Evening star., 1946-11-17
America Leads
In Spending of
Science Funds
By Robert E. Geiger


America is spending upwards of 81 800
100000 year on scientific research and
development.
Scientists and Government statistical
experts who co-operated on this eSti-
mate say it undoubtedly places the
United States in the forefront of other
nations on the basis of funds invested.
But they say Americans shouldn't let
this lull them into thinking that this
Nation can't be overtaken in achieve
ment.
Russia has indicated she will spend
around S950,000,000 this year with the
avowed purpose Of being first to unlock
important new secrets. Premier Stain
has said Russian scientists will be able
in the near future not only to overtake
but to surpass the achievement Of
science beyond the boundaries of our
country
Scientists emphasize that expenditure
is false yardstick for several reasons,
among them:
1. Experiments carried out on shoe
string" basis sometimes have good
chance of producing as great results as
those carried out in the most costly
manner.
2. Science is divided into two main
classifications: Research in basic or
pure" science, and applied science.
Many American authorities agree the
United States lags in pure" science.
Basic research is concerned with fer
reting out new principles of natural
laws, such as the principles of nuclear
fission.
Applied science is concerned with
making such principles work for man.
Thus nuclear fission can be applied in
atomic bombs or as fuel in machines.
pure" Science Cupboards Bare.
DR.. Vannevar Bush, director of the
Ofice of Scientific Research and Devel-
opment, says the worlds pure" science
cupboards are as bare in some catgo-
ries as Old Mother Hubbards.
In the physical sciences, especially. is
this true, says Vice Admiral Harold
@. Bowen, chief of the Office of Naval
Research. During the war scientists
worked feverishly applying their knowl-
edge OF basic science to the production
of implements to defeat the enemy. This
used up most of the basic knowledge.
Experts say that not more than per
cent of the money being spent in the
United States, or about S75,000,000 goes
for pure research.
A much greater portion of Russia's
$3.50, 900 may be going for that pur-
pose Available statistics do not disclose
this information.
DR.. Bush, in his report to the Presi-
dent, Science, the Endless Frontier"
estimated that before the war the total
national expenditure on science was
about $267 100000 a year. He said
about $40,000000 of this was for pure
research, about one-sixth of the total
DR. Bush recommended that generous
support to university research is essen
tial if the proportion of pure TO applied
research is to be maintained at anything
like the previous (prewar) relationship"
How the Budget Is Apportioned.
The $1,500,000,0 900 a year estimated
United States science budget is based
on these figures:
The Bureau of the Budget, in com.
pilation just completed, says $711,993,-
TIC was appropriated by Congress and is
available for obligation" for research
and development projects in the present
budget year.
In addition, about $4,000 900 was ap-
propriated for the Manhattan atomic
bomb project this. year.
Several experts estimate that Amer
ican industry is spending around $780,.
100000 on research after Implications
are eliminated, about twice the prewar
figure. Implications principally are in
Government money spent in industrial
research
The National Research Council has
Just released personnel statistics which
scientists say tend to bear out the finan-
cial estimates. The councils report
shows that personnel employed in indus
trial research laboratories almost dou-
bled during the war years, increasing to
1855 workers.
The Bush report indicates colleges and
universities could spend about $4,000.
600 year on research in postwar years.
Distributed by the Associated Press.)