  John Desmond Bernal (1901-1970) was one of the most eminent scientists in
molecular biology, and also regarded as the founding father of the Science of
Science. His book The Social Function of Science laid the theoretical
foundations for the discipline. In this article, we summarize four chief
characteristics of his ideas in the Science of Science: the socio-historical
perspective, theoretical models, qualitative and quantitative approaches, and
studies of science planning and policy. China has constantly reformed its
scientific and technological system based on research evidence of the Science
of Science. Therefore, we analyze the impact of Bernal Science-of-Science
thoughts on the development of Science of Science in China, and discuss how
they might be usefully taken still further in quantitative studies of science.
