114 GERMAN SCIENCE 
exalted and encouraged by what has — in these 
specially chemical industries. 
Be that as it may, the spectacle of German hire to-day 
discloses an intimacy and degree of association between 
science and practice such as the world has never seen, and 
such as is not yet approached in any other country. 
So much then for the coal-tar industry. I have dwelt upon 
it because it represents the most conspicuous German stiecess 
among manufactures which depend upon the appreciation and 
application of science. , 
It must not be supposed that it is the only example that — 
could be adduced. On the contrary, it is only one of many, 
and, indeed, it might have been more instructive if I had 
chosen some other industry with which we are more familiar 
in this country to show how, By the application of science, the 
Germans have succeeded not only in making themselves in- 
dependent of nations to which they formerly looked for their 
supplies, but have gone further and proved themselves success- 
ful rivals as manufacturers for the outside world. One hears 
the alarm sounded on every side, and even in industries in 
which we have been inclined to feel a natural and unassailable 
pre-eminence, authoritative opinion now gives us reason to 
abandon our complacency. 
I desire to speak with moderation and with all due reserve. 
I am well aware that a man of science is not entitled to 
dogmatize about industrial affairs. I am well aware that men, 
impressed by the successes which have followed the application 
of science to industry, tend to underestimate other factors of 
success. Nor am I disposed to repine about British industry. 
I see many signs of vigour and enterprise. The statistics of 
trade are wonderful. I know too that there is a constant and 
rapidly increasing tendency to apply science to industry in 
this country. And yet, when every allowance is made, I : 
think it may be affirmed with the utmost confidence that 
