Research Defence Society

THE speeches at the annual general meeting on June 25 of the Research Defence Society illustrated the wide and manifold interests of its work. It is, indeed, a national society for telling the truth about a matter of national importance. It defends the good name, the honour, of science against reckless and unscrupulous opponents, and we are not surprised at the welcome that it received. The list of its 2500 members includes a very powerful and thoroughly representative collection of great names. The society has already formed a dozen branch societies, has given many lectures, and has distributed much wholesome and honest literature; it has also published a volume of essays, written with authority, and pleasantly free from all controversy. Thus it has begun well; and the report of its committee is justly satisfied with the work of the past year. We note here two of the points made by speakers at the annual meeting.