DOCTORS' FINANCE
SIR,—The article " Doctors' Finance " in the issue of May 19th should cause some scientists to ponder on the status and salary of their profes- sion. May I put forward the case of a group of workers, working on subjects almost medical except they are concerned with organisms non- human from most points of view? I refer to research and advisory workers in applied biology and veterinary science. They are now con- cerned with human welfare on two points. If nutrition is connected with health, they make the greater supply of proper foodstuffs possible ; and they are taking over vermin control in slums and malarial control overseas from the medical services.
The necessary training is four years' study for a B.Sc.(Special), or a similar diploma, with first- or second-class honours, and then two years' research study to submit for a Ph.D. What is the salary that may be expected after three years' experience in temporary jobs? The " plums," which are few, are kr,000-Lr,2oo, a good average 4800 and a poor average k600 ; in all cases the figures are the final steady salary, and a super- annuation fund assures a pension.
Their work is: (i) research with some teaching at a University, (2) research and advisory work at a research institute, and (3) full-time advisory work.
Are these salaries equitable with the 1935 net average expected earnings of a G.P. of £1,200, or is the G.P. in a profession whose remuneration is above the recognised average for men of similar status 2—Yours faith- fully, . JOHN MARSHALL. zoo Nithdale Road, Plumstead, S.E. 18.
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