SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY. 
Scientific Research: An Empire Appeal. 
Reproduced hereunder is a copy of a circular issued by Lord 
Milner, Secretary of State for the Colonies, to the self-governing 
dominions, colonies, and protectorates of the British Empire, 
emphasizing the importance of the development of the economic 
resources of the Empire, and the stimulation of activities for the 
conduct of scientific research. 
The part that science played in the winning’ of the war is still so 
fresh in the minds of the public that it is unlikely that its aid towards 
the solution of the reconstruction problems aris ng out of the war will 
be openly or widely opposed. Among the leading nations there is a 
great awakening to the national value of scientific research. During 
the war the British Government created a Department of Scientific and 
Industrial Research, with a fund of over £1,000,000 at its disposal; 
whilst various scientific organizations have taken up various branches 
of the subject of the development of science, and its co-ordination with 
industry, education, and administration. France is undertaking a new | 
. national institution for scientific research on a large scale. 
Germany and the United States had long since employed science as 
the handmaid of industry. Japan is invoking its help in preparation 
for the international industrial conflict, and its newly-formed Institute 
has a sum of £500,000 at its command. Canada looks forward to the 
expansion of her industries and the exploitation of her resources from 
the development of research. A permanent body has been established 
to advise on questions of scientific and technological methods affecting 
industry. South Africa and New Zealand are also creating national 
research organizations. 
The proposal circulated by Lord Milner aims at the development 
and co-ordination of scientific research for the betterment of industry 
throughout the Empire, and also indicates broadly the spheres of action 
in which co-operative effort can be advantageously employed. It is as 
follows :— 
Downing-street, 
11th June, 1919. 
Sir, 
At the close of the prolonged struggle of the last four years, and 
having regard to the depletion of raw materials which has been caused 
and to the vast financial responsibilities which have been left behind, 
it is evidently more than ever necessary that the economic resources of 
the Empire in general should be developed to the uttermost, and I wish 
to suggest to you that the time is particularly opportune for a review of 
the activities carried on by or on behalf of your Government in sciantifie 
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