The role of 48 liberal arts colleges in the training of American scientists was studied, with attention to undergraduate/graduate education and research and development (R&D). It was found that the leading liberal arts colleges rank at or near the top of all U.S. institutions in the training of scientists. Whereas universities have seen an erosion of student interest in science in the past 7 years, the leading liberal arts colleges continue to sustain student interest in science, due to one-to-one teaching by senior scientists and a close link between teaching and research. The liberal arts colleges have functioned largely without federal support for science. Recommendations are offered concerning early student preparation in science, programs and curriculum, funding, and renewal. Data are included on: freshmen interest in the basic sciences by discipline, 1975 to 1984; bachelors and doctoral degrees for mathematics and science disciplines; scholarly activity of science faculty by discipline; science course offerings by discipline, level, and tenure status of professor; science expenditures; R&D by type of activity and sources of funding; and enrollment of freshmen in science and math for public and private two- and four-year colleges, and universities. The 48 colleges are identified. (SW)