One more sentence

[Lyf]

Pls explain for me the meaning of this sentence:
Nevertheless, by the middle of the nineteeth century, the rapid expansion of scientific knowledge and of public awareness- if not understanding- of it had created the belief that the advance of science would in some unspecified manner automatically generate economic benefits.

The word "it" refer to what?

[Marylin]

Pls explain for me the meaning of this sentence:
Nevertheless, by the middle of the nineteeth century, the rapid expansion of scientific knowledge and of public awareness- if not understanding- of it had created the belief that the advance of science would in some unspecified manner automatically generate economic benefits.

The word "it" refer to what?

...and of public awareness/understanding- of scientific knowledge.

it replaces "scientific knowledge".

[Lyf]

Thanks Marylin. It's clear to me now!