5° 
forward to this first report of a committee of 
eminent scientific men for a masterly, comprehen- 
sive, and effectual treatment of the whole subject 
which would at least outline the strategy of the 
campaign. The report gives us, however, a more 
or less tentative discussion’ of the problem, and 
sums it up with the rather vague statement that 
its solution depends upon the largely increased 
supply of competent researchers, and, secondly, 
upon a hearty spirit of co-operation among all 
concerned. 
As regards actual achievement, the Council has 
found that the conditions imposed by the war 
made it difficult to deal with the problem of assist- 
ing pure scientific research effectually, and there- 
fore decided to give science in its applications to 
industry precedence. Here again, however, ob- 
stacles were encountered, and the Council has 
therefore limited its action to affording financial 
assistance to about twenty researches which were 
suggested or begun by engineering or profes- 
sional societies. It has also expended about 6oool. 
in securing the assistance in certain researches of 
about forty persons not taken up with other war- 
work. 
In addition to this, there have been established 
certain Standing Committees on mining, metal- 
lurgy, and engineering. A section of the report 
is occupied with the discussion of the attitude of 
industry to scientific research, but we think most 
experienced manufacturers would say that the 
analysis of the subject does not go deeply enough 
into the difficulties on the commercial side. The 
causes which have been at work in retarding or 
preventing the manufacturer from availing him- 
self more completely of scientific research are very 
complex, and not by any means due to sheer 
lethargy or want of foresight. The problem of 
fostering and encouraging scientific industry is, 
in fact, a very much less simple one than that of 
promoting scientific research, although the two 
act and react on each other in several ways. 
There would be no difficulty, apart from the 
present abnormal war-time conditions, in finding 
men of ability to take up scientific research as a 
life-work provided only the inducements to it are 
made sufficiently great, any more than exists in 
the case of other professions. So long, however, 
as the pursuit of original scientific investigations 
remains a blind-alley occupation, or is only capable 
of being followed in the leisure moments of other 
work, such as teaching, or by men of independent 
means, so long will it fail to attract a large 
number of young mea of ambition and ability to 
its pursuit. 
What is required is the formulation of a scheme 
by which men who have decided or proved talents 
for pure scientific research can be enabled to 
devote themselves to it as a life-work with just as 
much opportunity for reasonable or exceptional 
emoluments as in other professions. It is said 
that if scientific abilities were properly utilised in 
industry such positions would be forthcoming, but 
having regard to present conditions we are in a 
NO. -2447, VOL. 98| 
NATURE 
[SEPTEMBER 21, 1916 
vicious circle. If. pure scientific research is of. 
national importance, then it behoves the nation to- 
make its pursuit possible as a profession apart 
from any connection with industry. It is, there- 
fore, much to be regretted that the Council has” 
not been able to formulate éven in outline some. 
more definite proposals with this end in view. _ 
The establishment of scholarships or temporary. 
engagements at 1501. a year or so does not meet 
the case. There must be the prospect of such 
permanent and well-paid work as shall induce men 
of high abilities to take up research work as the 
business of their lives. ; 
With regard to the relations of industry and — ’ 
science, the report does not furnish recommenda-_ 
tions of any very definite character. It is realised 
by the Council that manufacturers and men of 
business have not any reluctance to avail them- 
selves. of scientific assistance: or advice provided — 
they can be shown that expenditure on it is an 
investment and not a mere speculation. Hesita- 
tion to embark on it is not always to be regarded 
as an indication of disbelief in its utility, but is 
determined very much by the scale of the business. ” 
A small concern, or one of moderate capitalisation, © 
simply cannot afford to wait long for a return on 
an investment of capital. It must be certain cf 
it within a limited time if it is to continue to exist 
at all. Moreover, of late years manufacturers 
have lived in an atmosphere darkened by the 
clouds of incessant contests with labour, and with 
the uncertainties arising from legislation directed 
rather by the interests of parties and politicians 
than by any serious attempts to support the staple 
industries of the country. Hence they have been 
compelled to take short views, and not launch out 
into enterprises which might bring them no 
appreciable return. Until these deep-seated diffi- 
culties are cleared away, it is therefore futile to 
reproach the individual manufacturer or manager 
| with his backwardness in availing himself of 
scientific research. 
The report supplies, however, a large amount 
of interesting information which shows that, under 
the pressure of circumstances, many trade asso- 
ciations, originally formed merely to fix prices, 
regulate production, or battle with labour, are 
now. turning their attention to co-operative 
scientific inquiry as a means of relieving them- . 
selves of difficulties created by foreign monopolies 
of manufacture. In this effort it is probable also 
that the Advisory Council and its Standing Com- 
mittees will perform the very useful function of ~ 
being a clearing-house for ideas, suggestions, and _ 
inquiries, and act as guide, philosopher, and friend 
to these associations who are thus endeavouring 
to work out their own salvation. There is only 
one way in which the British manufacturer can 
meet the threatened post-war competition, and 
that is by standing shoulder to shoulder with his 
fellows against the common foe. Isolated they 
will be destroyed in detail, but as a phalanx they 
will prevail. The Advisory Council will, no doubt, 
fulfil a very important function in being a centre 
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