45

Role of museums of science and industrial techniques

Jean Rose and Charles Pene1

It is no longer possible to keep count of publications dealing with problems of the environment; these problems have assumed such importance that the various aspects of the subject continue to provide, throughout the world, the theme for increasingly frequent symposia at which specialists gather together to study the consequences for society of the ill-advised utilization of scientific achievements. Among the most recent examples are the symposium held in Basle by Hoffmann-La Roche on the theme ‘The Challenge to Life’ and, in Washington, under the auspices of the Kennedy Foundation, the symposium entitled ’Dilemma for our Consciences . , .’. These meetings are, of course, of crucial importance, for they make it possible to determine how far our know- ledge has progressed in the various’ scientific disciplines, be it in the natural sciences or in the human sciences. They also-most important of all-enable specialists to discuss ways of arriving at the most effective solutions to the problems involved, in so far as this is possible.

But, notwithstanding their importance, these study meetings are only one aspect of all the factors which should really lead us to the solutions that we are entitled to expect. For it would indeed be unrealistic, in this field, to attempt to gain more and more knowledge of all the terms of the problems and to discover how to solve them, simply in order to satisfy our own minds. What would be the use of indulging in the luxury of harnessing all the means that would enable us to get to know such subjects from every angle, as well as the best solutions to be adopted, were we not, at the same time, firmly resolved to put those solutions into practice? Courage, too, is needed, for the solutions will un- doubtedly result in a substantial change in our living conditions and probably a lessening of the comfort to which we are accustomed. Such a policy would be bound to result, sooner or later, in a sense of guilt and in censure by future generations, who would certainly point to our want of foresight and blame us for it.

Let us not forget that we are hurtling faster and faster towards a future which is said by some to spell final doom and which is drawn for us in ever greater detail. We are aware of the danger but, at the same time, we realize our help- lessness. Who is going to put on the brake? Who is going to steer our vehicle in other directions?

We must, therefore act, and act quickly. But how? In trying to find a solution, let us begin by re-examining the wheels of the machinery involved.

At the basis of the evolution we are witnessing there is, first of all, funda- mental research through which we discover the great laws of nature; know- ledge of these laws then leads, through applied research, to the invention of new products and the devising of new methods which are subsequently used by industry to improve our materia1 Jiving conditions.

In regard to this machinery, the public is an onlooker, a trusting user who leaves it to the authorities that represent him to take the decisions which are designed to build the future upon the soundest possible foundation. However, this same public reacts-sometimes violently-when it realizes that the results of a policy (or lack of policy) endanger its immediate interests. But, in the mat- ter of the environment, the most serious repercussions-those most profoundly affecting the public-are felt only after a long time, sometimes a very long time

42 PALAIS DE LA DÉCOUVERTE, Paris. Part of the nuclear energy room in the Palais de la Découverte is devoted to problems of the harmful effects of radiation on the organism, and methods of protection.

Jean Rose and Charles Penel

indeed. It is vital therefore for the public to be informed and sufficiently know- ledgeable about all problems affecting the environment, so that it can persuade and help the public authorities to take measures. Such measures cannot, in any case, be taken on any other basis, since they affect everyone’s standard of living and a choice has to be made.

And so it is important to ensure that information is provided. The United Nations Conference on the Human Environment held from j to 16 June 1972 in Stockholm deliberately attached great importance to this aspect of the prob- lem. All media should be utilized-press, radio and, of course, television, but also-and above all-museums, which, through their own specific methods, are able not only to capture their visitors’ attention but also to open up discus- .sion and fulfil an educational role (Fig. 43).

This contribution by museums and, in the present case more especially by science museums, has been stressed not only in meetings such as those organized

ce in May 1970 by the French National Commission for Unesco, and in Grenoble in September 1971 by the International Council of Museums, but has for a very long time been appreciated by scientists, who foresaw the need to make the public conscious of the importance and development of scientific research and of its implications for our civilization. It is for this reason that the Palais de la Découverte was created in 1937 by Jean Perrin, the Nobel Prize winner, in association with the most eminent scientists of the time.

The problem is so vast that it is impossible to cover in these few lines the whole range of subjects with which we are concerned. Their main aspects must, however, be described so that we can see how museums can play their part.

The earth is a space ship. Its facies and structure have evolved considerably during the geological eras. Life appeared several hundred millions years ago. Climatic conditions brought about variations in the aspect of life on the earth-some species were born, then became extinct, whilst others appeared, but the planet’s biological equilibrium was preserved. This natural balance was not disturbed until the advent of Homo sapiem some 2 million years ago. Since his appearance, man has been continually changing the terrestrial envi- ronment. These changes, which were very slow at first, speeded up as new discoveries about the environment were made. Man’s ingenuity has enabled him to construct increasingly efficient tools for the maximum exploitation of natural resources and to invent new products to cure disease, to protect himself against troublesome species, or to increase natural yields, all this with the object

Role of museums of science and industrial techniques 47

of continually bettering his material living conditions. But is this mad ‘growth rate’ which we are witnessing today really the solution?

Within the context of the subject which we are dealing with here, the results of this evolution have brought about a situation whose most alarming features are: deterioration and imbalance of the natural environment; pollution of the natural environment; exhaustion of natural resources; population explosion.

These phenomena are not, incidentally, independent-far from it. Ecologists investigating any ecosystem closely come up almost invariably against a net- work of highly complex mutual relationships. These relationships should there- fore, be illustrated as much as possible in the presentation of the themes selected. Deterioration of the natural environment began as soon as man used fire. Forest destruction was the beginning of his influence on soil erosion and air pollution. The burnt forests were replaced by pasture land which resulted in an increased number of herbivorous animals. The transformation of pastures into cultivated land and the introduction of irrigation dams made it possible to produce crops which, when stocked in sufficient quantity, formed food reserves for the whole year. And so population groups settled in the fertile valleys, but these popula- tion concentrations gave rise, in consequence, to outbreaks of epidemics, while

43 PALAIS DE LA DÉCOUVERTE, Paris. The interest shown by two young pupils- captured by the photographer in this shot-in one of the problems presented in the Vater aizd Life exhibition at the Palais de la Découverte in 1971 gives ample proof, if such were needed, of the importance of the educational task of museums.

48 Jean Rose and Charles Penel

smoke from the hearths polluted the atmosphere, and the erosion of the pasture

Later, in addition to the increasingly severe devastation of the forests and the diminishing fertility of the land, vast tracts were destroyed to allow for mining operations-coal, natural gas, oil and uranium. These workings have assumed such proportions that it is estimated that resources will be exhausted within the space of a few generations. Hence, the large uranium deposits re- cently discovered in the Hoggar mountain region will not be worked for another ten years or so, when the beginning of the shortage of uranium is expected to be felt. Moreover, an extension of this period to any marked degree does not depend on the actual uranium supplies because, first, the output from the utilization of uranium is very low and, second, it constitutes such a source of radiochemical and thermal contamination (Fig. 42) that societies for the protection of nature have succeeded in delaying the construction of many power stations. In the United States of America, for example, only two of the ten nuclear power stations planned for operation last year have been put into service. If other sources of pollution-free energy cannot be found as a replace- ment, we must, under these circumstances, expect a stabilization of electric

- lands-p.ollute.d th.e-g.ro-~.n-d-w-~t~r.- -- . - -- - -- -- - - -- - - - -- --

.

44 PALAIS DE LA DÉCOUVERTE, Paris. Part of an exhibition organized by the Palais de la Découverte on the control of air pollution (1964.

power consumption which will obviously form an obstacle to the march of progress. But radioactivity is not the only source of pollution-chemical pol- lution steadily increases as civilization advances. As far back as Roman times, it was discovered that the utilization of lead for the manufacture of water pipes, mixing of paint and lining of recipients gave rise to poisoning. Water pollution began to assume considerable proportions at the beginning of this century when the development of the chemical industry took place; it is not only the factories that are involved, but also the public which, for example, makes use of ever-increasing quantities of detergents. As industrial and private consump- tion are continually growing, measures must be taken, sooner or later, for the preservation and protection of water.

In addition to this industrial development, increasing use is made of oil as a source of energy and here we have one of the main sources of the pollution of the air we breathe. City air contains not only increasing quantities of gas and poisonous fumes such as carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide from com- bustion engines, boilers and industrial processes, but also a whole range of solid particles such as soot and asbestos from brake linings. All these waste

Role of museums of science and industrial techniques 49

products which are harmful to human health are also liable to attack the stone and metal of buildings. Historic monuments are seriously damaged in this way, which makes it increasingly difficult to safeguard our cultural heritage. Simul- taneously, the atmosphere is losing oxygen, since the quantity produced by photosynthesis is no longer keeping up with consumption. Products such as DDT and weed-killers which are so widely used to kill plants are vectors capable of blocking the oxygen cycle (Fig. $4). Moreover, the air is not pol- luted only by the dilution of poisonous substances-noise, too, is an important disturbance factor which may cause considerable deterioration of human health.

All these problems are aggravated as the world population increases. Thanks to medical progress, this growth has reached such a rate today that it is not pos- sible for our planet to stand up to it for more than a few decades to come.

It is not our intention to take up all the subjects which have been dealt with by science museums in connexion with environment problems. We shall merely illustrate a few of them, more especially those that have been included in the work of the Palais de la Découverte.

Let us first recall the aims of museums and the means that they employ. Science museums should become, more and more, the ‘antennae’ of scientific research. They represent a real and highly effective ‘external relations’ service and can, in fact, prepare the public for ‘open-door’ operations by playing a ‘third man’ part. They are not only active information units functioning on a permanent basis, but also educational centres.

The Palais de la Découverte was one of the first cultural institutions to be established with this object in view. Every day, young university students demonstrate some hundred scientific experiments to visitors, paying maximum- attention to accuracy and providing all the explanations required in clear and precise language so that all listeners will understand, irrespective of their educational level. Exhibitions on the themes selected include not only display panels, texts illustrated by diagrams or photographs, maquettes and specimens, but also scientific experiments, with commentaries always given, in which visi- tors can take part to the largest possible extent. On these occasions a choice of documentation is available, brochures written by specialists are published, films are shown and lecture-debates are held for audiences of different categories, not only at the exhibition headquarters but in schools and educational centres as well. All these promotion activities are open to the widest possible public and schoolchildren and members of educational associations can take part in spe- cially organized group visits. As far as possible, exhibitions of this kind are designed to be travelling ones, so that the maximum return may be obtained from the efforts made. The information side of these operations is supplemented by an educational programme intended, in particular, for young people. The programme offers leisure activities, including laboratory work, science outings for nature study and the collection and analysis of specimens, and discussion meetings. Interest aroused in this way is encouraged by the award of prizes for the most original contributions in the submission of individual or group work. The’following are recent instances in which these concepts have been put into practice.

From 15 February to 3 1 August 1971 an exhibition entitled Water atzd Lqe was organized with the participation of many public and industrial bodies. Various sections dealt with the importance of the nature and properties of water from the physical, chemical and biological viewpoints; the water cycle; resources and needs; extraction methods; pollution of surface and ground water, and of sea water; anti-pollution campaign; treatment and purifying of waste water. A brochure was published on this occasion describing the present situa- tion’ in regard to water problems. It contained chapters on information and documentation, propaganda for water protection, the education of the public- and more especially of young people-and an extensive bibliography (spe- cialized periodicals, basic works, films, documentation centres). Lectures were

j o Jean Rose and Charles Fenel

41 PALAIS DE LA DÉCOUVERTE, Paris. Scientific experiments carried out in the presence and as often as possible with the participation of the public attract the visitor’s attention, arouse his curiosity and give the explanations an incomparable educational value. This photograph shows a view of the experiment stand at the Bels, Decibels and Phoaes, organized by the Palais de la Découverte and the Národni Technické Museum, Prague.

given on such topics as ‘A Policy for the Protection of the Natural Environ- ment’, ‘River Pollution’, ‘The Sea and Man’, ‘Water, a Biological Environ- ment’. . . . Many films were shown, and talks, illustrated by experiments, were given in workers’ or cultural promotion centres.

Another exhibition-Bels, Decibels and Phones (Fig. gj)-an example of inter- national co-operation, since it was organized in conjunction with the Národni Technické Museum in Prague, was heId at the Palais de la Découverte from 3 0 August 1971 to 3 January 1972 and in a number of cultural centres in France. In 1973 it will travel around Czechoslovakia and a number of other countries. As stated in the booklet published on this occasion, the aim of this exhibition on the ‘sound wave’ is to provide an introduction to a more general study which is of immediate concern to each of us, since it affects a .large number of factors in the construction, modification and evolution of our living conditions. Air is a medium for the transmission of sound and noise. Air enables us to listen to most wonderful musical works, but it is also air that is transmitting the increasingly varied and strident sounds which our technical civilization, in full process of expansion, is producing. Air pollution is not confined to suspended or diluted poisonous substances. The consequences of the noise disturbances of our environment are equally harmful; it is to be noted that these disturbances and their effects have been dealt with in a report by a technical committee which, since 1957, has been responsible in France for studying noise.

A current exhibition, Man and hsects (Fig. g7), is due to leave the Palais de la Découverte shortly for a two-year tour of a number of French towns. Its five main sections cover: the place of man and insects in the ecosystem, study of natural environments, the showing of developed environments, forms of management of the environment, methods used in biological control and in the integrated control approach adopted in the case of intensively developed environments. Biological control is, precisely, one of the examples proposed by biologists and ecologists for solving problems with the object of safeguarding the environ- ment. A brochure published on this occasion provides, once again, a summary of the situation and gives the main documentation sources on these issues (journals, monographs, films, documentation centres, etc.); it shows the interest

Role of museums of science and industrial techniques 51

taken in these questions by the Délégation Générale à la Recherche Scientifique et Technique (Scientific and Technical Research Service) which has, from the days of the Fourth Plan, succeeded in creating and promoting a programme of ‘concerted action’ in regard to biological control problems.

Next October, another exhibition on the protection of the environment will be held. This exhibition, dealing with the main forms of pollution in Canada and action taken by the public authorities, was devised by the services of the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the occasion of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment held in Stockholm. It gives special prominence to the importance of international co-operation as a means of safeguarding the common heritage of mankind and of preserving intact the natural and cultural assets which represent for our civilization a store of untold wealth.

To show the importance of science clubs, it should be noted that several project studies carried out by young people are displayed at the Palais de la Découverte every year. Prizes provided by a Philips Company donation are awarded. This year three of the most noteworthy studies were on an ecological subject (Fig. 46).

,

46 PALAIS DE LA DÉCOUVERTE, Paris. A view of the Mat2 and Iksects exhibition, presented at the Palais de la Découverte from I March to 17 September 1972. Durhg a talk on the principles of biological control, visitors are looking at a case in which cabbage (white) butterflies are being re are d.

46

52 Jean Rose and Charles Penel

And so, by pursuing the task entrusted to them with enterprise and drive,

must be carried out in order to protect our environment. It is to be hoped that the public authorities will be able to help the museums to discharge this duty, since this will, at the same time, facilitate their own task, not only in ensuring that the necessary legislation is adopted but also-and most important of all- in seeing that legal provisions are put into effect and observed. The role of culture in modern society and the need to make it available to the maximum number of people has been repeatedly stressed. But it is equally important, as Augustin Girard1 has recently pointed out, that this cultural policy should

- sciense museums Gan play -a-maj or-part-in-the-whole range of-activities-which- ---

47 become really operational. PALAIS DE LA DÉCOUVERTE, Paris. A young participant, winner of the Philips scientific prize for young people awarded by the Palais de la Découverte, is congratulated by Professor Pierre Auger and Professor

[Translatedfrom French]

Louis Leprince-Ringuet. In 1972 three contributions dealt with environment problems.

Bibliography

M O N O G R A P H S

THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE. AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF MUSEUMS. Musezims and the enuironment: a handbook for educatioirz, New York, N.Y., Arkville Press, 1971. 261 p., illus.

COLAS, René. L’eazi dam le motzde. Paris, Palais de la Découverte, 1963. 35 P. (Coll.: Les conférences du Palais de la Découverte, A. 290.) (Examples of lectures pub- lished by the Palais de la Découverte.)

ROSE, Yves. L’empozisaërage broncho-pz~lmonai. Paris, Palais de la Découverte, 1966. 48 p. (Coll.: Les Conférences du Palais de la Découverte, A. 321.)

ROUSSEL, André. Lnpollatioiz atmosphériqae. Paris, Palais de la Découverte, 1961. 20 p. (Coll.: Les Conférences du Palais de la Découverte, A. 273.)

M A G A Z I N E A R T I C L E S

BOWEN, William. What is ecology? Dialogae (Washington), vol. 3, no. 3, 1970,

BÉLÉGATION GÉNÉRALE A LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE ET TECHNIQUE. Lutte bio-

DUBOS, René. The state of our ignorance. Dialogfde (Washington), vol. 3, no. 3, 1970,

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PARIS. PALAIS DE LA DÉCOUVERTE. L’eau e t la vie. Paris, Sté Prodec., 1971. 136 :p., fig., illus., bibliog. (Exhibition held at the Palais de la Découverte, I 6 February to

I. Augustin Girard, Cziltaral j Development: Experiences and

Policies, Paris, Unesco, 1 9 7 ~

2; July 1971.1 -. Bels, décibels e t phones. Paris, Palais de la Découverte, 1972. 28 p., figs., illus. (Franco-CzechosloGalr exhibition.)

-. L’homme e t l’insecte. Paris, Palais de la Découverte, 1972. j6 p., illus., bibliog. (An exhibition organized by the Palais de la Découverte and the Ofice pour l’Infor- mation Entomologique, 26 February to 17 September 1972.)

Role of museums of science and industrial techniques 5 3

Lectures given at the Palais de la Découverte during the Water and LiJe exhibition AUBERT, Maurice. La Mer et l’Homme. 24 April 1971. GRASSE, Pierre. Pour une Politique de la Protection des Milieux Naturels. 19 June

LARRE, Dominique. Polluer les Rivières, Détruire une Ressource. 20 February 1971. LEFEUVRE; RICHARD. L’Eau, Milieu Biologique. 26 June 1971.

1971.

Lectures given at the Palais de la Découvem during the Mm and Insects exhibition BALACHOWSKY, Alfred Serge. Exploration des Milieux Naturels: La Guyane Fran-

BILIOTTI, Emile. L’Homme contre les Insectes. I I March 1972. BUSNEL, Marie-Claire. Hiérarchie Sociale et Compétition Alimentaire chez l’Insecte.

DEMOLIN, Guy. La Processionnaire du Pin comme Exemple de Complexité Écolo-

HURPIN, Bernard. Lutte Microbiologique contre les Insectes. I 2 April 1972. LECOMTE, Jacques. Les Insectes et les Fleurs. 17 May 1972. LEVIEUX, Jean. Les Fourmis. 8 March 1972. PESSON, Paul. Les Insectes à Table. 22 April 1972. RICOU, Germaine. Vie Cachée de la Prairie. 15 March 1972. RIOUX, J. A. Les Bases Écologiques de la Lutte contre les Moustiques en Languedoc-

THIBAULT, Max. Les Insectes des Eaux Courantes à Salmonidés. I O May 1972.

Gaise. I March 1972.

19 April 1972.

gique. 3 May 1972.

Roussillon. 24 June 1972.