From its emergence as an independent nation, the United States has encouraged science and invention. It has done this by promoting a free flow of ideas, by encouraging the growth of "useful knowledge," and by welcoming creative people from all over the world.

The United States Constitution itself reflects the desire to encourage scientific creativity. It gives Congress the power "to promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries." This clause formed the basis for the U.S. patent and copyright systems.

From the early decades of its history, the United States was a good place for science. American science was closely linked with the needs of the people, and it was free from European preconceptions.  Two of America's founding fathers were scientists of some repute:  Benjamin Franklin conducted a series of experiments that deepened human understanding of electricity.  Thomas Jefferson was a student of agriculture who introduced various types of rice, olive trees, and grasses into the New World.  

During the 19th century, Britain, France, and Germany were at the forefront of new ideas in science and mathematics. But if the United States lagged behind in the formulation of theory, it excelled in using theory to solve problems: applied science. This tradition had been born of necessity.  When Americans combined theoretical knowledge with "Yankee ingenuity," the result was a flow of important inventions. The great American inventors include Robert Fulton (the steamboat); Samuel F.B. Morse (the telegraph); Eli Whitney (the cotton gin); Cyrus McCormick (the reaper); and Thomas Alva Edison, the most fertile of them all, with more than a thousand inventions credited to his name.

In the second half of the 20th century American scientists became known for more than their practical inventions and applications. Suddenly, they were being recognized for their contributions to "pure" science, the formulation of concepts and theories. The changing pattern can be seen in the winners of the Nobel Prizes in physics and chemistry. During the first half-century of Nobel Prizes - from 1901 to 1950 - American winners were in a distinct minority in the science categories. Since 1950, Americans have won approximately half of the Nobel Prizes awarded in the sciences.

• Global Issues: Environment DOS IIP
• Protecting the Environment: 30 Years of U.S. Progress DOS IIP E-Journal, June 2005
• Science and Engineering Indicators 2006 NSF
• America's Pressing Challenge--Building a Strong Foundation: A Companion to Science and Engineering Indicators 2006 NSF
• Research and Development Funding in the President's FY 2007 Budget Request Office of Science and Technology Policy

• Science and Engineering Statistics National Science Foundation, Division of Science Resources and Statistics
• The 2006 Statistical Abstract: Science & Technology US Census Bureau

• FirstGov for Science