Elms College - Elmata Yearbook (Chicopee, MA)

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With ready access to the bones and wired ligaments of primitive animals and man, science students here receive a detailed explanation of the lower part of a skeleton they are studying. Apparently in- tent on absorbing the infor- mation, they will later be applying it in experiments and demonstrations of their own — all of course before Dr. Gadaire. ClrwnL Jbiy JAMES L. SHEA, M.A. Chemistry The most difficult task, according to all science professors, is the conversion of theoretical student study into tangible stu- dent practice. For this profound professor the labs are a busy part of his schedule, and a place for complementing theory with experiment. A reserved, determined teacher and observant lab advisor, he imparts to his students a knowledge gained through years of conscientious study, a knowledge tem- pered by quiei, restrained humor. 22

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( fiioloqi} CHARLES R. GADAIRE, Ph.D. Biology Hi! — a greeting in true Elms- campus-fashion — friendly, coopera- tive Dr. Gadaire of the split-second, cross-city schedule has arrived. A personal charm radiating interest and enthusiasm, an intellect and wit at home in any setting, combine to assure him of a bright spot in all our memories. Lectures with parentheses for family anecdotes, the ready lift to school, the annual caf-Christmas party for science majors, the diversity of talents and interests, the dignified air, the well-rounded gentleman, the college professor — the list becomes short with space. But the personality and knowledge are absorbing. Instructor in the Natural Sciences he is the dynamo, the spark, the human generator of all class and hall discussions whether they be science, AIC, or the peculiarities of human nature. With a healthy combination of biological terms and college phonetics he veritably attracts a walking seminar wherever he goes. But if it appears unusually difficult to identify him in the corridor then the clear laughing voice is the unmistak- able clue. Part of the physiology course is a demonstration in the technique of taking blood pressure. Above students have Dr. Gadaire doing the honors while two members of the class look on. One of them seems to be momen- tarily questioning the normal- ity of the results. Could be that Dr. Gadaire is becoming doubtful! 21

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As sophomores these two science students have been eagerly watching and absorbing lab techniques for over a year now. Above, Mr. Shea demonstrates the simple but some- what confusing procedure of prep- aration. With apparatus set up and flasks removed from the lab closets he begins by mixing a solu- tion. At this point his two erstwhile students took over and concludeo the experiment. The results were various but no injuries were incurred, and that is an important factor in trial experimentation, says Mr. Shea. Scientific education isn ' t play. Careful chemists paraphrase their strenuous objections to Romberg ' s Student Prince who insisted that education was scientific play. The study of science demands absolute accuracy and attention to natural laws that allow for no improvisation or guesswork. Since a sudden slip of a test-tube might produce an unexpected explosion or a frustratingly neutralized combination, students of science watch and work to master their subject. Slightly on the safer side for both the students and the professor is the study of the complex but colorful chart of atomic weights that covers one wall of the Chemistry Lecture Hall. With world wide interest in atomic and hydrogen research these students display avid concern over the decimal weights of the symbols. It is only the starting point but nevertheless a good beginning.