单选题
We now come to the vital topic of money. First, we must
remember that science, on any significant scale, exists only in economies where
there is surplus (剩余，过剩) of goods and services. A prosperous economy forms a
necessary base for scientific work. Tragically, the economies of the
"underdeveloped" countries, where the need is overwhelming, have not
supported—nor have they been capable of supporting—any substantial scientific
and technical training or research. Read the speech of P.M.S. Blackett,
President of the Royal Society, in which the existing great disparity between
the "have" and "have-not" economies is considered. The primary theme of his
address is that the gap is not closing; on the contrary, it steadily grows
wider. The United States, as the wealthiest industrial nation,
spends a greater amount on research and development than any other nations. It
is beyond the scope of this book to consider in detail whether the amount spent
is adequate, either in relation to our own economy or in relation to our
position in the world. At best the question is an open one. In
the last few years, financial support for science has changed significantly. It
is frustrating to report that, in spite of numerous statements about the extent
and nature of these changes, it has been impossible to find sufficient agreement
to be sure just what has happened. Two points do appear clear. First, there has
been an overall cut in research funds, further reinforced by substantial
inflation of prices. Second, there has been increased emphasis on "relevant"
research—that is research with immediate practical applications.
One report that reflects most closely our own estimate of the situation
was made by a five-member committee from the National Academy of Sciences. This
group investigated funding of chemistry projects by the National Institutes of
Health. The committee concluded that funding had declined by an average of 20%
and that the section most closely related to basic research had funds cut in
half. The committee found that various institutes, in-house research,
administrative budgets, and continuing extramural (市外的) grants had been
protected with the result that new and renewal grants had become a disaster
area. Other reports stating that federal institutes' funds have had only limited
cuts have apparently ignored the point made by the National Academy
Committee.
单选题
Which of the following is true about the "underdeveloped" countries?
A. They need scientific and technical training or research badly.
B. They are too poor to spare enough for the development of science.
C. They have other priorities instead of spending a decent amount of money
on science.