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is clear that Soviet science, and biology in particular, was heavily damaged by Stalin's assault on genetics. I see no evidence, however, on the basis of the historical record up to this time, that science necessarily flourishes better un- der a democracy than under an au- thoritarian regime, provided the latter is reasonable enough to allow investi- gators to pursue their researches with- out interference, in the field of their in- terest. I doubt whether the imagination of Soviet physicists and chemists in at- tacking scientific problems today is sig- nificantly inhibited by the fact that the free play of thought and discussion in the domain of the social sciences is
is clear that Soviet science, and biology in particular, was heavily damaged by Stalin's assault on genetics. I see no evidence, however, on the basis of the historical record up to this time, that science necessarily flourishes better un- der a democracy than under an au- thoritarian regime, provided the latter is reasonable enough to allow investi- gators to pursue their researches with- out interference, in the field of their in- terest. I doubt whether the imagination of Soviet physicists and chemists in at- tacking scientific problems today is sig- nificantly inhibited by the fact that the free play of thought and discussion in the domain of the social sciences is
is clear that Soviet science, and biology in particular, was heavily damaged by Stalin's assault on genetics. I see no evidence, however, on the basis of the historical record up to this time, that science necessarily flourishes better un- der a democracy than under an au- thoritarian regime, provided the latter is reasonable enough to allow investi- gators to pursue their researches with- out interference, in the field of their in- terest. I doubt whether the imagination of Soviet physicists and chemists in at- tacking scientific problems today is sig- nificantly inhibited by the fact that the free play of thought and discussion in the domain of the social sciences is
sharply restricted in Russia. The Rus- sian biologists may suffer more than the physicists and chemists, since their field of research is closer to the social sciences, but here the wounds suffered by Soviet biology in the Lysenko con- troversy have probably been a more important factor.
The spirit of independent inquiry, which is essential for every scientist, sometimes spreads from the particular area of his research interests and be- comes embodied in an independent and critical attitude toward the prob- lems of the world in general. Hence, one may cherish the hope that totali- tarian governments, which today are
sharply restricted in Russia. The Rus- sian biologists may suffer more than the physicists and chemists, since their field of research is closer to the social sciences, but here the wounds suffered by Soviet biology in the Lysenko con- troversy have probably been a more important factor.
The spirit of independent inquiry, which is essential for every scientist, sometimes spreads from the particular area of his research interests and be- comes embodied in an independent and critical attitude toward the prob- lems of the world in general. Hence, one may cherish the hope that totali- tarian governments, which today are
sharply restricted in Russia. The Rus- sian biologists may suffer more than the physicists and chemists, since their field of research is closer to the social sciences, but here the wounds suffered by Soviet biology in the Lysenko con- troversy have probably been a more important factor.
The spirit of independent inquiry, which is essential for every scientist, sometimes spreads from the particular area of his research interests and be- comes embodied in an independent and critical attitude toward the prob- lems of the world in general. Hence, one may cherish the hope that totali- tarian governments, which today are
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Here's the new safer, easier way to carry, store and pour just about any liquid. This heavy duty JerriCan is specifically engineered to handle everything from distilled water to corrosive chemicals under the most rugged conditions. It's made of F.D.A.-approved linear polyethy- lene. Unbreakable-blow-molded in a unique design for highest tensile strength-yet so light in weight. And so easy to pour from, with vented, threaded spout (removable, with built-in holder). No air-lock or sudden splash, just a safe, steady
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flow. Compact rectangular shape fits easily on shelves ... no wasted storage space. You'll like JerriCan's trim, ultra-modern styling-in natu- ral color with smartly contrasting spout and strap-fastened cap. In 1 2,2 2 and 5-gallon sizes from your laboratory supply dealer. Ask for our new catalog of the complete line of Nalgene labware. Just write Dept. 2120.
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compelled to promote the development of science in order to maintain their position as world powers, will eventually become permeated by more liberal thinking on the part of their scientists, who may gradually come to assert their intellectual independence in wider spheres of thought and action. This, however, remains a hope, fostered by our own interests and predilections, not an established fact.
It has indeed been demonstrated in our time that the government of a de- mocracy, such as that of the United States, can effectively foster the devel- opment of science on an unprecedented scale. In this sense experience has re- futed the gloomy forebodings of Asa Gray, quoted in the first paragraph of this letter; but this is obviously no proof that a democratic society can promote the growth of science more effectively than any other.
The subject deserves more thought and research than has been given to it, and these brief remarks are offered largely in the hope that they may stim- ulate historians and social scientists to inquire more deeply into the relations between the growth of science and the form of government and society in which the scientists live.
JOHN T. EDSALL Biological Laboratories, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Reference
1. A. H. Dupree, Science in the Federal Govern- ment: A History of Policies and Activities to 1940 (Harvard Univ. Press, Cambridge, Mass., 1957), p. 156.
Proving Grounds in the
Behavioral Sciences
Two sentences from a recent issue of Science [135, 503, 505 (1962)], one from the editorial "Prophecy fulfilled" and one from the article, "A scientific society-the beginnings," by Glenn Sea- borg (neither sentence especially ger- mane to the principal theme of either author), plus a sentence from the lead article of a later issue, "Strengthening the behavioral sciences" [136, 233 (1962)], places in juxtaposition factors which I believe underlie a major dislo- cation in the "mix" of American re-
compelled to promote the development of science in order to maintain their position as world powers, will eventually become permeated by more liberal thinking on the part of their scientists, who may gradually come to assert their intellectual independence in wider spheres of thought and action. This, however, remains a hope, fostered by our own interests and predilections, not an established fact.
It has indeed been demonstrated in our time that the government of a de- mocracy, such as that of the United States, can effectively foster the devel- opment of science on an unprecedented scale. In this sense experience has re- futed the gloomy forebodings of Asa Gray, quoted in the first paragraph of this letter; but this is obviously no proof that a democratic society can promote the growth of science more effectively than any other.
The subject deserves more thought and research than has been given to it, and these brief remarks are offered largely in the hope that they may stim- ulate historians and social scientists to inquire more deeply into the relations between the growth of science and the form of government and society in which the scientists live.
JOHN T. EDSALL Biological Laboratories, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Reference
1. A. H. Dupree, Science in the Federal Govern- ment: A History of Policies and Activities to 1940 (Harvard Univ. Press, Cambridge, Mass., 1957), p. 156.
Proving Grounds in the
Behavioral Sciences
Two sentences from a recent issue of Science [135, 503, 505 (1962)], one from the editorial "Prophecy fulfilled" and one from the article, "A scientific society-the beginnings," by Glenn Sea- borg (neither sentence especially ger- mane to the principal theme of either author), plus a sentence from the lead article of a later issue, "Strengthening the behavioral sciences" [136, 233 (1962)], places in juxtaposition factors which I believe underlie a major dislo- cation in the "mix" of American re-
compelled to promote the development of science in order to maintain their position as world powers, will eventually become permeated by more liberal thinking on the part of their scientists, who may gradually come to assert their intellectual independence in wider spheres of thought and action. This, however, remains a hope, fostered by our own interests and predilections, not an established fact.
It has indeed been demonstrated in our time that the government of a de- mocracy, such as that of the United States, can effectively foster the devel- opment of science on an unprecedented scale. In this sense experience has re- futed the gloomy forebodings of Asa Gray, quoted in the first paragraph of this letter; but this is obviously no proof that a democratic society can promote the growth of science more effectively than any other.
The subject deserves more thought and research than has been given to it, and these brief remarks are offered largely in the hope that they may stim- ulate historians and social scientists to inquire more deeply into the relations between the growth of science and the form of government and society in which the scientists live.
JOHN T. EDSALL Biological Laboratories, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Reference
1. A. H. Dupree, Science in the Federal Govern- ment: A History of Policies and Activities to 1940 (Harvard Univ. Press, Cambridge, Mass., 1957), p. 156.
Proving Grounds in the
Behavioral Sciences
Two sentences from a recent issue of Science [135, 503, 505 (1962)], one from the editorial "Prophecy fulfilled" and one from the article, "A scientific society-the beginnings," by Glenn Sea- borg (neither sentence especially ger- mane to the principal theme of either author), plus a sentence from the lead article of a later issue, "Strengthening the behavioral sciences" [136, 233 (1962)], places in juxtaposition factors which I believe underlie a major dislo- cation in the "mix" of American re- search and development.
The fragment from the editorial is: "the theory-to-practice sequence is not as rigorous as is common in the physi- cal sciences and engineering." The
search and development. The fragment from the editorial is:
"the theory-to-practice sequence is not as rigorous as is common in the physi- cal sciences and engineering." The
search and development. The fragment from the editorial is:
"the theory-to-practice sequence is not as rigorous as is common in the physi- cal sciences and engineering." The
SCIENCE, VOL. 137 SCIENCE, VOL. 137 SCIENCE, VOL. 137 458 458 458
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sentence from Seaborg is: "Today, about 12 percent of the federal funds for research and development are used to support basic research fields." The statement from the later issue is: "large- scale action programs have seldom been accompanied or preceded by pilot stud- ies which evaluated the several alter- native actions that appeared equally at- tractive."
In the physical sciences and in en- gineering, Seaborg notes, Americans spend some $8 in the "theory-to-prac- tice sequence" for each $1 spent on theory, in contrast to the disregard of this aspect of effort in the behavioral sciences, as noted in the third sentence quoted. No, or few, test facilities or proving grounds in the behavioral sci- ences can be cited as counterparts of the tens or even hundreds supported in the physical and engineering sciences. Who is to say that if a comparable ef- fort were made, comparable results would not be achieved?
It is a commonly accepted view that the behavioral sciences are not as far advanced as the natural sciences. The conclusion is sometimes drawn that this is the sole or a major cause of the less firm understanding, in practice, of be- havioral than of physical phenomena. The "mathematical model" of this ar- gument might run as follows: given curves / and g, where a point A of f is not on g and a point B of g is not on f, then / and g can have no point in common.
It should be clear that neither the conclusion nor the line of argument is espoused in any of the articles cited. Indeed, it appears that they justify, rather, the conclusion that in the "the- ory-to-practice sequence," as elsewhere, "you get what you pay for."
CLIFFORD J. MALONEY
601 Culler Avenue, Frederick, Maryland
Genesis of Cancer
Despite its title, "Heritance of ac- quired characters," the recent article by Frank L. Horsfall, Jr. [Science 136, 472 (1962)], is devoted largely to the rela- tionship between viruses and cancer. I have no professional concern with that subject and no fault to find with factual
sentence from Seaborg is: "Today, about 12 percent of the federal funds for research and development are used to support basic research fields." The statement from the later issue is: "large- scale action programs have seldom been accompanied or preceded by pilot stud- ies which evaluated the several alter- native actions that appeared equally at- tractive."
In the physical sciences and in en- gineering, Seaborg notes, Americans spend some $8 in the "theory-to-prac- tice sequence" for each $1 spent on theory, in contrast to the disregard of this aspect of effort in the behavioral sciences, as noted in the third sentence quoted. No, or few, test facilities or proving grounds in the behavioral sci- ences can be cited as counterparts of the tens or even hundreds supported in the physical and engineering sciences. Who is to say that if a comparable ef- fort were made, comparable results would not be achieved?
It is a commonly accepted view that the behavioral sciences are not as far advanced as the natural sciences. The conclusion is sometimes drawn that this is the sole or a major cause of the less firm understanding, in practice, of be- havioral than of physical phenomena. The "mathematical model" of this ar- gument might run as follows: given curves / and g, where a point A of f is not on g and a point B of g is not on f, then / and g can have no point in common.
It should be clear that neither the conclusion nor the line of argument is espoused in any of the articles cited. Indeed, it appears that they justify, rather, the conclusion that in the "the- ory-to-practice sequence," as elsewhere, "you get what you pay for."
CLIFFORD J. MALONEY
601 Culler Avenue, Frederick, Maryland
Genesis of Cancer
Despite its title, "Heritance of ac- quired characters," the recent article by Frank L. Horsfall, Jr. [Science 136, 472 (1962)], is devoted largely to the rela- tionship between viruses and cancer. I have no professional concern with that subject and no fault to find with factual
sentence from Seaborg is: "Today, about 12 percent of the federal funds for research and development are used to support basic research fields." The statement from the later issue is: "large- scale action programs have seldom been accompanied or preceded by pilot stud- ies which evaluated the several alter- native actions that appeared equally at- tractive."
In the physical sciences and in en- gineering, Seaborg notes, Americans spend some $8 in the "theory-to-prac- tice sequence" for each $1 spent on theory, in contrast to the disregard of this aspect of effort in the behavioral sciences, as noted in the third sentence quoted. No, or few, test facilities or proving grounds in the behavioral sci- ences can be cited as counterparts of the tens or even hundreds supported in the physical and engineering sciences. Who is to say that if a comparable ef- fort were made, comparable results would not be achieved?
It is a commonly accepted view that the behavioral sciences are not as far advanced as the natural sciences. The conclusion is sometimes drawn that this is the sole or a major cause of the less firm understanding, in practice, of be- havioral than of physical phenomena. The "mathematical model" of this ar- gument might run as follows: given curves / and g, where a point A of f is not on g and a point B of g is not on f, then / and g can have no point in common.
It should be clear that neither the conclusion nor the line of argument is espoused in any of the articles cited. Indeed, it appears that they justify, rather, the conclusion that in the "the- ory-to-practice sequence," as elsewhere, "you get what you pay for."
CLIFFORD J. MALONEY
601 Culler Avenue, Frederick, Maryland
Genesis of Cancer
Despite its title, "Heritance of ac- quired characters," the recent article by Frank L. Horsfall, Jr. [Science 136, 472 (1962)], is devoted largely to the rela- tionship between viruses and cancer. I have no professional concern with that subject and no fault to find with factual aspects of the article. The title, the in- troduction, and some further remarks have, however, misleading implications for a field with which I am concerned -evolutionary theory.
SCIENCE, VOL. 137
aspects of the article. The title, the in- troduction, and some further remarks have, however, misleading implications for a field with which I am concerned -evolutionary theory.
SCIENCE, VOL. 137
aspects of the article. The title, the in- troduction, and some further remarks have, however, misleading implications for a field with which I am concerned -evolutionary theory.
SCIENCE, VOL. 137
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LINEAR-M O V E M E N T-ANGULAR MINI-MANIPULATOR
These units are designed to afford the maximum flexibility in the mini-
_'- _^*^I^ e LX mum space. Two models are avail- *'.~~ _I ~~ - able. CS-56-3 has 5/8 inch linear
*a~ J!B movement in the X,Y,Z planes. CS- 56-4 has both linear and angular movement (X-25?-0--35? and Y-15?- 0-15?). All linear dials are gradu- ated in thousands of an inch.
CSI MICROSCOPE STAGE This unit has a measuring range of
s lil FC>C.usINCG 3 inch W x 12 inch L x 41/4 inch H.
This tool was designed for inspec-
^^*kj ̂ ^^^WON tion, study and coordinate measure-
JJJJJlll^^^^^^^^"_^^^ i ments of various kinds. Examples would be interfergrams, Electron
Microscope Slides, etc. The Micro-
_I~~~----- o scope is moved by the stage left to
right, in or out, by one of three
precision screws.
BROCHURE AND PRICE UPON REQUEST
CUSTOM SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS, Inc. 541 DEVON STREET KEARNY, N. J.
LINEAR-M O V E M E N T-ANGULAR MINI-MANIPULATOR
These units are designed to afford the maximum flexibility in the mini-
_'- _^*^I^ e LX mum space. Two models are avail- *'.~~ _I ~~ - able. CS-56-3 has 5/8 inch linear
*a~ J!B movement in the X,Y,Z planes. CS- 56-4 has both linear and angular movement (X-25?-0--35? and Y-15?- 0-15?). All linear dials are gradu- ated in thousands of an inch.
CSI MICROSCOPE STAGE This unit has a measuring range of
s lil FC>C.usINCG 3 inch W x 12 inch L x 41/4 inch H.
This tool was designed for inspec-
^^*kj ̂ ^^^WON tion, study and coordinate measure-
JJJJJlll^^^^^^^^"_^^^ i ments of various kinds. Examples would be interfergrams, Electron
Microscope Slides, etc. The Micro-
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right, in or out, by one of three
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CUSTOM SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS, Inc. 541 DEVON STREET KEARNY, N. J.
I I _ -- I I I _ -- I I I _ -- I
4 4 4
