罗伯特A.史密斯——科学家与英国工业污染治理的历史个案

罗伯特A .史密斯是 1 9世纪英国著名的卫生化学家。他非常关注环境问题 ,不仅较早地开展了关于空气和水的状况的研究 ,于 1 872年创造“酸雨”一词 ,而且受李比希的影响 ,努力将所掌握的科技知识运用于现实问题的解决之中 ,终生致力于治理工业污染的工作。 1 864年他受命担任碱业检察员 ,带领检查团依据《碱业法》调查制碱厂盐酸冷凝情况。由于工作方式得当 ,受到厂主们的欢迎和支持。他主张延长和改进《碱业法》 ,试图扩大接受检查的工厂范围 ,为进一步治理工业污染作出了重大贡献。对史密斯及碱业检查团的任命体现了 1 9世纪下半叶英国政府聘任专家顾问以科学决策干预社会经济事务的趋势

Robert Angus Smith:A Historical Case on a Scientist and the Control of Industrial Pollution in Britain

Robert Angus Smith (1817-1884) was a famous English sanitary chemist. He showed a deep concern for the environment throughout his life, and began his research on the conditions of air and water from 1840s and coined the term'acid rain'in 1872. Influenced by Justus Liebig he also applied his scientific and technical knowledge in practical problems, and worked for controlling industrial pollution. He was appointed as the inspectors of the alkali industry in 1864, and led the Alkali Inspectorate to inspect the condensation of muriatic acid escaping from alkali works according to the Alkali Works Act, 1863. He and his team of inspectors were approved and supported by many alkali manufacturers because of their persuation. Smith advocated to extend and amend the 1863 Act, and tried hard to place more works under inspection. As a result, he made a great contribution to further controlling industrial pollution. The appointment of Smith and the Alkali Inspectorate particularly embodied the trend that British government appointed expert consultants to intervene in the social and economic affairs through the scientific policy making in the second half of 19 century.