PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS FERGUSSON. XIX 



we stand let me state that it is at present impossible to 

 start any cliemical manufacture in which alcohol is used. 

 Our legislation regarding industrial alcohol is behind that 

 of Britain as Brita n lags behind the continental nations. 



In Ma}^ last there was a debate in the British Parliament 

 on the appointment of ''an Advisory Council on Industrial 

 and Scientific Research," and never before has science re- 

 ceived such notice in that chamber. One speaker stated 

 that in the chemical works of G ermany there was one highly 

 trained specialist for every fifteen employees, and so important 

 was that industry that there was one highly traiijed specialist 

 in chemistry for every forty-five emploj^ees taking in all 

 the industries of that country; and he drew a contrast with 

 Eng'.and where there were three hundred and fifty research 

 students. He also stated, and his words will bear repetition: 

 "I go so far as to say that eventually the whole civilization 

 of this world and not merely that of England itself must 

 turn on the axis of science, and as we advance we must 

 give proportionately greater and greater importance to 

 this great developemgnt of scientific life." 



As a re.sult of Britain's awakening to realize the value 

 of science and scientific research the Advisory Council and 

 Committee were appointed, and this, we will feel assured, 

 augurs well for the future of the mother countr\'. Let us 

 hope the awakening may be complete and permanent and that 

 the lesson will be taken to heart by the Governments of her 

 ch Idren, the Over-seas Dominions. 



The presentation of the Treasurer's and Librarian's 

 reports were deferred to a future meeting, their reports 

 not being at hand. (See meeting of 22 February, 1916). 



Dr. a. H. MacKay presented a report from the com- 

 mittee appointed to ask the Government, on account of 



