The organization and work of the Division of Biochemistry and General Nutrition of C.S.I.R

Abstract

In allotting me the task of relating to you something of the organization and work of the Division of Biochemistry and General Nutrition of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, I trust it is not your pleasure to have me dwell on the first part of this title—for a description in measured terms of a substance so tenuous is beyond me. Organization (in its official sense) is not readily discernible to those of us who are gathered together in this laboratory. It is there, but it is never obtrusive. We are an organ of a body which, although nurtured by Government funds, is free from the vegetative nervous system of the public service administration. We are situated within the precincts of a university, and enjoy the amenities and intellectual discipline of academic life without having to shoulder too great a burden of teaching. Our reference is to conduct research (with a quiet aside that applied science may remain healthy and productive only when thoroughly fertilized with more fundamental studies). Here is a grand experiment in Government administration. The burden of responsibility entailed is apparent. This, together with a simplefaith that practical application will flow freely and naturally from more complete understanding of the underlying phenomena, directs our efforts; and a common curiosity welds us, without loss of individuality, into a team. Our accounts are kept in a wray which is acceptable to the Treasury.