ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book includes several articles by every Science Adviser to the President over the period of more than 40 years since 1951, with the exception of Oliver Buckley, President Truman's first adviser, who died not long after leaving office in 1952. The President's Science Advisory Committee, which was abolished by President Nixon in 1973, remained non-existent until its restoration by President Bush in 1989 with a change of name to President's Council of Advisers on Science and Technology. The adviser is an advocate for the best interests of the United States, expressed in information and opinion to the President and his Cabinet and staff. The emphasis on military uses of science and technology that primarily motivated President Truman has diminished. Thus, the function of the Presidents Science Adviser continues to expand, and his or her opportunity and importance continues to grow.
