8 Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. [Sess* 
United Kingdom, and the most effective institutions and investigators are 
to be utilised irrespective of nationality. The Advisory Council is to co- 
operate with, and receive suggestions from, the Royal Society, scientific 
associations, the universities, technical colleges, and other institutions in 
which research can be carried on. It will surely be conceded that this 
organisation rests on a sound basis. 
The first report of this Committee and of the Advisory Council, which 
has recently been issued, is of surpassing interest, and deserves careful 
consideration by everyone who is interested in the future welfare of the 
country. One must admire the thoroughness of their methods. In the 
numerous conferences that have taken place with the representatives of 
professional and other societies, it has transpired that the most highly 
organised industries have made most use of scientific research, while other 
trades have made little or no progress in this respect. At the same time 
it is admitted that the representatives of different industries have shown 
willingness to co-operate and to carry out research for the benefit of the 
trade as a whole. The Advisory Council recognise that research in pure 
science, which naturally finds its home in the universities, is essentially the 
basis of applied science. But in allocating grants they have been compelled 
to begin with industrial research, partly on account of the requirements of 
the manufacturers, and partly owing to the depletion of students and staffs 
in the universities and technical colleges through the war. 
Two conditions are regarded by the Advisory Council as essential for 
the success of their work. The first is, a largely increased supply of men 
who are competent to undertake research ; the second is, cordial co-operation 
among men of science, men of business, working men, professional and 
scientific societies, universities and technical colleges, local authorities and 
Government departments. It is obvious that in order to secure the 
required number of researchers there must be radical changes in the 
educational sj^stem of the country. A heavy responsibility rests with 
Boards of Education and all the great educational institutions to carry out 
these reforms with the aid of the legislature. Co-operation between all 
concerned is no less essential, for if the strife between capital and labour 
continues after the war, then our national welfare will be seriously 
imperilled. 
The relation of science to industries and education is one of the 
absorbing questions of the present time. The Commonwealth of Australia 
has followed the lead of our own Government, and has produced a scheme 
for establishing an Institute of Science and Industry with an Advisory 
Council. Canada is acting on similar lines. The Government of the 
