In considering Daniel Sarewitz's view of the value of scientific research in today's difficult economic times (Nature 468, 135; 2010), it is worth recalling physicist Michael Faraday's reply in the 1850s to William Gladstone, then British chancellor of the exchequer. Questioned about the practical value of electricity, Faraday answered: “One day, sir, you may tax it.”
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Polymenis, M. Faraday on the fiscal benefits of science. Nature 468, 634 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1038/468634d
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/468634d
