Invisible colleges as science elites

An intensive investigation of the American science advisory system failed to find indications of elite structure in the selection or patterns of service of advisors. Advisory groups cannot act as elements of the invisible college circuits thatPrice refered to. The only long term advisors areex officio members.Advisory committee growth and activity is marked by three periods: 1951 to 1957, slow growth; 1957 to 1966, rapid growth; and 1967 to 1972, no growth. Combined with the pattern of growth in numbers of eligible scientists, a perception of elite control may have been created.