Science for modern life

The following two articles by Dr. J. Bronowski, Director of the Central Research Establishment of the National Coal Board, appeared in `The Observer¿ on the 7th and 14th October 1956. They are reproduced here by kind permission of Dr. Bronowski and the Editor of `The Observer¿. Many members will no doubt have read the articles already, but we make no apology for providing an opportunity for reading them again. The first skilfully illuminates a defect in the outlook typical of someone following the `British way of life¿¿a way of life of which many of us are justly very proud. But the ill effects of this taint, if it is not swiftly attacked by a change in educational emphasis, will be increasingly plain as our economy comes to hinge more and more on the use of scientific method. In his second article, Dr. Bronowski is on slightly more controversial ground, where he makes some constructive and challenging suggestions for improving the teaching of science in schools. The Institution is now very concerned with this difficulty of scientific outlook and education; it is indeed one which every member should apprehend and help to resolve if opportunity is given him.