This is a podcast from the archives of the BBC Reith Lectures.

This lecture in the series Science and the Nation, given by Edward Appleton, was originally

broadcast in 1956.

The Reith Lectures. Here is Sir Edward Appleton, fellow of the Royal Society, principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Edinburgh.

He gives the second of two talks on science for a purpose

in the BBC series of broadcasts on Science in the Nation.

Sir Edward Appleton discusses industrial science.

In my last lecture, I described how the British government

is responsible for the support and conduct of a large part of the field of applied science,

some of it for its own needs and some for the general benefit of our industries.

In this second lecture on science for a purpose,

I'm going to talk about the scientific work which industry itself carries out

to sustain its own activities.

And since the task of industry is to produce actual things for sale to consumers and users,

you'll readily understand that its concern with science is, above all things, practical and economic in outlook.

As an exporting nation, we've had to learn from experience

that we must keep adjusting ourselves

to the changing pattern of industrial trade.

We must be constantly pioneering new types of goods

and new and improved methods of production.

So, if it's to be both efficient and progressive,

industry must be constantly questioning the way it's making things,

...