Scientific and Industrial Research 39 



The amount of scientific work done by some large American 

 concerns in recent years is very striking. The National Lamp 

 Company, which I have referred to, is the result of the amalga- 

 mation of some 20 firms. They spend a very large sum each year 

 on research ; a large sum, but after all small when their total 

 turn-over is considered. The General Electric Company and the 

 Kodak Company work on the same scale. 



In the case of such large concerns it is easy for them to pay 

 for their own research. Firms in these countries are as a i-ule 

 smaller, and probably we have little desire to encourage the for- 

 mation of Trusts, even if that afforded a simple way of getting the 

 necessary scientific work done. 



It would seem, therefore, that in these countries the State 

 must take part in the work, the firms which wish to have a share 

 in the results forming an association for that purpose, and of 

 course contributing towards the cost of it. 



The problem is, however, too large and too varied to be 

 dealt with in any one simple manner. Some trades may find the 

 help they need in local Universities and Technical Colleges. For 

 others great National Research Laboratories may be necessary. 

 Our present National Physical Laboratory has done much for 

 Engineering trades, and other similar institutions may be required. 

 The necessary machinery must be provided rapidly enough to 

 meet the demand ; but clearly the extent of the research move- 

 ment must depend on the demands put forward by the 

 manufacturers. The funds allotted to the work of the Advi- 

 sory Council were at first small, but we must remember that 

 during the war it is only possible to make a beginning and to 

 think out methods. It is really a question of getting ready for 

 work on a big scale when the war is over. There is every reason 

 to believe that it is the intention of the Government that the 

 movement towards research in Industrial matters must not be 

 crippled by lack of funds. That such a movement is starting 

 there is ample evidence. Some of the largest concerns in the 

 country are making enquiries, which show that their interest has 



