The demonstrations of a far-reaching character which Dr. Bose gave
evoked considerable public interest in England. His private laboratory
at Maida Vale, in London, became the object of pilgrimage to the leading
men of thought there. Sir William Crookes, the President of the Royal
Society, came and became 'much impressed by the most ingenious and novel
self-recording instruments.' Professor Starling, the author of the
standard work on Physiology, and Professor Oliver, the well-known
Plant-Physiologist, also became impressed by the delicacy and importance
of Dr. Bose's work and methods. Professor Carveth Read, author of
"Metaphysics of Nature," wondered how far the researches would
profoundly affect the philosophical thoughts. Mr. Balfour, the
ex-premier, became enthralled with what he saw. Professor James A. H.
Murray, Editor of the 'Oxford New English Dictionary,' and Bernard Shaw,
the famous dramatist, felt themselves attracted to the great Indian
Scientist and came to pay their homage to him. Even Lord Crewe, the then
Secretary of State for India, paid a visit to his laboratory and spoke
warmly of the pride which he and the Government of India felt for his
discoveries and of high gratification to him that India should once more
make such contributions for the intellectual advancement of the world.
The leading newspapers wrote eulogistically of his researches. The
well-known scientific journal _Nature_ devoted ten columns to an
illustrated synopsis of his discoveries. Lord Hardinge, the then
Viceroy, wrote a congratulatory letter to him--"It has been a source of
immense gratification to the Viceroy to know that the foremost place in
the special branch of research has been taken by one of India's most
distinguished sons. The success you have won will only serve to
stimulate your efforts and those of your pupils to other scientific
investigations which will redound still further to the honour of those
who conduct them, and of India, the country of their birth."[35]
From England Dr. Bose proceeded to the Continent, where his researches
had already evoked keen interest.
On the 27th June 1914, he gave an address, illustrated with experiments,
before the University of Vienna, which stands foremost in Biological
researches. He was greeted with enthusiasm by the savants there. Some of
the workers in plant physiology became so very much impressed with his
demonstrations that they expressed a desire to be trained under him.
Professor Molisch, the Director of the Pflanzen-physiologisches
Institute of the Imperial University of Vienna, in proposing a vote of
thanks, spoke highly of the great inspiration which the Viennese
scientific men received from his discourse and dwelt on the
indebtedness of Europe to India for the method of investigation
initiated by Dr. Bose--method, which rendered it possible to prove deep
into plant-life and bring forth results of which they could not hitherto
dream. And the University of Vienna officially addressed the Secretary
of State for India asking that special thanks of the University be
conveyed to the Government of India for the impetus given to them by Dr.
Bose's visit. Dr. Bose was next to start for Germany on his scientific
mission, and address the University of Strassburg, Leipzic, Halle,
Berlin and Bonn and then attend the international congress at Munich,
but, as the War broke out, he was compelled to come back to London.[36]
On his way back, he gave a Discourse before the eminent scientific men
in Paris.
On his return to London, medical men evinced great interest in his
researches. Sir John Reid, President of the Royal Society of Medicine,
and Sir Lauder Brunton, Physician of His Majesty the King Emperor, paid
a visit to his laboratory to witness the action of drugs upon plants.
Sir Lauder Brunton became of opinion that 'much light would be thrown on
action of drugs on animals, by first observing their effects on plants.'
As a result of this visit, Dr. Bose was invited to give an address to
the Royal Society of Medicine in the beginning of winter. But, as the
period of his Deputation was about to expire, the Society cabled to the
Government of India for an extension, which was granted. Dr. Bose then
delivered a lecture, before the Royal Society of Medicine, on the 30th
October 1914. The Royal Society of Medicine officially addressed the
Secretary of State for India as follows:--
"... The lecture was one of the most successful we have had yet and
evoked the keenest interest in the audience, Sir Lauder Brunton,
Bt., and others taking part in the discussion, and warmly
congratulating Prof. Bose and the Society on the value of his work.
Since then I have received many expressions of appreciation that the
Society was able to offer its fellows such an interesting
demonstration of an entirely new departure in Biological Science."
"At the invitation of the Psychological Society of London, Dr. Bose
next delivered an interesting lecture on his theory of Memory
Image."[37] He also gave an Address before the London Imperial
college of Science.