The Mobilisation of Science

Abstract

THE article in NATURE of June 17 expresses forcibly what many men of science are thinking. The strange part of the matter is that the Government and the country generally do not share in these thoughts and do not take action by insisting on scientific men taking on themselves their share of the common burden. The general disregard of science is, of course, the fault of scientific men, and particularly of the Royal Society, but limitations of space do not permit me to enter upon that fascinating theme here and now. The point to be dealt with is: What is to be done now? NATURE says, on p. 419, that what is required is “the appointment of a National Committee with a free hand and ample funds for experimental work”; and that “we should possess a scientific corps, with men investigating at the Front as well as at home, instead of one or two committees advising officials as to possible means of offence or defence.”