Science and Parliamentary Representation

Abstract

THE discussion which has followed the meeting of the medical profession held at Steinway Hall on October 1, “having for its object the securing of a more adequate representation of the medical profession in Parliament,” has served to show that its restricted objective is hazardous and inadequate. But at least it made prominent one of the essential conditions of successful emergence from the earthquake of the world war, viz. the instant and judicious application of competent knowledge to every branch of national and provincial administration. Those who think this must accompany schemes of national development will thank the conveners of the recent meeting, recognise the value of the discussion it induced, and proceed to ponder how fitting use may be made of the opportunity described by Dr. Addison, the Minister of Reconstruction. It has been made clear that, in the opinion of many entrusted with the executive power of the State, the time has come when those who possess trained knowledge have special opportunities to which as patriots they ought to respond. These opportunities have not come to medicine alone; they have come to every branch of science and technology. It may be well, therefore, to review very briefly the circumstances in which the contributions of trained knowledge to national development may now be made continuously effective. Most of the factors of use or abuse are common to the professions, and if medicine is chiefly referred to in illustrating, it will be as a tribute to its splendid services to-day and to its Steinway Hall initiative.