ABSTRACT
As science became increasingly important in society during the nineteenth century, a number of enthusiasts worked both individually and collectively to promote its cause in England. Stress on the method of acquiring knowledge was especially significant for science education, for it contributed very considerably to support for an heuristic approach to science teaching. H. E. Armstrong's influence on science teaching was considerable. Within seven years several examination boards introduced examinations based on his scheme, and forty London school boards were using his methods, the boards making special arrangements for training teachers. Nevertheless, science teachers in them, as well as in maintained schools, have worked throughout the century for more and better science, better taught, and for its corollary, more and better science teachers. The central concern of the Association of Public School Science Masters was to try to ensure a place for science in the curriculum of public schools, and to enhance its status.
