Abstract
The historian can reap a rich harvest by singling out for study the developments leading up to the choice of particular, major experiments within an R&D programme. A case in point is the TFTR (Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor), the largest experiment presently being mounted by the US programme to invent a magnetic fusion reactor. The history of the TFTR decision throws light on one mechanism by which the political environment can affect experimental design; their struggle for increased funding made the Washington programme managers fight for an experiment that would be more difficult (because radioactive), but more newsworthy (because it would actually produce energy). The episode further reveals the intimate ties that connect `purely' scientific issues with the battle among research groups for resources, and over programme direction.
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