Pure Science In Search Of A Patron

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31865, 18 December 1968, Page 18

Pure Science In Search Of A Patron

Whether Dr R. G. Every’s theories about the significance of teeth-grinding are wholly right or wholly wrong is not important What matters is whether examining them further and accumulating and testing new evidence will lead eventually to a better understanding of human behaviour—perhaps to the better control of behaviour and the better social organisation of human beings. The end of such scientific inquiry may be intensely practical; its beginnings, as usual, seem very remote from day-to-day life. In spite of the many astonishing advances in knowledge that have had unorthodox origins—beginnings that appeared to have no obvious root in existing disciplines—many persons like Dr Every lack patrons. This is partly because resources for research are generally allotted first by institutions and governments to those schemes which seem to offer the greatest likelihood of early and useful applications. The policy may be short-sighted; but as science becomes ever more sophisticated and expensive it is almost inescapable. In seeking support for his research a scientist can have no better testimonials than those that come from other scientists; and even these are not easily won when he is working new ground or applying new theories in old fields. Since it is unlikely that one man can encompass all of the many aspects of the huge study implied by Dr Every’s theories it is all the more important that he engage the attention of specialists in related sciences. This requires the widespread publication of his findings so far. Then the interaction of many disciplines will begin to reveal the strengths and weaknesses of the theory, elicit new evidence, inspire other scientists to join the search, and, perhaps, direct it along lines not hitherto considered worth while. Only then can the patrons of science confidently compare Dr Every’s study with the many others competing for the support of research funds. In the end any theory, however well advanced, must stand this test of general scrutiny. Some patrons—usually universities—are prepared to hasten the advancing and testing of a theory by sharing the originator’s confidence in it and by believing that the risk of failure is outweighed by the possibilities of success. It is unfortunate that New Zealand universities have not so far been enabled to accept such a challenge except when the risk of failure is offset by the teaching services of the scientist—services that must distract from his real interest and delay the outcome of his work. Dr Every’s work has already aroused much interest among scientists in other countries; it will be a reproach to New Zealand if this country fails to find the means to enable him to pursue it.