1 14 GERMAN SCIENCE 



exalted and encouraged by what has happened in these 

 specially chemical industries. 



Be that as it may, the spectacle of German industry 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 success 

 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 



