It has been well documented that in the 19th century there was an active interaction between British scientists and the general public which helped advance the general understanding of science. See, e.g., Lightman's "Victorian Popularizers of Science" (also reviewed on Amazon). But as to the early 20th century, the picture was not so clear. The author believes a myth grew up about this period which was that the now professionalized scientists were reluctant to engage in popular writing because of their fears that this would lead to recriminations 1940 period due to apprehension about professional sanctions being unleashed on such authors. Quite an interesting and informed discussion of a topic on which not much previously has been written.