Abstract

Scientific Progress and University Government

The establishment of universities and of institutions devoted to science and art is almost entirely due to the generosity of individuals who appreciated the importance of scientific and artistic advancement, and who gave or bequeathed large funds for these purposes. Only much later were these institutions supplemented by others maintained by public funds. The amount of private funds that is being given to institutions already established and that makes possible the foundation of new ones is constantly increasing. Thus it happens that almost the whole development of higher education and of scientific work is in the hands of trustees, whose primary function is the administration of the funds by which the institutions are maintained.