The many roles of the Academy

A good scientific institution fulfils a number of roles. In the first place its very existence should encourage or even provoke the production of new knowledge. Secondly, it should provide some facilities for the production of that knowledge, possibly by giving access to a laboratory or by loaning scientific equipment or by giving grants, although we should beware of too high (and essentially twentieth century) expectations in these areas. Thirdly, it should receive the knowledge produced. This reception of knowledge is possibly the most fundamental aspect of a scientific society. The presentation to members of a well-organised piece of research at one of its regular meetings is surely at the heart of any scientific society. If there is discussion and even criticism, so much the better. But the existence of meetings, at which papers are presented, constitutes the minimum functioning of a society.