[General] The reading of scientific books is useful. or Reading scientific books is useful.

[vil]

Dear teachers,

Would you be kind enough to tell me whether there is a difference between the meaning of the following two sentences?

1. The reading of scientific books is useful.
2. Reading scientific books is useful.

Would you be also so kind to tell me why the former is not to be recommended by the scientific and technical literature?

For example "the coating of the fabric took ten hours" (wrong)
"coating the fabric took ten hours." (right)
"the washing of glassware and the wiping of the bench are obligatory" (wrong)
"washing the glassware and wiping the bench are obligatory"(right)

Thank you for your efforts.

Regards,

V.

[konungursvia]

Both are good. 1 is more old-fashioned than 2.