OPENING ADDRESS 



H.R.H. Crown Prince Harald of Norway 



Mr. Chairman, 

 Ladies and Gentlemen, 



May I firstly thank Dr. Weyl for his kind words of welcome. Perhaps it is 

 typical of the universality and internationalism of our times — and indeed a 

 promising feature — that an American scientist should address us herein Bergen, 

 Norway, in his capacity as Host. 



My father. His Majesty The King, who addressed a similar symposium — the 

 7th International Conference on Ship Hydrodynamics — ten years ago in Oslo, has 

 asked me to bring you all his greetings and best wishes for a successful and 

 enjoyable stay — both beneficial to science and conducive to pleasure. 



As a user — one of those who benefit, or suffer , as a result of your findings — 

 I am particularly happy to be here today. I have no doubts that the great majority 

 of ideas tested are found not suitable —perhaps even dangerous — and thereby 

 you spare us anxiety and economic losses. On the other hand, we live in a com- 

 petitive world — in politics, in economics and in sports. When a new idea is 

 thought of and found fruitful, we, the users, would like to keep it to ourselves. 

 You have the scientific attitude; you like to share your findings, for the better- 

 ment of mankind, to develop your findings, and indeed to further the science you 

 represent. 



The world has come a long way from pieces of wood drifting in rivers and 

 on the sea, thereby giving man the idea to try to float himself on the first raft 

 or boat. 



Sturdiness and stability, particularly in the serious and often fatal question 

 of top-weight, were the first problems to be solved. Then followed a long epoch 

 of the shipbuilder as an artist, and now science has more and more taken over. 

 The modern shipbuilder is no more a fifth generation artist in his field with a 

 saw and axe, but a serious, studious mathematician with drawingboard and slide 

 rule. 



Perhaps we have come too far; perhaps we shall have to take one or several 

 steps back, searching for something important overlooked in the rapid develop- 

 ment. That in itself may be one of the findings, here or elsewhere. 



I wish you all every success in your endeavours to improve ships and boats 

 for the benefit of all. May your discussions be fruitful and not too long. 



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