During the last four centuries medals have been struck which commemorate individual scientists and technological masterpieces; in recent years a third category has been added, the abstract art medals of science. These three classes are here reviewed, and it is concluded that the medal is the only art form in which science and technology have found a rich and varied representation. It is the permanence of the medal over centuries which distinguishes it from all other scientific records, and thus, if information is to be transmitted over very many years, the artist has the responsibility of interpreting science on the medal in the clearest possible manner. Some medals are here criticised, and the absence of a catalogue of scientific medals is regretted. As a bridge between the two cultures, the study of scientific medals is recommended to the historians of science and to art historians.
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