Page:The Modern Review (July-December 1925).pdf/744

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THE UNVOICED LIFE
717


Paralysis of Scientific Effort

Nothing is so effective in paralysing all efforts as the hypnotic suggestion of incapacity. When I commenced my investigations a third of a century ago, I heard every one saying that experimental skill was wanting in our workers and that the people lacked the power of invention and construction. And it was only after years of persistent efforts that I have been able to prove that there is no difficulty so great as cannot be overcome by the power of will; that when one dedicates oneself wholly for any great object, then the closed doors shall open and the impossible become fully attainable. As regards construction of apparatus by Indian mechanicians, it seemed to me that the race, which by the subtle dexterity of their hands wrought wonders in the past, could not altogether be extinct. It was only necessary for me to take my craftsmen into my confidence and fire them with enthusiasm and to hold before them the marvel to be achieved. All these instruments have been constructed in my workshop; their great perfection and high sensitiveness may be judged from the fact that though they have been widely exhibited in all the scientific centres of



The Forest Garden attached to Mayapuri Research Station



The Bose Institute, Calcutta