Jul 1 1974
From The Space Library
The Assembly of Engineering was established as part of the National Research Council, to advance efforts of the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering in applying engineering resources toward solving national problems. Initially Dr. Robert C. Seamans, Jr., NAE President, would serve as Chairman of the Assembly and Dr. J. H. Mulligan, Jr., NAE Secretary and Executive Officer, would be Executive Director. First study areas would include alternative aircraft fuels, uses and limits of technology assessment, operational safety in marine mining, and outer continental shelf oil and gas safety. (NAE, Bridge, July 74)
A Washington Post editorial urged the importance of scientific advice to the White House: Although drought, famine, continuing energy crisis, overpopulation, and meteorological change had been byproducts of the sudden advancement of science and technology in the past century, it had become increasingly clear that only more progress could provide the knowledge needed to keep this planet reasonably habitable. "We also need a great deal more political wisdom to apply this knowledge effectively and cooperatively. . . . The President needs to be informed and forewarned to help avert . . . potential disasters by the wise and hu-mane use of technology." To this end, a committee sponsored by the National Academy of Sciences had recommended establishment of a Council for Science and Technology as a staff agency in the White House [see 26 June]. Although President Nixon might remain hostile to the idea and a given President might choose some other method, "some orderly way of assuring science's service to government cannot be long delayed. We cannot arrest rapidly advancing scientific and technological developments. The question is whether these developments carry with them side effects . . . that are destructive or benign. No President can know this without the best continuing analysis and advice, close at hand." (W Post, 1 July 74)
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