Le Nord : revue internationale des Pays de Nord - 01.06.1939, Page 194
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LE NORD
frequently in co-operation with them. But, on the other hand,
there are many cases when scientists and even whole scientific
expeditions have visited Iceland without even so much as con-
sulting their colleagues here, or the Icelandic authorities.
Some people might perhaps try to excuse such acts, on the
ground that there are numerous problems in Iceland in this branch
of science awaiting solution; that Icelandic scientists are so few in
number; and finally that there is no public geological survey
in the country. All these objections, however, carry little weight
and do not apply to this country any longer. Icelandic scientists
now join forces to solve the scientific problems of their land
and the Icelandic authorities understand the importance of
systematic researches for the prosperity, civilization and in-
dependence of the state. It is for these reasons that the Govern-
ment grants annual subsidies for the promotion of such investi-
gations and has this year appointed a special board to supervise
those connected with the natural resources of the country. The
Minister concerned may also empower this board to supervise the
investigations of foreigners in Iceland in accordance with such
regulations as may be issued. In this way it should be easy to
prevent that any geologist, whether foreign or Icelandic, should
through lack of information embark upon an inquiry, with which
another is already dealing. The above-mentioned board is at any
time to be able to give information as regards the geological field
work in which geologists may be engaged.
This decision has not made the task of Icelandic scientists
any less onerous. The investigation of the country itself and its
resources ought to be carried out by Icelanders or, at least, under
their direction. But, in spite of that, it is not only likely, but
absolutely certain that specialists in the various branches of
natural science will have to come to Iceland and work there
at the solution of their problems, when it is considered likely
that by so doing the best results can be obtained, or when ad-
ditional knowledge in certain branches of science is required.
But such visits should preferably be paid at our invitation or at
least with our will and consent. The appointment of the board,
mentioned above, is not meant to show any tendency towards
a withdrawal from co-operation with foreign colleagues. On
the contrary, it is hoped that it may result in a better organized
co-operation, both between the Icelandic scientists themselves
and with foreign colleagues.