The Organisation of Science

Abstract

SIR WILLIAM CROOKES hit the nail on the head when he said that the nation's attitude towards science is largely due to the popular idea that science is a kind of hobby” (NATURE, December 2, 1915); and “F.R.S.” directed the point of it when he said:—“What else can the general public do while men of science, in dealing with one another, generally act upon the principle that scientific investigation is a hobby for which facilities are required, not payment?” (NATURE, December 23, 1915). There is in this a distinct dereliction of duty, both by the public and by men of science. Science is not an amusement, but the most important of industries; and it is a premier obligation, of the public, of Government, and of men of science themselves, to advance it by every means in their power. Now what is the truth? Of all the occupations which individual men can possibly follow, the serious investigation of nature is the most profitable to the world at large”and the least profitable to the person who undertakes it. The result, controlled by ordinary economic laws, is that very few persons indeed ever do really engage in it, and if they do they suffer in consequence.