APPENDIX 



CHRONOLOGY OF FEDERAL SCIENCE POLICY 

 DEVELOPMENTS, 1787-1985 



The following chronology traces the evolution of Federal concern 

 with developments in the field of science and technology. It empha- 

 sizes to some extent legislative actions and organizational matters. 

 The following criteria were used to select items to include in the 

 chronology: 1. The item deals with a significant hearing or study 

 that focused on Federal organization for science and technology, 2. 

 The item consists of a legislative proposal on Federal organization 

 for science and technology, 3. The item involves the passage of a 

 new public law or the amendment of an existing public law relat- 

 ing to Federal organization for science and technology, 4. The item 

 proposed a new agency or the reorganization of an existing scientif- 

 ic agency, 5. The item consists of an Executive Order that would 

 affect Federal Organization for science and technology, or 6. The 

 item involves the appointment of a Presidential nominee. 



1787: The Constitutional Convention considered scientific and tech- 

 nical matters to be included in the Constitution. Among the 

 ideas discussed were the establishment of national seminaries 

 and universities for the promotion of literature, the arts, and the 

 sciences; charters of incorporation for national societies and in- 

 stitutions dedicated to the advancement of knowledge; and the 

 establishment of public institutions, rewards, and subsidies to 

 promote agriculture, commerce, and the advancement of useful 

 knowledge and discovery. 



1787: Science in the Constitution. The only specific reference to 

 "science" in the Constitution is in Article I, Section 8: "The Con- 

 gress shall have Power * * * To promote the Progress of Science 

 and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and In- 

 ventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Dis- 

 coveries". 



April 10, 1790: First patent act passed at request of President 

 Washington. Secretaries of State, War and the Attorney General 

 constituted a board to pass on inventions. Keeping records made 

 responsibility of Secretary of State. (Act of April 10, 1790; 1 Stat. 

 109) 



April 2, 1792: The United States Mint was established by Congress. 

 (Act of April 2, 1792; 1 Stat. 246) 



February 18, 1793: New patent act put Secretary of State in charge 

 of patents. (1 Stat. 318) 



July 16, 1798: Provision of medical care for merchant seamen by 

 the Federal Government was authorized by Congress. Treasury 



(79) 



