The need of a comprehensive study of the methods of science is now widely recognized, and to recognize this need important Journals have been started, notably _Isis_, published by our Belgian colleague George Sarton, interrupted, temporarily we hope, by the war; and _Scientia_, an International Review of Scientific Synthesis published by our Italian Allies. The numerous good histories of science issued within the past few years bear witness to a real demand for a wider knowledge of the methods by which the present status has been reached. Among works from which the student may get a proper outlook on the whole question may be mentioned Dannemann’s _Die Naturwissenschaften in ihrer Entwicklung und in ihrem Zusammenhange_, Bd. IV; _De la Méthode dans les Sciences_, edited by Félix Thomas (Paris: Alcan); Marvin’s _Living Past_, 3rd ed. (Clarendon Press, 1917); and Libby’s _Introduction to the History of Science_ (Houghton Mifflin & Co., 1917). This volume of Essays is the outcome of a quiet movement on the part of a few Oxford students to stimulate a study of the history of science. Shortly after his appointment to the Philip Walker Studentship, Dr. Charles Singer (of Magdalen College) obtained leave from Bodley’s Librarian and the Curators to have a bay in the Radcliffe Camera set apart for research work in the history of science and a safe installed to hold manuscripts; and (with Mrs. Singer) offered £100 a year for five years to provide the necessary fittings, and special books not already in the Library. The works relating to the subject have been collected in the room, the objects of which are: First, to place at the disposal of the general student a collection that will enable him to acquire a knowledge of the development of science and scientific conceptions. Secondly, to assist the special student in research: (_a_) by placing him in relationship with investigations already undertaken; (_b_) by collecting information on the sources and accessibility of his material; and (_c_) by providing him with facilities to work up his material.