The importance of institutional and societal awareness of science. The duality implicit in the analysis/synthesis approach to natural products. Theories about atoms (corpuscular nature of matter) and the development of paradigms regarding valence and bonding. The microscopic nature of matter and its relationship to the measurable, macroscopic properties as envisioned by the Greeks. The synthesis of mauveine. The development of electricity and its adoption to fuel general purpose technologies (GPTs). The application of GPTs in different areas leading to gradual progress. The importance of certain materials (wood and metal) and their impact upon ancillary areas (leather working, glass manipulation). The application of the principles of weaving from textiles to metal (wire). The Green Revolution and the importance of the Haber-Bosch process. The establishment of Norfolk and Norwich as a centre for the study of agriculture, ancillary areas such as soil microorganisms and food research.