louisville. In the larger context, the war highly successful 6 months: significant was slowly won as the Chamberlain admin- oil accumulations were found; a Permo- istration was replaced and the injustice of carboniferous tillite was recognized; Heald the situation was recognized by a wide au- and Mather authored papers for the dience. Several Mather attributes were Bulletin of the Geological Society of America well displayed by the incident: loyalty to and the Geographic Review; and Mather was friends and to the long-term best interests offered a second assignment in Bolivia. In of institutions; fervent belief in tolerance Granville, Ralph Lusk was performing in regard to religion, race, gender, or poli- KFM's teaching duties (Lusk would earn a tical persuasion; and a surprising comba- Harvard Ph. D. in geology in 1927) and tiveness when faced with controversial Marie gave birth to Julia Carolyn ('Judy") issues from which lesser persons would on 16 March 1920. By June of 1920 Kirt- have retreated. ley was off on the second trip, this time to The 1918-1924 period at Denison also northern Bolivia. Again, the expedition bears witness to Mather's leadership po- had its successes, but they were sorely tential and his ability to get a great deal won. Travel through the tropical jungle accomplished while wearing many hats. was difficult and hazardous. Kirtley's He took on the Editorship of the Journal of record of 113 bites by mariwi bugs — on the Scientific Laboratories of Denison Univer- one hand — did not receive much sym- sity, was elected Permanent Secretary of the pathy from his colleague, who had 131. Denison Scientific Association, scheduled More serious was an infected bite on the all intercollegiate athletic events and over- leg which led to blood poisoning and the saw the finances of the athletic program, decision by the local medic to amputate. was elected first president of the local The Mather courage, stubbornness, and chaper of the American Association of Uni- wide-ranging knowledge came to the res- versity Professors (a postlude to the Korn- cue as Kirtley and his Yurucare Indian hauser trauma), and taught a heavy load. guide applied steaming compresses to the OhioJ. Sci. KIRTLEY F. MATHER —A BIOGRAPHY 81 leg. Within 2 days he continued the trek Mather, Chairman of the Department of with both legs intact. Geology of Harvard University" is a The prime personal consequence of the 23-page document which introduces the Bolivian adventures was that Reginald author as a life-long Baptist and profes- Daly invited Kirtley to come to Harvard to sional geologist. The text is a masterful repeat the talk on Bolivian geology which outline of earth history and the evidence he had given at the 1922 meeting of the for evolution, interspersed with first- Geological Society of America. In April person accounts of how the geologic record 1923 the invitation came to teach at Har- supports evolution and the antiquity of vard for the 1923-'24 academic year; by the earth. January 1924 the offer was to accept a How did Mather become involved with tenure-track positon in Cambridge. Other the famous "monkey trial"? He got him- good offers had been turned down out of self invited. A letter was sent to Roger loyalty to Denison but the Harvard oppor- Baldwin, founder of the American Civil tunity was a plum not to be refused by a Liberties Union and coordinator of the quietly ambitious 35-year old. As always, Scopes defense, noting that what the de- Kirtley made sure that his obligations were fense really needed were some scientists of met. Ralph Lusk was retained to teach at stature who also had unassailable creden- Denison while Mather was on leave in the tials as religious persons. Guess who got Fall of 1923; the already-slated work for invited. This is not to suggest that Kirtley the USGS, in Alaska, was accomplished intruded into the case, nor that he had not from June to early October of 1923; and considered exactly the same questions be- Daly volunteered to teach introductory fore, nor that he was a publicity seeker. It geology at Harvard until Kirtley arrived does indicate that he was willing to go to from Alaska. The transition scenario was the barricades in defense of what he be- complex but by late September 1924 the lieved and, as his 20 full scrapbooks attest, Mathers were installed in the Cambridge he was not one to shy away from publicity. area and ready to begin a long and happy That the defense had gained a valuable association with Harvard University. witness who had given much thought to the reciprocal implications of organic evo- lution and religious belief may be seen in THE 1925 SCOPES TRIAL the papers he had written well before the Before considering a few highlights of Scopes trial. Views expressed in "Parables the Mather years at Harvard, it would be from Paleontology" (1918) are echoed worthwhile to take a trip in time back throughout the Scopes affadavit: "Under- to Dayton, Tennessee, in July 1925. The neath the ancient warfare between theol- events surrounding the trial of John T. ogy and science, lurking in the distrust of Scopes (1900-1970) have been recounted 'high criticism,' there is an unvoiced, but by numerous authors (Ginger 1958, Tomp- very real, fear that in the last analysis the kins 1965, Scopes and Presley 1967 and doctrine of the survival of the fittest in de Camp 1968). Variations exist as to the the struggle for existence is diametrically details but the general nature of the con- opposed to the conception of the brother- frontation between William Jennings hood of man; that evolution according to Bryan and the anti-evolution forces versus Darwin and de Vries and Weissmann is the Clarence Darrow and the pro-evolutionists antithesis of Christianity according to is well known. Less well known, because Christ and John and Paul." (Mather 1918). Judge John T. Raulston did not allow But the fear of evolution is not necessary them as admissible evidence, are the state- because the final result of evolution is con- ments made by 8 expert witnesses for the gruent with God's will. "That the admin- defense. The "Statement by Kirtley F. istration of the universe is going forward 82 K. B. BORK Vol. 82 according to a consistent plan is a conclu- "Brickbats and Bouquets"; Denison Uni- sion reached alike by the man of religion versity Archives.) "Another question good and the man of science." (Mather 1918). sir please. Why do professers and sience The paleontological record shows that life man want to convince world they descend has progressed through time; thus it is in- from monkey and then say descend is to go structive for modern society to understand down like the dictionary says . . . Please the paleontological evidence which, the mister professer i ruther think me some author felt, points unambiguously to in- thing a little lower than them angels than creased cooperation among the higher ani- to think i got monkey blood in my veins." mals. It was all very much in line with More typical was the letter from an M. D. Christ's fundamental message. "But who said, "You have given my radio set a whereas in the past selfishness was the new lease of life; I am often tempted to measure of fitness, in the future survival sneak it down (to the) cellar and apply the value will be determined by breadth axe, when all too rarely, something in- and depth of love." (Mather 1918). In spiring and enlightening comes through "Revolution vs. Evolution: the paleon- and deters me." tologist renders his verdict," Mather John T. Scopes was a quiet man caught attempted to weave politics, science, and up in a media event. When Kirtley was religion together in order to reach the asked if Scopes hadn't been "used" by the conclusion that "it requires no unusual liberals, it struck him that although there acumen to see that this next milestone in had been no desire to hurt Scopes, little the progress of life will be safely passed thought had been given to what he might only by those who specialize in the art of do if the guilty verdict was handed down. cooperation, as opposed to selfishness, and Conversations with Scopes convinced in the practice of kindly thoughtfulness for Mather that the best solution was to give others, regardless of their color, race or the young biologist the needed financial creed." (Mather 1921). The message of co- backing for him to pursue the academic operation between science and religion, as career of his choice. The John T. Scopes well as among humans of differing back- Scholarship Committee was formed, with ground or belief, was a Mather theme David Starr Jordan, widely known as Pres- which predated and postdated the Scopes ident of Stanford University but also a trial, even it it did not succeed in persuad- prominent ichthyologist, as national chair- ing the Fundamentalists and liberals at man and Kirtley Mather as secretary and Dayton to lay down their verbal weapons. workhorse. Approximately $4,000 (1925 Because the written statements of the value) was collected and Scopes spent 2 defense witnesses were not part of the pub- years in the Department of Geology at the lic record it was incumbent upon the au- University of Chicago. He went on to a pro- thors to voice their comments in a forum fessional career as a petroleum geologist. outside of the courtroom. The ever- The major participants in the "Great innovative Mather not only published his Monkey Trial" are no longer with us but contributions (Mather 1925, 1926a, the issues are as contemporary as the stories 1926b), he also used the radio to air his in today's newspaper. Debates continue concerns about "Evolution on Trial." The about evolution "versus" Creationism. program, broadcast by station WNAC on Some of the language is new ("scientific 11 December 1925, had a high impact on creationism" might have caused both fac- the listeners. One correspondent admitted tions at Dayton, Tennessee, to scratch their to having completed only 4 years of school heads), but the underlying motivations but typed an earnest page of questions: and ways of looking at the world are very (Punctuation and spelling are not cor- much the same. In his 88th year Kirtley rected. The letters are in a file labelled Mather was still answering reporters' ques- OhioJ. Sci. KIRTLEY F. MATHER —A BIOGRAPHY 83 tions (Landon 1976) about the trial and Mather's first professional work had been explaining the relevance of that now- on the geomorphology and glacial geology distant event to modern society. of Colorado; his Ph. D. dissertation con- THIRTY ACTIVE YEARS ON THE cerned classical problems in paleontology; and his work in petroleum geology focused HARVARD FACULTY on field reconnaissance, stratigraphic in- From 1924 to 1954 Kirtley Fletcher terpretation, and straightforward struc- Mather was a member of the Department tural analysis. There was no shying away of Geology at Harvard University. For an- from the new, however, and during his other quarter of a century he was Professor first years at Harvard Mather found himself Emeritus — a term not to be confused with having to do a "quick study" on seis- rocking-chair-style retirements. The mology when he became Director of the Mather name served Kirtley well at Har- Harvard Seismograph Station from 1926 vard. Along with Harlow Shapley, he felt through 1930. Other Mather character- that he was one of the few "barbarians" istics which set him apart from many of his from the Midwest who became faculty colleagues were thoroughly Midwestern members at Harvard during the 1920s. Al- origins, his deep and quite visible com- though there may have been some jealousy mitment to his Baptist heritage, and his on the part of established faculty toward willingness to take time from strictly the newcomer with the old honored name, geological pursuits to work on YMCA the typical reception in Cambridge was projects, write popularized accounts on warm and supportive. There were times, as scientific subjects, and become involved in the Harvard Lampoon cartoon of 19 Sep- with political issues which often had tember 1940, when the association with highly controversial aspects. It is conceiv- Cotton Mather was recalled, but even in able that some Harvard colleagues enter- the Lampoon the comparison was favorable tained reservations about certain of these to Kirtley. In the early 1970s, just prior to contributions, but the individual was his move to New Mexico, Mather was still greater than the sum of his professional giving invited lectures to Prof. Stephen Jay parts so that Kirtley enjoyed great respect Gould's classes in introductory geology. from the students and faculty members Gould (1978) recalled that the lecture hall who got to know him. overflowed when Mather spoke and that As a teacher Kirtley earned both respect the brief finale of each semester's lecture and affection. Some students wrote him concerned the spiritural nature of man. In while they were still enrolled in his the tumultuous days of 1968-'69 the stu- courses, many wrote soon after graduation, dents seemed attentive but not fully en- and some waited for decades before some- gaged with such musings; by the early thing prompted them to communicate 1970s their involvement with the issues heartfelt thanks for all that they had raised was total. Mather did not fit the learned, about geology and about life. Re- mould of most professors at prestigious current themes {Harvard Crimson 16 Janu- research-oriented megaversites. He was ary 1934) are how well prepared Mather bright, articulate, and very hard working always was, how superb his organization — requisite attributes — but he was a gen- and delivery were, and how valuable it was eralist, not a world figure in a particular to observe a member of the science faculty subdiscipline. He often made the obser- who concerned himself so deeply with vation that he was one of the last of the spiritual and social issues. The field com- "19th-century naturalists." That modest ponent of geology was stressed. One spec- claim was not completely correct but it was tacular option for students who could a valid description of his background and afford it was the 1928 field program in the general approach to science of the earth. Alps. Students received dual training in K. B. BORK Vol. 82 mountain climbing and geology. The fi- Kirtley had instigated a similar program nale was a climb of the Matterhorn. Labo- 30 years before. Even such weighty crises ratory exercises received constant attention as the shocking proliferation of young and a number of lab manuals in physical women wearing short shorts in the august and historical geology were published by Harvard Yard were handled with aplomb Mather and his colleagues. Beyond knowl- by the post-Puritanical Mather. Cotton edge, hard work on preparations, and com- Mather's reaction can only be imagined. munication abilities, Mather displayed an All facets of education concerned KFM. abiding concern for individual students. Top priority went to his own students, but C. Langdon White was a student and field Harvard and Radcliffe graduates were al- assistant for Mather during the Denison ready ensured of a superb education if they years. He received a Ph. D. in Geography made the requisite effort. What about the from Clark University, where Pres. W. W. many intelligent adults who never had the Atwood had established a fine program. opportunity to receive a college education? White's (1980) first-hand analysis of Or the well-educated older people who Mather the teacher is worth quoting: might welcome the chance to interact with "Kirtley Mather was more than an eminent current ideas in the sciences, arts, and hu- geologist, brilliant and productive scholar, manities? Adult education seemed to be able researcher, fascinating writer, and the answer. In 1933 Kirtley Mather helped stimulating and interesting lecturer, or organize and served as President of the even master teacher. He displayed to the Boston Center for Adult Education. With maximum degree the human aspect of the Dorothy Hewitt, the Director, he wrote a profession — a quality absent or nearly ab- valuable book on Adult Education, A Dy- sent in so many teachers. He came closer namic for Democracy (1937). than anyone I have known to exemplifying Throughout Mather's career, teaching the whole man." For all of these reasons and administrative duties were quite the Mather classes in geology were ex- heavy. But they were in some ways just the tremely popular over the decades and many tip of the productivity iceberg. A bibli- lectures were given to a standing-room- ography of strictly geological research only audience. papers would not begin to indicate the Administrative duties descended upon volume of work being turned out as he Mather in his second year at Harvard, accepted speaking engagements, wrote when he was appointed Departmental articles explaining his stance on religion Chairman. The abilities to deal with peo- and science, reviewed an astounding ple and to handle multiple problems and number of books (close to 1,200) and voluminous correspondence with ease were fought for a wide spectrum of political part of Mather's persona. Such gifts were causes. By the 1950s, national honors, recognized by the Harvard administration, with their associated obligations, were the and from 1933 to 1941 Mather served as pirates of time. A term as President of the Director of the Summer School. That post American Association for the Advance- took Kirtley away from geologic research ment of Science (1951) and 4 terms as in the summers, aside from forays into the President of the American Academy of field to work with his graduate students. Arts and Sciences (1957-1961) are exam- Careful planning, innovation, and the cre- ples of the esteem accorded to Mather by ation of numerous cultural and recreational the scientific community. opportunities for the summer term charac- terized the Mather administration. Years later a director of the Summer Program OF GOD AND NATURE'S ORDER would write that every time he had a good When Whitehead contended that the idea he would go to the files and find that order which allows science to reach signifi- OhioJ. Sci. KIRTLEY F. MATHER —A BIOGRAPHY 85 cant conclusions about the Universe points Spiritual Nature of Man. At the grave- to the existence of some Supreme Order, he side services marking the end of Kirtley was articulating the views of many sci- Mather's long life, his brother William entists. Kirtley Mather devoted much of quoted a passage from Science in Search of his time, intellect, and spirit to spreading God (1928) which sums up a key aspect of just such a message. His religious training his worldview: "God is no longer hiding was Baptist, but his theology was far re- behind the gaps in our knowledge . . . The moved from the fundamentalism of a Wil- more we know about the world in which liam Jennings Bryan or Jerry Falwell. we live, the better is our understanding God's work was to be seen in Nature, but of him, the truer is our comprehension of simplistic arguments from Design were his character." not part of the Mather doctrine. At the The debate about evolution presents one heart of the issue was what might be called of the clearest examples of Mather as arbi- a Christian realist's optimism: optimism ter between scientific perspectives and that religion and science were more in religious beliefs. He was fearless in his concert than at war, and optimism that defense of the scientific method and the some day the social concept of "Christian validity of evolution as a process. He also brotherhood" would be understood and ac- was unswerving in his feeling that there was cepted by humanity at large. an Administration of the Universe and that For the better part of 90 years Mather organic evolution was a process whereby thought about, wrote about, and discussed humans could come to understand "the what he saw as the rich interactions of sci- spiritual power and eternal force, (which ence and religion. As a youth in Chicago God) has used and is using now to effect his he assumed leadership roles in Sunday will in nature." (Mather 1969). Whereas School and Baptist Young People's Union William Jennings Bryan had claimed that discussions. In college the learning and evolution was the greatest threat to re- commitment accelerated and a lifelong as- ligion in 1,900 years, Kirtley Mather took sociation with the work of the YMCA be- the optimistic view that the evolutionary gan. Leadership in the lay activities of the parade was demonstrating the worth of al- Fayetteville Baptist Church fell to Kirtley truism, cooperation, and the artistic, in- and his bride during the years (1911-' 14) at quisitive, and philosophical drives which the University of Arkansas. By the time he characterize humans at their best. He arrived at Harvard, a number of articles avoided ad hominem arguments but he had been published which contain the nu- quite forcefully told the antievolutionists cleus of Mather's thoughts on the mutual that they were wrong. Their errors in- relevancies of evolution, religion, and sci- cluded: (1) lack of knowledge about what ence. After the Scopes Trial he became evolution truly was; (2) a series of logical something of a celebrity in circles inter- errors; (3) ill-grounded fears about the ested in hearing what a respected scientist implications of evolution for religion; had to say about religion. Debates with the (4) shoddy use of such terms as "theory" Rev. Dr. John Roach Straton of New and "Darwinism"; and (5) un-called-for York's Calvary Baptist Church and, at the egotism when considering the species Ho- other end of the spectrum of beliefs, with mo sapiens. When engaged in a one-on-one Bertrand Russell, served to keep his views debate, as with Rev. John Roach Straton in the limelight. Over the years he gave of New York's Calvary Baptist Church, innumerable speeches to groups, gradu- Kirtley made sure that his own Baptist cre- ating classes, and conferences. Four years dentials were spelled out, but astutely after his retirement Kirtley was still ad- managed to keep his side of the discussion dressing and chairing such gatherings as on firm scientific grounds as he used his the Second Seminar on Science and the eloquence and deep knowledge of both 86 K. B. BORK Vol. 82 the Bible and modern paleontology to gain Fascism to be translated into a 1950 mem- advantage in the exchange. bership in the Communist conspiracy? It is probably evident by now, but it Many people accepted such logic. Mather may be worth emphasizing the point that was secure enough at Harvard and secure Kirtley Mather was a highly integrated enough within himself to keep on speaking person whose statements and actions came up whenever he felt it was required. from a complex amalgam of beliefs, knowl- Gould's (1975) observation, in an article on edge, widsom, and concern about what irrationalism as the true enemy of science, was happening in the universe. Thus his that "the Yahoos never rest" is germane religion, science, and social consciousness here: the bigots, the anti-evolution were expressions of a rather rare wholeness extremists, and the vigilantes of the in viewing the world. Just as his religious McCarthy era were constantly berating and scientific training mutually informed Mather for sins he had never committed. his analysis of evolution, his teaching of To consider Mather as un-American or geology reflected many inner thoughts anti-Christian is irrational and counter to (Mather 1951), and his liberal politics fol- all the evidence. It is a measure of the man lowed from his concepts of what society that the intended victim not only outlived should be. most of his adversaries, he did so with his honor intact. A SCIENTIST'S CONCERN WITH Tolerance is central to the concept of world brotherhood. For Mather it was an SOCIAL ISSUES active virtue from youth to old age. A 1918 It is not feasible to recount all of the letter to his friends from college days in- times in which Kirtley Mather's conscience cludes the aspiration that "black, white, dictated a confrontation with authorities. and tan persons" may some day find total At Denison he took on the President and camaraderie. As an undergraduate he was Board of Trustees during the 1922 greatly incensed at an Ohio farmer's big- "Kornhauser Affair." At Harvard it re- oted reaction to a Chinese-American quired a direct statement from President student in a geology field party. In 1937 Conant to make Kirtley sign the 1935 a group of visiting Nazi students was Teacher's Oath demanded by the Massa- shocked to hear the director of the Harvard chusetts legislature. During the 1950s Summer School formally lecture them on there were numerous headlines reporting the error of the evolving German political on the battles between KFM and the forces system. In 1952, a decade or so before represented by Sen. Joseph McCarthy. For the civil rights movement was making those who knew the real man it was an substantial headway in the Deep South, understandable paradox which could not Kirtley Mather gave the commencement be comprehended by those who read only address to the graduates of Atlanta's headlines or heard only derivative ac- Morehead College. A world perspective is counts. The ever-smiling Christian gentle- evidenced by his years (1957-1960) as man and respected professor also had a steel delegate to the World Council of the backbone and very strong notions of right Young Men's Christian Association, with a and wrong. The man who was labeled as a desk in the Secretariat Building of the "Red-ucator" and pictured, with 49 other United Nations. prominent Americans, in a 1949 Life mag- Tolerance toward Mather and his liberal azine feature on presumed dupes of Com- ideas was not a virtue exhibited by a munism was never quoted when he warned number of politicians and self-appointed of the evils of Communism. Nor were his defenders of a self-defined brand of Ameri- reasons for supporting the "fronts" ever canism. Some of the letters received by discussed. Was a 1936 desire to aid the Mather were so vicious and unreasoning Spanish Loyalists in their fight against that an objective observer has to infer more OhioJ. Sci. KIRTLEY F. MATHER —A BIOGRAPHY 87 darkness in the spirit of the sender than in of the Jenner Subcommittee and appar- the deeds of the recipient. The old adage ently performed very well, dispelling any about smoke and fire might, however, concerns with his political stance, the press make that objective observer wonder what was not allowed to publish the pro- sins the professor had committed. Here ceedings. It was all very insidious in its was a man who had called Jane Addams a "Catch-22" nature: one could be accused of modern saint, had been invited to dinner being un-American by people who used at the White House by Eleanor Roosevelt, some of the most un-American measures had attended a testimonial dinner for Dr. imaginable. W. E. B. DuBois, had personally inter- An activist academic who is indomitable viewed Marshall Tito, and was head of the and spends 60-some years speaking his American Civil Liberties Union in Massa- mind from a highly visible pulpit acquires chusetts for 4 stormy years. That is not a so many "battle stories" that just a few record to endear one to conservatives. examples will have to suffice to illustrate Several other answers can be suggested: his involvement with social issues. The 1) he had joined or sponsored, particularly Teacher's Oath controversy of 1935, the in the 1930s, a number of groups which events surrounding the February 1951 can- were definitely on the left side of the polit- cellation of an interdenominational speech ical spectrum; 2) as an internationalist he scheduled for Syracuse University, and advocated dialogue with the Soviet Union; Mather's activities as President of the 3) as a free thinker he refused to submit to American Association for the Advance- such political devices as the Massachusetts ment of Science are 3 illustrative cases. In Teacher's Oath, thereby earning a reputa- the summer of 1935, the Massachusetts tion as a "troublemaker" early in his tenure legislature passed Statute Chapter 370: at Harvard; 4) because of his own self- "An Act requiring that an oath or affir- assurance and courage he never folded mation be taken and subscribed to by cer- under pressure — thus the troublemaker tain professors, instructors and teachers in image escalated as he took on the American the colleges, universities and schools of the Legion, Sen. McCarthy, the Jenner Sub- Commonwealth." This Teacher's Oath had committee, and the House Un-American been formulated, by State Rep. Thomas A. Affairs Committee; and 5) the whole Dorgan and others, as a roadblock to the premise that guilt was demonstrated by "Red-ucators" who were thought to be association worked to brand many Ameri- poisoning the minds of America's youth. cans as Communist dupes or fellow trav- All 40,000 teachers and professors were elers even if they had never belonged to a supposed to sign the oath or lose their jobs real Communist Party group or had never in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. advocated a single un-American act. The Many educators found the oath offensive fact that many of the organizations on the but few rebelled. Mather led those few. On Attorney General's list of the late 1940s 4 October 1935, James B. Conant issued a and early 1950s had no association with the statement to the press which read, "The Communist Party did not bother the vig- Act appears to make it mandatory for the ilantes. Nor were they slowed down by the institutions concerned not to permit any Supreme Court's verdict that the mode of citizen to teach who fails to carry out the generating the list was unconstitutional. A Provisions of this Act, and Harvard Uni- victim's recourse was minimal. When Life versity has so assumed since the Act was magazine fingered 50 Americans for their passed. It is out of the question for Har- pinkish to reddish taint, the writers and vard University as an institution to con- lawyers on the Life staff were careful to use sider not obeying the law." Conant wrote phrases, in fine print, which could allow a note to Mather explaining his sorrow at sidestepping of any lawsuits. When Kirt- the situation but leaving no doubt that it ley Mather appeared before a closed session would be best if the Oath was signed. K. B. BORK Vol. 82

Kirtley obeyed the law but went the pro- 1951 reported: "Capacity audience enthu- ponents one better by adding the rider that siastic at Mather 'Democracy' sermon. . . he also supported the Declaration of Inde- A University official happily summed up pendence and the Kellogg-Briand Peace the general reaction with this: 'Perhaps it Pact. Such creativity did not please the was better this way. Two thousand people hardliners. The Boston Post (3 December heard the sermon this morning, instead of 1935) headlined, "Mather only teacher merely 400 overstuffed banqueters who has changed oath—-Harvard denies The sequence of events received coverage noted geologist may lose his position as by the New York Times and a number of result of controversy." By December 1935 major newspapers. The episode demon- he complied with the proper format, but strates the climate of the time and fragile succeeded in getting in the last word nature of freedom of speech. Guilt by asso- (Mather 1936): "Despite the serious issues ciation and judgment by peer pressure involved in compliance with this statute, made it very difficult for the full spectrum there is still much humor in the situation. of political views to be voiced. Mather's Having taken this oath twice, once as a analysis of the Teacher's Oath controversy, Harvard professor and once as a Radcliffe quoted in the Houston Post of 16 October professor, I was congratulating myself that 1935,could serve as a summation of his I was twice as patriotic as the majority of 1951 response to the Syracuse contre- my colleagues in the teaching profession, temps: "The real danger which democracy until I learned that one of my friends had faces in America today is a result of the sworn allegiance 4 times since October increase of undemocratic tactics in the first, inasmuch as he teaches in 4 different guise of loyalty to democratic ideals." institutions in the state. I am chagrined by By the 1950s the man who had been the thought that he is twice as patriotic as black-listed by politicians and dis-invited I!" The Harvard Crimson of 27 November by chaplains was honored by his scientific 1959 featured Mather's role in the 2 5-year colleagues with election as President of the old controversy when 2 professors lost their American Association for the Advance- posts because they refused to sign the oath. ment of Science (1951) and a 4-term Presi- dency of the American Academy of Arts In February of 1951 Mather was to speak and Sciences (1957-1961). The titles of a to the interdenominational student broth- number of articles published in the erhood banquet at Syracuse University. 1950-'54 period illustrate the range of con- Just before the event was to take place cerns which Mather brought to the atten- Dean Charles Noble of Syracuse reluctantly tion of scientists throughout the country. informed Kirtley that because of objections raised by the Father Gannon F. Ryan, the 1950: "The social implications of sci- Roman Catholic chaplain, it seemed inad- ence": Bull, of the Atomic visable to go ahead with the planned Scientists, v. 6, no. 7 speech. Father Ryan's view was that 1950: "Education for a changing Mather held political beliefs which were world": In: Proceedings of the somehow not acceptable for the keynote Stillwater Conference on the speaker. The evidence for such a conclusion Nature of Concepts, Their Inter- came from a list of "Red-ucators" given to Relation and Role in Social Father Ryan by a "concerned alumnus" of Structure Syracuse. In the end, Ryan's veto was hon- 1950: "Man and the Earth that sup- ored for the banquet but Mather was ports him": In: The Nature of invited to speak on "Christianity and Man, A. W. Loos (ed.), The Democracy" at the Protestant services in Church Peace Union and the Hendricks Chapel on the Syracuse campus. World Alliance for International The Daily Orange of Monday, 19 February Friendship through Religion OhioJ. Sci. KIRTLEY F. MATHER —A BIOGRAPHY 89

1951: "The physical sciences": In: Col- the author's concern with education was lege Teaching and Christian evident as he produced a lab manual for Values, P. M. Limbert (ed.) geology, a seminal work on adult edu- 1952: "The problem of anti-scientific cation, and a valuable compendium on the trends today": Science, 15 May history of geology. As his active teaching 1952 career came to an end in the early 1950s, 1952: "Scientists in the doghouse": The Mather and his colleagues formulated lab Nation, 28 June 1952 manuals for physical and historical geology 1952: "The common ground of science which profited from the senior author's and politics": Presidential long experience in the classroom and labo- Address, A.A.A.S. meeting ratory. After a decade of retirement, Kirt- in St. Louis; In: The Maturing ley published the award-winning book The of American Science, 1974, Earth Beneath Us. The revised edition in- R. H. Kargon (ed.), reprint corporated modern views on plate tectonics 1953: "Christian faith and natural sci- and was published when the author was 87 ence": The Christian Scholar, years old. The Mather legacy includes: v. 36 (2) 1954: "Hunger or plenty for the fu- 1928: Old Mother Earth ture?" Amer. Scholar, v. 22 (4) 1928: Science in Search of God 1954: "Methods of improving college 1930: Sons of the Earth teaching: the natural sci- 1932: Physiography and Quaternary Geol- ences": In: The Thome Lectures, ogy of the San Juan Mountains, Hofstra College, 2 March 1954 Colorado: U.S. Geol. Surv. Prof. Paper 166 (With 1954: "Specialists in the academic W. W. Atwood) community": Educational 1934: Laboratory Manual of Physical and Horizons, 32 (4) Historical Geology (with C. J. 1954: "The scientist's responsibilities Roy) for the interpretation of con- 1937: Adult Education: A Dynamic for cepts to laymen": Science, 5 Democracy (with Dorothy March 1954 Hewitt) The integration of religion, science, social 1939: A Source Book In Geology (with conscience, and education had been and S. L. Mason) would remain central issues for Mather; 1944: Enough and to Spare during the years at the elected apex of 1949: Crusade For Life: The John Cal- American science, he was able to reach a vin McNair Lectures, Univ. wide audience with his insights. Judging of North Carolina from the written responses (Archives of 1950: A Laboratory Manual for Geol- Denison University), particularly to the ogy: I, Physical Geology articles in Science, the scientific commu- (with C.J. Roy and L. R. nity was highly receptive to his analysis Thiesmeyer) of the contemporary scene. 1952: A Laboratory Manual for Geology: II, Historical Geology (with C. J. Roy) AUTHOR AND CONSUMMATE 1961: The World In Which We Live REVIEWER 1964: The Earth Beneath Us (translated Kirtley Mather wrote more than a dozen into French, German, Italian, books, published over a span of half a cen- and Dutch; winner of the tury. The earliest books were collections of 1964 Thomas A. Edison lectures or radio scripts. During the 1930s Award and the 1964 Book 90 K. B. BORK Vol. 82

Award of the Geographic More than once an author wrote to say that Society of Chicago Kirtley's review was particularly appre- 1967: A Source Book In Geology, ciated. Most of the reviews appeared in the 1900-1950 Scientific Book Club Reviw, the Scientist's 1975: Revised edition of The Earth Bookshelf of American Scientist, or the Key Beneath Us Reporter (the quarterly newsletter of Phi Beta Kappa). Robert Millikan, Arthur The range of topics considered in Compton, Kirtley Mather, and other Mather's published articles is quite excep- prominent scientists created the Scientific tional. A partial list includes: geomor- Book Club in 1929- The expressed goal phology; glacial geology; the geography of was to communicate the content and ex- Bolivia; the internal structure of the earth; citement of science to the public and to the origin of life; the moon as a geologic scientists in all subdisciplines. Mather was entity; petroleum as a factor in world chairman of the editorial committee. The politics; types of oil traps; and how to use July 1954 issue of American Scientist con- an alidade. Such a listing does not even tains a retirement-inspired "Valedictory" mention the topics which received most of by Kirtley which outlines his thoughts Mather's attention: science and religion; about the process of reviewing books. It societal issues; and explaining science to can still be read with profit by anyone con- the lay public. cerned with the art of reviewing. A bibliography which includes a dozen A long life and association with im- books and more than 250 published arti- portant figures in the sciences and society cles represents an active life of the mind. In made it likely that Mather would be in a the case of Kirtley Mather, however, a full position to write memorials of major con- appreciation of his productivity and Re- tributors to the development of modern naissance breadth can only be gained by geology in America. When the Dictionary recognizing that in addition to his profes- of Scientific Biographies was being prepared sional, avocational, and familial duties, he during the 1970s he wrote the articles on found the time to write approximately T. C. Chamberlin, R. A. Daly, S. F. Em- 1,200 reviews. The number seems super- mons, A. F. Foerste, Waldemar Lindgren, human, even in the context of 50 years of G. P. Merrill, R. D. Salisbury, and C. R. reading and writing. Prof. Raymond Van Hise. Among others who were re- Siever (1978), an eyewitness to the phe- membered in various memorials are W. W. nomenon, gives a helpful account: "Those Atwood, Kirk Bryan, and K. C. Heald. mornings in the smoking room (of the Intellectual interest and educational con- Harvard Geological Museum) I first saw cern were factors in the development of what I had heard about, Kirtley's leg- source books in geology which highlighted endary fast reading, at a speed that would key writings of authors who had been put Evelyn Wood's reading institute to important in the development of the shame. As soon as the book was finished geosciences. Harlow Shapley, Mather's and put down, the fountain pen was picked colleague and friend, was deeply interested up and the review was written, rapidly and in the history of science and apparently with free-flowing style. I never could get was a catalyst for the Mather and Mason over that." Volume of books read and source book of 1939- In 1967 the Mather- speed of reaction to them do not, of course, edited Sourcebook in Geology, 1900-1950 guarantee analyses which capture the es- was published. sence of a work or illuminate its strengths and weaknesses. Here is where the reader was rewarded by the Mather abilities to RETIREMENT AS REBIRTH comprehend the key aspect of complex is- Retirement is one of life's milestones sues and to write concisely but eloquently. which can presage decline or open doors to Ohio J. Sci. KIRTLEY F. MATHER —A BIOGRAPHY 91 new opportunities and accomplishments. deteriorated to the point where she needed For the youthful in spirit who also have the constant attention. By the early 1970s intellect and health to respond to the gift the 10-year old experiment with education of time, the retirement years can be pro- for older adults had fallen on the hard ductive as well as enjoyable. Exuberance times related to the economic downturn and intellectual curiosity were Mather and drying up of grants. By 1974 the hallmarks and thus it is not surprising that OWHA ceased to exist as a separate or- his quarter century of retirement was rich ganization. Sidney Wallach, the Executive in productivity and in pleasure. Reading, Officer of the Association, wrote Kirtley in writing, traveling, giving speeches, re- 1977 that a description of a new institute ceiving honors, fighting for human rights, for learning after retirement had made him teaching and learning — all continued in think, "Shades of OWHA! I think you the period from 1954 to 1978. Low points are to be congratulated on the seeds you and sorrows also occurred. In 1968 Kirtley helped sow." underwent major surgery to evacuate a In addition to his efforts on behalf of the subdural hematoma (blood clot on the OWHA, Mather was a founder and sole brain). His recovery was superlative but President (through 1975) of the Center for the dynamo had been slowed down. Marie Integrative Education. The organization Porter Mather, college sweetheart and published Main Currents in Modern Thought. wife of 59 years, died in 1971. The trials He was also a force in the Institute on were severe but the man was indomitable. Religion in an Age of Science (IRAS), a On 31 May 1977 he married Muriel group which included Ian Barbour, Theo- Speare Williams in a ceremony at Harvard dosius Dobzhansky, Elisabeth Kiibler- Memorial Church which was characterized Ross, and Jonas Salk. Promoting Enduring by the pastor (Gomes 1978) and those in Peace, Inc. was yet another organization in attendance as being singularly joyful which Mather was active as President and and memorable. member of the national advisory board. What better project for a retired teacher Speaking engagements were not limited to and administrator than to organize retired OWHA-sponsored meetings. The associates into a resource pool for lectures "retiree" was a Phi Beta Kappa Visiting and institutes on significant issues, includ- Scholar, a Danforth Visiting Lecturer, and ing the topic of retirement? Kirtley was a gave presentations on behalf of the Ameri- founder and President (1964-1974) of the can Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Oliver Wendell Holmes Association American Association for the Advance- (OWHA).The Association's motto was a ment of Science. quotation from Justice Holmes: "The sub- As a boy Kirtley was able to travel on his tile (sic) rapture of a postponed power." Its father's railroadman's pass; as a young man stated purposes were to help people prepare he traveled all over North and South for retirement and to make the years in America doing field work in geology; and retirement creative and rewarding. By as a mature scholar he was a frequent visi- 1966 the OWHA had conducted a number tor to Europe. Retirement made the pen- of institutes on such topics as "Science and chant for travel that much easier to sched- Man"; its registry of lecturers numbered ule. Consider just 2 years, I960 and 1964. 60; and trustees of the Association in- The famous caves of the Dordogne Valley cluded Margaret Mead, Harlow Shapley, in France were the first highlight of the and leading American industrialists and I960 trip. Marie's diary goes on in vivid academics. The August 1968 neurosurgery detail to recount the two septuagenarians' caused a hiatus in Mather's involvement, eventful itinerary through France to but he picked up the reins and continued Geneva (YMCA business) and Scandinavia. as active president until Marie's condition As President of the American Academy of 92 K. B. BORK Vol. 82

Arts and Sciences, Kirtley was a guest of the derivative information that never was veri- Royal Society (London) for the 1660-1960 fied, to undermine what should have been Tercentenary Celebration. The trip culmi- an event of benefit to all intelligent people nated with the 21st International Geologi- in the area. cal Congress in Copenhagen. In November During the "real" retirement years in 1964 the Mathers left Cambridge for an New Mexico, 1971 to 1978, Mather around-the-world business and pleasure continued to be involved with reading, trip. The sequence of stops included Lon- writing, and teaching. He was a Visiting don, Bombay, Delhi (site of the 22nd In- Professor (part-time) at the University ternational Geological Congress), Tehran, of New Mexico and a speaker at such Tel Aviv, Jerusalem (for a meeting with gatherings as the Twenty-One Club in Polly Van Leer of the Van Leer Founda- Albuquerque. His last public lecture was tion), Cairo, Nairobi, Hong Kong by way in November 1976; the subject was "The of Singapore and Manila, Tokyo and Kyoto Scopes Trial and its Aftermath." to Hiroshima, Honolulu, Albuquerque, Granville, and, by mid-April 1965, Cam- ENERGIZING A DYNAMO bridge. A reading of the Mathers' travel- It is as difficult as it is fascinating to ogues explains in large part how they could delve into the question of what causes cer- keep up such a pace: they lived for each tain people to attain eminence in their cho- moment, were constantly open to new sen field of endeavor. The mystery can be experiences, and had that combination of particularly complex if one rules out family intellect, patience, and tenacity which status and connections, a cutthroat atti- characterizes the best travelers. tude of upward-mobility-at-all-costs, or a Is it safe to picture our 7 5-year old pro- willingness to compromise principles in fessor emeritus on a cruise ship playing a order to gain an immediate goal. Without vigorous game of shuffleboard, far re- pretending to enter the domain of rigorous moved from the dark clouds of contro- psychohistory, I would like to consider a versy? No, neither shuffleboard nor escape few factors in the human equation which from real-world issues were part of the contributed to the success of a railroad Mather style. In 1966 the Broward County agent's son whose career is devoid of a de- (Florida) School Board cancelled an sire for gain at the cost of others and whose OWHA presentation by Mather because principles remained intact throughout a it had received anonymous notes that his very long life. political leanings were too controversial. Ability is one sine qua non of most suc- The talk was titled "The Impact of Science cess stories. From his early days in Chi- on Modern Life" and was finally given cago, Kirtley Mather demonstrated the in- under private sponsorship. Mather's letter tellectual gifts of good memory, creativity, to the editor of the Ft. Lauderdale News (24 and ability to analyze which are often pre- January 1966) was firm, but not pug- requisites to achievement in academics. nacious, in pointing out the questionable Ability must be nurtured at some stage: for tactics used, the questionable sources cited, some people the nurturing is life-long; and the total lack of willingness on the others succeed only after breaking out of an part of the school board to recognize his oppressive environment. Kirtley was many positive contributions to the sched- blessed with supportive parents, an excep- uled topic. The Miami News of 28 January tional chain of teachers, colleagues of the 1966 editorialized that "Broward Flunks highest caliber, and 2 bright, indepen- This One" and the Miami Herald 2 days dent, yet supportive women as "life's com- later proclaimed, in an editorial labeled panions." Native ability may be well "Shadows Know a Sad Answer," that it served by what is called luck or by the took but one telephone call, offering serendipity of meeting the right people at Ohio J. Sci. KIRTLEY F. MATHER —A BIOGRAPHY 93 the right time. Kirtley was not given to saries in the United States. One of the false modesty, so when he claimed that his foundations of such a non-jaundiced view path to Harvard was paved with fortuitous of the world was the belief that the Admin- contacts the contention deserves some at- istrator of the Universe had made it abun- tention. It is true that his major professor dantly clear that cooperation among people at Chicago, Wallace Atwood, moved to could lead to the cumulative betterment of Harvard and no doubt was instrumental in humankind. Calvinist beliefs in predes- having Reginald Daly consider Mather tination and helplessness of the individual when a position was available. It is also human were not the templates of Kirtley's true that Mather's high principles and in- faith. He was a doer whose heart and mind stitutional loyalty made him turn down a engaged whenever he perceived injustice 1921 offer to leave Denison in order to go being done. His theater of operation was to Clark University as Dean of the College. the world. One positive consequence was Marie and Kirtley agreed that it would be involvement at the national and inter- unfair to depart from a college which had national leadership level of such groups as been generous in granting leaves for the 2 the YMCA. The negative repercussions Bolivian expeditions. Had he gone to came from an internationalist attitude Clark, it is unlikely that he would have which voiced support for the Loyalist forces been sought by Harvard in 1923- Given in the Spanish Civil War or argued for those 2 bits of fortune, however, it must be communication with the intellectuals of noted that Atwood would not have utilized the Soviet Union. Not all Americans had the Old Boy network unless he had great quite so broad a concept of world broth- confidence in his protege, and Harvard cer- erhood. The depth of Mather's charity and tainly would not have pursued someone civility is evident from the fact that even whom they had considerable opportunity when accosted in the vilest of terms or to see in action as a guest lecturer and when denounced for presumed trans- visiting professor unless the candidate's gressions, he did not lose a sense of per- promise was evident. spective and humor. Internalized beliefs can play a role in an Ability and a strong set of principles are individual's performance. It is something not the only elements of the Mather per- of a cliche but the concept of a Protestant sonality. Self-assurance, drive, integrity, a work ethic seems to have been very real for degree of competitiveness, and a soupgon Mather. He was a direct descendant of Pu- of showmanship were part of the total ritans and although he did not share their man. Survival in the tropical jungles of view of the universe he seems to have re- Bolivia or the intellectual jungles of the tained their commitment to productivity McCarthy era would not have been possible in the service of God. Middlekauff's (1971) without the toughness derived from self- description of Richard, Increase, and Cot- confidence. Integrity and combativeness ton Mather rings true for Kirtley: "And a are evident in the letters exchanged be- few (contemporaries) sensed what was sig- tween Mather and Denison officials during nificant in all 3 Mathers — their desire to the Kornhauser affair. Worldliness charac- fuse piety and intellect, to pursue ideas terized the decision to turn the publication with the heart as well as with the mind, crank while at Queen's University, his first and to bring their thinking constantly to post-Ph. D. position. Innovative creativity bear on their love of God." The combined with a showman's flair when 20th-century Mather was a world traveler Mather made the first educational films whose lifelong optimism had to survive using sound or when he initiated a radio encounters with the poverty of eastern Bo- series on topics dealing with evolution and livia or Calcutta and the poverty of spirit geology. A discerning audience can, of displayed by many of his political adver- course, recognize the limits of show- 94 K. B. BORK Vol. 82 manship. It is obvious that generations of people blinded by political or religious Harvard students responded even more to bias. One lesson to be learned from a biog- the information conveyed, the richness of raphy of Mather is that many people are cross-disciplinary integration, and Kirt- too willing to condemn persons or ideas ley's infectious joy of learning than simply they do not understand. The more opti- to the excellent packaging of his lectures. mistic response is to celebrate the life Humans and their actions are too and contributions of a respected scientist complex to explain with a brief list of whose involvement with the world tran- attributes. For people who knew him or for scended disciplines. anyone reading his voluminous writings, ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. It is a pleasure to acknowl- Kirtley Mather can only be understood as edge the support of the Mather family throughout a synergism. The range of his interests and this project. The research would not have been pos- abilities is impressive when catalogued, sible without the cooperation of Dr. and Mrs. LeRoy Seils, son-in-law and daughter of Kirtley, who made but the spirit of the man was greater than it easy to use their rich collection of Mather scrap- any list of accomplishments can convey. books and primary documents. As of October 1981, the entire Seils/Mather collection is housed in the Archives of Denison University. Mrs. Kirtley F. CONCLUSION Mather (Muriel) was a constant source of informa- Kirtley F. Mather was a scientist with a tion and support. Florence Wengerd, a Mather daughter, reviewed the original manuscript. Her religious spirit and a social conscience. husband, Dr. Sherman A. Wengerd, served as an Colleagues who knew him well and those informal reviewer and also wrote an important who came into fleeting contact with him biographical article (Wengerd 1978) on his father- were struck by his human warmth and the in-law and Harvard mentor. Among other readers of richness of his knowledge. In a memorial the first draft who deserve thanks for their comments are: Drs. Claude C. Albritton, Jr., G. Wallace prepared by 4 Harvard geologists (Gould, Chessman, Richard P. Goldthwait, Richard H. Kummel, Thompson and Siever 1980) and Mahard, William G. Mather, and Mrs. Jean M. entitled "One of Harvard's Most Inspired Seibel. Flo Hoffman, Archivist of Denison Univer- and Inspiring Teachers" the observation sity, contributed time and effort at several stages of was made, "None of this can convey a the research project. The superb typing of Katherine O. Bork and Marion A. Poules is greatly appre- proper sense of the wonderful person that ciated. Financial support for page charges was Kirtley Mather was. He had — even for a generously supplied by Denison University. Harvard professorial renaissance man — a remarkable breadth of intellectual inter- ests, from all the sciences to the human- LITERATURE CITED ities and religion." Prof. Stephen Jay de Camp, L. S. 1968 The great monkey trial. Dou- Gould was 26 when he first met Kirtley, bleday, Garden City, N. Y. 538 p. then 78. In speaking of their 10-year Ginger, R. 1958 Six days or forever. Beacon Press, association, Gould (1978) said, "Kirtley Boston, MA. 258 p. remained a man of my time," and he cap- Gomes, P.J. 1978 Report to the President of Harvard University concerning the 1977 activi- tured the essence of his senior colleague ties of the Harvard Memorial Church. In a letter, when he went on to recount how Mather's dated 11 May 1978, to Muriel Mather (Mrs. joy of learning, depth of insight, and qual- Kirtley F. Mather); Seils/Mather Collection, ity as a human were sufficient to generate Denison Univ. Archives. a response which could best be described Gould, S.J. 1975 Reverend Bumet's dirty little planet. Natural History 84: 26-28. as love for a unique person. A newspaper- 1978 In memory of Kirtley Fletcher woman in Albuquerque, after a brief inter- Mather. Unpubl. program of service held in view, entitled her report (Kailer 1977) on Harvard Memorial Church, 6 October 1978. the 89-year old Mather, "Order, Charm, -, B. Kummel, J. B. Thompson, Jr., and R. Siever. 1980 Kirtley F. Mather — One of Assurance Flow from Resident Sage." The Harvard's most inspired and inspiring teachers. bouquets came from all who got to know Harvard Gazette 11 July 1980: 6. the man; the brickbats were delivered by Hewitt, D. and K. F. Mather 1937 Adult edu- OhioJ. Sci. KIRTLEY F. MATHER —A BIOGRAPHY 95

cation; A dynamic for democracy. D. Appleton coll. quotations and written statements; Archives — Century Co., N. Y. 193 p. of Denison Univ. Kailer, P. 1977 Order, charm, assurance flow from 1951 Teaching the physical sciences. In: resident sage. Albuquerque J. 6 February 1977: P. M. Limbert (ed.) College Teaching and Chris- Sect. C, 1. tian Values, Association Press, N.Y. 17-32. Landon, S. 1976 Key Scopes Trial witness recalls 1969 Christianity's staunchest ally. In: W. famed U. S. case. Albuquerque J. 4 November B. Gatewood, Jr. (ed.) Controversy in the 1976. twenties: Fundamentalism, modernism, and Mather, K. F. 1909 The age of the Licking Narrows evolution. Vanderbilt Univ. Press, Nashville, at Black Hand, Ohio. Denison Univ. Sci. Lab. TN. 189-196. Bull. 14: 175-187. 1977 Geologist at large. Unpubl. biograph. 1915 The fauna of the Morrow Group of notes prepared by Kirtley F. Mather for his chil- Arkansas and Oklahoma. Denison Univ. Sci. Lab. dren and grandchildren. 215 p. Bull. 18: 59-284. Middlekauff, R. 1971 The Mathers: Three gen- 1918 Parables from paleontology. Atlantic erations of puritan intellectuals, 1596-1728. Monthly 121: 35-43. Oxford Univ. Press, England 440 p. 1921 Revolution versus evolution: the pale- Scopes, J.T. and J. Presley 1967 Center of the ontologist renders his verdict. Denison Univ. Sci. storm. Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, N.Y. Lab. Bull. 18: 307-323. 277 p. 1925 Evolution and religion. Sci. Monthly Siever, R. 1978 In memory of Kirtley Fletcher 21: 322-328. Mather. Unpubl. program of service held in 1926a Evolution on trial. Harvard Alumni Harvard Memorial Church, 6 October 1978. Bull. 28: 446-450. Summers, M. 1956 The history of witchcraft. Lyle 1926b The psychology of the anti- Stuart, Inc. (1974 ed.), Secaucus, N.J. 353 p. evolutionist. Harvard Graduate's Magazine 8-29- Tompkins, J. R. (ed) 1965 D-Days at Dayton. Lou- 1928 Science in search of God. H. Holt and isiana State Univ. Press, Baton Rouge. 173 p. Co., N. Y. 159 p. Wengerd, S. A. 1978 Kirtley Fletcher Mather. 1936 Saying it with oaths: A record of a Bull. Amer. Assoc. Petrol. Geol. 62: 2337-2340. small tempest in the "Birthplace of American White, C. L. 1980 Alumni profile: Kirtley F. Liberty": Oct.-Nov. 1935. Unpubl., undated Mather '09- Denison Magazine 40: 22-23.

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