Science in Egypt

Abstract

THE important part which modern science can play in the economical development of natural resources is generally recognised to-day, but nowhere may this be seen more clearly than in Egypt, with its subtropical climate, its controlled water-supply, and its immunity from the vagaries of the weather which affect more northern latitudes. Here a population which in 1882 was under seven millions has now grown to more than twelve millions, and inhabits a cultivable area which does not exceed seven million acres all intensively cultivated; for much of the area, which was formerly flooded annually and then furnished a single crop after the river had fallen, is now under perennial cultivation with a supply of water at all seasons, and consequently up to five crops in two years are taken from it. Under these conditions the most economical use of the material resources that science can devise, and all the improvements that it can suggest, are of the utmost importance to the country.