Yet, although Garfield has provided an accurate description of the symptoms of the malaise, he has overlooked its origins. English society is introverted, class-ridden and conservative. Attitudes are parochial, excessive respect is given to titles, and change is resisted. For example, consider this observation: "What? Call an academic staff member a professor? Then we would become like America. There you don't know who it is you're talking with, and that's a hopeless state of affairs." A British professor recently said that to me.
The subgroup English science is, in its sociology, a microcosm of the society in which it is set. I refuse to admit to two cultures and I emphatically reject the possibility of two societies. Except, that is, for dimensional corrections. The smaller group is less susceptible to the burly-burly of elections, but alters its hierarchy by nomination and discreet invitation. The maintenance of the status quo is ...
