PREFACE 



It is the purpose of this Symposium to set forth and examine with 

 candor the facts concerning the support of basic research in our coun- 

 try; to inquire realistically what are the blocks which prevent our doing 

 what we all say we believe is important; to make concrete suggestions 

 as to ways in which the situation can be improved; and in general to 

 proclaim the fundamental faith which we have in the importance of 

 free and imaginative basic research, and to do this with such compe- 

 tence and vigor as will have a national impact. 



Those associated with the actual conduct of the Sympo- 

 sium owe a great debt to Dr. Bronk and to The Rockefeller 

 Institute for most generous and lovely hospitality, to the staffs 

 of The Rockefeller Institute, the National Academy of Sci- 

 ences, the AAAS, and the Sloan Foundation for their many 

 hours of efficient and extra work. Mr. Willcox B. Adsit of the 

 General Motors Acceptance Corporation was invaluable in as- 

 sisting with all the complicated arrangements for the banquet 

 at the Waldorf. The firm of Ivy Lee and T. J. Ross handled all 

 press and public relations aspects with taste and efficiency, Mr. 

 J. M. Ripley and Mr. William A. Paddock being primarily 

 responsible. Miss Ruth Abramson and Miss Helena Curtis, of 

 the public relations staff of the Memorial Center, gave impor- 

 tant assistance in connection with press releases of the technical 

 papers. Miss Virginia Tolson, on a temporary assignment at the 

 Sloan Foundation for this special purpose, was of great help in 

 handlino many aspects of the detailed arrangements. Very spe- 

 cial thanks are due to the press, radio, television, and magazine 

 representatives for their interested presence and for their effec- 

 tive handling of the news. The tally is not complete even yet, 

 but over 800 press clippings, editorials, etc., from all over the 

 nation, have been noted thus far. 



The success of the Symposium depended in an obvious 

 and essential way on the services and abilities of the speakers, 

 the chairmen, and the rapporteurs. A very special thanks is 

 clearly due to this group. 



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