During the late eighteen-thirties the first significant inquiries took place for reform of the civil service. These concentrated on the question of fees, salaries and sinecure offices and they were the product of considerable agitation for the reduction of excessive salaries paid to public officials. The years 18457F 131855 saw the publication of the famous Northcote-Trevelyan report which proved to be the foundation of the civil service in its present form. The next major report was the Playfair Report of 1875. The report recognised the special difficulties involved in recruiting and placing scientific personnel and marks the birth of the scientific civil service. Finally the Ridley Commission report presented its findings in 18877F 131889. Apart from the invaluable account given of the day to day workings of the service at the time of this report, it was responsible more than any other for opening the service to women workers. -- Publisher's catalogue.