Abstract: The idea of the “decline of science in England” was proposed in the 1930s by Charles Babbage in his book Reflections on the Decline of Science in England. From a perspective of the history of science and technology system, this article argues that the main factors hindering the development of science in Britain

were the mechanism of private patronage and the resulting amateurism in scientific practice. Babbage implied

that the situation of science in Britain could be changed essentially only by transforming private patronage into

government sponsorship. He offered some advice for reform, in the areas of research funding, the organization,

and the administration of scientific work. To some extent, these suggestions promoted the processes of government support for science, fostered the training of scientific personnel and the formation of professional research teams, and facilitated the founding of the British Association for the Advancement of Science and the reform of the Royal Society of London.

Key Words: Charles Babbage; Nineteenth century; British science; Science and technology system; Patronage