SZ/TQ - [Tots and Quots]
Reference code
SZ/TQ
Level of description
Series
Title
[Tots and Quots]
Date/s
1931-1973
Quantity & Format
3 sub-series; 2 boxes
Subject
Tots and Quots (discussion club)
Scope and content
Lord Ritchie-Calder referred to the Tots and Quots dining club as "a group of then young scientists, destined for eminence in the scientific world..."
What was debated, particularly in the first two years, was the general significance of science to society and the conscious role science might play in social development.
The club was convened by SZ and the opening meeting took place in 1931. It was active until 1/33 but by the time SZ returned from a visit to the United States in mid 1934 the club had almost ceased. The first dinner of the second phase was held on 23/11/39. In 1942 the dinners once again became infrequent because most members were completely immersed in war time duties. By the end of the war however the club was very much alive but this was not to last. It finally ceased to exist, partly because members were becoming less tolerant of each other's political opinions, and partly because SZ did not have the time or patience to continue convening dinners.
The series is divided into three sub-series. The first deals with "Procedures, minutes and correspondence" of the club. The second is entitled "Societies and publications" and deals with contributions of the members to newspapers and periodicals, and to scientific films commissioned by the Ministry of Information. Also included here are the dealings with the British Association for the Advancement of Science to promote the closer co-operation between British and American scientists.
The final sub-series deals with the publication of the book 'Science in war' which was anonymously written by Tots and Quots members.
What was debated, particularly in the first two years, was the general significance of science to society and the conscious role science might play in social development.
The club was convened by SZ and the opening meeting took place in 1931. It was active until 1/33 but by the time SZ returned from a visit to the United States in mid 1934 the club had almost ceased. The first dinner of the second phase was held on 23/11/39. In 1942 the dinners once again became infrequent because most members were completely immersed in war time duties. By the end of the war however the club was very much alive but this was not to last. It finally ceased to exist, partly because members were becoming less tolerant of each other's political opinions, and partly because SZ did not have the time or patience to continue convening dinners.
The series is divided into three sub-series. The first deals with "Procedures, minutes and correspondence" of the club. The second is entitled "Societies and publications" and deals with contributions of the members to newspapers and periodicals, and to scientific films commissioned by the Ministry of Information. Also included here are the dealings with the British Association for the Advancement of Science to promote the closer co-operation between British and American scientists.
The final sub-series deals with the publication of the book 'Science in war' which was anonymously written by Tots and Quots members.