Call For More Publicity For Scientific Work

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32384, 25 August 1970, Page 18

Call For More Publicity For Scientific Work

The formation of an independent organisation to give publicity to the activities of scientists, and to educate the public in scientific knowledge, was suggested at a Canterbury Workers’ Educational Association meeting last evening.

Speaking in a panel discussion on the proper use of science, Mr A. F. McCahon, a scientist at the National Radiation Laboratory, said that what was needed was the spreading of the viewpoint of scientists among the remainder of the community.

Mr McCahon was replying to Mr N. P. Alcorn, the Government analyst in Christchurch, who had said that the public was being showered with new products and needed protection against its own wishes.

Other members of the panel were Dr W. S. Metcalf, a reader in chemistry at the University of Canterbury, and Mr J. S. Pollard, a scientist employed by a city firm. The discussion was presided over by Mr E. S. J. Crutch-

ley, S.M. Opening the debate, Dr Metcalf said that no matter what the consequences of a scientific discovery might be, the

findings should always be published. Many of the earliest discoveries about the workings of the human body had been made through cases of poisoning. “Some of these discoveries may be serpents, but they are serpents with roses found their necks,” he said. Speaking of the effects of apparently beneficial discoveries like D.D.T. and the birth-control pill, both of which were later found to have unfortunate side effects, Dr Metcalf said: “If there is controversy, let it be published. Let us see the facts. Publishing defuses these explosive situations.”