Notes

Abstract

IT was announced in Sunday's Observer that the Government would shortly introduce a Bill dealing with the constitution of the proposed Imperial College of Applied Science at South Kensington, and the relation of the college to the University of London. We find, however, that this report is incorrect; though the scheme for the establishment of the college was outlined nearly four years ago, when Messrs. Wernher, Beit and Co. offered 100,000l. towards the cost and the London County Council agreed to contribute 20,000l. a year for maintenance, the matter is still in abeyance. This delay, as we have remarked before, is both unfortunate and dangerous. The chief point at issue is whether the college shall form part the University of London and be controlled by the Senate of the University, or Whether it. shall be an independent institution having a governing body of its own. While the relationship between the two institutions is being decided, there is no visible sign that the scheme, is taking definite shape, and many men of science and leaders industry are becoming impatient at the delay. The departmental committee on the Royal College of Science and Royal School of Mines, in referring to the composition and functions of the governing body of the new college, remarked (see NATURE, February 8, 1906, p. 345):—“Of the relation of the new institution to the University of London, it is necessary to premise that we are agreed that it is desirable that the new institution sholild be established immediately, and that its organisation should proceed without delay.” With this recommendation we are in complete agreement. When the college has been in existence for several years it will be time enough to decide what its connection with the University must be. In the meantime, the special governing body proposed by the departmental committee ought to be appointed to start the institution. If something is not done soon, the enthusiasm with which the scheme for the establishment of the new college for advanced instruction and research in applied science was received will give place to public condemnation of the dilatory methods adopted in a matter of great national importance.