To encourage research is one of the functions of a university.
Contemporary universities have encouraged research, not only in those
cases where research is necessary, but on all sorts of entirely
unprofitable subjects as well. Scientific research is probably never
completely valueless. However silly and insignificant it may seem,
however mechanical and unintelligent the labours of the researchers,
there is always a chance that the results may be of value to the
investigator of talent. who can use the. facts collected for him by
uninspired but industrious researchers as the basis of some fruitful
generalization. But where research is not original but consists in the
mere rearrangement of existing materials, where its object is not
scientific but literary or historical, then there is a risk of the whole
business becoming merely futile.
The author's assumption about scientific research is that

Correct Option (C)

The author's assumption regarding scientific research is explicitly stated in the passage: "Scientific research is probably never completely valueless." This indicates that even research that appears trivial, insignificant, or mechanically conducted inherently possesses some potential for value. The passage suggests that such research can provide foundational facts that a talented investigator might utilize for fruitful generalizations, thereby confirming that it is never entirely without some form of utility or significance.

Incorrect Options:

• Option 1 (it is never very valuable): This statement contradicts the author's view. The passage implies that scientific research, even if initially appearing insignificant, can yield results of value to a talented investigator. Therefore, it is not accurate to state it is never very valuable.
• Option 2 (it is sometimes very, valuable): While scientific research can indeed be very valuable at times, this option does not fully capture the author's fundamental assumption. The author's core premise is that scientific research is "never completely valueless," implying a constant, albeit potentially minimal, inherent value, rather than just occasional high value.
• Option 4 (it is always very valuable): This is an overstatement of the author's position. The passage acknowledges that scientific research can sometimes seem "silly and insignificant." While it asserts that such research is "never completely valueless," it does not claim it is "always very valuable." The value might be latent or require further interpretation by a skilled individual.