The Position of University and Higher Technical Education

Abstract

I.—SUPPLY AND OUTPUT OF STUDENTS. TWO of the chief subjects dealt with in the report of the Government Committee on the position of natural science in the educational system of Great Britain, of which ia summary was given in NATURE of April 18, are (1) the need for concerted efforts to increase the number oif students at universities and higher technical institutions with the view of securing a larger supply of trained scientific workers required for industrial, and other purposes, and (2) that increased grants of public money are required to equip the universities for their work in pure and applied science, and to enable a substantial reduction of fees to be made. Few particulars are given an the report to show how the position of Great Britain as regards university and higher technical education compares with those of countries like Germany and the United States, though the evidence which sucth a comparison affords strengthens greatly the case presented. It may be worth whale, therefore, to bring kagelther some facts which accentuate ithe need and urgency of action in the directions indicated by Sir J. J. Thornson's Committee.