Actually, there was widespread recognition of the need for a more robust scientific culture, given the unnerving advances being made in France, and fear for wha

Actually, there was widespread recognition of the need for a more robust scientific culture, given the unnerving advances being made in France, and fear for what that might lead to in terms of military advantage. So it's wrong to say it was only ever about lobbyist and money. The time was ripe for intellectual liberalization, which was something the House of Common actually did care about.