SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN RUSSIA

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21746, 31 March 1936, Page 5

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN RUSSIA

ADDRESS BY DR. 0. H.

FRANKEL

I Impressions of his recent visit toRussia, with special reference to observations he had made on science and scientific research, were given by Dr. O. H. Frankel yesterday in an address at the quarterly Puncheon of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce. As : proof of the immensity of Russian \ achievement into scientific agriculture, Dr. Frankel adduced the instance of the | collection of varieties of wheat which a Russian scientific institution pos-' sessed. There were no fewer than '■ 31,000 varieties in it, whereas the big- '< gest collection in the British Empire i numbered 3000. The Russians, he said, were not making the mistake of applying the discoveries of other countries directly for use in Russia without further research. It was impossible for that i method to succeed, for every country i differed essentially. An example was the discovery from potatoes growing in the Andes of a type of potatoes suited for growth in Russia, and there were numerous other instances of the manner in which the overseas expeditions sent by Russia on scientific searches the world over had proved i their worth. The co-operation between fundamental and applied research in Russia had also acted as a great stimulus to research work. Research was of tremendous importance in the country, and the way in which the idea of scientific advancement had. permeated all classes was staggering. Dr. Frankel was given a hearty vote of thanks for his address. Mr F. W. Hobbs, president of the chamber, presided at the meeting, and expressed pleasure at seeing at the luncheon so many new members who had joined since the membership campaign. He moved the adoption of the quarterly report, which has already been published, and this was seconded by Mr P. L. Porter and carried.