The British Association

Abstract

I CERTAINLY agree in the main with the views expressed in the leading article in NATURE of September 16 on “The British Association and National Life.” No one seems to be satisfied with the Association as it is, and the advance of the times has left it decadent just when it ought to be entering into its heritage. Any detailed criticism of the last meeting could scarcely fail to be invidious, but it could have given to few the impression that scientific men themselves are aware of the position science now holds in the community or realise that the vast body of the general public, disillusioned by the war, looks to them to provide a way of escape from the evils that threaten our civilisation. The Association provides an annual opportunity to honour by rotation and seniority a few scientific men by making them officials and inviting them to preside over its deliberations; to advance the numerous schemes competing for public money one or two at a time; to study human nature, another city and the surrounding scenery; but it makes no attempt to come to grips with the real enemy or to take the position already conceded by the general public to the spirit and service of science as almost the only disinterested and effective agency in a cannibalistic and corrupt society.