The Technologists by Matthew Pearl

as casually as possible, “Sergeant Carlton had mentioned at one point the idea of consulting the Institute of Technology for advice.”
    Agassiz stopped pacing. He returned to his chair and glared at the two policemen gravely.
    “Of course,” Kurtz continued, still nonchalant, “I explained the Institute has been seen as a questionable … institution.”
    “Questionable, to say the least, Chief! I accept no student to study under me here who cannot show evidence of good moral and Christian character. Over there they will teach atheist machinists and the sons of farmers alike. The knowledge of science in such individuals cannot fail to lead to quackery and dangerous social tendencies. Do you know why that institute is so uniquely dangerous, Chief—Kurtz, is it?”
    Kurtz said he did not.
    “Because William Rogers and his satellites are handing the lowest classes of society the most powerful weapon, with which they could set fire to the earth if they wished. Science. They hand over the keys for rebellion.If you wish to see how science begins to be unhinged, go there! Here, in my dominion, we shall never separate science from responsibility, or from its ultimate Creator. I’m afraid,” Agassiz said by way of confession, “that it is because of me that William Rogers founded the Institute of Technology in the first instance. I will accept the blame entirely and all of its consequences.”
    A surprised silence filled up the room. “How is it your doing, Professor?” asked Carlton.
    “Rogers applied for a position at Harvard when he arrived in Boston, but as he would not relinquish his personal beliefs in that scourge of science—I mean Darwin’s monstrous ideas—I refused to consider him. We are all in danger from someone so wedded to his own fancies that he would twist all knowledge to make it suit some pet theory. I understand that Rogers even hired a dusky janitor who calls himself Darwin; I’m certain only because he liked the correlation! I also understand there is now a young woman in their building, as well, which will not fail to introduce feelings and interests foreign to the proper classroom.”
    “The world owes you a debt of gratitude for your combat against the despicable teaching that we are descended from monkeys,” Hale proclaimed.
    “At the moment, we wish only to understand the scientific mischief that has been happening around us,” said Chief Kurtz impatiently.
    “Wrong, Chief Kurtz,” Hale said. “We need to understand it
through the correct and moral means
. Not since Professor Webster of the Medical College was found to be a murderer has the public trust in science found itself in such peril.”
    “Then I suppose you leave me with no choice but to restore it,” Agassiz said, nodding purposefully. “Sergeant—I suppose, Mr. Kurtz, you could have assigned me a captain instead, but very well, and, Carlton, was it?—Sergeant Carlton, I wish to see all of the police reports at once, and in the very order that they were composed. Methods, gentlemen, in any scientific examination, as this is, may well determine the result. One must first learn to walk in life—I shall never take to the American fashion of doing up science running. It will be that tendency that shall hasten theday of judgment to William Rogers’s little kingdom. Chief, how many men are at my disposal?”
    “As many as you need to do as you see fit.”
    Agassiz crossed his arms over his chest as a smile eased across his face.

X

Resolved
    M ONDAY AFTERNOON , while the other students savored their afternoon meals or played football in the fields, Marcus Mansfield stood inside the door to the faculty room, his arms draped with coats from professors and committee members as they burst into the long meeting room, some passing him a nod or salute along with their outer garments. Albert Hall, meanwhile, finished carefully positioning pencils and paper at the last places at the long table.
    In the small snatches of