| Description | Contains extracts of letters discussing the importance of science relating to warfare.
Extract from a letter by Colonel [Tannatt William Edgeworth] David, FRS: discusses a Geological Establishment and the employment of 30 professional geologists by the German Army Staff in 1917. Explains the German military strength in specific instances due to military mining and boring for water.
Extract from a report by Colonel [Arthur] Smithells, FRS: discusses the cost of 'complete ignorance among the General [War] Staff', in particular relating to gas warfare. Stresses the importance of having staff at the War Office who have had scientific training. Also thinks that the Royal Society should be prepared for future eventualities of war.
Extract from a letter by Professor [William Henry] Bragg, FRS: discusses locating enemy guns by sound, which he considers a valuable technique improved by the British in 1915. Praises the young scientists actually serving in the war, drawn from univerities like Cambridge, Manchester, Leeds, Melbourne, Toronto, and others. Thinks that if the sound banging method was available at the beginning of the war, lives would have been saved. Also discusses underwater sound ranging, which is now useful post-war to the Navy. |