THE relations between scientific inquiry and constituted authority, whether ecclesiastical or civil, have seldom been cordial or wholesome. Science was once a fearful dragon, to be destroyed or confined. With the discovery that the beast had powers from which profit could be made by cunning masters, it was found more expedient to tempt him into harness. Our former state was probably the better, or at least the safer, and most of us will agree with Prof. Soddy that the scheme devised by the Indian Industrial Commission is simply an offer of servitude undisguised. While there is time, those with whom the decision rests should be told very plainly that the adoption of such rules of service as those quoted in the leading article in NATURE of February 19 must mean the alicnation of all sincere and genuine investigators.