The British Science Guild

Abstract

THE Mansion House was an appropriate venue for the great meeting organised by the British Science Guild on February 27 to acknowledge and proclaim the importance of scientific method, scientific knowledge, and scientific research as factors in promoting “national and Imperial interests” In the Egyptian Hall, with its high curved roof, its brilliant stained-glass windows, its serried banners recalling battles and heroes of long ago, the Lord Mayor presided over a distinguished company of representatives of modern science and industry. The first citizen of London is the honoured custodian of many great traditions, among which not the least precious is the city's historic generosity in promoting education and science. The City and its Companies have in the past given freely of their wealth in aid of these great causes, and it is fitting therefore that their faith in science, so amply proved, should stimulate the new crusade for its increased national recognition. Not less significant was the King's message of encouragement which Lord Askwith read to the meeting, welcoming the efforts of the Guild “to stimulate the scientific spirit, and to secure that application of science to industries, commerce, and, indeed, in all fields of human activities, so essential to efficiency and to the closer fellowship of ail parts of the Empire.”