208 



Ndlional Resources Planning Board 



and her population is so predominantly agricultural 

 that her aims toward self-sufficiency have been realized 

 only in relatively small degree. One of the principal 

 directions which these efforts have taken is the manu- 

 facture of chemical and related products hitherto im- 

 ported. Other major activities include motor fuel 

 from agricultural materials, low-temperature distilla- 

 tion of lignite, new sources of cellulose, new fdiers, and 

 development of colonial resources. More recently de- 

 velopment of metallic and nonmetallic minerals and 

 certain coal deposits has been contemplated. 



Mussolini and high-ranking officials are keenh- aware 

 of the importance of research in following this plan. 

 The national economy program places emphasis on 

 applied rather than fundamental research, as in 

 Germany. 



The National Research Council 



The National Research Council of Italy was first set 

 up in 1921, but with its peculiar organization was 

 unable to yield the results expected of it. The National 

 Government, recognizing the benefits which might 

 accrue from such an institute, however, reorganized it 

 about 1928. Under a better-defined legal status the 



council became a permanent consulting agency of the 

 head of the Government and of the Ministry of Public 

 Instruction for all problems concerning the develop- 

 ment and progress of scientific activity at home and 

 abroad. 



The council is also charged with the control of scien- 

 tific apparatus and biological and scientific products. 

 Its approval is required of Government loans for plant 

 expansion, new equipment, and capital accounts, in 

 connection with which it gives technical advice and 

 lends assistance through Government and university 

 research. Representation of Italy at international 

 scientific and technical meetings is controlled by the 

 council. 



The National Research Council is supported by 

 funds appropriated by the Government, by the Minis- 

 tries which call upon it for services, by industrial 

 concerns which utdize its facilities, and by royalties 

 from patents held by it. 



The National Research Council is organized along 

 lines similar to the coimcil in the United States. The 

 scientific and technical divisions correspond closely to 

 our own. Committees are charged with specific 

 research problems in such fields as industrial develop- 

 ment, public health, engineermg, and agriculture. 



FiGCRB 62. — High-Speed Wind Tunnel, Government Aviation Research Center, Guidonia, Italy 



Hamilton \\'right Phot i 



