The British Association

Abstract

THE leading article in NATURE of September 16 gives articulation to notions which have been very prevalent of late. One does, indeed, occasionally hear the suggestion made that the British Association has outlived its period of usefulness, but most of us, I think, are of opinion that the virility of this nonagenarian institution is such that it should effect even more during its next ninety years than in its past to promote the objects laid down in clause 1 of chap. i. of its rules. One feels, however, that some infusion of modernity is necessary if the best possible future is to be built up upon the fine traditions of our Association. With your permission I will remark on certain impediments to progress resulting from the present form of organisation, and suggest, with some diffidence, a possible means for their removal.