ets tonearm ea as | 2 pre re sa N at ure A WEEKLY ra —) PELUSTRATED JOURNAL OF SCIENCE VORMNGE SCItl SEPTEMBER, 1918, to FEBRUARY, t1g19 “To the solid ground Of Nature trusts the mind which butlds for aye.” —WoRDSWORTH London VEAIG Mel bk ANS =A ND GOW Mb IM1T ED NEW YORK: THE MACMILLAN COMPANY Nature, April 3, 1304 PARP AS Nature, bs April 3, 1919 + NAME Abbe (Prof. Cleveland) removed from Offices of Meteor- ologist, and Editor of the Monthly Weather Review, 28 Abbot (C. G.), Terrestrial Temperature and Atmospheric Absorption, 79; The Smithsonian “Solar Constant” Expedition to Calama, Chile, 399 Abbott (E. C.), The Science of Health and Home-making, 444 Abell (W. S.),, Chances of Loss of Merchant Ships, 459 Adam (N. K.), appointed to the Benn W. Levy Research Studentship in Biockemistry in Cambridge University, P. oeay jams (Prof. J.), The Utility Motive in Education, 414 Adams (W. S.), and A. H. Joy, Some Spectral Charac- _ teristics of Cepheid Variables, 79; and G. Strémberg, _ The Spectroscopic Binary Boss 46, 53 Adamson (R. S.), and A. McK. Crabtree, The Herbarium of _ John Dalton, 409 Addison (Dr.'C.), The Ministry of Health Bill, 513; The __ Need for Co-ordination of Scientific Knowledge, 110 Addy (C. W.), appointed to Work in Chemistry by the - British Cellulose and Chemical Manufacturing Co., Be Ltd; 338 Adler (Dr. A.), Translated by Drs. B. Glueck and J. E. ; Lind, The Neurotic Constitution, 102 Aflalo (F. G.) [obituary], 311 Agulhon (H.), and R. Legroux, The Vitamines Utilisable in the Culture of Micro-Organisms, 220 Aichi (K.), The Hydrodynamical Theory of Temperature Seiches, 511 Airy (W.), The Ancient Trade Weights of the East, 231 Aitken (Dr. J.), A Mistaken Butterfly, 366; Cyclones, 425; Fuel Economisers, 285, 346 Aitken (Dr. R. G.), Spectra of Binary Stars, 314; The Binary Stars, 402; The Orbit of 83 Aquarii, 252; The Orbit of Sirius, 216 Alden (W. C.), and M. M. Leighton, Epochs of Drift- deposition in Iowa, 72 Alezais and Peyron, Characters and Origin of a Group of Tumours Wrongly Classified with the Coccygian Class of Luschka, 360 Alkins (Mr.), The Change in the Tensile Strength of Copper- wire Progressively Hardened by Cold-drawing, 175 Allcock (H.), The Metric System and Decimal Coinage, Density or ! 194 Allen (Dr. F. J.), and others, Observations of Large Meteors, 132 Allen (Dr. H. Stanley), Conferment on, of the Title of Reader in Physics. in the University of London, 338; Goads for the Physics Teacher, 262; Synthetic and INDEX. INDEX. André (G.), Distribution of the Minera] Elements and the Nitrogen in Etiolated Plants, 360 Andrews (E, S.), A Primer of Engineering Science. and ii., 45 Annandale (Dr. N.), The Mouth-parts of Tadpoles, 250; and Dr. B. Prashad, The Taxonomic Position of Camptoceras, Benson, and Lithotis japonica, Preston, 100; and others, Zoological Results of a Tour in the Far East, 116; and others, A Survey of the Freshwater Molluscs and their Trematode Parasites, 28 Arber (the late Dr. E. A. Newell), and F. W. Lawfield, The External Morphology of the Stems of Calamites, Parts i. 239 | Arber (Mrs.), The “Law of Loss’’ in Evolution, 239 Arey (L. B.), and W. J. Crozier, The Homing Habits of the Pulmonate Mollusc Onchidium, 499 Ariés (E.), The Saturated Vapour Pressures of Bodies, 19 Armeghino (C.), Fossil Man at Miramar, 191 Armstrong (Dr. E. F.), Industrial Chemistry, i., Industria] Chemistry, ii-, 41 2 Armstrong (Prof. H. E.), University Poverty or Parsi- mony ?, 347 Arrhenius (Prof. Svante), translated by J. E. Fries, The Destinies of the Stars, 322; and others, The Dissocia-+ tion Theory, 432 , Artschwager (E. F.), Anatomy of the Potato Plant, 215 Ashford (C. E.), appointed Adviser on Education to the Board of Admiralty, 99 | Ashmore (W. H.), appointed Professor of Materia Medica at the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, 78 Askwith (Rev. Dr. E. H.), A Course of Pure Geometry. Analytic Physics, 241; The Case for the Ring Elec- | tron, 238 Allen (Miss N. C. B.), and Prof. T. H. Laby, The Sensi- tiveness of Photographic Plates to X-rays, 160 Allen (R. G.), Effect of Temperature on the Electrical Resistances of Porcelains, etc., 95 Allen (R. W.), The Air Supply to Boiler-rooms, 313 Allinsham (W.) fobituary], 429 Alves (Dr. R.) [obituary], 410 Amar (J.), The Laws of Feminine Work and of Cerebral Activity, 109 Amundsen (Capt. R.), The Polar Expedition of, 129; Pro- gress of the Arctic Expedition of, 214 Anderson (Dr. O.), Resignation from the U.S. Geophysical Laboratory to take up the Position of Government Geologist, etc., at Christiania, 48 New edition, 2 j Atkins (Prof. H. G.), appointment as Assistant Principal of King’s College, London, 337 Atkinsoir (Prof. F.) [obituary], 370 : Atkinson (L. B.), The Kelvin Lecture on “The Dynamical Theory of Electric Engines,” 215 Austin (L. W.),; A New Method of Using Contact Detectors in* Radio-Telegraphic Measurements, 333 J. W. B., Arthur Eckley Lechmere and Science at Ruhle- ben, 504 ‘ : Baines (A. E.), Studies in Electro-Physiology (Animal and Vegetable), 163 f ; ; Bairstow (L.), and A. Berry, Two-dimensional Solutions of Poisson’s and Laplace’s Equations, 517 2 Baker (R. T.), Technology and Anatomy of some “Silky Oak” Timbers, 180 Baker (Dr. T.), The Relation between the Temperature of Evoiution of Gas and the Critical Points of Steel, 234 Baker (Thorne), Radio-Metallography, 291 } Baker (T. Y.), Sources and Magnitude of Centring Errors in a Sextant, 179; and Major L. N. G. Filon, An Empirical Formula for the Longitudinal Aberration of a Ray through a Thick Lens, 359 Bale (W. M.), Further Notes on Australian Part iv.,, 320 Balfour (H.),.The Clough Collection from the Chatham Islands in the Pitt Rivers Museum, 173 Ball (Dr. J.), A “New Navigation ’’ Method, 472 : Balland (M.), Some Coffee Preparations proposed for the Army,'79; The Preserved Fruit and Jam Distributed to the Troops, 419; The Rapid Alteration of Palm-oil, 279 Banerjee (Sir Gooroo D.) [obituary], 410 2 Hydroids. iv Index Banfield (F. J.), Tropic Days, 245 Bar (J.), Die Vegetation des Val Onsernone (Kanton Tes- sin), 243 Barger (Dr. G.), appointed Professor of Chemistry in Edin- burgh University, 516 Barker (B. T. P.), and others, Fruit Investigations at Long Ashton, 154 Barlla (Prof. C. G.), awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics for 1917, 230 Barnes (Rev. E. W.), appointed Canon of Westminster, 311; Natural Science and Religion, 462 Barral and Rane, The Chemistry of Sweet Flavours, 412 Barrett (Sir J. W.), The Twin Ideals: An Educated Com- monwealth, 2 vols., 461 Barrow (G.), High-level Gravels of the South of England, ( Barrow Steel Company, Foundation of a Scholarship at the Barrow Technical School, 119 Barton (Capt. F. R.), Tattooing in South-Eastern New Guinea, 173 : Barus (Prof. C.), Gravitational Attraction in Connection with the Rectangular Interferometer, 499; Interfero- metry of Vibrating Systems, 499; The Interferometry of Reversed and Non-reversed Spectra. Parts i. and ii., 54 Bateman (H.), The Structure iof an Electro-Magnetic Field, 79 ; Bateson (Prof. W.), The late Mr. R. P. Gregory, 284 Bathurst (Capt. Sir C.), Conferment of a Peerage upon, III Batson (R. G. C.), Static and Impact Methods, 174 Bauer (Dr.), and others, Magnetic Observations during Solar Eclipses, 473 ; Bauer (E.), P’ Weiss, and A. Picard, The Magnetisation Coefficients of Oxygen and Nitric Oxide and the Theory of the Magneton, 159 : Bayliss (Prof. W. M.), Chemical Correlation in the Growth of Plants, 285; Research on Health and Disease, 226; The Perception of Sound, 124, 263, 325 Bazett (H. C.), appointed Lecturer in Clinical Physiology in Oxford University, 406 F a Beale (Sir W. P.), elected President of the Mineralogical Society, 213 Beauverd (G.), Monographie du genre Melampyrum, 115 Rechhold (Prof. J. H.), How Science can aid Germany, 510 Beckmann (Dr.), Training Disabled Soldiers for Work in Engineering Factories, 271 Beebe (W.), A Monograph of the Pheasants, vol. i., 302 ; G. I. Hartley, and P. G. Howes, Tropical Wild Life in British Guiana, vol. i., 82 Belcher (Standley), and Mason, Ltd., The Supply of Scientific Glassware, 314 Bell (Dr. R. J. T.), and J. IKK. Wood, Salaries of Scottish Lecturers, 477 Bellingham and Stanley, Ltd., Improved Form of Abbe 313 Refractometer Part vii.. 109; viii., 519 Bequaert (J.), Revision of the Vespidz of the Belgian Congo, 30 Berg (W. N.). and R. A, Kelser, Destruction of Tetanus Antitoxin by Chemical Agents, 80 Bergonié (J.), Reconstitution of Isolated Muscles or of Muscular Groups by Intensive Rhythmic Faradisation, 518 Berriman (A. E.), appointed Deputy Controller of the Technical Department of the Department of Aircraft Production, 93 Rerthelot (A.), Biochemical Researches on War-wounds, 479 Berthelot (D.), and R. Trannoy, Absorbing Power of Dry or Moist Earth for Gaseous Chlorine, 438 y Bews (Prof. I. W.). South African Phytogeography, 251 Bianco (O. Zanotti), and Dr. C. G. Knott, Airy and the Figure of the Earth, 384 d Biesbroeck (Van), Borrelly’s Comet, 153 Bigourdan (G.), awarded the Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society, 448; Reform of the Present Civil Calendar, 437 Bigwood (G.), Cotton, 485 Nature, April 3, 1919 Birkeland (Prof. Kr.), Observations of Zodiacal Light, 30 Bjerknes (Prof.), Weather Forecasting, 493 Blair (A. A.), The Chemical Analysis of Iron. edition, 84 Blake (F. C.), Depth of Effective Plane in X-ray Crystal Fenetration, 399 Blanchard (Prof. R. A. E.), [death], 468; [obituary], 509 Boas (Dr. F.), and L. Shotridge, Language of the Tlingit Indians, 112 Boécher (Prof. M.), [obituary], 150 Bodine (J. H.), Respiration of Larval Dragon-flies, 250 Bois (Prof. H. E. J. G. du), [death], 213 Bolton (S.), The Aurora Borealis of December 25, 1918, 405 Bonaparte (Prince R.), ‘‘Notes Ptéridologiques,”’ 54 Bonar (G.), Gift to University College, Dundee, Scheme of Commercial Education, 418 Bone (Prof. W. A.), Coal and its Scientific Uses, 202; Resignation of Position of Consultant to the Fuel Re- search Board, 129 Eighth for a Boone (W. T.), A Complete Course of Volumetric Analysis for Middle and Higher Forms of Schools, 2 Bose (Sir J. C.), Biography of, 231 Bosler (Dr. J.), Origin of New Stars, 394 Boswell (Prof. P. G. H.), A Memoir on-Britisk Resources of Refractory Sands for Furnace and Foundry Pur- poses. Part i. . With Chemical Analyses by Dr. H. F. Harwood and A. A. Eldridge, 261; A Memoir on British Resources of Sands and Rocks used in Glassmaking, with Notes on certain Crushed Rocks and Refractory Materials. With Chemical Analyses by Dr. H. F. Har- wood and A. A. Eldridge. Second edition, 261; Im- pressions of the Glass Industry of the United States gathered on a recent Visit, 518 Bottomley (Miss A. M.), Fungoid Diseases in Young Cypress Plants, 134 Bouchardat (Prof. G.), [obituary], 410 Bouchon (J.), Lymphatic Bleeding as a means of Disinfec- tion of War-wounds, 159 Boulenger (G. A.), Is Evolution Reversible?, 438 Bourgeois (Gen.), A Method of Determining the Direction and Velocity of the Wind in Cloudy Weather, 299 Bourion (F.), and Ch. Courtois, Conditions of Utilisation of Schilling’s Apparatus for the Control of Industrial Hydrogen, 479 Boutroux (E.), Report of Death Unfoynded, 110 Bowlby (Maj.-Gen, Sir A.), Surgery in the Field, 493 Boycott (Prof. A. E.), The Neglect of Biological Subjects in Education, 405 Boys (Prof. (Ors V.), A Fuel Economiser, 249; Fuel Econo- — misers, 285; Spitting of Silver on Solidification, Bo =A) - Braae (J.), and J. Fischer-Petersen, Comet 1918d (Schorr), 314. 373 Brade-Birks (H. and G.), Notes on Myriapoda, 469 Bradford (Dr. E. H.), Retirement from the Harvard Medical School, 30 Bradford (Sir J. Rose), and Capts. E. F. Bashford and J. A. Wilson, The Cause of Influenza, 469 Bradlee (F. B. C.), The Salem Iron Factory, 11 Brady (Prof. G. S.), Copepoda Collected by the Australasian Antarctic Expedition, 12 Brady (Dr. O. L.), appointed President of Union of Scientific Workers, 212 Brazier (C. E.), Influence of the Velocity of the Wind on the Vertical Distribution, etc., 460 Brearley (A. W. and H.), Ingots and Ingot Moulds, 302 Brereton (C.), Water Snails and Leeches in an Pool, 50 Bridge (G. F.); The Writer of the Article, Modern Studies in Schools, 186 Brierley (W. B.), appointed Mycologist to the New Insti- tute of Phytopathological Research, Rothamsted, 230 Briggs (].), [death], 111 Bright (C.), Telegraphy, Aeronautics, and War, 282 Brinkmann (Dr. A.), Skeletons of Norwegian Domestic Animals in the Bergens Museum, 332 Bristol (Miss M.), A Review of the Genus Chlorochytrium, Cohn, 278 Broad (C. D.), 308 Mechanical Explanation and its Alternatives, the National - Artificial- il Nature, April 3, 1919 Brock (Capt. A. J.), The Re-education of the Adult: 1. The Neurasthenic in War and Peace, 142 Brockington (W. A.), The Education Act of 1918, 415 Brodetsky (Dr. S.), Frost’s An Elementary Treatise on Curve Tracing. Fourth edition, 303; Optical Research and Design, 361; The Graphical Treatment of Differential Equations, 395 Brooks (C. E. P.), A Meteorological Journal at Wei-hai-wei kept by Commander A. E. House, 1910 to 1916, 339; Continentality and Temperature, 335 Brotherus (Dr. V. F.), and Rev. W. W. Watts, The Mosses of North Queensland, 519 Brown (N. E.), A New Species of Lobostemon in the Linnean Herbarium; Old and New Species _ of Mesembryanthemum, 517 Brown (W. H.), Termite Nests and Fungi, 410 Browning (Dr. C. H.), The Laboratory in the Service of the Hospital, 295; and others, Applied Bacteriology, 104 Brownlee (Dr. J.), Biology of a Life-table, 396 Brownlie, Compston, and Royse, Exact Data on the Run- ning of Steam-boiler Plants, 193 Brownlie (D.), Coal Economy, 75 Bruni (Prof. G.), Suggestion for a Memorial to H. G. J. Moseley, 213 Bryant (Major V. S.), and Lt. T. H. Hughes, Map Work, 23 _Bugnon (P.), A New Method of Selective Coloration of Lignified Plant Membranes, 438 Bullough (E.), The Study of English in Italian Universities, 8 ance (the Misses), Gift of Books to Birmingham Univer- sity, 298 Burrard (Col. Sir S. G.), Report of the Survey of India, I9QI6-17, 135 Busk (H. G.), and H. T. Mayo, Geology of the Persian Oilfields, 234 Butler (E. J.), Fungi and Disease in Plants, 4o1 Buzzard (Dr. T.), [death], 370 Cain (Dr. J. C.), The Manufacture of Intermediate Pro- ducts for Dyes, 21 Caldwell (Major E. W.), Bequest to Columbia University, 39 Callendar (Prof. H. L.), Supersaturation and Turbine Theory, 367 Calmette (Dr. A.), appointed Director of the Pasteur In- stitute, Paris, 330 Cambage (R. H.), Acacia Seedlings. Part iv., 320; Two New Species of Eucalyptus, 399; Vertical Growth of Trees, 180 Camichel (C.), Great Velocities of Water in Pipes, 159 Campbell (A.), Linguistic Nomenclature of Scientific Writers; Low-frequency Microphone Hummers; A Simple Tuning-fork Generator ; A Method of Comparing Tuning-forks, 397; Petroleum Refining, 361 Campbell (Dr. W. W.), elected a Correspondant of the In- stitute of France, 7o Cannon (A.), [obituary], 171 Carpenter (Dr. C. C.), Address to the Students of the Sir John Cass Technical Institute, 516 Carpenter (Prof. H. C. H.), The Metalliferous Ores of the Iron and Steel Industry, 7; nominated President of the Institute of Metals for a further year, 48; The Hor Working of Steel, 194; The Influence of Progressive Cold Work on Pure Copper, 175 Carpenter (Prof. R. C.), [obituary], 468 Carr (Prof. H. Wildon), Is Psychology one of the Natural Sciences?, 344; Mind-stuff Redivivus, 441; Philosophy : as Monadology, 498 Carslaw (Prof. H. S.), Theory of a Simple. Progressive Tax, and its Bearing on the Federal Income-tax Schedules, 19 Carter (R. Brudenell), [death], 172; [obituary], 191 Carus-Wilson (C.), Rock-disintegration by Salts, 66 Cassel (Sir E.), Gift for Educational Purposes, 496 Castellani (Lt.-Col. A.), Tropical Diseases in the Balkanic War Zone, 397 Caullery (M.), and F. Mesnil, Initial Parasitic Phases of Xenocoeloma brumpti, 360 Cauwood (J. D.), C. Muirhead, and W. E. S. Turner, Pro- perties of the Lime-soda Glasses, 518 Index ¥ Cave (Capt. C. J. P.), A Cloud Phenomenon, 339; and J. S. Dines, Soundings with Pilot Balloons in the Isles of Scilly, November and December, IgII, 259 Caven (Dr. R. M.), appointed Principal of the Technical College, Darlington, 378; Carbon and its Allies, 41 Cépéde (C.), A Curative Vaccine for Influenza, 280 Chadwick (D. T.), Industrial Development of India, 33 Chadwick (Lt. P. M.), [obituary], 130 Challinor (R. W.), E. Cheel, and A. R. Penfold, A New Species of Leptospermum and its Essential Oil, 19 Chalmers (Dr. A. J.), and W. Pekkola, Chilomastix meslint, 111 Chance (E.), Number of Eggs laid by the Cuckoo, 429 GPeneae W.), Gift to the Carlisle Education Committee, 118 Chandler (Dr. F. G.), awarded the Raymond Horton-Smith Prize at Cambridge University, 99 Chaplin (Dr. A.), to deliver the FitzPatrick Lectures of the Royal College of Physicians of London, 191 Chapman (Capt. E. H.), Annual Symmetrical Variation of Certain Elements, etc., 339 Chapman (F.), Age of the Bairnsdale Gravels, 20; New or Little-known Victorian Fossils in the National Museum, Part xxii., 160; New or Little-known Fossils in the National Museum, Melbourne, Part xxiii., 519 Chapman (Dr. S.), The Energy of Magnetic Storms, 452 ; The Lunar Tide jin the Earth’s Atmosphere, 517 Chardonnet (M. de), Sections of Artificial Silks, 159 Charpy (G.), and M. Godchot, The Formation of Coke, 96 Chaudhuri (Prof. T. C.), Sir William Ramsay as a Scientist and Man, 64 Chaundy (T.), Astigmatism : Object, 179 Chavigny (Prof. P.), Invasion of Trenches by. Rats, 53 Chaytor (A. H.), Gift for the Equipment of a Bacteriological Laboratory at the South-Eastern Agricultural College, Interchangeability of Stop and 516 Chilton (Prof. C.), A Fossil Species of Phreatoicus, 30 Chopard (L.}, Zoological Results of a Tour in the Far East. Les Orthoptéres cavernicoles de Birmanie et la Pénin- sule Malais2, 100 Chopin (M.), Apparatus for the Measurement of Chimney Losses, 60 Chree (Dr. C.), Auroral Observations in the Antarctic, 25, 114; Electric Potential Gradient and Atmospheric Opacity at Kew Observatory, 318; Magnetic Observa- tions during a Solar Eclipse, 473 Christy (M.), Gunfire on the Continent during 1918: its Audibility at Chignal St. James, 518 Chubb (C. H. E.), Gift of Stonehenge to the Nation, 70; The Transfer of Stonehenge to the Nation, 171 Chubb (E. C.), The Whales landed at the Whaling Station at Durban, 232 Clarke (F. W.), Notes on Isotopic Lead, 80 Clarke (Prof. G. A.), [obituary], 71 Clarke (Dr. H. T.), Adulterants in Commercial Developing Agents, 233 Clarke (Dr. W. Eagle), The Value of Insectivorous Birds, 4 Clarkson (T.), elected President of the Institution of Auto- mobile Engineers, 492 Claude (G.), A New Application of Viscosity, 499; The Industrial Preparation of Argon, 139 Cleghorn (M. L.), Vitality and Longevity of Silkworm Moths in Bengal. 100 Clinton (W. C.), Brightness of Self-luminous Radio-active Material, 330 Close (Col. Sir C. F.), Influence of the State of the Atmo- sphere on the Level of the Sea, 471 Coad-Pryor (Mr.), Action of Certain Types of Glass upon Pots, 199 Cobb (Prof. J. W.), Carbonisation Reactions, 116; Refrac- tory Materials and the Glass Industry, 198 Cobb (P. H.), Autonomous Responses of the Labia! Palps of Anodonta, 399 Coblentz, Long, and Kahler, Radiation of Wave-lengths emitted by Quartz Mercury-vapour Lamps, 451 Cockerell (Prof. T. D. A.), Glossina in the Miocene Shales of Colorado, 95; Hybrid Sunflowers, 25; Insects found in Amber, 508 Cockin (Dr. R. P.), [obituary], 311 Codrington (T.), [obituary], 172 vi Index Nature, April 3, 1919 Coe (H. 5.), [death], 269 Coggia (J.), Lobituary], 468 Coghill (Miss E. H. B.), appointed Lecturer in Hygiene in the Women’s Training College of Birmingham Univer- sity, 119 Cohen (Prof. J. B.), Organic Chemistry for Advanced Students. Second edition. Three parts, 345 — Colburn (Mrs. C. H.), Bequest to the Harvard University Medical School, 119 Colefax (H. A.), elected Chairman of the British Scientific Instrument Research Association, 231 Colin (H.), and Mile. A. Chaudun, The Law of Action of Sucrase, 60 Collinge (Dr. W. E.), elected a Corresponding Fellow of the American Ornithologists’ Union, 290; Game Birds and Agriculture, 352; Proposed Foundation of the Wila Bird Investigation Society, 450; The Estimation of the Food Contents of Birds’ Stomachs, 151; Wild Birds 2 and Legislation, 29 Collins (S. H.), Plant Products and Chemical Fertilisers, 41 Colver (Capt. E. de W..S.), High Explosives, 343 Comas-Sola (J.), Stereoscopic Studies of Stellar Currents, 19 ‘Combes (R.), Immunity of Plants with regard to the Imme- diate’ Principles Which They Elaborate, 19 ‘Conway (Miss), Demands upon the Teaching Profession Caused by the Education Bill and the War, 115 Cooper (C. F.), J. F. Saunders, and J. Gray, Grants made to, from the Balfour Fund of Cambridge University, for Zoological Investigations, 455 Cornish (G. A.), assisted by A. Smith, The Ontario High School Chemistry, 381; The Ontario High School _ Laboratory Manual in Chemistry, 38r Cornish (Dr. Vaughan), The Strategic Geography of the Great Powers, 164 Corstorphine (Dr. G. S.), [death], 429; [obituary], 450 Cortie (Rev. A. L.), Spectrum of the Corona, 272 Cotter (G. de P.), Geotectonics of the Tertiary Irrawaddy Basin, 20 Cotter (J. R.), End-products of Thorium, 425 Cottrell (Dr. F. G.), awarded the Perkin Medal by the j American Chemical Society, 409 Coulter (Prof. J. M.), elected President of the Chicago c Academy of Science, 110 Courtkope (Major G. L.), The Timber Requirements of the : Government and the Available Sources, 350 Cowdray (Lord), Boring for Petroleum near Chesterfield, 149; elected Rector of Aberdeen University, 218 Cowley. (W. L.). and H. Levy, Vibration and Strength of Struts and Continuous Beams under End-Thrusts, Craib (W. G.), The Flora of Siam, 451 Craig (E. S.), elected to a Fellowship at Magdalen College, 497 Oxford, 317 - Crewe (Marquess of), The Work of the British Science ; Guild, 413 ‘Crocker (Dr. J.), appointed Lecturer on Tuberculosis in Glasgow University, 396 Crocker (Prof. W. J.), Veterinary 104 Crommelin (Dr. of the Sun on May 29, 444; Crooke (Dr. W.), Prentice Pillars and the Architect and his Pupil, 331; The Honorary Degree. of D.Sc. con- ; ferred upon, by the University of Oxford, 317 Crookshank (Dr. F. G.), The Story of a New Disease, 129, 173 Crossland (J. F. L.), [obituary], 172 Crossley (Lt.-Col. A. W.), appointed Daniell Professor of ‘ Chemistry at King’s College, 258 Crowther (Dr. J..A.); The Life and Discoveries of Michael Faraday, 485 Crozier -(W, J.), Growth and Duration of Life of Chiton ; tuberculatus; Growth of Chiton tuberculatus in Dif- ’ ferent Environments, 499 ‘Cruz (O.), Erection of a Monument to, 70 Cumberbatch (Dr. E.. P.), Diathermy, 137 Cumberland (E. B.), Association: A Story of Man for Boys and Girls, 3 Cuming (G.), [obituary], 468 Cunliffe (N.), appointed Lecturer in Economic Zoology in Oxford University, 496 Post-Mortem Technic, A. C. D.), Dwarf Stars, 292; The Eclipse Tempel’s Comet, 134 — | Cunningham (Dr. Brysson), Sea Aggression, 505; The Water-powers of the British Empire, 46 Cushman (J. A.), Foraminifera of the Atlantic Ocean, 51 Dale (Sir Resignation of the Vice-Chancellorship of Liverpool University, 276 Daniel (L.), Action of a Marine Climate on the Inflorescence of Asphodelus luteus, 159 Darling (C. R.), British Thermometers, 226; High Tem- perature Processes and Products, 76; The Shortage of Research Workers, 486; Welding of Non-ferrous Metals by Oxy-acetylene, etc. ge Darnell-Smith (G. P.), A Bacterial Disease of Tobacco, 399 Darwin (Capt. C. G.), elected to a Junior Fellowship of Christ’s College, Cambridge, 496 : Davenport (C, B.), Hereditary Tendency Tumours, 399 -Davidson (J. H.), S. English, and Dr. W. E. S. Turner, . The Properties of Soda-lime Glasses, i., 279 Davidson (J. H. M.), Persistence of Painting on Glass, 232 -Davies (Major D.), and Sisters, Offer to Found a Chair. of to Form Nerve International Politics at University College, Aberyst- wyth, 298 ~Ohs ; } Davis (Prof. G. G.), Applied Anatomy. Fifth edition, 423 Davis (H. V.), Food Gardening: For Beginners and Ex- qperts. Second edition, 243 Davis (Capt. J. K.),” Official Report on the Aurora Relief Expedition, 129 Davis (W. A.), A Study of the Indigo Soils of Bihar ; Present Position and Future Prospects of the Natural Indigo Industry, 27; Natural Indigo Manufacture, 272 Davis (Prof. W. M.), Fringing Reefs. of the Philippine Islands, 80; Metalliferous iatecite jan New Caledonia, 399 Day (Dr. A. L.), Resignation of the Directorship of the Geophysical Laboratory of the Carnegie Institution of Washington, 172 Dearle (R. C.), Emission and Absorption in the Infra-red Spectra of Mercury, Zinc, and Cadmium, 477 De Candolle (A. C. P.), [obituary], 391 Dechevrens (M.), An Electrical Tide in the Soil Derived from the Oceanic Tide, 199 Décombe (L.), Sadi Carnot and the Principle of Equival- ence of Heat and Work, 499 Deeley (R. M.), and’ J. S: D., Cyclones, 385 Defressine and H. Violle, The Prophylaxy and Treatment of Influenza, 159 Delage (Y.), The Nature and Causes of Segregative Here- dity and of Aggregative Heredity, 438 De Lamar (Capt. J. R.), Bequests to the Harvard Univer- sity Medical School and other American Institutions, 418 Delépine (Prof. S.), Disinfection of Anthrax-infected Wool, 372; Essentials for Clean Milk, 448 Delezenne (C.), and H. Morel, The Catalytic Snake-poison on the Nucleic Acids, 479 De Lury (R. E.), The Sun’s Rotation, 292 Dennett (R. E.), The Resources of West Africa, 14 Denning (W. F.), August and September Meteors, 52; The Meteoric Shower of December, 325 Deprez (Prof. M.), [obituary], 370 Dessau (Prof. B.), Manuale di Fisica ad Uso delle Scuole Secondarie e Superiori. Vol. iii., “Elettrologia,” 382 Action of Dienert (F.), Estimation of Nitrites, 60; and A. Guillerd, Aqueous Autolysed. Yeast for the Culture of B. coli, 479 Dines (J. S.), Cyclonic Circulation, 284 Dines (W. H.), Cyclones, 425; Some Temperature Anomalies, 384 Dixon (Prof. H. AH. ), Different Kinds of Timbers classed as “Mahogany,” 411 Dobbie (Sir J. J.), proposed as President of the Chemical Society, 509 Doelter (Dr. C.), The Mineral Wealth of the Ukraine, 271 Doidge .(Dr. .Ethel),. Bean Blight in the Transvaal, 134; Californian Walnut Blight in the South African Walnut Plantations, 134; Meliolaster: A New Genus of the Microthyriacew, 120; South African Perisporiacez, v., 438 Nature, as Aprit mahal L[ndex Vil Donaldson (H. H.), Comparison of Growth-changes in the | Fabry (Prof. C.), awarded, with Dr. A. Pérot, the Rum- Nervous System of the Rat with Corresponding Changes is in the Nervous System of Man, 399 Donkin (Sir H. Bryan), The Neglect of Biological Subjects : in’ Education, 444: and others, The Prevention of Vene- real Diseases, 287 Doolittle (E.), Motions of Forty-eight Double Stars, 79 Dornan (Rev. S. S.), The Killing of the Divine King in South Africa, 135 Douglas (Capt. C. K. M.), Meteorology .and Aviation, eens: Drakeley (T. J.), appointed Lecturer in Chemistry at the Northern Polytechnic Institute, 516 Drechsler (C.), The Taxonomic Position of the Genus Acti- nomyces, 399 Drummond (R.), A Method of Road-making, 328 ‘Drummond (W. B.), A Medical Dictionary, 204 Du Bois (Dr. H. E. J.), [obituary article], 408 t Dubosq-Lettré (H.), The Minor Planet 692 Hippodamia, 373 Dubrissay (R.), Tripier, and Toquet, A Physico-chemical Method of Estimating Alkaline Carbonates in the Pre- ‘ sence of Free Alkaline Bases, 438; The Miscibility of Phenol and Alkaline Liquids, 380 ‘Dudgeon (G. C.), Egyptian Cotton, 393 Dumont (J.), The Aqueous Reserves of the Soil in Periods ‘of Drought, 19 Dunnicliff (Prof. H. B.), Practical Chemistry for Ynter- ‘ mediate Classes, 381 Durrant (R. G.), Use of Crystal Violet to Compare the B Hydrion Content of Aqueous Solutions of Acids, 376 ‘Du Toit (Dr. A. L.), Geology of the Marble Delta (Natal), 517; Intrusion of Aplite into Serpentine in Natal, 270 Dyer (Dr. H.), [death], 93; obituary article, 1og Dyke (W.), The Science and Practice of Manuring. vised and enlarged edition, 485 Dyson (Sir F.), Astronomy, The Teaching of, : 218; and W. G. Thackeray, Stars, 97 Re- in Schools, Parallaxes of Helium Eastman (Dr. C. R.), [obituary], 171 Eastman Kodak Co., Methods of Analysis, and Results, of “Metol” Substitutes, 233 Eccles (Dr. W. H.), Wireless Telegraphy and Telephony. ° Second edition, 63 Eddington (Prof. A. S.), The Pulsation Theory of Cepheid Variability, 472; The Rate of Stellar Evolution, 174 Edgcumbe (K.), Industrial Electrical Measuring Instru- ments. Second edition, 323 Edwards (Prof. C. A.), The Hardness of Metals, 239; and F. W. Willis, An Impact Method, 174 Edwards (F.), [obituary], 290 Eggar (W. D.), Teaching of Science to Young Boys, 375 Ekblaw (W. E.), Importance of Nivation as an Erosive Factor in Northern Greenland, 399 ee se A.), The Frozen-meat Industry of New Zealand, Ellis, (br. D.), Medicinal Herbs and Poisonous Plants, 204 English (S.), Apparatus for the Accurate Calibration of Burette Tubes, 339; and W. E. S. Turner, Properties of the Lime-soda Glasses, 518 Eredia (Prof. F.), awarded the Natural Sciences Gold Medal of the Societa Italiana delle Scienze, 9; Italian Climat- ology, 495 Esclangon (E.), A New Determination of the Velocity of Sound in the Open Air, 459 Esslemont (A. S.), [death], 93 Evans (Sir Arthur), Presentation of Ancient British and other Celtic Coins to the British Museum, 493 Evans (I. H. N.), Proto-Ethnology of the Malay Penin- sula, 151 Evans (R. W.), Some Types of Cave Formation, 279 Evershed (J.), Calcium Clouds in the Milky Way, Observations of Nova Aquilz in India, 105; tions of Solar Prominences, 97; ments and Relativity, 153 ages oe A. J.), Synthesis of Sugars from Formalde- yde, 519 Ewing (Sir J. A.), Prof. Bertram Hopkinson, F.R.S., 8 472 5 Observa- Solar-line Displace- ford Medal of the Royal Society, 229,275 Fahy (F. P.), awarded the John Scott Legacy Medal and Premium, 172; Tests of the Permeameter of, 113 Fairchild (H. L.), Glacial Depression and Post-Glacial Uplift of North-Eastern America, 399 Falconer (Dr. J. D.), appointed Director Survey of Nigeria, 409 Farquharson (C. O.), [obituary article], 10 Work in Nigeria, 371 Farr (W. T.), Donation towards the Pri College in Swansea, 219 of the Geological 2; Mycological posed University Fawsitt (Prof. C. E.), and A. A. Pain, Behaviour of Iron in Contact with Sulphuric Acid, 240 Fayet (M. D Borrelly’s Comet, 512 Fell (Col. H. G.), offered the Post of Medical Adminis- trator ar the Air Board, 191 Fenner (Dr. C.), The Physiography of the Basin of the Werribee River, 95 Fenton (Dr. W. J.), Requirements of Medical Research, Sox Ferguson (J. B.), and H. E. Merwin, Minerals of the Silica Series, 72 Fermor (Dr. L. L.), The Term “Bipyramidal” and the Word “Romanéchite,” 194 Figgis (Mr.), Endowment of a Scholarship at the South- Eastern Agricultural College, 516 Fishenden (M. W.), The Efficiency of Domestic Fires and the Effects of Certain “Coal-saving ” Preparations, 419 Fisher (H. A. L.), and the Board of “Education, 376; In- dustrial Art in Great Britain, 178; The Place of the University in National Life, 516; The Proposed South- Western University, 497; The’School Teachers (Super- annuation) Bill, 159 Flaherty (R. 2 The Exploration of Labrador, 95 Fleming (A. P. M.), Planning a Works Research Organisa- tion, ee ‘ Fleming (Prof. J. A.), Wireless Telegraphy and Solar Eclipses, 405 Fletcher (Sir L.), Impending Retirement of, 409 Fleure (Prof. H. J.), and Miss L. Winstanley, Anthropology and our Older Histories, 192 Flint (Rev. Dr. W.), elected President of the South African Association, 135 t Flood (Miss M. G.), Exudation of Water from the Leaf-tips of Colocasia antiquorum, 398 Flower (Capt.), and M. J. Nicoll, Protection of Birds Bene- ficial to Agriculture, 470 ' Foch (Marshz al), elected a Distinguished Honorary Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers, 448 Te Foote (P. D.), and T. R. Harrison, Some Peculiar Thermo- electric Effects, 215 Forrest (Lord), [obituary], 2 Forster (Dr. M. ©.), appointed Director of the ‘Salters’ Institute of Industrial Chemistry, 213 Forsyth (Prof. A. R.), Theory of Functions of a Complex Variable. Third edition, 12: Forsyth (Prof. T. M.), Relations between Philosophy and Science, 134 Fosse (R.), Formation, by Oxidation of Organic Substances, of an Intermediate Term spontaneously producing Urea, 518 Foster (Prof. G. Carey), [death], 468; [obituary article], 480 Type-reading Optophone, 10 Fournier d’Albe (Dr. Fowle (F. E.), The Atmesaneee Scattering of Light, 152 Fowler (Prof. A.), awarded a Royal Medal of the Royal Society, 229, 274; elected President of the Royal Astro- nomical Society, 492 Francois (M.), Method of Estimating Metals by Electrolytic Deposit, 279 =" Frankland (Prof. P. F.), Resignation of the Mason Chair of Chemistry in Birmingham University, 295 Franklin (Prof. Ww. S.), and Prof. B. Macnutt, A Calendar of Leading Experiments, 262 Frazer (Sir J. @ ), Folk-Lore in the Old Testament in Rey Religion, Legend, and Law. : Studies 3, vols., ee (Dr. J. N.), A Text-book of Inorganic Chemistry. Vol. v., Carbon and its Allies, Dr. R. M. Caven, 41 Frost (Dr. Bay An Elementary ieatise on Curve Tracing. Fourth edition, revised by Dr. R. J. T. Bell, 303 Vill Fry (Sir E.), [death], 150; [obituary article], 169 Fry (Miss S. M.), Resignation from the Birmingham Uni- versity Council, 119 Gaarder (1.), Die Hydroxylzahl des Meerswassers, 452 Gallenkamp and Co., Ltd., Glass-measuring Instruments, 96 Galloway (Dr. T. W.), Biology of Sex for Parents and _ Teachers, 183 Gamble (J. S.), Flora of the Presidency of Madras. Part ii., _ 23; Notes on the Flora of Madras, 352 Gamble (S. G.), How to Deal with Different Kinds of Fires, 404 Gardiner (W, G. and F. C.), Foundation of Three Chairs in Glasgow University, 396 Gardner (Prof. P.), Addition to the Ashmolean Museum of a Female Marble Figure, 214 Gaster (L.), Scientific INumination, 34 Gatenby (J. B.), Polyembryony in the Parasitic Hymeno- ptera, 112 Gates (Dr. R. R.), appointed Reader in Botany at Kiryé’s College, London, 458 ; Gatin (Mme. V. C.), Structure of Flowers of Liliaceze, 360 Gaubert (P.), The Artificial Coloration of Liquid Crystals, 420 Geikie (Sir A.), Memoir of John Michell, MAS) BD EERESS 38 Gemelli (Major), Methods employed by the Italian Authori- ties in the Selection of Aviators, 130 George (D. Lloyd), A National Supply of Fertilisers, 269; The Application of Science to Agriculture, 248; The __ Promotion of Scientific Agriculture, 267 Gibson (C. R.), Experiments on Colour-blindness, 20° Gilbert (C. J.), Extensive Deposits of High-level Sands and Gravels resting upon the Chalk at Little Heath, near Berkhamsted, 478 Gilchrist (Prof. J. D. F.), A Disease in the Snoek, 99 Gill (Dr. A. H.), A Short Hand-book of Oil Analysis. Revised eighth edition, 124 ; Gillies (C. D.), The Spine Mode of Centropyxis aculeata, Stein, 16 i Gilligan (Dr. A.), Sandstone Dykes or Rock-riders in the Cumberland Coalfield, 437 Giltay (J. W.), Mersenne and his Ideas of Acoustics, 96 Giuffrida-Ruggeri (Prof. V.), The Arboreal Descent Man, 8s Gladstone (Capt. Hugh S.), Birds and the War, 488 Glascodine (E. J.), Remarlcable Hailstorm in King Island, Tasmania, 51 Glass (J.), Offer to the George Watson’s College, Edin- __ burgh, for a School of Chemistry, 259 Glazebrook (Sir R.), Physics in Relation to National Life, the Peduncle in the of 135 Glen (Miss E. H.), Prof. A. Sedgwick’s Views of the “Cell Theory,” 130 Glenn (O. E.), Invariants which are Functions of Para- meters of the Transformation, 79 Godlee (Sir Rickman J.), elected President of the Birming- ham and Midland Institute, 429 Godman (Dr. F. Du Cane), [death], so9 Godwin-Austen (Lt.-Col. H. H.), Future German Scientific Men, 64 Goldschmidt (C.). Utilisation of the By-products of Coal and Lignite in Gasworks, etc., 131 Gonnessiat and Sy, Observations of Minor Planets, 194 Goodrich (E. S.), A Fatherless Frog, with Remarks on Artificial Parthenogenesis, 278 Goodrich (Dr. H. P.), Canning and Bottling, with Notes on Other Simple Methods of Preserving Fruit and Vege- tables, 105 Goodwin (Eng. Vice-Admiral G. G.), elected an Honorary Member of the Institution of Petroleum Technologists, 420 Gordon (G. B.), America, 71 Gorell (Lord), The Education of Men on Military Ser- vice Treatment of Remarkable Sculptures from Central 415 Gowen (J. W.), A Genetic Study of the First-generation Crosses, 43 ; 33 Graham (W. P. G.), [obituary], 41ro Index Nature, April 3, 1919 Grandidier (G.), appointed General Secretary of the Société de Géographie of Paris, 448 : Granger (F.), The Proposed University for the East Mid- lands, 467 ; Gray (J.), appointed Demonstrator of Comparative Anatomy in Cambridge University, 119 Green (N.), Fisheries of the North Sea, 102 Gregory (R. P.), [obituary article], 247 — Grieg (J. A.), The Age of Starfish Individuals, 453 Griffiths (Dr. Ezer), Methods of Measuring Temperature 182 i Griffiths (Dr. E. H.), Title of Emeritus Professor of Expert- mental Philosophy conferred upon, 259 Grigaut (A.), and Fr. Moutier, Treatment of Influenza by Plasmo-therapy, 299 Guareschi (Prof. 1.), [obituary], 449 ‘ ‘ Gude (G. K.), elected President of the Malacological Society, 2 Giilieime (Dr. Ch.-Ed.), Substitutes for Platinum, 64 Guillaume (J.), Observations of Borrelly’s Comet made at the Lyons Observatory, 199; Observations of the Sun made at the Lyons Observatory, 260, 380, 479 ; Guillemard and Labat (Drs.), awarded the Montyon Prize, to) Guiness (Capt. the Hon. R.), Gifts to the Library of the Rothamsted Experimental Station, 277 Guitry (M.), The Play Pasteur, 449 Guthrie (Dr. L. G.), [obituary], 350 1a Guttentag (Capt. W. E.), Petrol and Petroleum Spirits. A Description of their Sources, Preparation, Examina- tion, and Uses, 361 Gutton and Touly, Non-deadened Electric Oscillations of Short Wave-length, 499 ; H.-S. (W. P.), A Curious Rainbow, 85 Hadfield (Sir R.), Achievements of the Iron and Steel In- dustry, 414; The Crucial Question of Patents, 493 + Production of Manganese Steel, 13 Haig (Sir Douglas), elected a Distinguished Honorary Mem- ber of the Institution of Civil Engineers, 448 Haines (Col. H. A.), Discovery of a Human Skeleton near Rochester, 191 : Hall (Sir D.), Position of Women in Agriculture, 251 Hall (Miss E.), Apparition of a Black Pig in Ireland, 312 Hall (E. H.), Thermo-electric Action with Dual Conduction of Electricity, 79 Halstead (W. S.), Dilation of the Great Arteries Distal te Partially Occluding Bands, 80 Halsted (Prof. B. D.), [obituary], 93 Hancock (Prof. H.), Theory of Maxima and Minima, 44 Hannay (R. K.), appointed Professor of Ancient History and Palwography in Edinburgh University, 516 Harding (C.), Epidemic Influenza, 165 Hardy (G. H.), and J. E. Littlewood, Applications of the Method of Farey Dissection in the Analytic Theory of Numbers, 319 Harker (A.), appointed Reader in Petrology in Cambridge ~ University, 458 Harker (Dr. J. A.), Fuel Economisers, 324 Harmer (F. W.), The Honorary Degree of M.A. conferred upon, by the University of Cambridge, 316 Harmer (Dr. S. F.), Canon Alfred Merle Norman, F.R.S., 188; The South Georgia Whale Fishery, 65 Harper (Dr. W. E.), Photographs of the Spectrum of Nova Aquilz, 32 Harries (H.), Some Temperature Anomalies, 364 Harris (Prof. D. Fraser), The Functional Inertia and Momentum of Living Matter, 469; The Perception of Sound, 365 Harrison (Lt.-Col. E. F.), [obituary article], 210 Harrison (F.), On Society, 462 Harshberger (Prof. J. W.), A Text-book of Mycology and Plant Pathology, 321 Hart (Dr. B.), The Modern Nervous Disorders, 142 Harukawa and Yagi, Biology of the Peach-shoot Borer, 291 Harvey (L. C.), Return after Investigating the Application of Pulverised Coal, 150 Haseman (Miss M. G.), Amphicheiral Knots, 239 Haswell (Prof. W. A.), The Exogonea, 318 Treatment of Mental and Nature, April 3, 1919 Hatch (Dr. F. H.), The Jurassic Ironstones of the United Kingdom, 245 Hatfield (Dr. W. H.), Cast Iron in the Light of Recent Research. Second edition, 403 Hatschek (E.), The Forms assumed by Drops and Vortices of Gelatin in various Coagulants, 278; The Forms assumed by Drops and Vortices of a Gelatinising Liquid in various Coagulating Solutions, 318 Havelock (Prof. T. H.), Wave Resistance : Some Cases of Three-dimensional Fluid Motion, 459 Haverfield (Prof. F.), The Coal and Iron-ores of Spits- bergen, 310 Hawkins (G. T.), Gift to the Northampton General Hos- pital towards a Pathologica! Laboratory, 378 Hearnshaw (Prof. F. J. C.), National and International Ideals on the Teaching of History, 415 Heaton (T. T.), Electric Welding, 452 Hegner (R. W.), Variation and Heredity during the Vege- tative Reproduction of Arcella dentata, 399 Hele-Shaw (Dr. H. S.), elected an Honorary Fellow of the Society of Engineers (Inc.), 48 Heller (E.), Geographical Barriers to the Distribution of __ Big-game Animals in East Africa, 332 Henderson (F.), Gift to the Royal Technical College, Glas- gow, 159 Hendrick (Prof. J.), The Chemistry of Seaweeds, Henrici (Major E. O.), Spirit-levels, 359 Henrici (Prof. Olaus), [obituary article], 189 Henroteau (Dr. F.), Orbit of « Scorpii, 215 Henry (M.), Some Australian Cladocera, 519 Henry (Dr. T. A.), appointed Director of the Wellcome Chemical Research Laboratories, 509 Herdman (Prof. W. A.), Distribution of Certain Diatoms and Copepoda throughout the Year, 98 Herdman (Prof. and Mrs.), Endowment of a Chair of Oceanography in Liverpool University, 516 dHerelle (F.), Réle of the Filtering Bacillus in Dysentery, 360 Hertling (Count), [obituary], 370 : Hertzsprung (Prof. E.), Distribution of Luminosity in Star Clusters, 334 2 Hesselbo (A.), The Bryophyta cf Iceland, 44 Hewlett (Prof. R. T.), Clean Milk, 447: Epidemic In- fluenza, #146; The Epidemiology of Phthisis, 368 Hichens (W. L.), to Lecture on ‘‘The Functions of the Government in Relation to Industry,” 150 Hicks (Prof. W. M.), A Critical Study of Spectral Series. Part iv., 45 Higham (C. F.), The Donors of the British Scientific Pro- ducts Exhibition Fund, 414 Hildebrandsson (Prof.), Résultats des Recherches Empir- iques sur les Mouvements Généraux de l’Atmosphére, 494 349 Hilger, Ltd. (Adam), The Abbe Refractometer, 313 Hill (Capt. A. W.), Horticultural Work carried out in the Military Cemeteries in France since 1916, 478 Hill (L.), and H. Ash, Cooling and Evaporative Powers of the Atmosphere, as determined by the Kata- thermometer, 338 Hill (Prof. M. J. M.), Prof. Olaus Henrici, F.R.S., 189 Hilson (G. R.), Scientific and Practical Metric Units, 444 Hind (Lt.-Col. W.), and Dr. A. Wilmore, The Carboni- ferous Succession of the Clitheroe Province, 318 Hinks (A. R.), German War-Maps, 428 Hinsen (Mme. J. M. V.), Redetermination of the Orbit of 588 Achilles, 354 Hinton (M. A. C.), The Rat Pest, 176 Hirayama (Prof. K.), Orbital Distribution of the Asteroids, 253 Hirayama (S.), The Mean Distances of Stars of Different Spectral Types, 97 Hodge (Prof. C. F.), and Dr. J. Dawson, Civic Etiology : A Text-book of Problems, Local and National, that Can be Solved only by Civic Co-operation, 442 Hodgson (Dr. H. H.), appointed Head of the Department of Coal-tar Colour Chemistry at Huddersfield Technical College, 39 Hoernle (Dr. A. F. R.), obituary], 230 Hogben (L. T.), Alfred Russel Wallace: The Storv of a Great Discoverer, 346 Index 1x Hollister (N.), The Mammals of Equatorial East Africa. Part i., 270 Holmes (E.), [obituary], 468 Honda and Murakami, Magnetic Qualities and Metallo- graphy of Tungsten Steels, etc., 74: and J. Okubo, A New Theory of Magnetism, 393 Hooper (Prof. W. L.), [death], 250; [obituary], rox Hopkins (Prof. F. G.), awarded a Royal Medal of the Royal Society, 229, 275 Hopkinson (A.), appointed Additional Demonstrator of Human Anatomy in Cambridge University, 496 Hopkinson (Prof. Bertram), [obituary article], § Hopkinson (J.), An “Arbor Day,” 126 Hornell (J.), Origin and Ethnological Significance of Indian Boat Designs, 439 Horsch (M.), A Method of Rapid Reduction of Potassium Chloroplatinate, 460 Horst (E. C.), Drying of Vegetables for Export, 251 Horton (Dr. F.), and A. C. Davies, An Experimental De- termination of the Ionisation Potential for Electrons in Helium, 478; The Ionising Power of the Positive Ions from a Glowing Tantalum Filament in Helium, 238 Hough (Dr. W.), Hopi Indian Collections in the U.S. National Museum, 94 Houston (Dr. A. C.), Rural Water Supplies and their Puri- fication, Sr Howard (B. A.), The Teaching of Geometry to First-year Pupils, 396 Howe (Dr. H. search, 411 Hoyle (Dr. W. E.), The Suggestion that Species Proposed “in the German Language Should Not be Regarded as Valid, 129 Hrdli¢ka (Dr. A.), Remains of Ancient Man in North and South America, 312 Huddleston (Lt.-Col. G.), The Indian Rope Trick, 487 Hulme and Sanghi, The Sugar Industry in India, 394 Hutchinson (A.), Stereoscopic Lantern-slides of Crystal Pic- tures, 418; Subjects for Science Scholarships, 375 Hutchinson (T. C.), [obituary], 172 Hutchison (R. H.), The Common House-fly in Winter, 50 M.), The Organisation of Industrial Re- Iddings (J. P.), and E. W. Morley, The Petrography of the South Sea Islands, 79 ; , Ikeda (Prof. I.), and Y. Ozaki, Structure and Conjugation of Boveria labialis, 95 Ilford, Ltd., Colour Filters, 114 Illing (V. C.), Borings for Oil in the United Kingdom, 385 Ingleby (E. €.), [obituary], 468 Innes (R. T. A.), Presentation to, of a Cheque and the South African Medal, 135 Irving (Capt. J. D.), [obituary], 150 Izzard (P. W. D.), Homeland: A Year of Country Days, AS) Jackson (Mrs. A.), Bequest to the University of Sheffield, (aes (Sir H.), appointed Director of Research by the British Scientific Instrument Research Association, 231 ; Manufacture of Optical Glass, 34; Resignation, of the Daniell Professorship of Chemistry at King’s College; Title of Emeritus Professor conferred upon, 258 Jackson (Adml. Sir H.), and Prof. G. H. Bryan, Experi- ments Demonstrating an Electrical Effect in Vibrating Metals, 459 BI Jackson (J. W.), Quartz-pebble Beds in the Carboniferous Limestone of Caldon Low, Staffs, 198; The Brachio- poda Collected by the British Antarctic (Terra Nova) Expedition, 392 Jackson (Justice), The Medicine-man in Natal and Zulu- land, 135 j Jaeger (Prof. F. M.), Results on the Chemico-physical Pro- perties ¢f Substances at High Temperatures, 511 Jamieson (W.), The “Ixioscope,” 430 as Jastrow (Prof. J.), The Psychology of Conviction : of Beliefs and Attitudes, 462 Jastrow, jun, (Prof. M.), The War and the Coming Peace: The Moral Issue, 163 A Study x Index Jaureguy, Froment, and Stephen, German Industry after the War, 107; Influence of the War on German In- dustry, 66 Jeans (J. H.), The Nebular Hypothesis, 114 Jeffers (H. M.), Comet 1918d (Schorr), 512 Jeffers (Le Roy), The Great Onyx Cave, Kentucky, 95 Jehu (Dr. T. J.), to Deliver the Swiney Lectures on Geo- logy, 25 Jellicoe (Admiral Viscount), elected a Distinguished Honor- ary Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers, 448 Jenlxinson (S. N.), The Requirements of Clay for Glass-pot Making, 199 Johns (C.), The Properties of Metals as Affected by their Occluded Gases, 234 Johnson (J. P.), [obituary], 351 Johnston (Sir H. H.), Theodore Roosevelt, 389 Johnston (Dr. T. H.), and Miss M. Bancroft, Some New Sporozoon Parasites of Queensland Fresh-water Fish, 51 Johnston (W. and A. K.), Map of the Western Front, 392 ' Johnstone (Dr. J.), The Dietetic Value of the Herring, 6 Joleaud (L.), Migrations of the Genus Hipparion, etc., 460 Jolibois (J.), and A. Sanfourche, Constitution of Nitrous Fumes, 479 Jonckheere (Mr.), Wolf’s Comet, 32 Jones (Chapman), On Colour Sensitised Plates, 92 Jones (D. F.), Effect of In-breeding and Cross-breeding upon Development, 399 Jones (Sir E.), The Government and the Dye Industry, 2 Jones (Prof. H. C.), The Nature of Solution, 1o1 Jones (Sir R.),) Work in Special Military Hospitals for Disabled Men, 52 Jouane (L.), Elasticity of Pure Cement, 220 Joyce (T. A.), A Remarkable Wooden Stool from Eleuthera, Bahamas, 510 Joyner (R. B.), Hydro-electric Power Supply, 236 Junod (Rey. H. A.), Customs of the Baronga in Relation to Smallpox, 135 Juritz (Dr. C. F.), Scientific Research and National Pros- perity, 55 Jutson (J. T.), Influence of the Crystallisation of Soluble Salts in Promoting Rock-weathering in Sub-arid Regions, 50; Sand-ridges, Sand-plains, and Sand- glaciers at Comet Vale, in Sub-arid Western Australia, 519; The Sand Ridges, Rock Floors, and other Asso- ciated Features at Goongarrie, W. Australia, 19 sa Ue) Kamensky (M.), Wolf’s Comet, 74, 153 Kane (W. F. de Vismes), [obituary], 29 : Keble (R. A.), Lava Residuals and Drainage Systems, 20 merley. (F. J.), Polariscopie Effects Produced by Certain latoms, 3 Keith (Prof. A.), The Perception of Sound, 164; The Theory of Hormones applied to Plants, 305 \ Kellas (Dr. A. M.), Degree of D.Sc. conferred upon, by London University, 458 ; Kellaway (F. G.), Applied Science, 413; Some Develop- ments in Industry during the War, 434, 507 Kellicott (Prof. W. E.), [obituary], 492 Keltie (Sir J. Scott), assisted by Dr. M. Epstein, The States- man’s Year-Book, 1918, 24 Kemp (P.), Alternating-current Electrical Engineering, 162 Kendall (Prof. P. F.), “Washouts” in Coal-seams, and the Effects of Contemporary Earthquakes, 437 : Kennard (A. S.), and B. B. Woodward, The Linnean Species of Non-marine Mollusca represented in the British Fauna, 278 ‘ Kent (Dr. W.), fobituary], 129 Kerr (Prof. J. Graham), Supplies of Amoeha proteus for Laboratories, 166 Kestner (P.), Visit of, to London, 172 Kidd (Dr. P.), Consumption in Harvey’s Time and To- day, 191; to Deliver the Harveian Oration, 111 King (Miss A. M.), Balansia Growing on Cynodon dactylon about Pretoria. 134 King (Dr. A. §.), Electric-furnace Spectra, 114 Kingon (Rev. J. R. L.), Unrealised Factors in Economic Native Development, 135 52 Nature, April 3, 1419 Kipping (Prof. F. S.), awarded the Davy Medal of the Royal Society, 229, 275 Kirk (E.), Successive Epochs of Glaciation-in Alaska, 112 Knab (F.), Bequests by, 429 Knecht (Prof. E.), and E. Hibbert, New Reduction Methods in Volumetric Analysis. Reissue, with additions, 381 Knott (Dr. C. G.), elected President of the Scottish Meteoro- logical Society, 351; Further Note on the Propagation of Earthquake Waves, 239 Kolbe (Dr. F. C.), The Function of Experiment in the Teaching of Botany in Schools, 134 Komninos (T.), A New Synthesis of Aromatic from Fatty Compounds, 300 Kostinsky (Dr. S.), Parallax of the Barnard Star, 413 Krysto (Miss C.), Bringing the World to our Foreign- language Soldiers, 197 ¢ Lacroix (A.), Dacites and Dacitoides, with reference to the Lavas of Martinique, 518 Laird (Prof. J.), Synthesis and Discovery in Knowledge, 359) Lamb (Prof. H.), The Movements of the Eye, 319 Lambert (Prof. Carlton), Gift of, to the Cancer Investiga- tion Department of the Middlesex Hospital, 218 Lander (Miss K.), Method of Preparing Skeletons by the Use of Trypsin, 278 Lane (Lt.-Col. C.), Methods for worm Infection, 214 the Detection of Hook- Lang (Capt. A.), and Lieut. Blowes, A New World’s Alti- tude Record, 369 Langmuir (I.), awarded the Hughes Medal of the Royab Society, 229, 275 Lantz (Prof. D. E.), [death], 230 Lapieque (L.), Use of Marine Algze for Feeding Horses, 420; and E. Barbé, The Chlorine Index as a Com- parative Measure of the Richness of Soils in Humus, 438 Larmor (Sir J.), The Essence of Physical Relativity, 499 La Rue (W.), Testing for Intelligence, 290 Laseron (C.), Some Permo-Carboniferous Fenestellidze, with Description of New Species, 19 Laurie (R. D.), A University Association, 383 Lawson (R. W.), The Aggregate Recoil of Radie-active Sub- stances Emitting a-Rays, 46 Leach (A. L.), Occupation of the Submerged Forest-lands off Pembrokeshire by Flint-chipping’ Man, 112; Prehistoric Remains in the Museum at Tenby, 510 Leathes (Stanley), Importance of Modern Languages, 437 Le Chatelier. (H.), and B. Bogitch, The Heterogeneity of Steel, 159 Lee (L. B.), Dyestuffs and the Textile Industry, 168 Lefrane (Lieut.), Giant Aeroplanes, 425 Legat (C..E.), The Forestry and Timber Supplies of the Union of South Africa, 134 Legge (Col. W. V.), [obituary], 331 : Lehmer (D. N.), Arithmetical Theory of Certain Hurwitziam Continued Fractions, 399 Leigh (G.), The Great Crested Grebe in Warwickshire, 352 Leiper (Dr. R. T.), Diagnosis of Helminth Infections fron» the Character of the Eggs of the Faces, 238; The “New” Rabbit Disease, 239 Leonard (W. J.), Gift to Clifton College for a Scholarship, 237 Le Roy (G. A.), A Mode of Mercurial Embalming in Medieval Times, 360; Fires Produced by Hertziam Waves, 479 Lesage (P.), Utilisation of the Curve of Limits of Germina- tion of Seeds after Soaking in Solutions, 420 Lespinasse (M.), Application of the Cépéde Method to the Staining of the Leprosy Bacillus, 279 L’Estrange (W. W.), and Dr. R. Greig-Smith, Springing of Tins of Preserved Fruit, 200 Lethbridge (Sir Roper), [obituary], 492 Lewis (E. P.), The Ethical Value of Science, 268 Liapounoff (Prof. A. M.), [obituary], 509 Liddell (E, G. T.), elected to a Senior Demyship at Trinity College, Oxford, 317 Lifschitz (J.), Chemical Luminescence, 451 Lindner (Dr. P.), Obtaining Fat from Animal Life, 31 Low Forms of . "Mackenzie (K. J. Je); and Dr. Maiden (j. H.), Notes on Eucalyptus. “Main (Prof. W.), [obituary], . Marconi (Signor), elected an _.Marle (Capt. E. R.), The “Salary” > Nature, Afril 3, 1919. Lindsay (Prof. J. A.), The Eugenic and Social Influence of the War, 151 Lingen (J. S. v. d.), and A. R. E. Walker, Hyalite ; tase, 439 Lipman (C. B.), and D. D. Waynick, A Bacteriological Study of the Soil of Loggerhead Key, Tortugas, 399 Lippmann (G.), The Properties of Electric Circuits Deprived of Resistance, 438 Lister (Engineer Rear-Admiral F. H.), [obituary], 9 Little (A. D.), The Organisation of Industrial Research, Ana- 411 Locy (Prof. W. A.), The Main Currents of Zoology, 45 Loder (Sir E. G.), The Beavers of Leonardslee, 1916-18, 198 nuckige (Sir Oliver J.), The Effect of Light on Long Ether Waves, 464; and others, The Teaching of Physics in Schools, 309 Loeb (Dr. J.), The Law Controlling the Quantity and Rate of Regeneration, 79 Logie (Lt. J.), Origin of 320 Long (Dr. C.), The Physical and Psychological Bases of ‘Education, 415 Long (Prof. J.), The Art of Health, 103 Long (Prof. J. Harper), [death], 29 Longstaff (Lt.-Col. L.), [obituary], 250 Loram (Dr. C. T.), Medical Needs of the Natives of South Africa, 135 Lorentz (Prof. H. A.), awarded the Copley Medal of the Royal Society, 229, 274 Louis (Prof. H.), British Tron-ore Resources, 244; Mineral Resources. of the British Empire, 34; The. Future of British Mineral Resources, 366; The Future of the Coal Trade, 126; The Constitution of Coal, 2 Lovett (Miss A. E.), National and International Ideals on the Teaching of History, 415 Luff (Dr. A. P.), and H. C. H. Candy, Chemistry, Theoretical and Practical, Organic. Sixth edition, 381 Anticyclones and Depressions, A Manual of Inorganic and Lull (Prof. R. S.), Footprints of Carboniferous Land Verte- brates, 12 Luizet (M.), [death], 350 Lumiére (L.), A Method of Recording Graphically by Means of a He of Gas, 419 Lundbye (Prof. J. T.), Intensity’ of Light Required for Satisfactory erat 193 Lunt (Dr. J.), Radial Velocities of 119 Stars, Dark-line Spectrum of Nova Aquila, 194 494; The Mackenzie (Dr. C.), and W. J. Owen, The Parathymus Gland in the Marsupial, 519 F. H. A. Marshall, Beef Production, 228 Mackie (T. ips Heemolysis by Serum in Combination with Certain Benzol Bodies, 438 Maclay (Sir J. P.), Endowment of a Lectureship in Tuber- culosis in Glasgow University, 396 MacLeish (A.), Gift to the University of Chicago, 436 Macnamara (N. C.), [obituary], 269 No. vi., £19; Con- tribution to a History of the Royal Society of New South Wales, 19 Maignon (F.), Influence of Fats on the Toxic Power of the Food Proteins, 19 250 Mallock (A.), The Elasticity of Metals as Affected by Tem- perature, 497 Mallory (Prof. W. G.), [obituary], 269 _Mangin (L.), Harmful Action of the Emanations from the Chedde Factory, 479 Honorary Fellow of the Society of Engineers (Inc.), 48 Markham (Adml. Sir A. H.), [obituary], 171 of the Lecturer, 84 Marshall (the late Prof. A. Milnes), and the late Dr. C. H. Hurst, A Junior Course of Practical Zoology. Eighth edition, revised by Prof. F. W. Gamble, 404 Marshall (Sir J.); Granted Leave ‘of ‘Absence, _ 48 Martin (Dr. A.), [obituary], 331 Lndex xl Martin (E. A.), Anglo-Saxon Remains near Croydon, 290 Martin (H. M.), A New Theory of the Steam Turbine, 367 Martin (L. C.), and Mrs. C. H. Griffiths, Deposits on Glass Surfaces in Instruments, 517 Marty (Prof.), [obituary], 409 Marwick (J. D.), The Natives of South Africa in Large Towns, 135 Mary (A. and A.), Silica, 260 Masaryk (President T. G.), The Career of, Mathias (E.), Rain in France, 479 Matsumoto (Prof. H.), The Fossil Mammals of Japan, 30 Matthews (Prof. E. R.), Coast Erosion and Protection, Second edition, 505 Maunder (E. W.), The Stars, Inversion of Cane-Sugar by Colloidal 289 and How to Identify Them, 105 MECa (Sir D.), Australasian, Antarctic, and Sub- Antarctic Life, 498; The Antarctic Ice-cap and its Borders, 315 Maxwell-Scott (Capt. J. M.), The “Taylor” System of nen te Management,” 106 May (Dr. P.), The Chemistry of Synthetic Drugs. Second edition, 345 McCord (Dr. J. B.), Zulu Witch-doctors and Medicine-men, 135 McCormick (Sir W. S.), elected a Member of the Club, 110 McDowall (Rev. McLean (Capt. tica, 35 McLennan (Prof. J. C.), Low-voltage. Arcs in Metallic Vapours, 299; D. S. Ainslie, and D. S. Fuller, Vacuum Arc Spectra of Various Elements in the Extreme Ultra- violet, 477; and R. J. Lang, Extreme Ultra-violet Spectra with a Vacuum Grating Spectrograph, 477 ; and J. F. T. Young, The Absorption Spectra and the Ionisation Potentials of Calcium, Strontium, and Barium, 477 Means (Dr. P. A.), The Social Conditions of the Piura- Tumbes Region of Northern Peru, 352 Mears (Dr. T. L.), Bequest to the Royal Institution, 448 Mee (A.), Who Giveth Us the Victory, 463 Meek (Prof. A.), A Shower of Sand-eels, 46; Dove Marine Laboratory, 193 Mees and Clarke, New Light-filters, 471 Mellor (Dr. J. W.), Tests. of Refractory Materials, Mercier (Dr. C.), awarded the Swiney Prize, 448 Mercier (Miss), Plea for a Higher Type of Education for Students Training as Teachers, 414 Merrill (E. D.), The Flora of the Philippines, Merrill (G. P.), The Fayette County Meteorites, Merrill (Dr. P. W.), Infra-red Stellar Spectra, 13 Meunier (Prof. S.), La Géologie biologique, 81 Milhaud (Prof. G.), [obituary], 370 Mill (Dr.. H. R.), Rainfall in 1918, 430; Work and Water- power, 493; and C. Salter, British Rainfall, 1917, 383 Miller (G. A.), The a-Holomorphisms of a Group, 399 Miller (G. S.), The Piltdown Jaw, 49 Miller (J. M.), Electrical Oscillations in Antennas and In- ductance Coils, 430 Milligen (V. C.), awarded the Aitchison Memorial Scholar- ship, 237 Milne (R. M:), Elementary Engineering Papers for Naval Cadetships (Special Entry) for the Years 1913-17, 123; Mathematical Papers for Admission into the Royal Military Academy and the Royal Military College and Papers in Elementary Engineering for Naval Cadet- ships, November, 1917, and March, 1918, 123 Milne (Dr. W. P.), The Work of the Mathematical Asso- ciation in Assisting the Application. of Mathematics to Industry, 395 Mirande (M.), A Hydrocyanie Acid-producing Fern, Cysto- pteris alpina, 279 Mitchell (C. A.), Edible Oils and Fats, 21 Mitchell (J.), The Carboniferous Tfilobites of Australia, 200 Mitchell (M. M.), Cookery under Rations. Over 200 War- time Recipes, 103 Mitchinson (Bishop), [obituary], 93 Moffat (C. B.), Fertility of Rats, 176 Mogg (A. O. D.), Veld-burning ‘in diseases, 134 Athenzeum S. A.), Science Teaching in Schools, 375 A. L.), Bacteria of Ice and Snow in Antarc- Report of the 12 451 394 Relation to Stock- xii Index Moir (J.), Colour and Chemical Constitution. Parts v. to Vill., 439 Moir (J. Reid), Casts of Ancient Human Bones in the Ipswich Museum, 93; Late Bronze-age Urns Found near Manningtree and Ipswich, 493 i Molliard (M.), Production of Glycocoll by Isaria densa, 300; The Saprophytic Life of an Entomophthora, 359 Monaco (The Prince of), Course of the Floating Mines in the North Atlantic and the Arctic Ocean During and After the War, 419 Mond (E.), Endowment of a Francis Mond Professorship of Aeronautical Engineering in Cambridge University, 516 Moodie (Prof. R. L.), Studies in Paleopathology, 130 Moore (C. B.), The North-Western Florida Coast Re- visited, 331 Moore (Prof. F. J.), A History of Chemistry, 161 Moore (Dr. G. E.), Some Judgments of Perception, 219 Morgan (Prof. G. T.), Organic Compounds of Arsenic and Antimony, 41 Morris (Sir M.), to Give an Address on “Past and Future of the Fight against Tuberculosis,” 150 Morrison (Prof. J. T.), The Internal Structure of the Earth, 134 Morton (Prof. W. B.), Sir Thomas Wrightson’s Theory of Hearing, 498 Moseley (H. G. J.), A Suggested Memorial to, 213 Mossman (R. C.), Climate and Meteorology of Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic Regions, 470 Mottram (Mr.), and Dr. Edridge Green, Distribution of Colour in Lepidoptera and Birds, 392 Moulton (Lord), appointed Rede Lecturer, 496 Moussu (M.), Outcrops in Morocco Indicating Petroleum Deposits, 333 Mueller (J.), Solubility of Copper Hydroxide, 300 Munro (Dr. R.), From Darwinism to Kaiserism, 503 Murray (Miss M.), The “ Devil’s Mark,” 151 Myddleton (W. W.), appointed Lecturer and Demonstrator in Chemistry at the Municipal Technical Institute, Bel- fast, 338 Myers (Lt.-Col. C. S.),, Psychology and Practical Life, 477 Nageotte (J.), and L. Sencert, Experiments on Grafts, 250 Nemirowski (Dr.), and Dr. Tilmant, A “ Radiological Aero- plane,” 130 Nevill (E.), Value of the Secular Acceleration of the Mean Longitude of the Moon, 318 Newcomer (E. J.), Damage by Perlidz to Orchard Foliage, 50 Newlands (A.), Development of Our Water Resources, 14 Newman (Sir G.), Some Notes on Medical Education in England, 67 Newsholme (Sir A.), Epidemic Catarrhs and Influenza, 168 ; Retirement from the Post of Principal Medical Officer to the Local Government Board, 449 ‘ Nias (Dr. J. B.), Dr. John Radcliffe: A Sketch of his Life, with an Account of his Fellows and Foundations, 224 Nicholls (H. W.), awarded the Institution of Naval Archi- tects’ Scholarship, 18 ‘ Nicholls (W.), A Remarkable Marriage Sennar Province, 49 Nichols (Prof. E. L.), and H. L. Howes, The Law of Decay of Phosphorescent Light, 271; and H. L. Howes, Types of Phosphorescence, 399 Nicholson (Sir F.), Carp Cultivation in Bavaria, 151 Nicholson (Prof. J. W.), awarded the Adams Prize, 516 Nicolle (C.), and C. Lebailly, Some Experimental Ideas on the Virus of Influenza, 220 Nietzki (Prof. R.), [obituary], 351 Nisbet (Capt. A. T. A.), X-ray Examination of Amputation Stumps, 493 Nishikado (Y.), The Rice Blast Fungus in Japan, 312 Nishimura (S.), Study of the Ancient Ships of Japan, 130 Nodon (A.), A New Method of Meteorological Prediction, 499 Norman (Canon A. M.), [death], 172; [obituary article], 188 Norminton (H.), appointed Professor of Practical Chemistry at the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, 79 Norton (Rev. W. A.), Research in Native Affairs, 134 Noyes (Prof. A. A.), The Nitrogen Problem in relation to the War, 26 Custom in the Nature, April 3, 1910 Noyes (La Verne), Gift to the University of Chicago, 39 Nunn (Prof. T. P.), Astronomy as a School Subject, 395 Nutting (Dr.), German Science, 446; Research and Indus- try, 9 Oertling (Lt. L. J. F.), [obituary], 29 Ogg (A.), The Electrostatic Deflection in a Cathode-ray Tube, 99 Ogilvie-Grant (W. R.), History Museum, 28 Oldham (R. D.), The Constitution of the Earth’s Interior, Retirement from 2 Olives (Prof), and others, The Exploitation of Plants, 225 ; and Prof. Weiss, Relations between the School and the University in regard’ to Science Teaching, 436 Ollivier (H.), Cours de Physique Générale. Tome Troisiéme, 241 Onnes (Prof. K.), Existence of Permanent Electric Currents without the Action of an E.M.F., 193 : Orford (E. J.), Bryant and Hughes’s Map Work, 23 Ormerod (F.), Wool, 362 Osborn (Dr. H. F.), awarded the Darwin Medal of the Royal Society, 229, 275 Osler (Mrs.), and others, Endowment of a Scholarship at Birmingham University, 119 Ostenfeld (Dr. C. H.), West Australian Botany, 372 Osterhout (Prof. W. J. V.), and A. R. C. Haas, Dynamical Aspects of Photosynthesis, 79 Pstrup (E.), Marine Diatoms from the Coasts of Iceland, 44 Otlet (P.), Le traitement de la littérature scientifique, 198 Ovio (Prof. G.), L’Ottica di Euclide, 123 Owen (J. H.), Habits of the Sparrow-hawk, 112 Paddock (Dr. G. F.), Nova Monocerotis, 52; and others, The New Star in Aquila, 74 Page (Handley), Air Transport, 426 Paillot (A.), Pseudo-fatness, 479 Palgrave (Sir R. H. Inglis), [obituary], 429 Palladin (Prof. V. I.), Plant Physiology. Authorised English edition. Edited by Prof. B. E. Livingston, 121 Palmer (A. R.), Electrical Experiments ; Magnetic Measure- ments and Experiments (with Answers), 241 Palmer (Miss M.), The Comet 1786 II., 413 Palmer (Lt. R. W. Poulton), and Mrs. E. H. A. Walker, Foundation of a Research Fellowship at Guy’s Hospital in Memory of, 218 Park (Prof. J.), Geology of the Oamaru District, North Otago, 11 Parker (Dr.), Resignation of the Post of Assistant Lecturer and Demonstrator in Chemistry in Birmingham Univer- sity, 298 Parker (Prof. G. H.), Growth of the Alaskan Fur Seal Herd between 1912 and 1917, 80; The Sense of Hearing in Fishes, 94 Parkin (J.), The Neglect of Biological Subjects in Educa- tion, 503; Vitality of Gorse-seed, 65 Parsons (Dr. C. L.), The American Chemist in Warfare, 328 Parsons (Prof. F. G.), Anthropology of German Prisoners of War, 299 Parsons (R. C.), Fuel Economisers, 324 Partington (J. R.), The Alkali Industry, 21 Pascal (Prof. C.), Suggestion of Latin as the Universal Language of the Future, 33 Paterson (Prof A. M.), [death], 509 Paterson (C. C.), Resignation from the National Physical Laboratory on appointment by the General Electric Co:;, Ltdi) sa7 Patterson (Dr. T. S.), and K. L. Moudgill, Researches in Optical Activity, 239 Patton (R. T.), Structure, Growth, and Treatment of some Common Hardwoods, 519 Paucot (R.), Measurement of Arterial Pressure in Clinical Practice, 60 Pauling (G.), [obituary], 492 Paulson (R.), and Miss A. Lorrain-Smith, Preparations, 278 Payson (E. B.). The Columbines of North America, 411 Pear (T. H.), The War and Psychology, 88 Pearl (Prof. R.), Biology and War, 48; Resignation of Microscopic the Natural ~ Nature, April 3, 1919. position of Biologist of the Maine Agricultural Experi- ment Station; appointment to the Chair of Biometry and Vital Statistics, Johns Hopkins University, 129 Pecheux (H.), The Thermo-electricity of Tungsten, 159 Pekelharing (Prof. C. A.), Retirement from the Chair of Physiological Chemistry in the University of Utrecht, 28 Penrose (H. E.), Magnetism and Electricity for Home Study, 162 Percival (Bishop), [obituary], 269 Perkin (Dr. F. M.), The Production of Oil from Mineral Sources, 416 Perkins (Prof. A. J.), Agricultural Research in Australia, 247 Perls (P.), Employment of the Blind in Factories, 271 Pérot (Dr. A.), awarded, with Prof. C. Fabry, the Rumford Medal of the Royal Society, 229, 275 Perrett (J. R.), [obituary], 172 Perrett (Dr. W.), The Perception of Sound, 184 Perry (W. J.), The Megalithic Culture of Indonesia, 61 Petch (T.), Termite Nests and Fungi, 410 Peters (Dr. C.), [obituary], 49 Peterson (Dr. C. G. J.), The Sea Bottom and its Production of Fish Food, 216 Peterson (Sir W.), Stricken with Paralysis, 391 Pethybridge (Dr. G. H.), Possibility of Distinguishing the Seeds of Wild White Clover from those of Ordinary White Clover by Chemical Means, 398; and H. A. Lafferty, Disease of Tomato and other Plants caused by a new Species of Phytophthora, 340 Petrie (Prof. W. M. Flinders), Eastern Exploration, Past and Future, 463 Pettersson (Dr. H.), The Congress of Scandinavian Geo- physicists in Gothenburg, 493 Phillips (A. H.), Occurrence of Vanadium at certain Strati- graphical Horizons, 72 Phillips (Dr. E. P.), A Botanical Collecting Trip in the French Hoek District, 134 Pickering (Prof. E. C.), [death], 448 Pietet (M.), Lzevoglucosane transformed into Dextrin by Re-polymerisation, 233 : Piédallu (A.), Industrial Application of the Colouring Matter of the Glumes of the Sugar Sorghum, 60; Use of Explosives applied to Tree Planting, 299 : Piercy (Rev. W. C.), Gift in the Future of Stuart Relics to the Wilberforce Museum, Hull, 150 Pijper (Dr. A.), Diffraction Phenomena observed with Cultures of Micro-organisms, 332 Pilcher (R. B.), Activities of the Institute of Chemistry, 152 Pingriff (G. N.), A School Chemistry Method. Parts i., ii., ~ and iii., 503; Chemistry Notes and Papers for School Use. Three parts, 503 Pinter (R.), The Estimation of a Person’s Intelligence, 151 Pitt (Miss F.), Nesting Habits of the Bullfinch, 270 Plaskett (Dr. J. S.), The Canadian 72-in. Reflecting Tele- scope, 292; The Spectrum of Nova Aquil&, 252; Twelve New Spectroscopic Binaries, 373 Playfair (G. I.), New and Rare Fresh-water Algz, 519 Plummer (Prof. H. C.), An Introductory Treatise on Dynamica! Astronomy, 322 Pocock (R. J.), [death], 172; [obituary], 290 Polk (Dr. W. M.), Bequest by, to Cornell University, 99 Pope (Prof. W. J.), Chemistry in Education and Industry, 196; The Future of Chemistry, 150; to Deliver the Streatfeild Memorial Lecture, 111 Porsild (M. P.), Crowding of Narwhals in Disko Bay, 251 Porter (Dr. Annie), Leuctogregarines in South Africa, 135 Porter (Prof. A. W.), and others, The Occlusion of Gases in Metals, 234 ! Porter (Dr. C.), The Future Citizen and his Mother, 424 Porter (Mrs. L.), The Attachment Organs of some Common Parmeliz, 279 Portevin (A.), Comparison between the Internal Elastic Equilibrium of Alloys after Tempering and after Hard- ening by Drawing in the Cold, 380 Potts (F. A.), awarded the F. M. Balfour Studentship at Cambridge University, 436 Poulton (Prof. E. B.), The Supposed “Fascination” of Birds by Snakes and the “Mobbing” of Snakes by Birds, 486 : Power (D’Arcy), to Deliver the Bradshaw Lecture, 150 Index Xill Prashad (Dr.:B.), Zoological Results of a Tour in the Far East; Echiuroids from Brackish Water, 100 Preece (W. L.), [obituary], 231 Prior (Dr. G. T.), The Nickeliferous Iron of the Meteorites of Bluff, etc., 238 Pritchard (Dr. E.), The Physica] and Psychological Bases of Education, 415 Prothero (R. E.), A Ministry of Water, 267 Pruvost (P.), Existence of Coal Measures at Great Depth at Merville (Nord), 438 Pull (E.), Modern Engineering Measuring Purdie (Mrs.), Bequest to St. Andrews Uni i Putnam (Prof. J. W.), The Illinois and Michigan A Study in Economic History, 363 Putterill (V. A.), Fungus causing “Rust” in Aloes, Pyman (Dr. F. L.), appointed Professor of 1 Tools, 323 ity, 476 Canal : District, Transvaal, 135 Quervain (Prof. de), Suggestion for Sound Experiments, 371 Quinan (K. B.), Letter of Congratulation to, from the Institute of Chemistry, 409 Rabot (M.), The Water-power Resources of Iceland, 511 Rabut (C.), Scientific Rules and Principles for Driving Long Tunnels under a Sheet of Water, 479 Raff (Miss J. W.), Abnormal Development of the Head Appendages in the Crayfish, Parachaeraps bicarinatus, Gray, 280 Rakshit (J. N.), Isolation of Porphyroxine, 20 Raleigh (Sir W.), A Pioneer of Evolution, 192 Raman (C. V.), and P. N. Ghosh, The Colours Striz in Mica, 205 Rands (H.), and W. O. R. Brown Coals, 251 Rathbun (Miss M. J.), Crabs Collected by the Australasian Antarctic Expedition, 12 Raunkiar (C.), Time of Leafing in the Beech, 470 Ray (Sir P. C.), Biography of, 231 Rayleigh (Lord), Possible Disturbance of a Range-finder by Atmospheric Refraction due to the Motion of the Ship which carries it, 517; The Colours of the Striz in Mica, 205; The Perception of Sound, 225, 304 Raymond (Dr. W. W.), [obituary], 450 Rayner (Dr. M. C.), Resignation of the Position of Lecturer in Botany at University College, Reading, 376 Read (Sir H. C.), A Remarkable Carved Ivory Object from Benin, 49; War and Anthropology, 498 Reboul (G.), Influence of the Radius of Curvature of a Body on the Formation of Hoar-frost, 60 Redfield (Hon. W. C.), The Application of Industry in the United States, 330 Reed (E. C.), Place and Importance of Science in Educa- tion, 59 i : Rees (W. J.), Silica Refractories for Glassworks Use, 279 Reeve (H. C.), Purpose in Education, 135 Reilly (Dr. J.), and W. Hickinbottom, Determination of the Volatile Fatty Aids by an Improved Distillation Method, 398 * Remington (Prof. J. P.), and others, The Dispensatory of the United States of America. Twentieth edition, 83 Renwick (Capt. H. A.), [obituary], 71 Repelin (J.), A Point of History of the Pacific Ocean, 479 Restler (Sir J. W.), [obituary], 213 Reverdin (F.), Facilitation of the Benzoylation of certain Aromatic Derivatives, 233 Reynolds (Stephen), [obituary], 492 Rheinberg (J.), Glass as a Substance full of Ultra-micro- scopic Pores, 233 Ricardo (H. R.), awarded the Engineering Gold Medal of the North-East Coast Institution of Engineers, 150; High-speed Internal-combustion Engines, 307 Riccd (Prof. A.), Observations of Solar Prominences, 97; The Constitution of the Sun, 51 Richardson (S. S.), The new “ Pointolite” Lamp, 452 Richet (Prof. C.), War Nursing. What_ every Woman should Know. Translated by H. de Vere Beauclerk, 283; P. Brodin, and Fr. Saint-Girons, Injections of Blood Plasma (Plasmo-therapy) for Replacing Blood, 260; P. Brodin, G. Noizet, and Fr. Saint-Girons, Ohm- of the Gilling, Use of New Zealand Science to XIV iby Index — Nature, Afril 3, 1919 hemometer for Measuring the Electrical Resistance of the Blood, 79; P. Brodin, and Fr. Saint-Girons, Tem- porary and Definite Survival after Serious Bleeding, 219 Ricketts (Prof. P. de P.), [obituary], 290 Rideal (Dr. E. IS.), Industrial Electro-metallurgy, including ‘ Electrolytic and Electro-thermal Processes, 302 Ridley (H. N.), and others, Botanical Collections made on Mount Korinchi, Sumatra, 372 Rignano (Dr. E.), Essays in Scientific Synthesis, 42 Rind] (Prof.), South African Medicinal Springs, 134 Ringer (Dr. W, E.), appointed Professor of Physiological Chemistry in the University of Utrecht, 28 Ritchie, jun. (J.), Use of Acetone as a Solvent for Resinous Media, 373 Rivers (Dr. W. H. R.), appointed Przelector in Natural Sciences at St. John’s College, Cambridge, 417 Riviére (R. D. de la), Is the Poison of Influenza capable of Passing through a Filter?, 220 Roberts (Countess), Lady Roberts’s Field-Glass Fund, 325 Roberts (W.), A Whitechapel Botanical Garden, 393 Robertson (Temp. Major A. W.), Studies in Electro- pathology, 224 Robertson (j. K.), Pure Science and the Humanities, 72 Robinson (H. C.), and C. b. Kloss, Mammals from the Korinchi Country, West Sumatra, 291 Robinson (J. J.), National Reconstruction: A Study in Practical Politics and Statesmanship, 181; Science and Parliamentary Representation, 144 Robson (S.), A Mistaken Butterfly, 285 Rogers (Sir L.), The Work of, 469 Rohn (Dr. G.), Germany’s Textile Substitutes, 333 Romberg (Dr. A.), Seismometric Experiments at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, 112 Roosevelt (Col. T.), [death], 370; [obituary article], Sir H. H., Johnston, 389; Proposed National Museum in Memory of, 508 Rose (G. P.), [obituary], 269 Rose (Dr. J. N.), Departure on a Botanical Expedition to Ecuador, 48 Rosenhain (Dr. *- Alloys, 33 Rosenvinge (Dr. L.), and Dr. E. Warming, The Botany of Iceland. Part ii., 3, Marine Diatoms from the Coasts of Iceland, E. Pstrup; 4, The Bryophyta of Iceland, A. Hesselbo, 44 Ross (Sir R.), appointed Honorary Consultant in Malaria Cases to the Ministry of Pensions, 468; Observations on the Results of our System of Education, 376 Roth (H. Ling), Studies in Primitive Looms, 150; Part iv., 6 Rotheanen (Lord), Endowment of a Professorship of Naval History at Cambridge University, 276 Roubaud (E.), Relations between Man and Mosquitoes with reference to Danger from Malaria in France, 392 Roule (L.), The State of Spawning Salmon during their Migration into Fresh Water in France, 359 ~Roux (Prof. E), Resignation of the Directorship of the Pasteur Institute, Paris, 330 Roy (F. de), Correction of Apparent Stellar Magnitudes, 133 Rudler (F. W.), Fund in Memory of, at the University College of Wales, 119; The Memorial to the late, 516 Russ (Dr. 5.), A New X-ray Unit of Radiotherapy, 412 Russell (Dr. A.), Electrical Instruments, 323; Electrical Theorems in connection with Parallel Cylindrical Con- ductors, 498 Russell (Lt. A.), 7 Unst, Shetland Russell (Dr. E. J.), Fertilisers after the War, 5 Rutherford (Sir E.), The Work and Influence of Joule, 419 Ryan (H. and P.), Action of Nitric Acid and Nitrous Acid on Diphenylamine, 319; and W. O'Riordan, Action of Bromine on some Derivatives of Diphenylamine, 319; Cause of Accidents with a-Trinitrotoluene, 412 ; Ryland (H. S.), The Design and Manufacture of Binoculars, 277 W.), Importance of Aluminium and _ its ‘he Chromite Deposits in the Island of Ss, 238 Sabine (Prof. W. C.), [obituary], 449 Sage (Mrs. .Russell), Bequests by, 317 Saha (M. N.),.and S. Chakravarti, The Pressure of Light, 20 Sahni (B.), The Correct Generic Position of Dacrydiunr bidwillit, Hools. f., 216 St. John (A.), The Crystal Structure of Ice, 80 © Salter (C.), Diminution of Rainfall with Elevation, 430 Sampson (Rev. E. F.) [obituary], 112 Sanderson (E. D.), and L. M. Peairs, School Entomology, 83 Sandys (Sir J. E.), International Prize for Scientific Work, . 26 Sanford (R. F.), Orbit of p-Velorum, 215 Sanfourche (A.), Oxidation of Nitric Oxide by Dry Air, 518; The Curie Point in Pure Iron and Ferro-silicons, 279 Sargent (F.), A Curious Feature on Jupiter, 432 Sarkar (Prof. B. Kk.), Hindu Achievements in Exact Science: A Study in the History of Scientific Develop- ment, 443 Sars (Prof. G. O.), An Account Norway. Vol. vi., “Copepoda. Urocopia singularis, 453 Sarton (Prof. G.), The Teaching of the History of Science, of the Crustacea of Cyclopoida,’’ 304; 358 Sartory (A.), Sporulation by Symbiosis in the Lower Fungi, 40 Satterley (Dr. j.), Measures based on the Metric System, 153 Saundby (Dr. R.), [obituary], 10 Saunders (Capt. J. T.), elected to a Senior Fellowship of Christ’s College, Cambridge, 496 Sauvageau (Prof. C.), Analyses Chimiques d’Algues Marines, 494 Sawyer (Sir J.), [obituary], 429 Sayre (J.), and P. R. Hagelbarger, Worl: in the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, 70 Scharff (R. F.), Origin of the Red Deer in Ireland, 352 Schmidt (Dr. Johs.), Racial Investigations on Fishes, 187 Schorr (Dr.), Comet 1918d (Schorr), 314 Schryver (S. B.), and N. E. Spear, Investigations dealing with the State of Aggregation, part iv., 318 Schuchert (C.), Progress of Historical Geology in North America, 50; and others, Geological Papers, 12 Schuster (Prof. A.), Inter-Allied Conference on International Organisations in Science, 347 Schwarz (Prof.), Scheme for the Conversion of the Kalahari into Permanent Pasture-land, 134 Seabrook (W. P.), Modern Fruit Growing, 424 Sedgwick (S. N.), Common Beetles and Spiders, and How to Identify Them, 1o4 Sellars (Dr. R. W.), The Next Step in Religion: An Essay toward the Coming Renaissance, 462 Serena (A.), Foundation of Chairs of Italian at the Univer- sities of Oxford and Cambridge, 119 Seward (Prof. A. -C.), R. P. Gregory, 247; Standards in Scholarshin Candidates’ Special Subjects, The Brussels Natural History Museum, 385 Shadwell (Dr. C. L.), [obituary], 496 Shapley (Dr. H.), Distribution of Globular Clusters, 271; Luminosities and Distances of Cepheid Variables, 494; Studies of Magnitudes in Star Clusters, vili., 399 Sharer (E.), [obituary], 269 Shaw (Sir Napier), Climograph Charts, 383; elected a Foreign ‘Member of the Reale Accademia dei Lincei, +48; Forthcoming Lectures on Dynamical Meteorology, 279; Meteorology—the Society and its Fellows, 419; Revolving Fluid in the Atmosphere; The Travel of Circular Depressions and Tornadoes, etc., 69 Shearer (Dr. C.), F. Kidd, Dr. H. Jeffreys, The Organisa- tion of Scientific Workers, 144 3753 Sheehy (E. J.),.Method of Determining the Average Per-, centage of Fat in a Cow’s Milk, etc.; Comparative Variation in the Different Constituents of Cow’s Mill, 340; Possible Causes of Variation in the Ouantity and Quality of Cow’s Milk, 398 . f Shepvoard (T.), A Museum Collection of Fishing Industries, 71 Shirley (Dr. J.), and C. A. Lambert, The Stems of Climb- ing Plants, 519 Sigetomi (K.), An Abnormal Change of. Air Temperature, 131 Silberstein (Dr. L.), Elements of the Electromagnetic Theory of Light, 225; -Simplified Method of Tracing Rays through any Optical System of Lenses, Prisms, and Mirrors, 361; The Vectorial Method of Ray Trac- ing, 494 Shipping and ae ee Nature, April 3, 1919 Lndex XV Simeon (F.), Zeiss Abbe Refractometer, 226 Simmonds (C.), Applied Chemical Analysis, 262 Simons (L.), Velocities of Two Distinct Groups of Secon- dary Corpuscular Rays Produced by a Homogeneous Réntgen Radiation, 120 Simpson (Dr. G. C.), Aurora at Low Heights in the Atmosphere, 353; Auroral Observations in the Antarc- tic, 24 Pd Sims (T. P.), Bequest to the Proposed University College at Swansea, 219 Skinner (Prof. A. N.), [obituary], 172 Skinner (S.), Notes on Lubrication, 498 Slick (E. E.), A Process for Producing Wheels and Discs by Rolling, 152 Slipher (Dr. V. M.), A New Type of Nebular Spectrum, 271 Smith (Prof. A.), A Laboratory Outline of College Chemis- try ; Experimental Inorganic Chemistry. Sixth edition ; Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry. Third edition, 142 Smith’ (Miss A. Lorrain), A Monograph of the British Lichens. Part i. Second edition, 281 Smith (E. A.), The Zine Industry, rot Smith (Major-Gen. Sir F.), Worl of the British Army Veterinary Corps at the Fronts, 392 Smith (Prof. G. Elliot), An Alligator or Crocodile Exca- vated in’ Honduras, 312; Applied Anatomy, 423; The Megalithic Culture of Indonesia, 61 Smith (Dr. G. F. H.), The Society of Civil Servants, 185 ; and Dr. G. T. Prior, A Plagionite-like Mineral from Dumfriesshire, 238 Smith (H. G.), Occurrence of the Terpene Terpinene in the Oil of Eucalyptus megacarpa, 520% The Resinous Earth Occurring at the Head of the Nambucca River, N.S.W., 240 Smith (Dr. R. Greig), Contributions to a Knowledge of Soil Fertility, No. 16, 140 : Smith (T.), Some Generalised Forms of an Optical Equa- tion, 277 Smith (Dr. W. G.), [obituary], 331 Smithells (Col. A.), The Award of Scholarships at Leeds University, 375; The Common Cause of Pure and Ap- plied Science, 304 Smyth (E. J.), B.S.A. Musketry Score Book for Use in the General Musketry Course, 164 So (M.), The Annealing of Glass, 232 Soar (C. D.), Coloured Drawings of British Mites, 319 Soddy (Prof. F.), End-Products of Thorium, 444; Forth- coming May Lecture of the Institute of Metals on Radio-activity, 270; The Conception of the Chemical Element as Enlarged by the Study of Radio-active Change, 356; The, Scientific Man’s Burden, 461 Southwell (T.), Report of the Department of Fisheries for Bengal and Bihar and Orissa, 193 Spencer (L. J.). Mineralogical Characters of Turite. 418 Sperr, jun. (F. W.), Relations between the Principal Characteristics of American Cokes and the Sources of Coal from which they are Produced, 51 Spooner (Prof. H. J.), Wealth from Waste: Etimination of Waste, 141. Spooner (Dr.). appointed Deputy Director-General of Archze- ology in India, 48 Stansfeld (Dr. A. E.), [obituary]. 311 Stebbing (E. P.), Home-grown Timber, 14 Steel (T.), A Mistaken Butterfly, 5 Stefanescu (S.), The Phylogeny of Elephas africanus, 438 Stefansson (V.), Presentation of the Hubbard Gold Medal of the National Geographic Society to, 492; Return to Canada, 28; The Work of the Canadian Arctic Expe- dition, 173 Steinheil (Dr. A.), and Dr. E. Voit, Applied Optics : The Computation of Optical Systems. Translated and edited by J. W. French. Vol. i., 61 Stephenson. (Dr. C.), Bequests by, 39 Stephenson (Prof. J.), and Dr. B. Prashad, The Calciferous Glands of Earthworms, 319; and H. Ram, The Pros- tate Glands of the Earthworms of the familv Megasco- lecidze, 319 i 7 Stephenson (T. A.), Sea-anemones Collected by the Terra Nova Expedition, 11 i Stewart (Dr. A. W.), Recent Advances in Organic Chemis- try. Third edition, 484 q Stiles (W.), and Dr. F. Kidd, Comparative Rate of Ab- sorption of Various Salts by Plant Tissue, 298; Influ- ence of External Concentration on the Position of the Equilibrium Attained in the Intake of Salts by Plant- cells, 298 - Stone (H.), Drying Timber by Cold Air, 332 Stopes (Dr. M. C.), The Four Visible Ingredients in Banded Bituminous Coal, 339; and Dr. R. V. Wheeler, Mono- graph. on the Constitution of Coal, 2 Strachan (J.), The Recovery and Re-manufacture of Waste- paper, 1 Strahan (Sir A.), Annual Report of the Geological Survey, 245; elected an Honorary Member of the Institution of Petroleum Technologists, 429 Stromeyer (C. E.), Ripple Marks due to High Pressure, 465 Stromgren (Prof.), The Origin of Comets, 233 Strong (Prof. C. A.), The Origin of Consciousness, 441 Strong (Dr. W. W.), The New Science of the Fundamental Physics, 422 : Sudeley (Lord), The Museums, 229 Sumner (Dr. F. B.), Value to Mankind of Experiments on Animals, 371 Suter (H.), [obituary], 230 Sutton (J. R.), A Possible Lunar Influence upon the Velo- city of the Wind at Kimberley, 438 Swinhoe (R. C. J.), Presentation of Red Amber to Geological Department of the British Museum, 508 Swinton (A. A. Campbell), Science and the Future, 255 Swyngedauw (M.), Influence of the Sheath on the. Effec- tive Resistance and Reactance of an Armoured Cable, 438 Sydenham (Lord), The Work of British Men of Science, 413 Svkes (Lt.-Col. Sir Mark), [obituary], 492 Delay in the Re-opening of the the Tata (Sir Ratan), [obituary], 28 Taverner (P. A.), The Gannets of Bonaventure Island, 291; The Hawks of the Canadian Prairie Provinces, 450 Taylor (Dr. Griffith), The Climograph Chart, 132 Teggart (Prof. F. J.), The Processes of History, 183 Templeton (J.), Gift to the Royal Technical College, gow, 158 Thacker (C. R. A.), appointed Junior Demonstrator of Physiology in Cambridge University, 458 Thayer (A. H.), Camouflage, 408 Theiler (Sir A.), A Nematode of Fowls having a Termite as an Intermediate Host, 120 Thomas (N. W.), Magic and Religion : Jevons, 11 Thompson (Prof: D’Arcy), Captures of the North Atlantic Black Right Whale’ in Scottish Waters, 173; To De- liver the Christmas Course of Juvenile Lectures at the Royal Institution, ror Thompson (Capt. R. Campbell), Excavations at Abu Shah- rain, Mesopotamia, 450 Thompson (Sir W. H.), [death], 129; [obituary article], 169 Thomsen (T. C.}, Cutting Lubricants and Cooling Liquids, 132 Thomson (Dr. G. H.), Cause of Hierarchical Order among the Correlation Coefficients of a Number of Variates Taken in Pairs, 517 Thomson (H.), Wolf’s Comet, 32 Thomson (Prof. J. Arthur), The Eugenic Ideal of Education, 414 Thomson (Sir J. J.), Society, 273 Thomson (Sir W. R.), Glasgow, 158 Thorburn (W. M.), Rights and Wrongs of a Person, 214 Thorpe (Sir T. E.), The American Chemist in Warfare, 328 Threlfall (Sir R.), elected a Member of the Athenzeum Club, 405 Thurn (Sir E. im), elected President of the Royal Anthropo- logical Institute, 449 Tillyard (Dr. R. J.), Mesozoic Insects of Queensland. III., 200; Mesozoic Insects of Queensland. IV., 519; Morphology of the Caudal Gills of the Larve of Glas- A Criticism of Dr. Presidential Address to the Royal Gift to the Roval Technical College, Zygopterid Dragonflies, 97; Permian and Triassic In- sects from N.S.W., 97; Studies in Australian Mecoptera. No. ii., 199; Studies in Australian Xvi Index Nature, April 3, 1919 Neuroptera. No. v., 139; The Panorpid Complex. Part i,, 199; Various Species of Mecoptera, 97 Todd (Dr. M.), [obituary], 48 Tolman (R. C.), The Theory of the Relativity of Motion, 242 Tolnay (L. v.), Borrelly’s Comet, 74, 153 Tooke (\V. H.), The Rhodesian Ruins, 135 Traun and Sons (Dr. H.), “Faturan,” 52 Travers (Dr. M. W.), Firing of Glass Pots, 199; Scientific Glassware, 265 Trechmann (C. T.), A Bed of Inter-glacial Loess and Some Pre-Glacial Fresh-water Clays on the Durham Coast, 379 Trelease (Prof. W.), Winter Botany, 363 Trinchieri (Dr. G.), Instructions for Collecting and Presery- ing Edible Fungi, 411 Trotter (A. P.), Illuminating Value of Flares, etc., 330 Truffaut (G.), Partial Sterilisation of Soil, 79 Tunmann (Dr. O.), appointed Professor of Pharmacognosy in the University of Vienna, 338 Turner (Dr.), Bottle-glass and Glass-bottle Manufacture, 339; and J. H. Davidson, Solubility of Pot Material in Glass, 199 Turrill (W. B.), The Flora of Macedonia, 395 Twyman (F.), The Use of the Interferometer for Testing Optical Systems, 291 Unwin (Dr. W. C.), Experimental Studies of the Mechani- cal Properties of Materials, 156 Van Hise (Dr. C. R.), [obituary], 351 Vaughan (J. A.), Safety in Winding Operations, 134 Vaughan (W. W.), elected President of the Science Masters’ Association, 376 Vernes (A.), The Graphics of the Syphilitic Subject, 479 Véronnet (A.), The Limit and Composition of the Terres- trial Atmosphere, 260 Villavecchia (Prof. V.), and others, Translated by T. H. Pope, Treatise on Applied Analytical Chemistry. Vol. ii., 262 Vincent (H.), and G. Stodel, Results of Antigangrene Sero- therapy, 40; Results of the Treatment of Gas Gangrene by Multivalent Serum, 460 Viola (C.), The Law of Curie, 60 Vogel (J. L. F.), The Tungsten Industry, 14 Votte (J.), A Remarkable Helium Star, 216; Observations of Eros, 373 Vredenburg (E.), Occurrence of Cypraea piriformis, Gray, in the Mergui Archipelago, etc., 439; Occurrence of Cypraea nivosa, Broderip, in the Mergui Archipelago, 400; Possible Relationship between the Charnoclites and the Dharwars, 20; Occurrence of Dolium varie- gatum, Lamarck, at Maskat, 20 Wace (Dean), The Effect and Use of Alcohol, 469 Wager (Dr. H.), elected President of the British logical Society, 70 Wagner (Dr. P. A.), The Mineral Industry of the Union of South Africa and its Future, 134 Wakefield (Sir C.), Gifts in Connection with the Raleigh Tercentenary, 176 Wales (Prince of), Accepts the Position of Patron of the Ramsay Memoria] Fund, 111 Walford (G. P.), A New Policy for the Glaziers’ Company, Myco- 94 Walker (A. R. E.), Radio-active and Other Minerals Asso- ciated with Fossil Wood from the Beaufort Series; Tantalite Crystals from Namaqualand, 439 Walker (Prof. Miles), Conferment upon, of the Degree of D.Sc., 179; Supply of Single-phase Power from Three- phase Systems, 313 Walker-Tisdale (C. W.), and T. R. Robinson, The Practice of Soft Cheese-making. Fourth revision, 64 Walkom (Dr. A. B.), Geology of the Lower Rocks of Queensland, 139 Wallace (Sir D. Mackenzie), [obituary], 390 Wallace (Prof. R.), The Education Act of 1918, and the Scotland Education Bill, 194 Mesozoic Wallis (B. C.), Contouring and Map-reading, 263 ; Distribu- tion of the Nationalities in Hungary, 392; Macmillan’s Geographical Exercise Books. | VII,—Physical Geo- graphy : With Questions, 263; The Peoples of Austria, II Walsingham (Lord), German Naturalists and Nomenclature, 4 Ward (Dr. J.), Psychological Principles, 344 Ward (Prof. R. DeC.), The Larger Relations of Climate and Crops in the United States, 259 Warren (Prof.), Tests of N.S.W. Timber, 353 Warth (F. J.), and Ko Ko Gyi, The Hydrogen Cyanide Content of the Burma Bean, Pe-gya, 313 Waterfield (R. L.), Observation of Borrelly’s Comet, 215, 452 Watson (Capt. D. M. S.), Biology and War, 278 Watson (Prof. E. R.), Colour in Relation to Chemical Con- stitution, 241 Watson (Dr. G. N.), The Transmission of Electric Waves round the Earth, 517 | § Watson (Milne), The Value of Scientific Methods of Test in Improving the Quality of Products, 414 Watson (W. H.), appointed Vice-Principal and Head of the Chemistry and Natural Science Department of the Municipal College, Portsmouth, 378 Watt (Prof. R. D.), Agricultural Research in Australia, 247 Watteville (Dr. W. de), [obituary], 230 Watts (Dr. W. Marshall), [obituary], 410 Wavell (Major A. J. B.), A Modern Pilgrim in Mecca. New cheaper impression, 404 Weber (Sir H.), [obituary], 231 Webster (A. D4, Coniferous Trees for Profit and Orna- ment, 502; Seaside Planting for Shelter, Ornament, and Profit, 382 Wegener (A.), Discovery of a Bright Meteor, 194 Weir (Lord), Commercial Aviation, 229 Weiss (P.), Characteristic Equation of Fluids, 40, 60 Wells (H. L.), and H. W. Foote, Table of the Elements on Mendeléef’s Scheme, 50 Wertheimer (Prof. J.}, Officers’ Classes, 253 Wesbrook (Dr. F. F.), [obituary], 191 Westlake (H.), [obituary], 172 Wheeler (W. M.), Nursing Habits of Ants and Termites, 308 Whellens (W. H.). Forestry Work, 242 Wherry (Dr. E. T.), appointed Editor-in-Chief of the Ameri- can Mineralogist, 391 Whetmore (A.), Bird-bones Found in Kitchen-midden De- posits in St. Thomas and St. Croix, 451 Whiddington (R.), appointed Director of Studies in Physics at St. John’s College, Cambridge, 417 White (W. P.), General Character of Specific Heats at High Temperatures, 499 Whiteley and Hallimond, The Chemical Detection of Strain in Tron and Steel, 512 Whitmell (C. T.). Rainbow Brightness, 125 Whittaker (C. M.), Modern Dyeing Methods: The Applica- tion of the Coal-tar Dyestuffs: The Principles Involved and the Methods Employed. 182; Remarks on Review of “Modern Dyeing Methods,” 431 Whittaker (T.), The Neo-Platonists : A Study in the History of Hellenism. Second edition, 462 Wilcezvnski (E. J.), Invariants and Canonical Forms, 399 Williams (Dr. A. M.), The Adsorption Isotherm at Low Concentrations, 319 Williams (Lt.-Col.), Design and Inspection Optical Munitions of War, 398 Williams (Prof. H. Shaler), [obituary], 10 Williamson (J. W.), appointed Secretary of the British Scientific Instrument Research Association, 231 Williston (Prof. S. W.), [obituary], 191 Wilsmore (Prof. N. T. M.). The Diminution of Solubility of Gases with Rise of Temperature, 234 Wilson (C. T. R.), elected President of the Cambridge Philosophical Society, 213 Wilson (E.), The Measurement of Magnetic Susceptibilities of Low Order, 478 Wilson (J.), Salaries in Secondary and Technical Schools, University and Technical of Certain etc) 75 Wilson (J. P.), [obituary], 129 Nature, April 3, 1919 Index XVI Wilson (President), Conferment of Italian Academic Honours upon, 369; Conferment upon, of an Honorary Doctor- ate by the University of Paris; Speech on the Univer- sity Spirit, 338; Plea for Education, 397; Science and Civilisation, 428 Wilson (Dr. R.), Students’ Microscopes on Loan, 126 Windhausen (A.), The Cretaceous Strata of the Southern Hemisphere, 112 Witherby (H. F.), Birds Observed near Dunkerque, 510 Wolf (Prof.), The Fifth Planet of the Trojan Group, 233 Wollaston (T. R.), awarded the President’s Gold Medal of . the Society of Engineers, 330 Wood (Prof. T. B.), War-time Beef Production, 227 Wood-Jones (Prof. F.), A Cast and a Set of Réntgen-ray Photographs taken from a Chimpanzee belonging to the Zoological Society, 278 Woods (Prof. F. S.), and Prof. F. H. Bailey, Geometry and Calculus, 44 Woods (Dr. H.), On the Nature of Things, 422 Woodward (Dr. A. Smith), awarded the Cuvier Prize of the Paris Academy of Sciences, 172 Woolnough (W. G.), The Darling Peneplain of Western Australia, 240 Wordingham (C. H.), Scope for Electrical Engineering, 33 Wormald (H.), A Blossom-wilt and Canker of Apple-trees ; A “Wither-tip” Disease of Plum-trees, 232 PGE, Aberdeen University, Lord Cowdray elected Rector of, 218 Aberration of a Ray through a Thick Lens, An Empirical Formula for the Longitudinal, Instr. Com. T. Y. Baker and Major L. N. G. Filon, 359 Absorbing Power of Dry or Moist Earth for Gaseous Chlorine, D. Berthelot and R. Trannoy, 438 Absorption Spectra and Chemical Constitution, Acacia Seedlings. Part iv., R. H. Cambage, 241 320 Acetone as a Solvent for Reaous Media, J. Ritchie, jun., 373 Achilles, 588, Redetermination of the Orbit of, Mme. J. M. V. Hinsen, 359 Admiralty, Board of, Adviser on Education to the, C. E. Ashford appointed, 99 Adsorption Isotherm at Low Williams, 319 Adult Education, The Problem of, 114 Aerial Photographic Survey of the British Isles, gested, 289 Aeroplane: A Radiological, Drs. Nemirowski and Tilmant, 130; the Large, Commercial Aviation and, 425 Afforestation, Supplementary Estimate for, 213 the Dr Ay iM: Concentrations, A Sug- State of. Aggregation, Investigations dealing with Part iv., S. B. Skryver and N. E. Speer, 318 Agricultural ReSearch in Australia, 246; Profs. A. J. Perkins and R. D. Watt, 247 Agriculture: Board of, Attack on the Policy of the, 490; Scientific, The Promotion of, D. Lloyd George, 266; The Application of Science to, D. Lloyd George, 248 ; The Scottish Journal of, 196; Women in, Position of, Sir D. Hall, 251 Ague in England, 272 Air Board, Medical Administrator of the, Col. Fell offered the Post of, 191 Aircraft Production, Technical Department of the Depart- ment of, A. E. Berriman appointed Deputy Controller of the, 93 MEG: Analytic | Alaska, Successive Epochs of Glaciation in, Alaskan Fur Seal Herd, Growth of the, G. H. Algues Marines, Analyses chimiques d’, 494 Alkali Industry, The, J. A. Alkaline Carbonates in the Presence of Free Allkaline Bases, American : Mee (W. M.), Observations of Long-period Variables, Worth (R. H.), Geology of the Meldon Valleys: near Oke- hampton, 278 Wortley (H. B.), [obituary], Wright (T.), [obituary], 468 : Wright (Wilbur), A Memorial to, in France, 330 Wrightson (Sir T.), The Perception of Sound, 509 184 Yeo (F. Cory), Donation towards the Pri College in Swansea, 219 Yerkes (Major R. M.), Measuring the Mental an Army, 399 Young (A.), Fusion of Karroo Grits in Dolerite Intrusions, 438 Young (A. W.), Miss E. M. Elderton, and Prof. K. Pear- son, Relation between the Flexure and Torsion of a Beam, 132 Young (F. S.), Restriction of Specialisation in Examina- tions for Scholarships, 375 Young (J.), Military Explosives of To-day, 216 Young (Prof. S.), Stoichiometry. Second edition, 122 posed University Strength of Contact with Zaharoff (Sir B.), Offer to Oxford University for a Chair of Freach, 259 INDEX. Air-supply in Boiler-rooms, R. W. Allen, 313 Air-temperature, An Abnormal Change of, K. Sigetomi, 131 Airy and the Figure of the Earth, Oo. Zannotti Bianco; Dr. C. G. Knott, 384 Aitchison Memorial Scholarship, The, Milligen, 237 awarded to V. C. E. Kirk, 112 Parker, 80 Alcohol : Available Sources of Supply of, Appointment of a Committee on the, 130; in Industry, 166; Production of, in Germany, 353; The Effect and Use of, Dean Wace, 469 Prof. C. Sauvageau, Partington, 21 R. Dubrissay, Tripier, and Toquet, Estimating, 435 Alloys, Comparison between the Internal Elastic Equilibrium of, after Tempering and after Hardening, A. Portevin, 380 Altitude Record, A New World's, Capt. R. Lang and Lt. Blowes, 369 Aluminium : and its Alloys, Importance of, Dr. W. Rosen- hain, 33; Results of an Investigation on, 31 Alvarenga Prize, The, 290 Amber containing Insect Fauna, Gift of, to the British Museum, R. C. J. Swinhoe; Prof. T. D. A. Cockerell, 508 America: North and South, Remains of eueient Man in, Dr. A. Hrdlitka, 312; South, A. U.S.A. Government Advertising Campaign in, 491 Academy of Medicine, A Prize Offered by the, Nutting, 446; Associa- 129; and German Science, Dr. Ceramic Society, tion, The Next Meeting of the, 93; Publication of a Monthly Journal by the, 51; Chemical Directory, An, 222; Chemist in Warfare, The, Dr. C. L. Parsons; Sir T. E. Thorpe, 328; Cokes and the Sources Xvili LT, ndex [ Nature, - April 5, 1919 of Coal from which they are produced, Relations be- tween, F. W. Sperr, jun., 51; Educational Institutions, Be- quests to, by Mrs. Russell Sage, 317; Ethnology, Bureau of, Report of the, 11; Geographical, Society, Index to the Bulletin and Journal of the, 332; Journal of Physical Anthropology, No. 1, 49; Journal of Science, July, 50; Mineralogist, Dr. E. T. Wherry appointed Editor-in- Chief of the, 391; Ornithologists’ Union, Dr. W. E. Collinge elected a Corresponding Fellow of the, 289; Society for Practical Astronomy, Postponement of Activity and Suspension of Publication of the Monthly Register, 49; Technical Journalists, Entertainment of, I Ammeter, Voltmeter, Testing, 96 Amoeba proteus for Laboratories, Supplies of, Prof. J. G. Kerr, 166 Amphibians Collected by the American Museum Expedition to Nicaragua, 1916, 11 Amphicheiral Knots, Miss M. G. Haseman, 239 Amputation Stumps, X-ray Examination of, Capt. A. T. H. Nisbet, 493 Amundsen Arctic Expedition : . .of, in the Kara Sea, 129 Analysis and Geometry, 2 Analytic Theory of Numbers, Applications of the Method of Farey Dissection in the, G. H. Hardy and J. E. Littlewood, 319 Analytical Chemistry, Applied, C. Simmonds, 262 Anatomy: Applied, Prof. G. G. Davis. Fifth edition ; Prof. G. Elliot Smith, 423; Journal of, Change of Pub- lishers of the, 49 Anglo-Saxon Remains near Croydon, E. A. Martin, 290 Annual Symmetrical Variation of Certain Elements, The, Capt. E. H. Chapman, 339 Anodonta, the Labial Palps of, Autonomous Responses of, P. H. Cobb, 399 Ant, White, The, in the Sudan, 71 Antarctic : and Sub-Antarctic Regions, Climate and Meteor- ology of, R. C. Mossman, 470; Auroral Observations in the, Dr. G. C. Simpson, 24; Dr. C. Chree, 25; Ice- Cap, The, and its Borders, Sir D. Mawson, 315 Antarctica, Bacteria of Ice and Snow in, Capt. A. L. MeLean, 35 Anthrax-infected Wool, pine, 372 Anthropology : and our Older Histories, Prof. H. J. Fleure and Wattmeter, A Set of Portable Progress of the, 214; Arrival Disinfection of, Prof. S. Delé- and Miss L. Winstanley, 192; War and, Sir H. Read, 498 | : Anticyclones and Depressions, Origin of, Lt. J. Logie, 320 Antigangrene Serotherapy, Results of, H. Vincent and G. Stodel, 40 Ants, Behaviour of Certain, in the Care of their Offspring, W. M. Wheeler, 308 Aplite into Serpentine, Intrusion of, in Natal, Dr. A. L. du Toit, 270 ; Aquarii, The Orbit of 83, Dr. R. G. Aitken, 252 Aqueous Reserves of the Soil in Periods of Drought, J. Dumont, 19 Aquila, The New Star in, Dr. W. E. Harper, 32; Dr. G. F. Paddock, and others, 74 “Arbor Day,’’ An, J. Hopkinson, 126 Arboreal Descent of Man, The, Prof. V. Giuffrida-Ruggeri, 85 Arcella dentata, Variation and Heredity during the Vege- tative Reproduction of, R. W. Hegner, 399 Argentine Society of Natural Sciences, Forthcoming National Reunion of the, 191 Armistice, Launch of the. 412 Armstrong College, Prospectus of Day Classes at the, 139 Army: Education in the, 481 ; Educational Training Scheme of the, Appointments in connection with the, 119 Aromatic from Fatty Compounds, A New Synthesis of, T. Komninos, 300 Arsenic and Antimony, Organic Compounds of, Prof. G. T. Morgan, 41 Industrial, A Meeting for the Promotion of, 110; A British Institute of, 178 Arterial Pressure, Measurement of, in R. Paucot, 60 Ashmolean Museum, Addition of a Female Marble Figure to the, Prof. P. Gardner, 214 Art, Clinical Practice, Asiatic Society of Bengal, Catalogue of the Scientific Serial Publications in the Principal Libraries of Caleutta, S. Kemp, and others, 338 Asphodelus luteus, Action of a Marine Climate on ‘the In- florescence of, L. Daniel, 159 Association: A Story of Man for Boys and Girls, E. B. Cumberland, 3; of Public School Science Masters, Forthcoming Annual General Meeting of the, 197; Forthcoming Annual ‘Meeting of the, 317; The Annual ' General Meeting of the, 375 Astigmatism: Interchangeabilily of Stop and Object, Ty Chaundy, 179 ; ASTRONOMICAL NOTES. Comets : Wolf’s Comet, Mr. Jonckheere; H. Thomson, 32; M. Kamensky, 74; Borrelly’s Comet, L. v. Tolnay, — 4; L. v. Tolnay; van Biesbroeck, 153; Wolf’s Comet, M. Kamensly, 153; Borrelly’s Comet, R. L. Waterfield, 215; The Origin of Comets, Prof. Strém- gren, 233; Wolf’s and Borrelly’s Comets, 252; Comet 1918d (Schorr), Dr. Schorr; J. Braae and J. Fischer- Petersen, 314; Schorr’s Comet, 354; Borrelly’s Comet, 354; Schorr’s Comet, Braae and Fischer-Petersen, 373 ; Comet 1786 II., Miss M. Palmer, 413 ; Schorr’s Comet, 432; Borrelly’s Comet, R. L. Waterfield, 452; Reid’s Comet (1918a), H. E. Wood, 452; Borrelly’s Comet, Fayet, 512; Comet 1918d (Schorr), H. M. Jeffers, 512 Instruments : The Canadian Drs Jie Plaskett, 292 72-in. Reflecting Telescope, Meteors : August and September Meteors, W. F. Denning, 52; Large Meteors, Dr. F. J. Allen, and others, 132; A Bright Meteor, A. Wegener, 194; Fireball on December 6, 314; The January Meteors, 334 Observatories: _ Mount Wilson Observatory Report, 1917, 13; A New “Solar Constant” Observatory at Calama, Chile, 314 Planets : The Harvest Moon, 32; Jupiter, 174; Observations of Minor Planets, Gonnessiat and Sy, 194; Saturn, W. F. Denning, 233; Minor Planets, 232; The Planet Mer- cury, 334; Opposition of Juno, 373; 692 Hippodamia, H. Dubosq-Lettré, 373; Observations of Eros, J, Votite, 373; Eclipses and Transits of Japetus, 394; A Curious Feature on Jupiter, F. Sargent, 432 Stars : j Infra-red Stellar Spectra, Dr. P. W. Merrill, 13; The New Star in Aquila, Dr. T. E. Harper, 32: Nova Monocerotis, Dr. G. F. Paddock, 52; The Spectro- scopic Binary Boss 46, W. S. Adams and G. Strém- berg, 53; The New Star in Aquila, Dr..G. F. Paddock,- and others, 74; Parallaxes of Helium Stars, Sir F. Dyson and W. G. Thackeray, 97; The Mean Distances ~ of Stars of Different Spectral Types, S. Hirayama, 97; Observations of Long-period Variables, W. M. Worssell, 133; Correction of Apparent Stellar Magni- tudes, F. de Roy, 133; The Rate of Stellar Evolution, Prof. A. S. Eddington, 174; The Dark-line Spectrum of Nova Aquila, Dr. J. Lunt, 194: Orbits of Two Spectroscopic Binaries, Dr. R. F. Sanford; Dr. F. Henroteau, 215; A Remarkable Helium Star, J. Voite, 216; The Orbit of Sirius, Dr. R. Aitken, 216; The Orbit of 83 Aquarii, Dr. R. G. Aitken, 252; The Spectrum of Nova Aquilez, Dr. J. S.-Plaskett, 252; Distribution of Globular Clusters, Dr. H. Shapley, — 271; A New Type of Nebular Spectrum, Dr. V. M. Slipher, 271; Dwarf Stars, Dr. A. C. D. Crommelin, 292; Spectra of Binary Stars, Dr. R. G. Aitken, 314; Opposition of Vesta, 334; Distribution of Luminosity in Star Clusters, Prof. E. Hertzsprung, 334; Redeter- mination of the Orbit of 588 Achilles, Mme. J. M. V. Hinsen, 354; Twelve New Spectroscopic Binaries, Dr. J. S. Plaskett, 373; The Origin of New Stars, Dr. J. Bosler, 394; Parallax of the Barnard Star, Dr. S. Kostinsky, 413; The Pulsation Theory of Cepheid Variability, Prof. Eddington, 472; Luminosities and Distances of Cepheid Variables, Dr. H. Shapley, 494; Radial Velocities of 119 Stars, Dr. J. Lunt, 494 Nature, April 3, 1919 Sun: Observations of Solar Prominences, J. Evershed; Prof. A. Riccd, 97; Solar-line Displacements and Relativity, J. Evershed, 153; Spectrum of the Corona, Rev. A. L. Cortie, 272; The Sun’s Rotation, R. E. De Lury, 292 Miscellaneous : _ Twenty-four-hour Time in the Army, 74; Electric-furnace Spectra, Dr. A. S. King, 114; The Nebular Hypo- thesis, J. H. Jeans, 114; “Companion to the Observatory, 1919,” 354; The Fayette County Meteor- ites, G. P. Merrill, 394; The Paris-Washington Longi- tude, 432; Astronomy in the Times, 452; The Energy of Magnetic Storms, Dr. S. Chapman, 452 ; Calcium Clouds in the Milky Way, J. Evershed, 472; A “New Navigation” Method, Dr. J. Ball, 472; “Anuario del Observatorio de Madrid,” 494; “An- nuaire” of the Bureau des Longitudes, 512 Astronomy: as a School Subject, Prof. T. P. Nunn, 395 ; Dynamical and Popular, 322; Dynamical, An Introduc- tory Treatise on, Prof. H. C. Plummer, 322; Nautical, A New Graphic Method in, 155; The Teaching of, in Schools, Sir F. Dyson, 218 Athenzeum Club, Sir R. Threlfall elected a Member of the, 468 } Atmosphere: Cooling and Evaporative Powers of the, as determined by the Kata-thermometer, L. Hill and H. Ash, 338; State of the, on the Level of the Sea, Col. Sir C. F. Close, 471; Terrestrial, Limit and Composi- tion of the, A. Véronnet, 260 Aurora: at Low Heights in the Atmosphere, Dr. G. C. Simpson, 353; Borealis of December 25, 1918, The, S. ' Bolton, 405; Relief Expedition, Report on the, Capt. J. K. Davis, 129 Auroral Observations in the Antaretic, Dr. G. C. Simpson, 24; Dr. ©. Chree, 25 Australasian, Antarctic, and Sub-Antarctic Life, Sir D. Mawson, 498 : Australia: Agricultural Research in, 246; Profs. A. J. Perkins and R. D. Watt, 247; Entomological Research in, R. J. Tillyard, 97 Australian: Cladocera, Some, M. Henry, 519; Hydroids, } Further Notes on. Part iv., W. M. Bale, 320; Mecoptera, Studies in. No. ii., Dr. R. J. Tillyard, 199; Neuroptera, Studies in, Dr. R. J. Tillyard, 139 Austria, The Peoples of, B. C. Wallis, 11 Automobile Engineers, Institution of, T. Clarkson elected President of the, 492 Aviation ;: Commercial, 228; Lord Weir, 229; Commercial, and the Large Aeroplane, 425; Meteorology and, Capt. C.. K. M. Douglas, 473 Aviators, Methods Employed by the Italian in the Selection of, Major Gemelli, 130 Authorities B.S.A. Musketry Score Book for Use in the General Musketry Course, S. J. Smyth, 164 Bacteria of Ice and Snow in Antarctica, Capt. A. L. McLean, 35 Bacteriological Study of the Soil of Loggerhead Key, Tor- tugas, A, C. B. Lipman and D. D, Waynick, 399 Bacteriology, Applied, Edited by Dr. C. H. Browning, 104 Bairnsdale Gravels, Age of the, F. Chapman, 20 Balloon Fabrics, Permeability of, 73 Barbados and Antigua, Return of an Expedition to, 94 Barrow Technical School, Foundation of a Scholarship at the, by the Barrow Steel Co., 119 Baumé’s Hydrometers, Conversion Tables for, 393 Bean Blight in the Transvaal, Dr. E. Doidge, 134 Beavers of Leonardslee, 1916-18, The, Sir E. G. Loder, 198 Beech, The Time of Leafing in the, C. Raunkiar, 470 Beef Production, War-time, Prof. T. B. Wood, 227; K. J. J. Mackenzie and Dr. F. H. A. Marshall, 228 Beetles, Common, and Spiders, and How to Identify Them, S. N. Sedgwick, 104 Belfast Municipal Technical Institute, W. W. Myddleton appointed Lecturer and Demonstrator in Chemistry at the, 338 Bengal and Bihar and Orissa, Department of Fisheries for, . Annual Report of the, 193 Lndex XIX Benin, A Remarkable Carved Ivory Object from, Sir H. C. Read, 49 ( Benzoylation of Certain Aromatic Derivatives, F. Reverdin, 233 Bergens Museum, Reports of, 1916-18; Skeletons of Nor- wegian Domestic Animals in, Dr. A. Brinkmann, 332 Big-game Animals in East Africa, Geographical Barriers to the Distribution of, E. Heller, 332 Binaries, Twelve New Spectros: opic, Dr. J. S. Plaskett, 373 Binary Stars, The, Prof. R. G. Aitken, 402 ‘ Binoculars, The Design and Manufacture of, H. S. Ryland, 277 Biological Subjects in Education, The Neglect of, Prof. E. Boycott, 405; Sir H. Bryan Donkin, 444; J. Parkin, 503 Biologisms Exposed, 503 Biology: and Human Welfare, 442; and War, Prof. R. Pearl, 48; Capt. D. M. S. Watson, 278; of a Life Table, Dr. J. Brownlee, 396 “Bipyramidal,” The Term, and the Name “Romanéchite,” Dr. L. L. Fermor, 194 Bird-bones in Kitchen-midden Deposits in St. Thomas and St. Croix, A. Whetmore, 451 i Birds : and the War, Capt. H. S. Gladstone, 488; Beneficial to Agriculture, The Protection of Capt. Flower and M. J. Nicoll, 470; Observed near Dunkerque, H. F. Witherby, 510; Stomachs, Food Contents of, Estimat- ing the, Dr. W. E. Collinge, 151 Birmingham: and Midland Institute, Sir R. J. Godlee elected President of the, 429; University, Resignation of Miss S. M. Fry from the Council; Endowment of a Scholarship by Mrs. Osler and others; Miss E. H. B. Coghill appointed Lecturer in Hygiene in the Women’s Training College, 119 ; Forthcoming Installation of Lord Robert Cecil as Chancellor of, 197; Gift of Books by the Misses Bunce; Resignation of Prof. P. F. Frank- land; Resignation of Dr. Parker, 294 Bleeding, Serious, Temporary and Definite Survival after, C. Richet, P. Brodin, and Fr. Saint-Girons, 219 Blind in Factories, Employment of tne, P. Perls, 271 Blood Plasma, Injections of, for replacing Blood, C. Richet, P. Brodin, and Fr. Saint-Girons, 260 Books Published in 1918, 379 Borings for Oil in the United Kingdom, V. C. Illing, 385 Borrelly’s Comet, L. v. Tolnay, 74; L. v. Tolnay; Van Biesbroeck, 153; Observations of, made at the Lyons Observatory, J. Guillaume, 199; R. L. Waterfield, 215 ; 359; R- L. Waterfield, 452; M. Fayet, 512 Boss 46, The Spectroscopic Binary, W. 5S. Adams Stromberg, 53 Botanical Collections made on Mount H. N. Ridley, and others, 372 Botany : in Schools, Experiment in the Teaching of, Rev. Dr. F. C. Kolbe, 134; Winter, Prof. W. Trelease, 363 Bottle-glass and Glass-bottle Manufacture, Dr. Turner, 339 Bovevia labialis, Structure and Conjugation of, Prof. I. Ikeda and Y. Ozaki, 95 Brachiopoda Collected by the British Antarctic (Terra Nova) Expedition, J. W. Jackson, 392 Brazil, The Fuel Resources of, 411 Bristol University, Report of the Faculty of Engineering of, 1917-18, 276 5 British ; Army Veterinary Corps, Work of tke, at the Fronts, Maj.-Gen. Sir F. Smith, 392; Association Geophysical Committee, Forthcoming Meetings of the, 213 ; Cellulose and Chemical Manufacturing Co., Lid., C. W. Addy appointed to Chemistry Work by the, 33 Dye In- dustry, The, 388; Empire, Order of the, Promotions in, and Appointments to the, 390; Empire, The Water- powers of the, Dr. B. Cunningham, 46; Glass Industry, The, 15; Glassware Industry, The, 315; Guiana, Tropical Wild Life in, W. Beebe, and others, vol. i., 82; Industry during the War, Some Developments in, 506; Institute of Industrial Art, A, 178; Iron-ore De- posits, Sir A. Strahan, 245; Iron-ore Resources, Prof. H. Louis, 244; Medicine in the War, 1914-17, 62; Mineral Resources, The Future of, Prof. H. Louis, 366; Mites, Coloured Drawings of, C. D. Soar, 3193 Museum (Natural History), Re-opening of the Exhibition Galleries of the, 312; Museum, Presentation of Ancient British and Other Celtic Coins to, by Sir and u. Korinchi, Sumatra , XX A. Evans, 493; Mycological Society, Autumn Foray of the; Dr. H. Wager elected President of the, 70; Rainfall, 1917, Dr. H. R. Mill and C. Salter, 383 ; Sands, 261; Science Guild, The, and its Exhibitions, 413; Science Students, The Society of, 378; Scientific Instrument Research Association, H. A. Colefax elected Chairman, Sir H. Jackson Director of Research, and J. W. Williamson Secretary, 231; Scientific Products Exhibition,,Lectures at the, 13, 32; Exhibits of Glass at the, 15; Exhibits of High-temperature Appliances at the, 16; Descriptive Catalogue of the, with Articles on Recent Developments, 123; at Manchester, Forth- coming, 190; at Manchester, 288; 354; A, for Next Year, 250; Dinner, Speeches at the, Marquess of Crewe, Lord Sydenham, F. G. Kellaway, Sir R. Had- field, C. F. Higham, M. Watson, 413, 414; Thermo- meters, C. R. Darling, 226 Bromine, Action of, on Some Derivatives of Diphenylamine, H. Ryan and W. O'Riordan, 319 Bronze, Late, Age Urns found near Manningtree and at Ipswich, J. Reid Moir, 493 Brooklyn : Exhibition of Students’ Worl in, 94; Institute, Report of the Museums of the, 71 Brussels Natural History Museum, The, Prof. A. C. Seward, 385 aie of Scientific and Technical Societies, A Fortnightly, Bullaneh, N vesting Habits of the, Miss F. Pitt, 270 Bureau des Longitudes, “Annuaire ” of the, 512 Burette Tubes, ‘Apparatus for the Accurate Calibration of, S. English, 339 Burma Bean, Pe-gya, The Hydrogen Cyanide Content of the, F. Tle Warth and Ko Ko Gyi, 213 Butterfly, A Mistaken, T. Steel, 5; S. Robson, 285; J. Aitken, 366 Dr. Calamites, The External Morphology of the Stems of, the late Dr. E. A. Newell Arber and F. W. Lawfield, 239 Absorption Spectra and C. McLennan and Calcium, Strontium, and Barium, the Ionisation Potentials of, Prof. J. J. F. T. Young, 477 Calcutta Mint, The, and the Supply of Metals for Coinage, 192 Californian Walnut Blight in the South African Walnut Plantations, Dr. E. Doidge, 134 Cambridge: Alignment Tester, The, 31; Microscope Lathe- Attachment, The, 31; Philosophical Society, Election of Officers of the, 213; University, Dr. F. G. Chandler awarded the Raymond Horton-Smith Prize, 99; J. Gray appointed Demonstrator of Comparative Anatomy ; Forthcoming Election of a Quick Professor of Biology, 119; Endowment, by Lord Rothermere, of a Chair of Naval History at, 276; Conferment of the Honorary Degree of M.A. upon F. W. Harmer, 316; Abolition of Compulsory Greek in the Previous Examination; Re- turn of Naval and Military Men, 417-418; Dr. W. H.R. Rivers appointed Przelector in Natural Sciences at St. John’s College; R. Whiddington appointed Director of Studies in Physics at St. John’s College, 417; The F. M. Balfour Studentship awarded to F. A. Potts, 436; Appointments in; Proposal to Establish a Geographical Tripos, 458; Lord Moulton appointed Rede Lecturer; A. Hopkinson appointed Additional Demonstrator of Human Anatomy; Capt. J. T. Saunders elected to a Senior Fellowship and Capt. C. G. Darwin to a Junior Fellowship of Christ’s College, 496; Continuation of Grant by the Drapers’ Cour pany; N. K. Adam appointed to the Benn W. Levy Research Studentship; Approval of a Grace _ pro- viding for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy, 515; The Adams Prize awarded to Prof. J. W. Nicholson ; Gift by E. Mond for a Professorship of Aeronautical Engineering, 516; and Colleges of, The Students’ Handbook of the. Seventeenth edition, 284 Camouflage: A. H. Thaver, 408; Natural end Artificial, 408 Camptoceras, Benson, The Genus, and Lithotis japonica, Preston, Dr. N. Annandale, 100 Canada, Shipbuilding and Engineering in, 132 Canadian : Arctic Expedition, Work of the Stef: ansson, 173; 72-in Reflecting Telescope, The, Dr. J. S. Plaskett, 292 Index Nature, April 3, 1919 | Cane-sugar, Inversion of, by Colloidal Silica, A. and A: Mary, 260 Canning and Bottling, with Notes on Other Simple Methods of Preserving Fruit and Vegetables, Dr. H. P. Good- rich, 105 Carbon and its Allies, Dr. R. M. Caven, 41 Carboniferous : Land Vertebrates, Footprints of, Prof. R. S. Lull, 12; Succession of the Clitheroe Province, Lt.-Col. W. Hind and Dr. A. Wilmore, 318; Trilobites of Australia, The, J. Mitchell, 200 Carbonisation Reactions, Prof. J. W. Cobb, 116 Carnegie Institution of Washington, The Laboratory of the, Resignation by Dr. the Directership, 172 Carp Cultivation in Bavaria, Sir F. Nicholson, 151 Cass, Sir John, Technical Institute : Courses of Instruction at the, 59; Address to the Students of the, Dr. C. C. Carpenter, 516 Catarrhs and Influenza, Epidemic, 167 ; 168 Cave Formation, Some Types of, R. W. Evans, 279 Cell Theory, Prof. A. Sedgwick’s Views on the, Miss E. H. Glen, 130 Cellulose, Acetate of, Manufacture of, in France, 333 Cement, Pure, Elasticity of, L. Jouane, 220 Central: Argentine Railway, The Electric Traction System of the, 152; Empires, Endorsement by the Academy of Medicine of Resolutions of the Paris Academy of Sciences respecting Association with Representatives of Science of the, 190 Centropyxis aculeata, The Spine Mode of, C. D. Gillies, 19 Cepheid : Variability, The Pulsation Theory of, Prof. Edding- ton, 472; Variables, Luminosities and Distances of, Dr. H. Shapley, 494; Some Spectral Characteristics of, W. S. Adams and A. H. Joy, 79 Charnockites and the Dhkarwars, A Possible Relationship between the, E. W. Vredenburg, 20 Chatham Islands, Collection Made by Mr. Clough in the, Now in the Pitt Rivers Museum, H. Balfour, 173 Chedde Factory, Harmful Action of Emanations from the, L. Mangin, 479 Cheesemaking, Soft, The Practice of, C. W. Waller-Tisdale and T. R. Robinson. Fourth revision, 64 Chemical: Correlation in the Growth of Plants, Prof. W. M. Bayliss, 285; Directory of the United States, Annual. Second edition, 1918, 222; Element, The Conception of the, as Enlarged by the Study of Radio- active Change, Prof. F. Soddy, 356; Industry, Now and Hereafter, 301; Luminescence, J. Lifschitz, 451, Physical and, Constants, 47; Data of Nitrogen Com- pounds, 47; Research, Physical and, An Institute of, for Japan, 294; Society, Forthcoming Lectures at the, 213; Proposed Changes in the Officers and Council of the, 509; The Library of the, 310; Technology at the Imperial College, 178 Chemico-Physical Properties of Substances at High Tem- peratures, Prof. F. M. Jaeger, 511 Chemist in Warfare, The American, Dr. Sir T. E. Thorpe, 328 Chemistry : A History ae Prof. F. J. Moore, 161; A Manual of, Theoretical and Practical, Inorganic and Organic, Dr. A. \P; Luff and H.)C.5H. Candy. Sixth edition, 381; Analytical, Treatise on Applied, Prof. V. Villa- vecohia and _ others. Translated by T. H. Pope. Vol. ii., 262; Applied, Reports on the Progress of. Vol. ii., 1917, 301; College, A Laboratory Outline of, Prof. A. Smith, 142; for Students, 381; Fundamental Principles of, 122; in Education and Industry, Prof. W. J. Pope, 196; Industrial, The Salters’ Institute of, 147; Industrial, I., Dr. E. F. Armstrong, 21; II., Dr. E. F. Armstrong, 41; Inorganic, A Text-book of. Edited by Dr. J. N. Friend. Vol. v., 41; Experimental, Prof. A. Smith. Sixth edition, 142; Introduction to, Prof. A. Smith. Third edition, 142; Institute of, Activities of the, R. B. Pilcher, 152; and the Proposals of the Whitley Report, 172; Forming of Local Sections of the, 70; Method, A Sohool, G. N. Pingriff. 3 parts, 503 ; Notes and Papers for School Use, G. N. Pingriff. 3 parts, 503 ; of Seaweeds, The, Prof. J. Hendrick, 494; Organic and Applied, 34s: for Advanced Students, Prof. J. B. Cohen. Second edition. 3 parts, 345; Geophysical A. L. Day of Sir A. Newsholme, L. Parsons ; Nature, April 3, 1919 Lndex Xxi Recent Advances in, Dr. A. W. Stewart. Third edi- tion, 484; Practical, for Intermediate Classes, Prof. H. B. Dunnicliff, 381; The Future of, Prof. W. J. Pope, 150; The Ontario High School, G. A. Cornish, assisted by A. Smith, 381; The Ontario High School Laboratory Manual in, G. A. Cornish, assisted by A. Smith, 381; The Profession of, 501 Chemists, An Association of, 307 Chicago: University, Gift to, by La Verne Gift to, by A. MacLeish, 436 Chimney Losses, Measurement of, and the Elements Con- stituting these Losses, M. Chopin, 60 Chimpanzee, A Cast and a Set of R6ntgen-ray Photo- graphs taken from a, Prof. F. Wood-Jones, 278 Chinese Art, Specimens of, 250 Chlorine Index, The, as a Comparative Measure of the Richness of Soils in Humus, L. Lapicque and E. Barbé, 438 ‘Chlorochytrium, Cohn., Review of the Genus, Miss M. Bristol, 278 ‘Christianity and Industrial Problems, 453 ‘Chromite Deposits in the Island of Unst, Lt. A. Russell, 238 ‘Cinchona Bark, The Trade in, 470 ‘Circular Depressions and Tornadoes, The Travel of, and the Relation of Pressure to Wind for Circular Isobars, Sir N. Shaw, 69 ‘City of London School, Gift for the Foundation of a Science Scholarship, Prof. C. Lambert, 218 Civic Etiology: A Text-book of Problems, Local and National, that can be Solved only by Civic Co-opera- tion, Prof. C. F. Hodge and Dr. J. Dawson, 442 Civics and Eugenics, Summer School of, at Oxford, 59 Civil: Aerial Transport Committee, Forecast of the Report of the, 249; Calendar, Project for the Reform of the Present, G. Bigourdan, 437; Engineers, Institution of, Marshal Foch, Sir Douglas Haig, and Viscount Jellicoe elected Distinguished Honorary Members of the, 448; Servants, The Society of, Dr. G. F. H. Smith, 185; Service, Appointments into the, 358 Clifton College, Gift to, for a Scholarship, W. J. Leonard, Noyes, 39; 237 Climate and Crops in the United States, The Larger Rela- tions of, Prof. R. DeC. Ward, 259 Climatology, Italian, Prof. F. Eredia, 495 Climograph : Chart, Dr. Griffith Taylor’s, 132; Charts, Sir Napier Shaw, 383 Cloud Phenomenon, A, Capt. C. J. P. Cave, 339 Coal: and Charcoal Insensitive to Moisture, Rendering Powdered, 97; and its Scientific Uses, Prof. W. A. Bone, 202; and Lignite, The Utilisation of the By- products of, in Gasworks, etc., C. Goldschmidt, 131 ; Banded Bituminous, The Four Visible Ingredients in, Dr. M. C. Stopes, 339; Conservation Committee, Final Report of the, 126; Measures at Great Depth at Mer- ville (Nord), P. Pruvost, 438; Pulverised, Investigation respecting, L. C. Harvey, 150; Scientific Utilisation of, 202; Tar Dyes, Applications of, 182; The Constitution of, Prof. H. Louis, 2; Constitution of, Monograph on the, Drs. M._C. Stopes and R. V. Wheeler, 2; Trade, The Future of the, Prof. H. Louis, 126 Coast Erosion and Protection, Prof. E. R. Matthews. Second edition, 505 Coastal Erosion and Accumulation, Photographs of, 72 Coffee Preparations Proposed for the Army, M. Balland, 79 ‘Coke, Formation of, G. Charpy and M. Godchot, 96 Colour : and Chemical Constitution. Parts v., vi., vii., and viii., J. Moir, 439; -blindness, Experiments on, CORRS Gibson, 299; in Indian Lepidoptera and Birds, Distri- bution of, Mr. Mottram and Dr. Edridge Green, 392; in Relation to Chemical Constitution, Prof. E. R. Wat- son, 241; Sensitised Plates, On, Chapman Jones, 92 ‘Columbia University, Bequest to, by Major E. W. Cald- well, 39 ‘Columbines of North America, The, E. B. Payson, 411 Comet : 1786 II.. Miss M. Palmer, 413 : 1918d (Schorr) ; Dr. Schorr; J. Braae and J. Fischer-Petersen, 314 ‘Comets: The Origin of, Prof. Strémgren, 233; Wolf’s and Borrelly’s, 252 ‘Commercial Aviation, 228; Lord Weir, 229 Commons, House of, University Seats in the, and their Candidates, 277 “Companion to the Observatory, 1919,” 359 Complex Variable, Theory of Functions of a, Prof. A. R. Forsyth. Third edition, 121 j Coniferous Trees for Profit and Ornament, A. D, Webster, 502 Consciousness, The Origin of, Prof. C. A. S Consumption in Harvey’s Time and To-day, IgI Continentality and Temperature, C. E. P. Brooks Contouring and Map-reading, B. C. Wallis, 263 ’ Conviction, The Psychology of, A Study of Beliefs tudes, Prof. J. Jastrow, 462 Cookery under Rations, M. M. Mitchell, 103 Copepoda Collected by the Australasian Antarctic Expedi- tion, Prof. G. S. Brady, 12 Copper: Hydroxide, Solubility of, in Presence of Sodium and Potassium Hydroxides, J. Mueller, 300; Pure, The Influence of Progressive Cold Work on, Mr. Allxins; Prof. H. C. H. Carpenter, 175; The Electrolytic Ex- traction of, from Pyritic Ashes, 113; The Properties of, and Atti- 53 Cornell University, Bequest to, by Dr. W. M. Polk, 99 Corona, Spectrum of the, Rev. A. L. Cortie, 272 : Correlation Coefficients of a Number of Variates taken in Pairs. Cause of Hierarchical Order among the, Dr. G. H. Thompson, 517 i CORRESPONDENCE. Airy and the Figure of the Earth, O. Zanotti Bianco; Dr. C. G. Knott, 384 Amoeba proteus for Graham Kerr, 166 “Arbor Day,” An, J. Hopkinson, 126 Arboreal Descent of Man, The, Prof. V. Giuffrida-Ruggeri, 85 Aurora Borealis of December 25, 1918, The, S. Bolton, 405 Auroral Observations in the Antarctic, Dr. G. C. Simpson, 24> Dr. ©. Chree, 25 Biological Subjects in Education, The Neglect of, Prof. A. E. Boycott, 405; Sir H. Bryan Donkin, 444; J. Parkin, 503 British Thermometers, C. R. Darling, 226 Laboratories, Supplies of, Prof. J. Brussels, Natural History Museum, The, Prof. A. C. Seward, 385 Butterfly, A Mistaken, T. Steel, 5; S. Robson, 285; Dr. J. Aitken, 366 Civil Servants, The Society of, Dr. G. F. H. Smith, 185 Climograph Charts, Sir Napier Shaw, 383 Cyclones, R. M. Deeley; J. S. D., 385; W. Dr. J. Aitken, 425 Cyclonic Circulation, J. S. Dines, 284 English in Italian Universities, The Study of, E. Bullough, 8 ~ Fecenadion ” of Birds by Snakes, The Supposed, and the “Mobbing” of Snakes by Birds, Prof. E. B. Poulton, 486 Fuel Economisers, Dr. J. Aitken; Prof. C. V. Boys, 28s: Dr. J. A. Harker; R. C. Parsons, 324; Dr. J. Aitken, 346 H. Dines; German Naturalists and Nomenclature, Lord Walsing- ham, 4 ; German Scientific Men, Future Treatment of, Lt.-Col. H. H. Godwin-Austen, 64 Gorse-seed, Vitality of, J. Parkin, 65 Gregory, The late Mr. R. P., Prof. W. Bateson, 284 Hormones, The Theory of, applied to Plants, Prof. A, Keith, 305 Indian Rope Trick, The, Lt.-Col. G. Huddleston, 487 Influenza, Epidemic, C. Harding, 165 Insectivorous Birds, The Value of, Dr. W. Eagle Clarke, 4 Inter-Allied Conference on International Organisations in Science, Prof. A. Schuster, 347 International Prize for Scientific Work, Sir J. E. Sandys, 264 Lechmere, Arthur J. WeeBes 504. Lecturer, The “Salary” of the, Capt. E. R. Marle, 85 Light on Long Ether Waves, The Effect of, Sir Oliver J. Lodge, 464 / Meteoric Shower of December, The, W. F. Denning, 325 and Science at Ruhleben, Eckley, XXIl Index Nature, April 3, 1919 Metric Units, Scientific and Practical, G. R. Hilson, 444 Mica, The Colours of the Striza in, C. V. Raman and P. N. Ghosh; Lord Rayleigh, 205 Microscopes, Students’, on Loan, Dr. R. Wilson, 126 Modern Studies in Schools, G. F. Bridge; The Writer of the Article, 186 Nova Aquilae, Observations of, in India, J. Evershed, 105 Organisation of Scientific Workers, The, Dr. C. Shearer, F. Kidd, Dr. H. Jeffreys, 144 Platinum, Substitutes for, Dr. Ch.-Ed. Guillaume, 64 Pure and Applied Science, The Common Cause of, Lt.-Col. A. Smithells, 304 Radio-active Substances Emitting a-Rays, The Aggregate Recoil of, R. W. Lawson, 464 Rainbow, A Curious, W. P. H.-S., 85 Rainbow Brightness, C. T. Whitmell, 125 Research Workers, The Shortage of, C. R. Darling, 486 Ripple Marks due to High Pressure, C. E. Stromeyer, 465 Roberts’s, Lady, Field Glass Fund, Countess Roberts, 325 Rock-disintegration by Salts, C. Carus-Wilson, 66 Sand-eels, A Shower of, Prof. A. Meek, 46 Sound, The Perception of, Prof. W. M. Bayliss, 124, 263, 325; Prof. A. Keith, 164; Sir T. Wrightson ; Dr. W. Perrett, 184; Lord Rayleigh, 225, 304; Prof. D. Fraser Harris, 365 South Georgia Whale Fishery, The, Dr. S. F. Harmer, 65 Sunflowers, Hybrid, Prof. T. D. A. Cockerell, 25 Temperature Anomalies, Some, H. Harries, 364; W. H. Dines, 384 Thorium, End-Products of, J. R. Cotter, 425; Prof. F. Soddy, 444 University Association, A, R. D. Laurie, 383 University Poverty or Parsimony?, Prof. H. E, Armstrong, 347 Wireless Telegraphy and Solar Eclipses, Prof. J. A. _ Fleming, 405 Zeiss Abbe Refractometer, ham, 244 F. Simeon, 226; L. Belling- Cotton, G. Bigwood, 485 Coventry, Scheme for a Technical Institute at, 497 Cow-wheat, A Monograph on, 115 Cow’s Milk: Comparative Variation in the Different Con- stituents of, E. J. Sheehy, 340; Determining the Aver- age Percentage of Fat in a, E. J. Sheehy, 340; Pos- sible Causes of Variation in the Quantity and Quality of, E. J. Sheehy, 398 Crabs Collected by the Australasian Antarctic Expedition, Miss M. J. Rathbun, 12 Cretaceous Strata of the Southern Hemisphere, The, A. Windhausen, 112 Crustacea of Norway, An Account of the, Prof. G, O. Sars. Vol. vi., “Copepoda, Cyclopoida,” 304 Cruz, Oswaldo, Erection of a Monument to, 70 Crystal Pictures, Stereoscopic Lantern-slides of, A. Hutchin- son, 4138 Crystallisation of Soluble Salts in Promoting Rock-weather- ing, J. T. Jutson, 50 Cuckoo, The Number of Eggs Laid by the, E. Chance, 429 Curie’: Point, The, in Pure Iron and Ferro-Silicons, A. Sanfourche, 279; The Law of, C. Viola, 60 Currency and Money Account, Appointment of a Royal Commission upon the, 9 Curve Tracing, An Elementary Treatise on, Dr. P. Frost. Fourth edition, revised by Dr. R. J. T. Bell, 303 Cutting Lubricants and Cooling Liquids, and the Skin Dis- eases caused by Lubricants, T. C. Thomsen and Dr. J. ©. Bridge, 132 Cuvier Prize of the French Academy of Sciences, The, awarded to Dr. A. Smith Woodward, 172 Cuvier’s Whale, The Skull of, 71 Cyclones. R. M. Deeley; J. S. D., 385; W. Tey Pines: Dr. J. Aitken, 425 Cyclonic: Circulation, J. S. Dines, 284; Dynamics of, 69 Cypraea nivosa, Broderip, Occurrence of, \rchipelago, E. Vredenburg, 400 Cypraea piriformis, Gray, in the Mergui Archipelago, ete.,_ E. Vredenburg. 420 Cystopteris alpina, M. Mirande, 279 Depressions, The in the Mergui Dacites and Dacitoides, with Reference to the Lavas of Martinique, A. Lacroix, 518 Dacrydium bidwillii, Wook. f., The Correct Generic Posi- tion of, B. Sahni, 219 Dalton, John, he terbarium of, R. S. Adamson and A. Mck. Crabtree, 499 Danish Oceanographical Expedition, 1908-10, Report of the, 151 Darlington Technical College, Dr. R. M. Caven appointed Principal of, 378 Darwinism to Kaiserism, From, Dr. R. Munro, 503 DEATHS. Aflalo (F. G.), 311 Allingham (W.), 429 Alves (Dr. R.), 410 Atkinson (Prof. G. F.), 370 Banerjee (Sir Gooroo Dass), 410 Bennis (E.), 213 Blanchard (Prof. R. A. E.), 468, 509 Bécher (Prof. M.), 150 Bois (Prof. H. E. J. du), 213, 408 Bouchardat (Prof. G.), 410 Briggs (J.), 111 Buzzard (Dr. T.), 370 Cannon (A.), 171 Carpenter (Dr. R. C.), 468 Carter (R. Brudenell), 172, 191 Chadwick (Lt. P. M.), 130 Cockin, (Drs R= P:);, 322 Codrington (T.), 172 Coe (H. S.), 269 Coggia (J.), 468 Corstorphine (Dr. G. S.), 429, 450 Crosland (J. F. L.), 172 Cuming (G.), 468 De Candolle (A. C. P.), 391 Deprez (Prof. M.), 370 Dyer (Dr. H.), 93, 109 Eastman (Dr. C. R.), Edwards (F,), 290 Esslemont (A. S.), 93 Farquharson (C. O.), 192 Forrest (Lord), 28 Foster (Prof. G. Carey), 468, 480 Fry (Sir E.), 150, 169 Godman (Dr. F. Du Cane), 500 Graham (W. P. G.), 410 Gregory (R. P.), 247, 254 Guareschi (Prof. I.), 449 Guthrie (Dr. L. G.), 350 Halsted (Dr. B. D.), 93 Harrison (Lt.-Col. E. F.), 210 Henrici (Prof. O.), 189 Hertling (Count), 370 Hoernle (Dr. A. F. R.), 230 Hooper (Prof. W. L.), 191, 250 Hopkinson (Prof. B.), 8 Hutchinson (T. C.), 172 Ingleby (E. C.), 468 Irving (Capt. J. D.), 150 Johnson (J. P.), 351 Kane (W. F. de Vismes), 29 Kellicott (Prof. W. E.), 492 Kent (Dr. W.), 129 Lantz (Prof. D. E.), 230 Lechmere (Dr. A. E.), 504 Legge (Col. W. V.), 331 Lethbridge (Sir Roper), 492 Liapounoff (Prof. A. M.), 5090 Lister (Engr. Rear-Admiral F. Long (Prof. J. Harper), 29 Longstaff (Lt.-Col. L.), 250 Luizet (M.), 350 Macnamara (N. C.), 269 Main (Prof. W.), 250 Mallory (Prof. W. G.), 269 Markham (Adml. Sir A. H.), 171 Martin (Dr. A.), 331 Marty (Prof.), 409 171 H.), 9 Nature, | April 3, 1919 | Milhaud (Prof. G.), 370 Mitchinson (Bishop), 93 Nietzki (Prof. R.), 351 Norman (Rey. Canon A. Merle), 172, 188 Oertling (Lt. L. J. F.), 29 Palgrave (Sir R. H. Inglis), 429 Paterson (Prof. A. M.), 509 Pauling: (G.), 492 Percival (Bishop), 269 Perrett (J. R.), 172 Peters (Dr. C.), 49 Pickering (Prof. E. C.), 448 Pocock (R. J.), 172, 290 ) Preece (W. _L.),231 ‘Raymond (Dr. R. W.), 450 Restler (Sir J. W,), 213 Reynolds (S.), 492 Ricketts (Prof. P. de Ryster), 290 Roosevelt (Col. T.), 370, 389 Rose (G. P.), 269 Sabine (Prof. W. C.), 449 Sampson (Rev. E. F.), 112 Saundby (Dr. R.), 10 Sawyer (Sir J.), 429 Shadwell (Dr. C. L.), 496 Sharer (E.), 269 Skinner (Prof. A. N.), 172 Smith (Dr. W. G.), 331 Stansfeld (Dr. A. E.), 311 Suter (H.), 230 Sykes (Sir Marl), 492 Tata (Sir Ratan) 26 Thompson (Sir W. H.), 129, 170 Todd (Dr. M.), 48 Van Hise (Dr. C. R.), 351 Wallace (Sir D. Mackenzie), 390 Watteville (Dr. W. de), 230 Watts (Dr. W. Marshall), 410 Weber (Sir H.), 231 Wesbrook (Dr. F. F.), 191 Westlake (H.), 172 Williams (Prof. H. S.), 10 Williston (Prof. S. W.), 191 Wilson (J. P.), 129 Wortley (H. B.), 509 Wright (T.), 468 De Bilt, Magnetic Curves obtained at, during 1916, 13 Decimal Educator, The, No. 1, 113; No. 2, 253 Demobilisation in connection with the Higher Education and Training of Men, 317 Deposits on Glass Surfaces in Instruments, L. C. Martin and Mrs. C. H. Griffiths, 517 Developing Agents, Commercial, Adulterants and Useless Additions in, Dr. H. T. Clarke, 233 Development Commissioners, Report of the, 336 “Devil’s Mark,” The, Miss M. Murray, 151 Diamond, Discovery of a Large, in the Jagersfontein Mine, 428 Differential Equations, The Graphical Treatment of, Dr. S. Brodetsky, 395 Diffraction Phenomena observed organisms, Dr. A. Pijper, 232 Dilation of the Great Arteries Distal to Partially Occluding Bands, W. S. Halstead, 80 Disease: Health and, Research on, Prof. W. M. Bayliss, 226; The Story of a New, Dr. F. G. Crookshank, 129, fe Dispensatory of the U.S.A., The. Twentieth edition, re- vised, etc.. by Prof. J. P. Remington and others, 83 Divine King, Killing of the, in South Africa, Rev. S. S. Dornan, 135, Dodman Headland, The, Secured for the National Trust, 94 Dolium variegatum, Lamarck, Occurrence of, at Maskat, E. W. Vredenburg, 20 Dorset Field Club, Offer of the Cecil Medal and Prize of the, 250 j Double-star Worker’s Vade-Mecum, The, 402 Dove Marine Laboratory at Cullercoats, Annual Report of the, 193 222 with Cultures of Micro- Lndex XX , Dyestuffs : Dragonflies, Larval, Respiration of, J. H. Bodine, 25¢ Driving Long Tunnels under a Sheet of Water, Scientific Rules and Principles for, C. Rabut, 479 Drops and Vortices : of Gelatin in various Coagulants, The Forms assumed by, E. Hatschek, 278; of a Gelatinis- ing Liquid in various Coagulating Solutions, The Forms assumed by, E. Hatschek, 318 © Drugs : and their Preparations, 83 ; Synthetic, The Chemis- try of, Dr. P. May. Second edition, 345 “Dry” Dock, A New German System of, 333 Dundee : Opening of a Commercial Library at, versity College, Gift Education at, 418 Dungi, Hymns devoted to the Cult of, 94 Dye Industry: State Assistance to the, 228; 388 Dyeing Methods, Modern, The Application of the Coal-tar Dyestuffs: The Principles Involved and the Methods Employed, C. M. Whittaker, 182 Dyes: and the Development of British Chemical Industry, 272; Coal-tar, Applications of, 182; Intermediate Pro- ducts for, The Manufacture of, Dr. J. C. Cain, 21 and the Textile Industry, L. B. Lee, 168; Pro- hibition of Unlicensed Importation of, 508 Dysentery, The Réle of the Filtering Bacillus in, F. d’Hérelle, 360 418; Uni- by G. Bonar for Commiercial The British, Earth, Internal Structure of the, Prof. J. T. Morrison, 134 Earthquake: A Great, 51; Waves, Further Note on the Propagation of, Dr. C. G. Knott, 239; Felt or Recorded in the Philippine Islands during 1917, 152 Earth’s Interior, The Constitution of the, R. D. Oldkam, 235 Earthworms : of the Family Megascolecidz, Prostate Glands of the, Prof. J.. Stephenson and H. Ram, 319; The Calciferous Glands of, Prof. J. Stephenson and Dr. B. Prashad, 319 East: Africa, Equatorial, The Mammals of, N. Hollister, 270; Midlands, The Proposed University for the, F. Granger, 467 Eastern Exploration, Past and Future, Prof. W. M. Flinders Petrie, 463 Eclipse of the Sun on May 29, The, Dr. A. C. melin, 444 Ecuador, A Botanical Expedition to, by Dr. J. N. Rose, 45 Edinburgh University : Geography at, 237; A Scheme for the Founding of a Chair of Mental Diseases; The proposed Tait Memorial Chair in Mathematical Physics and Applied Mathematics, 418; An Additional Grant from the Development Fund in aid of the Endowment of a Chair of Forestry, 496; R. K. Hannay appointed Professor of Ancient History and Palwography; Dr. G. Barger appointed Professor of Chemistry ; Resolve to Establish a Chair of Zoology of the Invertebrates, 516 Education : Act, 1918, The, and the Scottish Education Bill, Prof. R. Wallace, 195; The, and its Possibilities, 293 ; Summary of the, 358; The, W. A. Brockington, 415 ; and Life, 195; and. National Life, 453; Board of, Mr. Fisher and the, 376; for Students training as Teachers, Miss Mercier, 414; Higher, in England and Wales, Regulations for, 158; Higher, Plea for State Support for, 250; in the Army, 481; of Men on Military Service, Lord Gorell, 415; Purpose in, H. C. Reeve, 135; Re- sults of our System of, Observations on the, Col. Sir R. Ross, 376; The Eugenic Ideal of, Prof. J. A. Thom- son, 414; The Neglect’ of Biological Subjects in, Sir H. Bryan Donkin, 444; The Physical and Psychological D. Crom- Bases of, Dr. E. Pritchard; Dr. C. Long, 415; The Preliminary, of Medical Students, 388; The Utility Motive in, Prof. J. Adams, 414 Educational Purposes, Gift for, Sir E. Cassel, 496 Egyptian Cotton, G, C. Dudgeon, 393 Electric ; Circuits deprived of Resistance, Properties of, G. Lippmann, 438; Currents, Existence of Permanent, without the Action of an E.M.F., Prof. Kk. Onnes, 193; Engines, Dynamical Theory of, L. B. Atkinson, 215; Furnace Spectra, Dr. A. S. King, 114; Oscillations, Non-deadened, of Short Wave-length, Gutton — and Touly, 499; Potential -Gradient and, Atmospheric Opacity at Kew Observatory, 318; Waves, Transmis- XXIV Index Nature, April 3, 1919 sion of, round the Earth, Dr. G. N. Watson, 517; Welding, T. T. Heaton, 452 . Electrical: Books for Students, 162; Effect in Vibrating Metals, Experiments demonstrating an, Adml. Sir H. Jackson and Prof. G. H. Bryan, 459; Engineering, Alternating-current, P. Kemp, 162; Scope for, C. H. Wordingham, 33; Experiments, A. R. Palmer, 241; In- struments, Dr, A. Russell, 323 ; Measuring Instruments, Industrial, K. Edgeumbe. Second edition, 323 ; Meters, New Regulations in Germany for the Testing of, 131; Oscillations in Antennas and Inductance Coils, J. M. Miller, 430; Resistances of Porcelains, etc., Effect of Temperature on the, R. G. Allen, 95; Theorems in Con= nection with Parallel Cylindrical Conductors, Dr, A. Russell, 498; Tide in the Soil derived from the Oceanic Tide, An, M. Dechevrens, 199 Electricity and Health, 22. i Electrolytic Dissociation Theory, The, Prof. Arrhenius, and others, 432 Electro-magnetic : Field, Structure of an, H. Bateman, 79; Theory of Light, Elements of the, Dr. L. Silberstein, 22% Electro-metallurgy, Industrial, including Electrolytic Electro-thermal Processes, Dr. E. K. Rideal, 302 Electrons in Helium, Experimental Determination of -the Ionisation Potential for, Dr. F. Horton and A. C. Davies, 478 Electro-pathology, Robertson, 224 Electro-physiology (Animal and Vegetable), Studies in, A. FE. Baines, 163 Electrostatic Deflection in a Cathode-ray Tube, A. Ogg, 99 Elephas africanus, Phylogeny of, S. Stefanescu, 438 Elgar Scholarship in Naval Architecture, The, 259 Embalming, Mercurial, A Mode of, in Medieval Times, G. A. Le Roy, 360 Engineering: Measuring Tools, Modern, E. Pull, 323; Papers, Elementary, for Naval Cadetships (Special Entry) for the years 1913-1917, Edited by R. M. Milne, 123; Science, A Primer of, E. S. Andrews. Parts i. and ii., 45 ; Training Organisation, Secretaryship of the, 458 Engineers: Society of, Dr. H. S. Hele-Shaw and Signor Marconi elected Honorary Fellows of the, 48; The President’s Gold Medal of the, awarded to T. R. Wol- laston, 330 English in Italian Universities, The Study of, E. Bullough, 84 and Studies in, YTemp.-Major A. White Engraved Stones of the Lydenburg District, Dr. C. Pyper, - ng5 Entomological Research in Australia, R. J. Tillyard, 97 Entomology, School, E. D. Sanderson and L. M. Peairs, 83 Entomophthora, The Saprophytic Life of an, M. Molliard, 359 Eros, Observations of, J. Votite, 373 Eucalyptus: Notes on, No. vi., J. H. Maiden, 519; Two New Species of, R. H. Cambage, 399 Euclide, L’Ottica di, Prof. G. Ovio, 123 Evolution: Reversible?, Is, G. A. Boulenger, 438; The “Taw of Loss”? in, Mrs. Arber, 239; The Portal of, A Fellow of the Geological and Zoological Societies, 143 Exhibition of New British and “‘ Key ’’ Industries, 110 Exogonez, The, Prof. W. A. Haswell, 318 Experiments: Leading, A Calendar of, Profs. W. S. Franklin and B. Macnutt, 262; on Animals in 1917, Report on, 49; on Animals, Value to Mankind of, Dr. Fy B:. Sumner, 371 Explosives: High, Capt. E. de W. S. Colver, vestigations, A Committee on, appointed in th _ 48; Military, of To-day, J. Young, 216 Exudation of Water from the Leaf-tips of Colocasia anti- quorum, Margaret G. Flood, 398 Eye, The Movements of the, Prof. H. Lamb, 319 43; In- RS SAC; 3 e Fahy Permeameter, The, 251 Faimouth, Meteorological Tables giving the Mean Values in 1917 for the Elements at, 12 Faraday: Society, Forthcoming Discussions at Michael, The Life ana Discoveries of, Crowther, 485 “Fascination” of Birds by Snakes, The Supposed, and the “Mobbing ” of Snakes be Bids, Prof. E. B. Poulton, 456 the, 29; Dr. eee Fat from Low Forms of Animal Life, Obtaining, Dr. P. Lindner, 31 Fatigue, Industrial, Appointment of a Research Board on, 330 Fats, Influence of, on the Toxic Power of the Food Pro- teins, F. Maignon, 19 “Faturan,” an Insulating Material, Dr. H. Traun and Sons, 32 : Fayette County Meteorites, The, G. P. Merrill, 394 Feminine Work, The Laws of, and of Cerebral Activity, J. Amar, 199 Fern Notes from Prince Bonaparte’s Herbarium, 54 Fernley Observatory, Report of the, 1917, 113 Ferro-concrete Ships, No Composition necessary for the Protection from Sea-water of the Hulls of, 193 Fertilisers: A National Supply of, D. Lleyd.George, 269 ; After the War, Dr. E. J. Russell, 5 Fireball on December 6, 314 Fires: Domestic, Efficiency of, and the Effects of Certain “Coal-saving” Preparations, M. W. Fishenden, 419; How to Deal with Different Kinds of, S. G. Gamble, 404; Produced by Hertzian Waves, G. A. Le Roy, 479 Fish Food, The Sea Bottom and its Production of, Dr. C. G. J. Petersen, 216 Fisheries: a Ministry of, Plea for, 248; Administration, 490; Ministry of, Deputation to the Prime Minister respecting a, 409; of the North Sea, N. Green, 102; Reconstruction in Germany, 193 Fishes: Racia] Investigations on, Dr. Johs. Schmidt, 187; Sense of Hearing in, Prof. G. H. Parker, 94 Fishing Industry, The Reconstruction of the, 148 Fisica, Manuale di, ad Uso delle Scuole Secondarie e Superiori, Prof. B. Dessau. Vol. iii., “Elettrologia,”’ 382 FitzPatrick Lectures of the Royal College of Physicians of London to be Given by Dr. A. Chaplin, 191 Flares, etc., Illuminating Value of, A. P. Trotter, 330 Flavours, Sweet, Chemistry of, Barral and Ranc, 412 Flexure and Torsion of a Beam, A. W. Young, Miss E. M. Elderton, and Prof. K. Pearson, 132 Flora: of Macedonia, The, W. B. Turrill, 395; of the Presidency of Madras, J. S. Gamble. Part ii., 23 Florida Coast, The North-Western, Re-visited, C. B. Moore, 331 Fluids, Characteristic Equation of, P. Weiss, 40, 60 Folk-lore in the Old Testament: Studies in Comparative Religion, Legend, and Law, Sir J. G. Frazer. 3 vols., 8 est Health, 103; Council, Constitution of a, 70; Gardening : For Beginners and Experts, H. V. Davis. Second edition, 243 Foraminifera of the Atlantic Ocean, J. A. Cushman, 51 Foreign-language Soldiers, Bringing the World to our, Miss C. Krysto, 197 Forestry : Practical, 242; Work, W. H. Whellens, 242 Forthcoming Books of Science, 31, 52, 73, 117, 152, 174, 194, 215, 271, 292, 333, 373, 394, 413. 431%, 452, 471, 494, 513 ; Fossils in the Melbourne National Museum, New or Little- known. Part xxiii., F. Chapman, 519 Fowls, A Nematode of, Having a Termite as an Inter- mediate Host, Sir A. Theiler, 120 France : Institute of, Dr. W. W. Campbell elected a Corre- spondant of the, 70; Rain in, E. Mathias, 479, Franco-American University, Proposal to Establish a, 158 French: Hoek District, A Botanical Collecting Trip fn the, Dr. E. P. Phillips, 134; “Kew Gardens,” A, 410; Uni- versities, Acquirement of the Power of Conferring Honorary Degrees, 39 Freshwater Molluscs and their Trematode Parasites, A Sur- vey of the, in India, 289 Frog, ‘A Fatherless, with Remarks on Artificial Partheno- genesis, E. S. Goodrich, 278 Fruit: and Jam, The Preserved, distributed to the Troops, M. Balland, 419; Culture, 424; Growing, Modern, W. P. Seabrook, 424; Investigations at Long Ashton, B. T. P. Barker and others, 154 Fuel: Economiser, A, Prof. C. V. Boys, 249; Economisers, Dr. J. Aitken; Prof. C. V. Boys,(285; Dr. J. A: Harker, R. GC. Parsons, 324; Dr. J. Aitken,\ 346; Nature, April 3, 1919 Economy, Dr. Brownlie, 75; Research Board, Resigna- tion of Prof. W. A. Bone as Consultant to the, 129 Fungi: and Disease in Plants, E. J. Butler, 401; Edible, Collecting and Preserving, Dr. G. Trinchieri, 411 Fungoid Disease among Young Cypress Plants, Miss A. M. Bottomley, 134 Future Citizen, The, and his Mother, Dr. C. Porter, 424 Gallenkamp and Co.’s Glass Measuring Instruments, 96 Game-birds, Preservation of, in Relation to Agriculture, Dr. W. E. Collinge, 352 Gannets of Bonaventure Island, The, P. A. Taverner, 291 Gardens and Orchards in France, etc., A War Relief Fund to Restore the, 111 Gas: Gangrene, Treatment of, by Multivalent Serum, H. Vincent and G. Stodel, 460; Warfare, 268 Gases, The Occlusion of, in Metals, Prof. A. W. Porter and others, 234 Geographical Association, Forthcoming Annual Meeting of the, 317 Ghogranive. Société de, of Paris, G. General Secretary of the, 448 Geologica Hungarica, vol. a 30 Geological: Magazine, The, R. H. Rastall appointed Sub- Editor of the, 391; Society, Awards of the, 391 Géologie biologique, La, Prof. S. Meunier, 81 Geology : of the Oamaru District, North Otago, Prof. J. Park, 11; of the Persian Oilfields, H. G. Busk and H. T. Mayo, 234 Geometry : A Course of Pure, Rev. Dr. E. H. Askwith. New edition, 2; Analytic, and Calculus, Profs. F. S. Woods and F. H. Bailey, 44; The Teaching of, to First- year Pupils, B. A. Howard, 396 Georgian Bay Canal, The Projected, 353 German: American and, Science, Dr. Nutting, 446; Indus- try and the War, 66; II., 85; III., 107; Language Relating to Species, The Use of, Dr. W. E. Hoyle, 129; Naturalists and Nomenclature, Lord Walsingham, 4; Manufacturers of Finely Ground Dyes, A New Asso- ciation of, 52; Prisoners of War, Anthropology of, Prof. F. G. Parsons, 299; Science and the Fatherland, Prot Ja. td. Bechhold, 510; Scientific Men, Future Treatment of, Lt. “Cols: TH. Godwin-Austen, 64; War-maps, A. R. Hinks, 428 Germany: Fisheries Reconstruction in, 193; The Manifesto in 1914 in Favour of the Policy and Action of, 310; The Training of Engineers in, 276 Germany’s Textile Substitutes, Dr. G. Rohn, 333 Germination of Seeds after Soaking in Solutions, Utilisa- tion of the Curve of Limits of, P. Lesage, 420 Sir David, Institution of a Memorial Fund by the South African Association, 48 Glacial Depression and Post-Glacial Uplift of North-Eastern America, H. L. Fairchild, 399 Glasgow : Royal Technical College, Gifts to the, 158; Uni- versity, Foundation of Three Professorships by W. G. and F. C. Gardiner ; Gift for a Lectureship by Sir J. P. Maclay ; Other Gifts, 396-97 Glass: Action of Certain Types of, upon Pots, Coad-Pryor, 199; Annealing of, M. So, 232; as a Substance Full of Ultra-microscopic Pores, J. Rheinberg, 233; Optical, The Manufacture of, Sir H. Jackson, 34; Persistence of Painting on, J. H. M. Davidson} 232; 1 Requirements of Clay for, S. N. Jenkinson, 199; Pots, The Firing of, Dr. M. W. Travers, 199; Solubility of Pot Material in, Dr. Turner and J. H. Davidson, 199 Glassware: British Scientific, Standley Belcher and Mason, Ltd., 314; Industry, The British, 315; Scientific, Dr. M. W. Travers. 265 Glaziers Company, The Policy of the, G. P. Walford, 94 Globular Clusters, Distribution of, Dr. H. Shapley. 271 Glossina in the Miocene Shales of Colorado, Prof. T. D. A. Cockerell, 95 Glycocoll, Production of, by Isaria densa, M. Molliard, 300 Gorse-seed, Vitality of, J. Parkin, 65 Government : Appointments, Some, 390); Work of the, 472 Grafts, Experiments on, J. Nageotte and L. Sencert, 250 Graphite Deposit at Skaland, Norway. A Large, 52 saranels High-level, of the South of England, G. Barrow, 47 Grandidier appointed Gill, Laboratory, The Index Pot-making, ° XXV Gravitational Attraction in Connection with the Rectangular Interferometer, C. Barus, 499 Great: Onyx Cave, Kentucky, The, Le Roy Jeffers, 95; Serpentine Belt of New South W ales, The Geology and Petrology of the, Prof. N. Benson. Part ville 199 ; part viii., 519 Grebe, Great Crested, in Warwickshire, G,. Leigh, 352 Gregory, The late Mr. R. P., Prof. W. Bateson, 284. Gresham College, Free Public Lectures at, 49 Gunfire on the Continent during 1918, Audibility of the, at Chignal St. James, M. Christy, 518 —~ : Guy’s Hospital, Foundation of a Research Fel llowstne at, in Memory of the late Lt. R. W. Poulton -almer and Mrs. E. H. A. Walker, 218 Haeckel’s (Prof.) House to be Transformed into a Museum, 28 Hemolysis by Serum in Combination with Certain Benzol Bodies, I. J. Mackie, 438 Hailstorm, A Remarkable, in King Island, Tasmania, E. J. Glascodine, 51 Halberstadt Biplane, The, 110 Halifax Disaster of 1917, Completion of the History of the Medical Aspect, Prof. D. Fraser Harris, 29 Hardwoods, Structure, Growth, and Treatment of Some Common, R. T. Patton, 519 Harvard University Medical School: Bequest to the, Mrs. C. H. Colburn, 119; Bequests to, by Capt. J. R. De Lamar, 418; Retirement of Dr. E. H. Bradford; Foundation of an Edward Hickling Bradford Fellow- ship, 39 Hawks of the Canadian Prairie Provinces in Relation ta Agriculture, P, A. Taverner, 450 Health: and Disease, Research on, Prof. W. M. Bayliss, 226; and Home-making, The Science of, E. C. Abbon, 443; Bill, The Ministry of, and After, 186; Bill, The Ministry of, 211; Ministry of, and a Board of, A Bill to Establish a, 491; Bill, The Ministry of, Dr. C. Addi- son, 513; The Art of, Prof. J. Long, 103 Hearing, Sir Thomas Wrightson’s Theory of, Prof. W. B. Morton, 498 Heat and Work, Sadi Carnot and the Principle of Equi- valence of, L. Heats, Décombe, 499 Specific, General Character of, tures, W. P. White, 499 Helium Star, A Remarkable, J. Votte, Parallaxes of, Sir F. Dyson and W. G. Thackeray, 97 ; The Use of, for Aircraft Purposes, 487 Helminth Infections from the Character of the Eggs in the Feaeces, Diagnosis of, Dr. R. 7. Leiper, 238 Heredity, Segregative, Nature and Causes of, and of Aggre- gative Heredity, Y. Delage, 438 Herring, The Value of the, as Food, Dr. J. Johnstone, 6 High: Explosives, Capt. E. de W. S. Colver, 343; Tem- perature Appliances, 16 ; Temperature Processes and Pro- ducts, C. R. Darling, 76 Himalayan Peaks, Nomenclature of, 29 Hindu Achievements in Exact Science: A Study in the History of- Scientific Development, Prof. B. K. Sarkar, at High Tempera- 2G; © stars, 443 Hipparion, Migrations of the Genus, L. Joleaud, 460 Hippodamia, 692, H. Dubosq-Lettré, 373 History : National and International Ideals on the Teaching of, Prof, F. J. C. Hearnshaw, Miss A. E. Lovett, 415i The Processes of, Prof. F. J. Teggart, 183 Hoarfrost, Formation of, Influence of the Radius of Curva- ture of a Body on the, G. Reboul, 60 Hobart, Tasmania, The Water Supply of, 31 a-Holomorphisms of a Group, The, G. A. Miller, 399 Homeland: A Year of Country Days, PAW. D). earl 14] Honduras, Excavation of an Alligator or Crocodile in, Prof. G. Elliot Smith, 312 Hook-worm Infection, Methods for the Detection of, Lt.-Col. C., Lane; 214 Hopi Indian Collections in the U.S. National Museum, Dr. W. Hough, 94 Hormones, The Theory of, Applied to Plants, Prof. A. Keith, 305 Hospital, The Laboratory in the Service of the, Dr. C. H. Browning, 29 XXVI1 Lndex Nature, April 3, 1919 House-fly, The Common, in Winter, R. H. Hutchison, 50 House of Commons: Medical Committee, The, 490; Uni- versity Representatives in the, 359 ba: Hubbard Gold Medal of the National Geographic Society, The, presented to V. Stefansson, 492 Huddersfield : Technical College, Appointment of Dr. H. H. Hodgson as Head of the Department of Coal-tar Colour Chemistry at the, 39; Extension of the Textile Depart- ment of the, 119 Human Skeleton near Rochester, H. A. Haines, 191 Hungary, The Nationalities of, B. C. Wallis, 392 Hurwitzian Continued Fractions, Arithmetical Theory of Certain, D. N. Lehmer, 399 Hyalite, Anatase, J. S. v. d. Walker, 439 Hydro-Electric Power-Supply Works, Bombay, The Tata, R. B. Joyner, 236 Hydroxylzahl des Meerswassers, Die, T. Gaarder, 453 Discovery of a, Col. Lingen and A. R. E. Age, A New Theory of the, 335; Crystal Structure of, A. St. John, 8o Iceland: Marine Diatoms from the Coasts of, E. Ostrup, 44; The Botany of, Edited by Drs. L. K. Rosenvinge and E. Warming, part ii., 3 and 4, 44; The Bryo- phyta of, A. Hesselbo, 44; The Water-power Resources of, M. Rabot, 511 Ilford Company’s Colour Filters, The, 114 Illinois and Michigan Canal, The, A Study in Economic History, Prof. J. W. Putnam, 363 Illumination, Scientific, L. Gaster, 34 Impact Method of Testing the Hardness of Materials, The, Prof. C. A. Edwards and F. W. Willis, 174 Imperial : College, Chemical Technology at the, 178 ; Lecture Courses in the Department of Technical Optics of the, 39; Movement to Raise its Status to that of a Univer- sity of Technology, 458; Telegraph Facilities and their Administration, 282 In-breeding and Cross-breeding, Effect of, upon Develop- ment, D. F. Jones, 399 India: and Java, The Sugar Industry in, Hulme and Sanghi, 394; Director-General of Archeology in, Sir John Marshall Granted Leave of Absence; Dr. Spooner to be Deputy, 48; Survey of, Report of the, Col. Sir S. G. Burrard, 135; The Industrial Development of, D. T. Chadwick, 33: Utilisation of Home Sources of Supply in, 12; Wandering Criminal Tribes of, Measures for the Reformation of, 510 Indian: Boat Designs, Origin and Ethnological Significance of, J. Hornell, 439; Education, Developments in, 59; Monsoon, The, 9; Rope Trick, The, Lt.-Col. G. Huddleston, 487; Science Congress, Forthcoming, 29; the Fifth, Report of, 270 Indigo: Industry, Present Position and Future Prospects of the Natural, W. A. Davis, 2>- in Bihar, 27; Natural, Manufacture, W. A. Davis, 272; Soils of Bihar, A Study of the, W. A. Davis, 27; Synthetic, in Germany, 12 Indonesia, The Megalithic Culture of, W. J. Perry; Prof. G. Elliot Smith, 61 Industrial: Art in Great Britain, History of, H. A. L. Fisher, 178; Reconstruction Council, First Annual Re- port of the, 469; Forthcoming Conferences of the, 231; Research, Organisation of, Dr. H. M. Howe; A. D. Little, 411 Industries, New, The Development of, 13 Industry : During the War, Some Developments in, F. G. Kellaway, 434, 507: New Scientific Factors in, 32 -Influenza: A Curative Vaccine for, C. Cépéde, 280; A Memorandum upon, 230; Epidemic, Prof. R. T. Hew- lett, 146; C. Harding, 165; 190; 212; 230; Recur- rence of, 491; Returns Respecting, 249; 269; 289; 311; 330; 391; 428; 510; Is the Poison of, Capable of Passing through a Filter?, R. D. de la Riviére, 220; Some Experimental Ideas on the Virus of, C. Nicolle and. C. Lebailly, 220; The Cause of, Sir J. Rose Bradford, Capts. E. F. Bashford and J. A. Wilson, 469; The Prophylaxy and Treatment of, Defressine and H. Violle, 15a; Treatment of, by Plasmo-therapy, A. Grigaut and Fr. Moutier, 299 Ice: Infra-red Stellar Spectra, Dr. P. W. Merrill, 13 Ingots and Ingot Moulds, A. W. and H. Brearley, 302 Inorganic Chemistry for Students, 142 Insectivorous Birds, The Value of, Dr. W. Eagle Clarke, 4 Institut Océanographique du Havre, Establishment of the, 508 Insurance and Teachers, gt Intelligence: Estimating a Person’s, R. Pinter, 151; Test- ing for, W. La Rue, 290 Inter-Allied Conference on the Future of International Scientific Organisations, The Foreign Delegates to the, 93, 133; Resolution Adopted by the, 212; 325; Prof. A. Schuster, 347 Interchange of University Students, 209 Interferometer: Determination of Refractive Indices, - - for Testing Optical Systems, The Use of the, F. Twy- man, 291 Interferometry of Reversed and Non-reversed Spectra, The, Prof. €. Barus, parts i. and ii., 54 ’ Inter-Glacial Loess, A Bed of, and Some Pre-Glacial Fresh- _ water Clays on the Durham Coast, C. T. Trechmann, — Annuities for College and University 6 379 Internal-Combustion: Engine, The Future the, 307; Engines, High-speed, H. R. International: Organisation of Science, Scientific Work, Sir J. E. Sandys, 264; Scientific Organisations, Inter-Allied Conference on, 133 Invariants which are Functions of Parameters of the Trans- formation, O. E. Glenn, 79 Tonising Power of the Positive Ions from a Glowing Tan- talum Filament in Helium, Dr. F. Horton and A. C. Davies, 238 Development of Ricardo, 307 341; Prize for © Iowa, Two Epochs of Drift-deposition in, W. C. Alden — and M. M. Leighton, 72 f Ipswich Museum, Casts of Ancient Human Bones in the, J. Reid Moir, 94 ; Ireland : Archaological Remains in, A Suggested Inventory of, 249; Pharmaceutical Society of, W. H. Ashmore and H. Norminton appointed to Professorships at the, ~ 78 Irish Sea Plankton, 98 Iron: Alloys, Magnetic Properties and Resistance of, Gum- lich, 353; and other Metalliferous Ores Used in the Iron and Steel Industry, Report on the Sources and Production of, 7; and Steel Industry, The Metalli- ferous Ores of the, Prof. H. C. H. Carpenter, 7; and Steel, Strain in, Chemical Detection of, Whiteley and Hallimond, 512; Cast, in the Light of Recent Research, Dr. W. H. Hatfield. Second edition, 403 ; Founding, The Science of, 403; in Contact ‘with Sulphuric Acid, Behaviour of, Prof. C. E. Fawsitt and A. A. Pain, 240; -Ore Resources, British, Prof. \H. Louis, 244; The Chemical Analysis of, A. A. Blair. Eighth edition, 84 Irrawaddy Basin, Geotectonics of the Tertiary, G. de P. Cotter, 20 Isis, Proposed Restarting of, 449 Italian: Climatology, Prof. F. Eredia, 495; Foundation of Chairs of, in the Universities of Oxford and Cam- bridge, by A. Serena, 119 Italy, Suggested Intensive System of Re-afforestation in, 232 “Txioscope,” W. Jamieson’s, 430 Japan : An Institute of Physical and Chemical Research for, 294; Study of the Ancient Ships of, S. Nishimura, 130; The Fossil Mammals of, Prof. H. Matsumoto, 30 Japetus, Eclipses and Transits of, 394 Java, India and, The Sugar Industry in, Sanghi, 394 Johannesburg Meeting of the South African Association, Hulme and I Taha eons University, Dr. R. Pearl appointed Pro- fessor of Biometry and Vital Statistics in the School of Hygiene and Public Health of, 129 ; Joule, The Work and Influence of, Sir E. Rutherford, 419 Journal of General Physiology, Impending Publication of the, 70; No. 1, 174 Juno, Opposition of, 373 ’ . Nature, April 3, 1919 Ludex XXVII Jupiter: A Curious Feature of, F. Sargent, 432; The Planet, 174 Jurassic Ironstones of the United Kingdom, Dr. F. J. Hatch, 245 Kalahari, Scheme for the Conversion of the, into Permanent Pasture-land, Prof. Schwarz, 134 Karroo Grits, Fusion of, in Contact with Dolerite Intru- sions, A. Young, 438 Kelp: Industry, Present Position of the, 214; The Giant, of the Pacific Coast, Utilised for the Production of , Potash and Acetone, 31 Kelvin Lecture of the Institution of Electrical Engineers, L. B. Atkinson, 215 Kew Bulletin, The, 22 Kinematograph Propaganda, 291 King, A, in all his Glory, A Sculpture entitled, G. B. Gordon, 71 - King’s Speech at the Opening of Parliament, The, 468 Knowledge: Proposed Publication of a New Popular Journal of, 418; Synthesis and Discovery in, Prof. J. Laird, 359 Laboratory, The, in the Service of the Hospital, Dr. C. H. Browning, 294 Labour Party, The, and Education, 237 Labrador, Exploration of, R. J. Flaherty, 95 Lacustrine Fauna in the Far East, 116 Lzevoglucosane Transformed into Dextrin, M. Pictet, 233 Latin as the Universal Language of the Future, Plea for, Prof. C. Pascal, 338 Feeney arate, A Research Department in Connection with the, 37 Lava Residuals in the Development of Drainage Systems, Significance of, R. A. Keble, 20 Lead, Isotopic, F. W. Clarke, 80 League of Nations, The Scheme for a, 491 Lechmere, Arthur Eckley, and Science J. W. _B:, 504 Lecturer, The “Salary ” of the. Capt. E. R. Marle, 84 Leprosy Bacillus, Application of the Cépéde Method to the Staining of the, M. Lespinasse, 279 Leptospermam, A New Soecies of, and its Essential Oil, R. W. Challinor, E. Cheel, and A. R.: Penfold, 19 Lichens: British, A Monograph of the, Part i. Second edition, A. Lorrain Smith, 281; Their Description and Classification, 281 Life-Table, Biology of a, Notes on the, Dr. J. Brownlee, 396 Light : Atmospheric Scattering of, F. E. Fowle, 152; -filters, The “‘Eastman Yellow,’? Mees and Clarke, 471; Intensity of. reauired for Satisfactory Illumination under Vazious Conditions, Prof. J. T. Lundbye, 193; The Effect of, on Long Ether Waves, Sir Oliver J. Lodge, 464; The Pressure of, M. N. Saha and S. Chakravarti, 20 ; Lignified Plant Membranes, A New Method of Selective Coloration of, P. Bugnon, 438 Liliacez, Flowers of, Structure of the Peduncle in the, Mme. V. C. Gatin, 360 Lime-seda Glasses. Properties of the, (2) Resistance to Water and other Reagerits, J. D. Cauwood, C. Muir- head, and W. E. S. Turner; (3) The Thermal Expansions, S. English and W. E. §. Turner, 518 Linen Industry Research Association, Impending Appoint- ment of a Director of Research, 509 Linguistic Nomenclature of Scientific Writers, The, A. Campbell, 397 Liquid Crystals, The Artificial Coloration of, P. Gaubert, 420 Littérature scientifique, Le traitement de la, P. Otlet, 198 Liverpool University: Establishment by Prof. and Mrs. _ Herdman of a Chair of Oceanography. 516; Resigna- tion by Sir A. Dale of the Vice-Chancellorship of, 276 Living Matter, The Functional Inertia and Momentum of, Prof. D. Fraser Harris, 469 Livingstone College, Annual Report of, 429 Lobostemon in the Linnean Herbarium, A New Species of, N. E. Brown, 517 : at Ruhleben, . Local Government Board, Forty-seventh Annual Report of the, 1917-18. Supplement containing the Report of the Medical Officer for 1917-18, 294 j London : County Council, Forthcoming Addresses to London Teachers on National Reconstruction after the War, 218; Lectures arranged by the, 39; University, Gift to, for the Promotion of Dutch Studies, 78; Forthcoming Public Lectures at University College, 99; Public Lec- tures at University College, 119; Conferment of the Degree of D.Sc. upon Miles Walker, 179; Election of Deans: of Faculties of, 197; Resignation by Sir H. Jackson of the Daniell Professorship of Chemistry; Appointment of Lt.-Col. A. W. Crossley; The Title of Emeritus Professor of Chemistry conferred on Sir H. Jackson, 258; Revision of Regulations for the Admis- sion of Graduates of other Universities, 258; Uni ity College, Arrangements for the Resumption of Studies by Engineering War Students at, 316; Prof. H. G. Atkins appointed Assistant Principal of King’s Colles Annual Report of the University Extension Board, 3 Admission of War Students from. Overseas Universitie to Certain Examinations; Conferment on Dr. H. S. Allen of the Title of Reader in Physics, 228; Dr. R. R. Gates appointed Reader in Botany at King’s College; Degree of D.Sc. conferred upon Dr. A. M. Kellas, 458 Looms, Primitive: H. Ling Roth, 150; Studies in, H. Ling Roth. Part iv., 346 Louse-danger, The, 451 Low-voltage Ares in McLennan, 299 Lubrication, Notes on, S. Skinner, 498 Lunar: Influence, A Possible, upon the Velocity of the Wind at Kimberley, J. R. Sutton, 438; Tide, The, in the Earth’s Atmosphere, Dr. S. Chapman, 517 Lymphatic Bleeding as a Means of Disinfection of War- wounds, J. Bouchon, 159 Lyons Coalfield, Recent Discoveries in the, 131 Metallic Profs. eya. GC: Vapours, Macedonia, The Flora of, W. B. Turrill, 395 Macmillan’s Geographical Exercise Books. VII.—Physical Geography. With Questions, B. C. Wallis, 263 Madras: Flora of, Notes on the, J. S. Gamble, 352; Flora of the Presidency of, J. S. Gamble. Part ii., 23 Madrid, Observatorio de, Anuario del, 494 Magic and Religion, A Criticism of Dr. Jevons, N. Thomas, 11 Magnetic: Measurements and Experiments (with Answers), A. R. Palmer, 241 ; Observations during a Solar Eclipse, Dr. Bauer and others; Dr. C/ Chree, 473 ; Storms, The Energy of, Dr. S. Chapman, 452; Susceptibilities of Low Order, Measurement of, E. Wilson. 478 Magnetism: A New Theory of, Prof. K.- Honda and J.. Okubo, 393; and Electricity for Home Study, H. E. Penrose, 162 ‘“Mahogany,’’ Microscopic Characters of Timber classed under the Name of, Prof. H. H. Dixon, 411 Maine Agricultural Experiment Station, Resignation of Dr. R. Pearl as Biologist of the, 129 Malacological Society, G. K. Gude Elected President of the, WwW: 492 = . Malaria Contracted in England in 1917, Reports and Papers on, 272 Malay Peninsula, Proto-Ethnology of the, I. H. N. Evans, 151 Mammals from the Korinchi Country, West Sumatra, H. C. Robinson and C. B. Kloss, 291 Man and Mosquitoes, Relations between, with Reference to Danger from Malaria in France, E. Roubaud, 392 Manchester: Exhibition of British Science. Products, The, 354; Literary and Philosophical Society, The Means by which it May Promote the Advancement and Appli- cation of Learning, 479; Municipal College of Tech- nology, University Courses in the, 18; Report of the, 1913-1918, 237; Dr. FL. Pyman appointed Professor of Technological Chemistry at the, 509 | Manganese Steel, Sir R. Hadfield’s Worl in Connection with, 13 Sia Manuring, The Science and Practice of, W. Dyke. vised and enlarged edition, 485 Map: The, as a New Educational Instrument, E. J. Orford, Re- - XXVIll Index Nature April 3, 1919 233 Work, Major V. S. Bryant and Lt. T. H. Hughes, Marbie Delta (Natal), Geology of the, Dr. 517 Marine 3 AML. Du Dot Algze for Feeding Horses, Use of, L. Lapicque, 420; Biological Station, Port Erin, Annual Report of the, 372; Engineers, Institute of, Scholarships Offered by the, 458 Mary Ewart Trust, A Travelling Scholarship Offered by the, 458 Masaryk, President T. G., Career of, 280 5 Mathematical : Analysis, Elementary, Prof. J. W. Young and F. M. Morgan, 2; Association, Annual Meeting of the, 395; The Work of the, in Assisting the Applica- tion of Mathematics to Industry, Dr. W. P. Milne, 395 ; Books. 44; Papers for Admission into the Royal Mili- tary Academy and the Royal Military College, and Papers in Elementary Engineering for Naval Cadetships, November, 1917, and March, 1918, Edited by R. M. Milne, 123 Mathematics and Natural Science in Examinations, 436 Maxima and Minima, Theory of, Prof. H. Hancock, 44 McGill University, Calendar of the, 18 Measurement of Temperature, The, 182 Measures based on the Metric System, Dr. Mecca, A Modern Pilgrim in, Major A. New cheaper edition, 404 Mechanical : Explanation and its Alternatives, C. D. Broad, J. Satterley, JonB: 153 Wavell. 398; Handling of Materials, 431; Properties of Materials, Experimental Studies of the, Dr. W. C. Unwin, 156 Medical: Dictionary, A, W. B. Drummond, 204; Education in England, Some Notes on, Sir G. the British Isles, Facilities for, 29; Promotions for, 390; Research, 314; Committee, Fourth Annual Report of the, 314; Requirements of, Dr. W. J. Fenton, 391; Students, The Preliminary Education of, 388 Medicinal Herbs and Poisonous Plants, Dr. D. Ellis, 204 Medicine-man in Natal and Zululand, The, Justice Jackson, Newman, 67; in Men, Awards and 135 Megalithic Culture of Indonesia, The, W. J. G. Elliot Smith, 61 Melampyrum, Monographie du Genre, Meldon Valleys, Worth, 278 Meliolaster, a New Genus of the Microthyriaceze, Miss E. M. Doidge, 120 Mendeléeff’s Scheme of Chemical Elements, and H. W. Foote, 50 Mental: and Nervous Disorders, Nervous Disorders, Hart, 142; Strength. of Yerkes, 399 Merchant: Ships, Perry ; Prof. G. Beauverd, 115 near Okehampton, Geology of the, R. H. H. L. Wells The Basis of, 102; and The Modern Treatment of, Dr. B. Disorders and their Treatment, 142; an Army, Measuring the, Major R. M. Chances of Loss of, W. S. Abell, Venturers’ Technical College, Calendar of the, 198 Mercury: The Planet, 334; Zinc, and Cadmium, Emission and Absorption in the Infra-red Spectra of, R. C. Dearle, 47- Mersenne and Acoustics, J. W. Giltay, 96 Mesembryanthemum, Old and New Species of, N. E. Brown, 459 5 517 Mesopotamia : Excavations in, Capt. R. Campbell Thomp- son, 450; Irrigation Work in, 428 Mesozoic: Insects of Queensland. No. iii., Protodonata, Dr. R. J. Tillyard, 200; R. J. Tillyard, 519 Metalliferous Ores of the Iron Prof. H. C. H. Carpenter, 7 Odonata and Part iv., Dr. and Steel Industry, The, Metallography of Tungsten Steels, The, Honda and Mura- kami, 74 Metallurgy, Modern Developments in, 502 Metals: Elasticity of, as Affected by Temperature, A. Mal- lock, 497; Hardness of, Prof. C. A. Edwards, 239; Institute of, Prof. H. C. El. Carpenter nominated for a Further Year as President, 48; A Local Section formed in Sheffield; The May given by Prof. F. Soddy, 270; Method of Estimating, by Electrolytic Deposit, M. Frangois, 279; The Occlusion of Gases in, Prof. A W. Porter, and others, 234 Lecture of the, to be | Michell, Meteor, A Bright, A. Wegener, 194 Meteoric Shower of December, The, W. F. Denning, 325 Meteorites of Bluff, etc., The Nickelveroue Iron of the, Dr. G. T. Prior, 238 Meteorological : Committee, Report of the, 72; Journal at Wei-hai-wei, A, Kept by Commander A. E. House, 1gio0 to 1916, C. E. P. Brooks, 339; Office Circulars, Nos. 31 and 32, 511; Reports, Temporary Discontinu- ance of the Public Issue of, 70; Resumption of the Issue of the Forecasts of the, 229; Prediction, A New Metkod of, A. Nodon, 499 Meteorology : and Aviation, Capt. C. K. M. Douglas, 473; Dynamical, Forthcoming Lectures on, Sir N. Shaw, 379; The Society and its Fellows, Sir N. Shaw, 419 Meteors : August and September, W. F. Denning, 52; The January, 334; Large, Observations of, Dr. F. J. Allen, and others, 132 “Metol Substitutes,” Results, Eastman Kodak Co. Metric: Measurements, 471; System, Coinage, H. Allcock, 194; Units, tical, 153; G. R.-Hilson, 444 Mexico, A Forthcoming Medical Journal in, 70 Mica, the Striz in, The Colours of, C. V. P. N. Ghosh; Lord Rayleigh, 205 John, Memoir of, Sir A. Geikie, 3 Microphone Hummers, Low-frequency, A. Campbell, 397 Microscopes, Students’, on Loan, Dr. K. Wilson, 126 Microscopic Preparations, R. Paulson and \Miss A. Lorrain Smith, 278 Middlesex Hospital, Cancer Investigation Department of the, Gift to the, by the Mercers’ Company, 218 Military: Cemeteries in France, Horticultural Work Carried Out in the, since 1916, Capt. A. W. Hill, 478; Explosives of To-day, J. Young, 216- Hospitals, Sheuath Work in, for Disabled Soldiers, Sir R. Jones, 52 Milk: and Fat Production in Cattle, The Inheritance of, J. W. Gowén, 433; Clean, Prof. R. T. Hewlett, 447; Prof. Delépine, 448 Milky Way, Calcium Clouds in the, J. Evershed, 472 Mind-stuff Redivivus, Prof. H. Wildon Carr, 441 Mine Rescue Apparatus: Research Committee, First Report of the, 205; Self-contained, 205 Methods of Analysis of, and Some » 233 The, and Decimal Scientific and Prac- Raman and Mineral: Oil and Natural Gas in tlungary, Investigations for, 131; Resources, British, The Future of, Prof. H. Louis, 366; Resources of the British Empire, The, Prof. H. Louis, 34 Mineralogical Society, Election of Officers of the, 213 Minerals of the Silica Series, J. B. Ferguson and H. E. Merwin, 72 Mines, Floating, The Course of the, in the North Atlantic and tke Arctic Ocean During and After the War, Prince of Monaco, 419 Ministry of Health Bill and .\fter, The, Mint, Royal, Annual Report of the, 270 “Miracle ” Cures, War Neuroses and, 465 Miscibility of Phenol and Alixaline Liquids, R. Dubrisay, Tripier, and Toquet, 380 Modern: Dyeing Methods, Reply to Review of, C. M. Whittaker, 431 ; Languages, Conference on the Report of the Government 186 Committee on, 437; Studies in Schools, 90; G. F. Bridge; The Writer of the Article, 186 Molybdenum, Smelting of, in Haugesund, Sweden, 52 Menilia Diseases of Fruit Trees, Researches on, H. mald, 232 Monocerotis, Nova, Dr. G. Wor- F. Paddock, 52 Moon: The Harvest, 32; Value of the Secular Acceleration of the Mean Longitude of the, E. Nevill, 318 Morocco, Outcrops Indicating Petroleum Deposits in, M. Moussu, 333 Moseley, H. G. J., Suggested Memorial to, Prof. G. Bruni, 213 Mosses of North Queensland, The, Dr. V. and Rev. W. W. Watts, 519 Mount Wilson Observatory Report, 1917, 13 Munitions, etc., Report on Worl Done in London Educa- tional Institutions on, 298 Muscles, Isolated, Reconstitution of, or of Muscular Groups by Intensive Rhythmic Faradisation, J. Bergonié, 518 Museums, Delay in the Re-opening of, Lord Sudeley, 229 F. Brotherus Nature, April 3, 1919. Index XX1X Mycologist, The Work of a Tropical, C. O. Farquharson, 371 Mycology and Plant Pathology, A Text-bool: of, Prof. J. W. Harshberger, 321 Myriapoda, Notes on, H. and G. Brade-Birks, 469 National: Fruit and Cider Institute, Long Ashton, Annual Report of the, 1917, 154; Life, Education and, 453 ; Physical Laboratory, The, Report for the Year 1917-18, 287; Work at the, 287; Reconstruction: A Study in Practical Politics and Statesmanship, J. J. Robinson, 181; Union of Scientific Workers, Dr. N. R. Campbell appointed Chairman of the Executive, and E. Sinkin- son Assistant Secretary, 250 Native: Development, Economic, Unrealised Factors in, Rev. J. R. L. Kingon, 135; Things, Need of Research into, Rev. W. A. Norton, 134 Natives: in Large Towns, The, J. D. Marwick, 135; The Medical Needs of the, Dr. C. T. Loram, 135 Natural: History Museum, Forthcoming Retirement of Sir L. Fletcher from the Directorship of the, 409; Science and Religion, Canon E. W. Barnes, 462 Nature: of Things, On the, Dr. H. Woods, 422; The Economy of, 81 Naval: Architecture and Marine Engineering, Grants from Lloyd’s Registry of Shipping for Scholarships for, 4096 ; Architects, Institution of, Forthcoming Annual Meet- ings of the, 429; Scholarship awarded to H. W. Nicholls, 18 Navigation, A New, Method, Dr. J. Ball, 472 Nebular: Hypothesis, The, J.. H. Jeans, 114; Spec- trum, A New Type of, Dr. V. M. Slipher, 271 Neo-Platonists, The: A Study in the History of Hellenism, T. Whittaker. Second edition, 462 Nerve Tumours, Hereditary Tendency to Form, C. B. Davenport, 399 Nervous System of the Rat, Comparison of Growth- changes in the, with Corresponding Changes in the Nervous System of Man, H. H. Donaldson, 399 ‘Neurotic Constitution, The, Dr. A. Adler. Translated by Drs. B. Glueck and J. E. Lind, 102 New: Caledonia, Metalliferous Laterite in, W. M. Davis, 299; Guinea, South-eastern, Tattooing in, Capt. F. R. Barton, 173; Jersey Department of Conservation and Development, Annual Report of the, 1917, 11; Mexico, The, Electrically Driven Dreadnought, 369; South Wales, Royal Society of, A Contribution to a History of the, J. H. Maiden, 19; South Wales Timber, Tests of, Prof. Warren, 353; Year Honours, The, 350; York University, Raising a Fund for the Engineering School of the, 59; Zealand Brown Coals, The Use of, H. Rands and W. O. R. Gilling, 251; Journal of Science and Technology, 251; Railways, New Non-com- pound Locomotives for the, 252; The Frozen-meat In- dustry of, M. A. Eliott, 193 Nickel-steel, The Magnetic Properties of, 96 Nitric: Acid and Nitrous Acid, Action of, on Diphenyl- amine, H. and P. Ryan, 319; Oxide, Oxidation of, by Dry Air, A. Sanfourche, 518 Nitrites, The Estimation of, F. Dienert, 60 Nitrogen: Compounds, Physical and Chemical Data of, 47; Problem in Relation to the War, The, Prof. A. A. Noyes, 26 Nitrous Fumes, Constitution of, J. Jolibois and A. San. fourche, 479 Nivation as an Erosive Factor, Importance of, in Northern Greenland, W. E. Ekblaw, 399 Nobel Prize for Physics for 1917, The, Awarded to Prot. C. G. Barkla, 230 Non-marine Mollusca, The Linnean Species of, Represented in the British Fauna, A. S. Kennard and B. B. Wood- ward, 278 Non-professorial Staffs of Universities, The Question of In- creased Remuneration for the, 298 North: America, Progress of Historical Geology in, C. Schuchert, 50; Atlantic Black Right Whale, Captures of the, in Scottish Waters, Prof. D’Arcy Thompson, 173; -East Coast Institution of Engineers and Ship- builders, The Engineering Gold Medal of the, awarded to H. R. Ricardo, 150; Examination for the 1919 Scholarship of the, 397 Northampton : General Hospital, Gift by G. T. Hawkins towards a Pathological Laboratory at the, 378; Poly- technic Institute, Report of the, 317 i Northern Polytechnic Institute, T. J. Draleley Appointed Lecturer in Chemistry at the, 516 ; Norway, An Account of the Crustacea of, Prof. G. O. Sars. Vol. vi., “Copepoda, Cyclopoida,’’ 304 Norwegian Meteorological Institute, Year-book and Annual Rainfall Returns of the, 1917, 312 Notifiable Diseases, A General Order Respecting, 491 Nova Aquile : Observations of, in India, J. Evershed, 105 ; The Dark-line Spectrum of, Dr. J. 194; The Spectrum of, Dr. J. S. Plaskett, 252 F Nursing Habits of Ants and Termites, 308 Lunt, Occlusion of Gases in Metals, The, Prof. A. W. Porter, and others, 234 Officers’ University and Technical Classes, Prof. J. Wert- heimer, 253 Analysis, A Skort Handbook of, Dr. A. H. Gill. Re- vised eighth edition, 124; Borings for, in the United Kingdom, V. C. Illing, 385; Engines in American Ships, The Use of, 291; from Alum Schist, A Factory in Sweden for Extracting, 193; from Mineral Sources, The Production of, Dr. Fk. M. Perkin, 416 Oils, Edible, and Fats, C. A. !Mitchell, 2 Old Order, The Passing of the, 462 Oligocene Alligator, A Skeleton of an, from South Dakota, 372 - Onchidium, The “Homing Habits” of, L. W. J. Crozier, 499 Optical : Activity, Researches in, Dr. T. S. Patterson, and K. L. Moudgill, 239; Equation, Some Generalised Forms of an, T. Smith, 277; Instruments, Properties and Testing of, 393; Munitions of War, Design and Inspection of certain, Lt.-Col. Williams, 398; Research and Design, Dr. S. Brodetsky, 361 Optics : Applied, The Computation of Optical Systems, Drs. A. Steinheil and E. Voit. Translated and Edited by J. W. French. Vol. i., 61; in Euclid’s Time, 123 Optophone, Type-reading, Demonstrations of the, 10 Orbital Distribution of the Asteroids, Prof. K. Hirayama, ae Orns Chemistry, The Past and Future of, 485 Oxford University : Offer of a Gift for the Establishment of a Chair ef French, by Sir B. Zaharoff, 259; Confer- ment of the Honorary Degree of D.Sc. upon W. Crooke; E. S. Craig elected to a Fellowship at Mag- dalen College; E. G. T. Liddell elected to a Senior Demyship at Trinity College, 317; Forestry at, Reform of Responsions at, 476; Death of Dr. C. L. Shadwell ; H, C. Bazett appointed Lecturer in Clinical Physi- ology; N. Cunliffe appointed Lecturer in Economic Zoology ; Report of the Committee for Rural Economy, 496 Oxygen of, and the Theory of the Magneton, E. Bauer, Weiss, and A. Picard, 159 Oil: B. Arey and and Nitric Oxide, The Magnetisation Coefficients BY Pacific Ocean, A Point of History of the, J. Repelin, 479 Paleopathology, Studies in, Prof. R. L. Moodie, 130 Palestinian Folk-lore, Ancient, 483 Palm-oil, Rapid Alteration of, M. Balland, 279 Panorpid Complex, The. Part i., Dr. R. J. Tillyard, 199 Paper : Waste, and Paper-waste, 1; Yarn as a Substitute for Jute in Germany, 232 Parachacraps bicarinatus, Abnormal Development of Head \Appendages in, Miss J. W. Raff, 280 Parathymus Gland in the Marsupial, The, Dr. C. Mac- kenzie and W. J. Owen, 519 Paris Academy.of Sciences, Prize Awards of the, for 1918, 324; The Montyon Prize of the, awarded to Drs. H. Guillemard and A. Labat, 70; Prizes Proposed for 1920, 374; University of, The Honorary Doctorate of Law conferred on President Wilson, 338; -Washington Longitude, The, 432 Parliament, Science in, 421 : Parliamentary Representation, Science and, J. J. Robinson, 144 the XXX L[ndex Nature, April 3, 1919 Parmelia, Attachment Organs of Some Common, Mrs. L. Porter, 279 Pasteur: Institute, Paris, Resignation of the Directorship of the, by Prof. E. Roux; Dr. A. Calmette appointed Director, 330; the Play, Production of, 449 Patent Law Amendment, 405 Patents: Suggested Extension of the Life of, Crucial Question of, Sir R. Hadfield, 493 Peach-shoot Borer, Biology of the, Harukawa and Yagi, 291 . Peking and Shanghai, Medical Universities for, 436 Penguins, The Slaughter of, 270 Perception, Some Judgments of, Dr. G. E. Moore, 219 Perkin Medal of the American Chemical Society, The, awarded to Dr. F. G. Cottrell, 409 Perlidae and the Destruction of Orchard Foliage, E. J. Newcomer, 50 Permeameter the, of F. P. Fahy, Tests of, 113 Permo-carboniferous Fenestellida, Notes on Some, Description of New Species, C. Laseron, 19 Persian Oilfields, Geology of the, H. G. Busk and H. T. Mayo, 234 : Petrol and Petroleum: 361; Spirits, A Description of their Sources, Preparation, Examination, and Uses, Capt. W. E. Guttentag, 361 : Petroleum : Boring for, near Chesterfield, 149; Refining, A Campbell, 361; Technologists, Institutton of, Sir Lily > (= ih ain =. Min lear things than they have ever done, but we think they will have to undergo a certain discipline of conversion, and «forget a good deal of interior competitive struggle, and of the outlook connoted thereby, before they qualify for the premier posi- tion in the world’s markets. THE CONSTITUTION OF COAL. Monograph on the Constitution of Coal. By Dr. M. C. Stopes and Dr. R. V. Wheeler. (Depart- ment of Scientific and Industrial Research.) Pp. 58+ plates iii. (London: H.M.S.O., 1918.) Price 2s. net. T is not too much to say that this monograph forms the most important contribution to our knowledge of what coal is, that has yet appeared; the problem has been tackled in the right spirit and by workers with the right kind of experience—namely, by a paleobotanist and a chemist working in conjunction. They them- selves define the object of their research as an attempt “to discover what the present actual structure of a bituminous coal most usually is,” and they further define what they understand by coal in the following words: “Ordinary coal is a compact stratified mass of ‘mummified’ plants (which have ip part suffered arrested decay to varying degrees of completeness), free from all save a véry low percentage of other matter.” They themselves admit that this definition is not satisfactory; in particular it suffers from lack of precision, as much depends upon the sense in which the words “very low percentage’’ are used; it evidently includes lignite, which is per- haps intentional, but it also must include peat, which it was probably intended to exclude. The monograph naturally falls into two main parts, dealing respectively with the chemical and | the structural aspect of coal. The former dis- cusses in much detail the composition of the vari- ous component parts that have been more or less completely identified, and relies mainly upon its division into two distinct types of compounds, dis- tinguished as the “cellulosic ’’ and the “resinic,”’ the distinction being based essentially upon the solubility of the latter in pyridine, first discovered by Bedson. In the latter portion much weight is given to the work of Lomax, which showed that ordinary | bituminous coal is a humic accumulation in which, not chiefly wood, but leaves, twigs, fructifications, and other plant fragments preponderate, the term “humic ’’ being used to indicate that the accumula- tion consisted of the largely undecayed mixed organs of plants. The various distinguishable plant remains are described and discussed, the most important being the woody cells, bark, in- cluding cork cells, cuticle, spore-coats and spores, seeds, and soft-walled tissue; it is shown that, with the exception of resin, the cell contents of the plants are but imperfectly preserved in coal. The authors summarise their researches by stating their opinion that coal consists essentially NO. 2549, VOL. 102] of a conglomerate of morphologically organised plant tissues, of plant substances devoid of mor- phological organisation, of the comminuted degra- dation products of both of these, and of “ulmins ”’ produced therefrom. But it may fairly be said that the value of the work lies not only in the results already attained, but also in the numerous indications that it affords of the directions along which future researches upon this highly complex subject should be conducted. It is to be regretted that the printing has been very badly done, and that numerous clerical errors have been allowed to escape the proof-readers. H. Louis. ANALYSIS AND GEOMETRY. (1) Elementary Mathematical Analysis. By Prof. J. W. Young and F. M. Morgan. Pp. xii+ 548. (New York: The Macmillan Co., 1917.) Price 11s. net. (2) A Course of Pure Geometry, containing a Com- plete Geometrical Treatment of the Properties of the Conic Sections. By the Rev. Dr. E. H. Askwith. New edition. Pp. xi+284. (Cam- bridge: At the University Press, 1917.) Price ss (6d. net. (1) eee aim of Messrs. Young and Morgan is very clearly explained in their preface. Their book is intended for first-year students in universities and colleges, and, without in any way neglecting practical methods and applications, they have properly laid stress upon fundamental ideas such as ‘“function,’’ “‘continuity,’’ and so on. Thus the student is prepared in due time for more abstract and delicate theories, and preserved from the risk of becoming a mere calculating-machine. The contents of the book are arranged in five parts. The first is introductory; it deals with the idea of a function and its geometrical repre- sentation, and gives a sketch of the theory of rational operations in algebra. Part ii. considers elementary functions, including the simply periodic ones; it also gives a chapter on computation, in which there is an account of the slide rule, and concludes with a chapter on implicit quadratic functions. Part iii. contains the elements of ana- lytical geometry as applied to the straight line, circle, and conic sections. Part iv. comprises chapters on algebraic manipulation, tactic, the bi- nomial theorem, complex numbers, polynomials, theory of equations, and determinants. Part vy. deals with functions of two variables, and gives the elements of analytical solid geometry. Finally, there are a set of useful tables, and a detachable page from which a rudimentary slide rule can be constructed. ; The present reviewer has lately been giving lectures on similar, not to say identical, lines; the agreement in aim, choice of topics, and extent of treatment has been practically complete. It*is an encouragement to find one’s ideas of a suitable elementary college course so independently and strikingly confirmed. We believe that treatises of this kind will greatly help to establish a right , SEPTEMBER 5, 1918| NATURE 3 system of teaching mathematics, not only in col- leges, but also in schools, where antiquated methods are still too prevalent. There is one omission in the book which is regrettable; the authors do not discuss the theory of dimensions. This is a much more important ‘matter than it might be thought, especially when the student works geometrical exercises with numerical coefficients, so that the dimensions are partly latent. Far too often even an honours student fails to note that his answer must be wrong, because it does not satisfy the test of dimensions; and it is needless to emphasise the value of the theory in physics. Typographically the book is all that could be desired, except that we should have preferred old- | face figures in the tables. The diagrams are numerous, attractive, and well printed. (2) The new edition of Dr. Askwith’s elegant work differs from its predecessor mainly in defining the conic sections in the Greek way as sections of acone. The earlier chapters (i.—viii.) on the tri- angle, circle, cross-ratios, etc., make this method easy, With one notable exception; unless we dis- cuss complex points and lines by a purely geo- metrical method (such as that of v. Staudt), we are not justified in treating every figure consisting of a conic and a line as being projectively equi- valent to a figure consisting of a circle and a line. This is the weak point of Dr. Askwith’s book; it is not clear whether he is appealing, in the last resort, to algebra, or relying upon the exploded ‘principle of continuity.’’ In other respects the treatise fully deserves the favourable reception which it has obtained. Ga BAM: OUR BOOKSHELF. Association: A Story of Man for Boys and Girls. By Edward B. Cumberland. Pp. 32. (Published by the author at “Le Chalet,” Penn, Bucks., 1918.) Price 2s. For nearly thirty years Mr. Cumberland has been headmaster of William Ellis School at Gospel Oak, and in convinced obedience to the founder’s testament has been (since 1889) teaching “social science” to boys of ages from eight to eighteen—a remarkable record of pioneer work on lines which are sure to be widely followed in the near future. In other ways, too, with its early physics laboratory (1890) and its specially built geography room, the school has been in the front line, and we would heartily con- gratulate Mr. Cumberland on what he _ has achieved in spite of conditions often far from encouraging. He has expressed some of his ideals in an interesting little book which he calls “Association.” The title. refers to the author’s reasoned belief that one of the factors of human progress has been association, co-ordination, the multiplying of inter-relations. He illustrates this in a retrospect of the ascent of man, and by show- ing how the individual finds himself and realises NO. 2549, VOL. 102] himself, both in body and mind, as an active social person. The booklet seems to us than for boys and girls, for it is very tersely written. We cannot even refer to the many wise things that are said about home and school, work and play, town and country, civics and Nature- study; but the two dominant ideas are: (1) that ‘Isnowledge of Earth and its story helps to:make man fitter for life on it, and also to raise him above it’’; and (2) that the open secret of progress is to enter into more and more complex associations for noble ends, rising from school and family to community and city, and from nation to humanity. The booklet is an intensely personal document, revealing a fine purpose. There is a tiny fly in the ointment in the suggestion (on page 9) that “creatures that crawl” should be regarded with disgust. better suited for adults Memoir of John Michell, M.A.,-B.D., F.R.S. By Sir Archibald Geikie. Pp. 107. (Cambridge: At the University Press, 1918.) Sir ArcuipaLp GerkiE has done a further service to British science in reviving the memory of John Michell, and in directing attention to his work in various fields. Geologists are familiar with Michell’s name in connection with Jurassic strata, and especially with the ‘“‘Lyas’’ that he traced from Somerset to Lincolnshire. It is unfortunate that this ancient quarryman’s term should suggest, in its modern form, a_pseudo-classical origin. Michell, after his retirement from the rectory of St. Botolph’s, Cambridge, and from his brief tenure of the Woodwardian professorship of geology, continued, as rector of Thornhill, “those important investigations in physics and astronomy with which his name will always be associated.” He died in 1793, before the experiment that he had designed for determining the earth’s density could be carried out; but his apparatus came, through Wollaston, into the hands of his friend and correspondent Cavendish, who improved it in detail, and ungrudgingly acknowledged Michell as its originator. A long and interesting letter from Michell to Cavendish on the strata near Grantham is here published for the first time. In his frequent journeys from Thornhill to London ; he made observations at his halting-places, such as Greetham on the old North Road, and one feels that he would have hailed the work of his successor, William Smith, as confirming much that he had seen. In 1760, while still at Cam- bridge, he contributed a paper on earthquakes to the Royal Society, in which he urged that the initial shock is propagated by wave-motion through the earth. This admirably printed and attractive work raises pleasant memories of the times when the “Jearned leisure ” of our country clergy was often devoted to scientific culture. The divorce of clerical duties from collegiate fellowships, how- | ever desirable on both sides, has undoubtedly re- duced the endowments of research. G. A. J. C. LETTERS) LO) EE SE DIT. OR: [The Editor does not hold himself responsible for opinions expressed by his correspondents. Neither can he undertake to return, or to correspond with the writers of, rejected manuscripts intended for this or any other part of Nature. No notice is taken of anonymous communications. | German Naturalists and Nomenclature. I rrust that the great majority of naturalists will > read with approval the following sentence in Sir George Hampson’s paper on “ Pyralidze,”’ published in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society, 1918 (p. 55):—“*No quotations from German authors pub- lished since August, 1914, are included. ‘ Hostes humani generis.’”’ I have heard it argued that as we owe much to the industrious researches of German naturalists in the past, it would be discourteous to show any pre- judice against accepting ‘their assistance in the future towards that extension of knowledge which we all desire. It may be remembered by those who were present at the meeting of the International Zoological Con- gress at Monaco in March, 1913, how persistently the representatives of German scientific societies deavoured on that occasion to dominate the discus- sions, especially on the subject of the rules of nomen- clature, and insisted that the names habitually em- ployed in Germany should receive the sanction of long usage, to the exclusion of all attempts to trace out the literary history of each species and to preserve for it the name bestowed by the first author who described or figured it. The attempt was one which, had it Been successful, would have obliged the naturalists of other countries to accept German nomenclature and place themselves thus far unreservedly under German regulations and restrictions. In the Catalogue of Lepidoptera, published in 187r by Staudinger and Wocke, precedence is improperly but deliberately assigned to German names in preference to earlier ones given bye French authors. Now, as to the question of discourtesy, what will be the position at some future Zoological Congress ? Are American, English, French, or Italian naturalists to be expected to meet Germans and to join them in friendly discussion on the various questions that may arise? Considering that before the war every man, woman, and child in Germany, with scarcely an ex- ception, was intent upon war, as has been amply demonstrated by the evidence of innumerable wit- nesses, it is impossible to dissociate the mental atti- tude of the population of that country, by no means excepting the highly educated and scientific classes, from the world-conquering aspirations of their rulers, or from the barbarous atrocities committed by them in pursuit of that national ideal. A conspicuous instance is that of a certain learned professor with whom I was on terms of friendship, who was honoured by the Universities of Liverpool and Dublin, and de- livered lectures in London under the auspices of the London University, turning out eventually to be a German spy engaged in fomenting rebellion in Ireland and antagonism to England and her Allies in the United States. If an individual in any community commits murder or robbery, or is even plausibly sus- pected of swindlins or cheating at cards, the unavoid- able and universally recognised nenalty is that no man with a grain of self-respect will ever again associate with him, shake his hand, or converse with him in friendship. Let us trust that for the next twenty vears at least all Germans will be relegated.to the category of per- NO. 2549, VOL. 102] en=)} . . . . . | of their. scientific workers are more or less intimately, NATURE | | [SEPTEMBER 5, 1918 sons with whom honest men will decline to have any< dealings. ; It should be fully understood that this is no measure of vengeance. We do not honour thieves by vows of vengeance; we desire to punish them. Any German who may be permitted to attend an international zoological congress in the near future should be made to feel extremely uncomfortable by the urgent neces- sity of at least partial camouflage. If Sir George Hampson’s suggestion by example should be adopted and followed, it could add but a small measure to the punishment which must inevit- ably form part of any conditions that will be attached to a public peace when granted by dictation, not by negotiation, to the offending nation. None but a German would use the German language by preference for scientific descriptions of species or genera; thus any inconvenience that might arise from a general refusal on the part of others to accept descriptions worded in German could fall only upon those who have inflicted far more than mere incon- venience upon the world beyond them. To those Germans, if any there be, who are honestly well disposed, and who put the interests of science before the greed for world-domination, it can be no hardship to publish their descriptions in the English or French language, with which the great majority acquainted. Inestimable damage has been done during the war to historical monuments and priceless works of art. The Germans in Italy were found to have instituted a complete organisation on the Austrian front for securing valuable pillage in the course of the ex- pected advance on Venice; fourgons, under the charge of specially appointed officers with adequate staff, were in readiness to convey to Germany the pick of the art treasures which they believed they would find at their merey. Collections in various branches of natural history have suffered damage or destruc- tion among other objects. In Russia the paid agents of Germany have brought about, or at least connived at, the wanton destruction of treasures innumerable: some of the finest entomological collections in the world were in Russia, in Belgium, and in Rumania. IT would urge that it is the plain duty of the Allies to insist not only that all objects removed shall be replaced, but also that equivalent value in kind shall be rendered for everything destroyed or damaged, and this should apply to specimens illustrating the study of natural history (best. represented in value by original author’s types), as well as to pictures, statues, and other objects of art or antiauity, for the selection of which from German museums svecial commis- sioners should be appointed. WALSINGHAM. 6 Montagu Place, Portman Square, W.1, August 29. The Value of Insectivorous Birds. THE reflections in a letter to Nature (August 15) om shortcomings in the administration of the Wild Birds” Protection Acts, in so far as they relate to the eggs of the lapwing, which, it is stated, appear on the pro- hibited lists of only eight Scottish authorities, are now happily at variance with the facts. Far from such being the state of the case, at the present time , and for more than ten years past no fewer than twenty- eight—out of thirty-four—Scottish county councils have protected the eggs of this bird, after certain dates which permit of only the first layings being taken for food | purposes. As regards the skylark, the taking of eggs is alto- gether prohibited, not by twenty-three authorities in SEPTEMBER 5, 1918] NATURE oF oa 5 England and Scotland, as stated, but by twenty-eight county councils in Scotland alone, and this also has been the case for more than ten years. \ Wm. Eacie CLarKe. The Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh. August 26. A Mistaken Butterfly. © Tue following observation will be of interest in connection with those related in Nature, vol. xcv., IQI5. At Pennant Hills, near Sydney, on March 24 last, I noticed an interesting case of colour-attraction for a butterfly. A lady was standing talking to two other persons on the footpath opposite my house. She was wearing a plain brown straw hat, fixed with a hat- pin having a light blue porcelain knob about half an inch in diameter. A butterfly (Papilio sarpedon) kept flying about the knob as if fascinated, and followed the lady closely when she went up the footpath to the house, flying away only when the lady entered the house. I watched it for quite five minutes, during which time the butterfly never went more than a few inches from the lady’s head, and always returned to the blue knob, apparently trying to alight thereon. The lady several times brushed at the insect with her hand to drive it away. THos. STEEL. Sydney, New South Wales. FERTILISERS AFTER THE WAR. N view of the great increase in the facilities for making sulphuric acid, attempts have natur- ally been made to find an outlet for the new pro- duction after the war, and a Departmental Com- mittee appointed to go into the subject has. re- cently examined the possibility of an additional production of fertilisers, which before the war absorbed some 60 per cent. of the acid made. The report of the Committee (Cd. 8994, 1918) has already been discus$ed in these columns from the point of view of sulphuric acid production: it re- mains now to consider the effect on fertilisers. The report is very short and does not include the statistical data necessary for a full discussion of the problem: fortunately these can be collected from other sources. Prior to the war the total consumption of arti- ficial fertilisers in this country was something above 1,000,000 tons per annum, made up ap- | proximately as follows :— Estimated pre- War consump~ tion in United Estimated annual value. Kingdom. Pre-war prices Tons per annum Farmyard manure 37,000,000 11,000,060 Nitrate of soda 80,000 920,000 Sulphate ofammonia et 60,000 750,000 Cyanamide (nitrolim) and nitrate of lime ... F ee 10,000 110,000 Superphosphate 600,000 ... 1,650,000 Basic slag ... : 280,000 560,000 Guano os SS Say! 25,000 250,000 Bones er) Ba 54 5 40,000 200,000 Others + 10,000 100,000 Total I, 105,000 4,540,000 1 No good estimate can be made of the amount of guano, bones, and other materials used as fertilisers. NO. 2549, VOL. 102 | At the same time the areas under the various crops in the United Kingdom were as follows :— Million acres in the United 4 Kingdom Wheat, barley, oats 7°67. Potatoes ... cos oh - 1'21 Swedes, turnips, mangolds 2°28 Other arable crops 1°55 Temporary grass wee 6°61 Permanent grass... 27°35 Total ie : 12. 1918 [PRICE SIXPENCE. ee Registered as a Newspaper at the General Post Office.) {All Rights Reserved. THE SNOOK X RAY||| CHEMICALS Interrupterless Machine Analytical, Technical and Research. IS THE BEST APPARATUS Reco. tare mK APPARATUS FOR RESEARCH WORK AO, satances No Interrupter. QC em o Interrupter rae % BENCHES No Inverse Current. er Fume Chambers, etc., for Completely eer Ponies A snow crystal Chemical Laboratories Conditions can be absolutely reproduced from day to day. Sole Makers for the United Kingdom— REYNOLDS & BRANSON, LTD., NEWTON & WRIGHT, Ltd. Se Ba ee ORE SSTREE Te 14 COMMERCIAL STREET, LEEDS. Price Lists and Estimates on Application, ANEMOMETRY. The Combined Anemo-Biagraph and Wind-Direction Recorder. DUROGLASS L™: 14 CROSS STREET, HATTON CARDEN, E.C. Manufacturers of Borosilicate Resistance Glassware. Beakers. Flasks, Ete. Soft Soda Tubing for Lamp Work. ‘General Chemical and Scientific Glassware. Special Glass Apparatus Made to Order. . =F DUROCLASS WORKS, WALTHAMSTOW. , a z. ST ere NEGRETTI & ZAMERA, BAIRD & TATLOCK (LONDON) LTD. 3 HOLBORN VIADUCT. E.C.1 3 » ELC. 14 CROSS ST., HATTON GARDEN, E.C. 1. is coRRHILL LONDON. &&gENT ST: a NATURE IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, LONDON, S.W. 7. DEPARTMENT OF TECHNICAL OPTICS. Professor and Director... F. J. CuesHire, C.B.E., A.R.C.S. Professor | ChCP mWAtE. Cokraby, ARGS Design am ae (ISG. IMARTIN,: DiliGr WAR .C. om Lec eee ~ ecturer \ B.Sc. During Session 1918-19, and pending the establishment of full-time courses of study leading to one of the Diplomas awarded by the Governing Body, a series of courses of lectures will be given, with corresponding laboratory work, designed especially to meet the needs of part-time students engaged in the optical industry; but available also for students who wish to study Applied Optics with a view to entering the profession of optical designing and testing. For the present, and pending the establishment of full-time courses of study, the case of each student wishing to enter the Department for full- time work will be specially considered by the Director of the Department, who will determine the course of study to be followed. The Lecture Courses for the Autumn Term, 1918, are as follows :— *““GENERAL OPTICS.” * By Professor F. J. CHESHIRE. Beginning on Friday, October 4, 1918, at 2.20 p.m. ““OPTICAL DESIGNING AND COMPUTING.” * By Professor A. E. CONRADY. Beginning on Monday, October 7, 1918, at 2.30 p.m. for Beginners.) (Lectures suitable **PRACTICAL OPTICAL COMPUTING.” * By Professor A. E. CONRADY. Beginning on Tuesday, October 1, 1918, at 2.30 p.m. (Suitable for more advanced students.) ““WORKSHOP AND TESTING-ROOM METHODS,” * By Professor A. E. CONRADY. Beginning on Thursday, October 3, 1918, at 2.30 pm. ““THE CONSTRUCTION, THEORY, AND USE OF OPTICAL MEASURING INSTRUMENTS.” * By Mr. L. C. MARTIN. Beginning on Wednesday, October 2, 1918, at 2.30 p.m. “*MICROSCOPES AND MICROSCOPIC VISION.” By Professor A. E. CONRADY. Beginning on Thursday, October 3, 1918, at 5 p.m. These lectures are intended specially for users of the microscope, and will be as far as possible non-mathematical. Each lecture will be followed by a Laboratory or Computing Class. All inquiries in respect of the above should be addressed to— THE REGISTRAR OF THE IMPERIAL COLLEGE, Imperial Institute Road, South Kensington, S.W. 7. SS THE UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD.: OPENING OF SESSION The Session OPENS as follows :— DAY CLASSES. FACULTY OF ENGINEERING FACULTY OF METALLURGY FACULTY OF ARTS 1918-1919. September 23 September 23 23 October 2 FACULTY OF PURE SCIENCE October 2 FACULTY OF MEDICINE Occchene FACULTY OF LAW October 2 EVENING CLASSES. FACULTY OF ENGINEERING FACULTY OF METALLURGY FACULTY OF ARTS September 23 September 23 : October 7 FACULTY OF PURE SCIENCE October 7 FACULTY OF LAW October 7 7 W. M. GIBBONS Registrar. [SEPTEMBER 12, 1918 UNIVERSITY OF LONDON, UNIVERSITY COLLEGE. (UNIVERSITY CENTRE FOR MEDICAL SCIENCES.) FACULTY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES. Dean.—G. D. Tuane, LL.D., Sc.D., F-R.S. (Professor of Anatomy). Vice-Dean.—J. P. Hut, D.Sc., F.R.S. (Professor of Zoology and Comparative Anatomy). The SESSION 1918-19 BEGINS on MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30. Courses of instruction are arranged for the First Medical and the Second Medical Examinations of the University, as well as for the corresponding examinations of the Examining Board of the Royal ‘Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons and other Licensing Bodies. Postgraduate and Research Work is provided for in all departments. All courses in this Faculty are open to women students on the same terms as to men. Fres.—For the First Medical Course, 26 guineas, and for the Second Medical Course, 58 guineas; both including subscription to the Union Society, which entitles to the use of the Gymnasium and of the Athletic Ground. University College Hall, Ealing (Warden, Walter W. Seton, M.A., D.Lit.), provides residence for Men Students. College Hall, Byng Place, Gordon Square, W.C.1 (Principal, Miss Thyra B. Alleyne, M.Litt.), provides residence for Women Students. For prospectus and other information apply to the undersigned. WALTER W. SETON, M.A., D.Lit., Secretary. University College, London (Gower Street, W.C. 1). UNIVERSITY OF LONDON, KING’S COLLEGE, AND KING’S COLLEGE FOR WOMEN. FACULTY OF SCIENCE. In this Faculty a Course of Study in Science is provided suitable for general education or for the Examinations of the London and other Univer- sities. Students are admitted either as Regular or Occasional Students. Several valuable Scholarships and Prizes are offered. The Laboratories of the College are open to post-Graduates and Research Students. The fol- lowing are the Departments under the charge of the various Professors, assisted by the Junior Staff -— Ruts Prof. S. A. F. Wnire, M.A., and Prof. Mathematics of J. W. Nicuotson, M.A., D.Sc. an (Prof. O. W. Ruicuarpson, D.Sc., Physics... ive “| ERS. Prof. Sir H. Jackson, K.B.E., F.R.S., — Chemistry... ar nin and Prof. A. W. CrossLey, C.M.G., \ D.Sc., F.R.S. Botany Prof. W. B. Borrom.Ley, Ph.D., F.L.S. Zoology Prof. AkrTHUR Denby, D.Sc., F.R.S. Geology and Mineralogy Dr. W. ‘I. Gorvon, F.R.S.E. es f Prof. W. D. Hatuipurron, M.D., LL.D., Physiology “| ER.S. Peycholoey f Dr. W. Brown, M.A., M.B., and Dr. *“( Witpon Carr. The next TERM begins WEDNESDAY, October 2, 1918. For particulars as to this and other Faculties of the Colleze—Engineering, Medicine, Arts, Laws, and Theology—apply to the SecrETary, King's College, Strand, W.C. 2. ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL OPTICS. NORTHAMPTON POLYTECHNIC. INSTITUTE, ST. JOHN STREET, LONDON, E.C.1. ENGINEERING DAY COLLEGE. Full Day Courses in the Theory and Practice of Civil, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering will commence on Monday, September 30, rgx8. The Courses in Civil and Mechanical Engineering include specialisation in Automobile and Aeronautical Engineering, and those in Electrical Engineering include specialisation in Radio-Telegraphy. Entrance Examination on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 24 and These courses include periods spent in commercial workshops, and extend over four years. They also prepare for the Degree of B.Sc. in Engineering at the University of London. Fees £15 or £11 per annum. Three Entrance Scholarships of the value of £52 each will be offered for competition at the Entrance Examination in September, 1918. TECHNICAL OPTICS. Full and Part Time. Courses in this important department of Applied Science will be given in specially equipped laboratories and lecture rooms. ichison Scholarship (value Ae} will be offered in this department at the entrance Examination. Full particulars as to fees, dates, &c., and all information respecting the work of the Institute, can be obtained at the Institute or on application to R. MULLINEUX WALMSLEY, D.Sc., Principal. 25, 1918. NATORE. ‘* " THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 10918. INDUSTRIAL CHEMISTRY. I (@) The Manufacture of Intermediate Products for Dyes. By Dr. J: C. Cain. Pp. xi+263.. (Lon- don: Macmillan and Co., Ltd., 1918.) Price 10s. net. ; (2) The Alkali Industry. By J. R. Partington. Pp. xvi+ 304. (‘‘ Industrial Chemistry.’’) (Lon- don: Bailliére, Tindall, and Cox, 1918.) Price 7s. 6d. net. (3) Edible Oils and Fats. Pp. xii+159. (‘‘Monographs on Industrial Chemistry.””) (London: Longmans, Green, and Co., 1918.) Price 6s. 6d. net. HEMICAL industry in this country is slowly, but let us hope surely, coming into its own. Public interest has. been directed to it, and its importance to the nation has been recognised, though there is still much leeway to make up in this ‘respect. The industry also is finding itself from within; combination and association are taking the place of antagonism and aloofness, and before long the industry will speak with one voice to the public and to thé Government on matters which concern it. One of the minor in- dications of progress is the increase both in the quantity and quality of our chemical publications, the enlarged Journal of the Society of Chemical Industry being a particularly valuable asset to the industry. The movement to produce text-books of industrial chemistry in English is of prime importance for the future of the industry; in the past we have been far too prone to resort to German works or their translations. Indeed, had it not been for the fortunate completion of Thorpe’s “Dictionary of Chemistry ’’ just before the war, English chemical workers ignorant of By C. A. Mitchell. German would have been considerably handi- capped. An industrial text-book may be judged from several standards, depending on whether it aims at giving a complete account of modern practice in the particular industry or limits its scope to describing chemical theories and their applica- tions to that industry. It may seek to be a work of reference to all engaged in the industry, or merely an introduction to beginners, or it may aim at stimulating progress by outlining the ap- plicability of the most modern discoveries. The first type of book can be produced only by a writer who has had intimate experience in the industry and is free to put his information on record for the use of others. Normally, the majority of those possessing such knowledge are either pledged not to disclose it, or profession- ally engaged as consultants. The second type of book is more usual, and is naturally much more complete on the theoretical than on the practical side; it must be held to be successful if it en- courages a greater knowledge of chemical science | tainly novel, NO. 2550, VOL. 102] 21 and scientific 'methéd and leads to progress in the industry. (1) Dr. Cain is one of the few who are qualified to speak with authority on both the technical and chemical sides of the production of coal-tar colours, and not only is his book on the inter- mediate products certain to become the standard work on the subject, but also, what is more im- portant, it should save an immense amount of time and money to those actually engaged in the industry. It has been pointed out at more than one share- holders’ meeting lately that the intermediates are even more important than the dyes themselves, and that the provision of adequate plant for their manufacture is the first step in the establishment of a British dye industry. The intermediate pro- ducts are so numerous, and so much depends on their cheap production, that it is quite irrational for each competing firm to manufacture its own requirements, and it is for this reason more than any other that it is desirable to establish a com- bine of the colour-making firms so as to manu- facture intermediates in “quantity, and’ therefore cheaply, at one or more specially equipped large works, and convert these to the finished dyestuffs at the existing smaller establishments. Dr. Cain aims at providing in a convenient form detailed information as to the preparation of inter- mediates, the most trustworthy method of manu- facture of each substance being recorded. Both the pure chemistry of the subject and chemical engineering details have been omitted. The chief chemical reactions employed—viz. nitration, nitrosation, halogenation, sulphonation, reduction, oxidation, fusion with alkali, hydrolysis, amida- tion, alkylation, acylation, condensation—are dealt with in the order enumerated. This is not the place for any criticism in detail, which in any case must be a matter of personal opinion, and Dr. Cain’s name is sufficient guar- antee that no pains have been spared to render the work complete in every detail. Progress in this, as, indeed, in most branches of industry, has been gradual; perhaps at the moment the most marked trend is in the direction of the increased use of catalytic agents; there is also a great future for electrical energy, particularly in connection with oxidation and reduction. Oxidation in par- ticular is to-day brought about by cumbersome and costly methods in comparison with what may be expected when it is possible to make use of atmospheric oxygen in conjunction with | a catalyst. (2) Mr. Partington’s book, though entitled “‘ The Alkali Industry,’’ really deals with acids, alkalis, chlorine, and potassium salts, and practically half of it is devoted to nitric acid and ammonia, par- ticularly the modern methods of their manu- facture, which are being so much discussed at the present time. It forms one of a series of volumes, edited by Dr. Rideal, designed to show how chemical principles have been applied and have affected manufacture. The treatment is cer- and it appears to the present re- Cc 22 viewer to be successful in that it provides a book which is far more readable than the ordinary text-books on the subject. Naturally, the author cannot hope.to be in practical touch with so wide a field, and in his efforts to secure the neces- sary condensation somewhat unequal treatment has resulted; indeed, the first half of the book is far too condensed. In consequence, there are numerous points of detail which might be criti- cised adversely, and to this extent it fails to give an accurate picture of the industry. But such criticism is of minor importance as compared with the potential power of the work to stimulate in- terest, and it should certainly be placed in the hands of every process manager and chemist and of all students who wish to enter chemical in- dustry. They cannot fail to read it and feel that there is still progress to be made in their pro- cesses, and that the chemical theory even of such well-worn manufactures as acid and alkali making has made great developments since the application. of physical chemistry was understood. So much interest attaches to-day to nitric acid, the importance of which in time of war and, it is to be hoped also, in time of peace to the nation is at last being understood, that the author may be forgiven for expanding on this subject. Quite apart from the future exhaustion of the deposits of Chile nitrate, once so eloquently pictured by Sir William Crookes, the invention of the sub- marine has introduced new problems into the transport of this material in time of war. The problem of the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen has been solved in Germany, and its solution here is, of course, only a matter of time. The problem was one demanding huge expenditure and pro- longed experiment, and not commercially attrac- tive to business undertakings hampered by un- intelligent taxation; it is essentially national in character, and must be undertaken with State assistance, as it is by no means certain that under peace conditions the synthetic product can com- pete with the natural. : On account of the difficulties attending trans- port, acids are necessarily made close to. the place where they are used, and consequently there are a large number of small manufacturers, many of whom are working on too small a scale to be economically efficient. The placing of this in- dustry upon an economic basis is one of the many post-war problems which are already receiving attention. The alternative processes for the syn- thetic production of ammonia and nitric acid are discussed at length by Mr. Partington. (3) Mr. Mitchell’s book is of a somewhat dif- ferent type from that of those already considered. It belongs to Sir Edward ‘Thorpe’s series of indus- trial monographs, which aim in particular at show- ing how fundamental and essential is the rela- tion of principle to practice. Mr. Mitchell’s object is to give a concise outline of the chemical com- position and properties of the more important oils and fats. In this he has been successful, and the analytical sections will be found very useful, in spite of the fact that there are several satis- NO. 2550, VOL. 102] NATURE [SEPTEMBER 12, 1918 factory works on this section of the subject already in existence. It is more difficult, however, to justify the application of the title “industrial.” A description is given of the methods of pressing and extracting oils from the crude materials, and of purifying and preparing them for food purposes; but this is very brief, and no attempt is made to discuss the many chemical problems which arise in the oil and fat industry. An altogether inadequate picture is given of the present state of the utilisation of science in the manufacture of edible oils. S The very full bibliography is one of the best features of the book; it is conveniently divided into sections. E. F. ARMSTRONG. (To be continued.) THE “KEW. BULLETIN-< Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Bulletin of Mis- cellaneous Information, 1917. Pp. iv+349+36. (London: H.M.S.O., 1917.) Price 4s. 6d. net. ae present volume of the Kew Bulletin is an effective rebuke to those in authority who for a time were able to deprive the leading botanical station of the Empire of its means of gublication. It would seem an axiom of common sense that a scientific institution carrying out work of prime economic importance should be able to put on record and render as widely available as possible the results of its work. The subject-matter of the volume was published in seven parts during the past year, and com- prises, thirty-seven articles of varied interest. The most important is a List of Economic Plants, native or suitable for cultivation in the British Empire, which formed a double number issued last December. This list was prepared in response to a suggestion from the Committee of the Botanical Section of the British Association that a more extended and thorough study of our economic plants was a matter of national and imperial importance. The plants are classified under their uses—such as oils, gums, rubber, drugs, timber, etc.; the source is indicated, and some useful information on the product is also given, with references to publications where fuller information may be obtained. Other articles of economic importance deal with the rubber plant, Hevea brasiliensis; in two are discussed the possible methods of increasing the percentage yield of rubber by seed-selection, as was done in the cultivation of cinchona, in which the percentage yield of quinine has been more than doubled. Another deals with one of the most serious diseases to which this rubber-tree is sub- ject—bark-canker, caused by a fungus, Phyto- phthora Faberi; the writer, Mr. A. - Sharples, Government mycologist in the Federated Malay States, finds that the present position is most unsatisfactory, and that the subject calls for care- ful and co-ordinated investigation. A general systematic review of the species of the genus Strychnos, native in-India and the East, SEPTEMBER 12,-1918| _ is a valuable contribution, by Capt. A. W. Hill, to our knowledge of a genus which yields two drugs of such importance as strychnine and brucine. AS | useful communication on the study of plant dis- | eases is embodied in Mr. W. B. Brierley’s account of the action of the fungus Botrytis cinerea in causing the death of a tree of Aesculus Pavia in the Royal Botanic Gardens. There are also several articles embodying the results of the systematic botanical work of the Kew Herbarium; and a short note of more general interest on the flora of the Somme battlefield (abridged in Nature of Feb- ruary 14 last). A number of miscellaneous notes contain items of economic or general or special botanical interest. THE MAP AS A NEW EDUCATIONAL INSTRUMENT. Map Work. By Major V. Seymour Bryant and Lieut. T. H. Hughes. Pp. 174. (Oxford: At the Clarendon Press, 1918.) , Price 5s. net. A FTER reading through “Map Work,”’ one is 4 drawn back irresistibly to the Introduction, in which the authors direct attention to the great value of map work both in its utilitarian and its educational aspects, and put forward a convincing | claim for its inclusion-in the school curriculum. Even in the narrow work of the school itself it | provides material for the better understanding of mathematics, geography, and history, the last- named being a subject which demands a much greater appreciation of the relief map than is usually conceded; it gives exercise in the various branches of “drawing,” and lastly it gives a rational and legitimate stimulus for the getting of accuracy. -In a wider sense it provides a congenial method | | description of each natural of education to many for whom the ordinary school subjects hold little that is attractive when the period of adolescence is reached; and now that we are soon to be faced with a considerable influx of adolescents drawn from schools of widely differing aims and attainments, and where the examinational aspect of the various subjects has not been catered for to any great extent, it will be necesary to open up new avenues of attractive- ness, and map work is certainly one of those that should have serious consideration. NATURE 23 the very elementary work of the practical geo- graphies on one hand, and _ the _ technical treatises of the professional surveyor and map- maker on the other. It is suitable for O.T.C.’s and cadet units and for the Oxford Senior Locals, but its value to the general student is very great indeed. Only the topographical map is dealt with, more especially the Ordnance map, but every aspect of this map is adequately and con- cisely treated, with special chapters on the various methods of surveying, map enlargement, field- sketching, and panorama-sketching. The appen- dices, which are of considerable length, give an excellent scheme of practical work with much valuable information on the use of materials and the making and use of apparatus. The whole has been read by Col. Close, of the Ordnance Survey, and is full of practical suggestions. There is one further suggestion that might be made in regard to setting the map by the sun. If the pin or pencil used to cast the shadow be held at an angle, approximately that of the latitude, a better result is obtained than by holding it ver- tically. E, J. Orrorp. OUR BOOKSHELF. Flora of the Presidency of Madras. By J. S. Gamble. Part ii. Pp. 201-390. (London: Adlard and Son and West Newman, Ltd., 1918.) Price 8s. net. ; | Tue second part of the flora of the Presidency of Madras has followed fairly soon on the first, and, | like its predecessor, has been very carefully pre- pared. The natural families dealt with are all those from the Celastreece to the end of the Papi- lionate sub-family of the Leguminose. As with the previous part, there is a careful family, including details of fruits and seeds, and this is followed by a key to the various genera. _ Each genus likewise is furnished with a full description and followed by a thoroughly comprehensive key to the several species. These specific keys, together with the ample generic description, convey so much information about the different plants that only a line or two of description are needed under each species in addition to the particulars about | its habitat, local name, etc. Finally, there is the question of the understand- | ing of the landscape by the ordinary layman. Generally this is held to be the domain of the artist. The foreground can be made to fit the map by most people, but the background is too often “blue hills’’ or “purple mountains,’’ inter- The flora, it will be noticed, contains several | new species which have been discovered by Mr. | Gamble in his re-examination of the material at his command. The majority of the new species have been previously described in the Kew Bul- | letin. esting as part of a picture, but otherwise a form- | less and meaningless confusion. Map-making, in conjunction with the seemingly difficult, though really simple, art of panorama- sketching, should provide a sure method of intro- ducing form and meaning into the landscape. The principal aim of ‘Map Work” is to teach map-reading by means of map-making. Generally speaking, it bridges the gulf that exists between. NO. 2550, VOL. 102] The war has naturally hampered the preparation of the flora, and unfortunately prevented the ' valuable Madras collections from being sent home for examination. For this second part, however, the Calcutta specimens have been available, as well as the extensive collections at Kew and else- where. For the third part Mr. Gamble proposes to work through the material available in this country, 24 NATURE which fortunately is plentiful, as it will not be possible to receive further supplies of specimens from India. The flora is so clear and well arranged that it ought to prove of great value in Madras. A Complete Course of Volumetric Analysis for Middle and~ Higher Forms of Schools. By \V. T. Boone. Pp. vitit 164. (London: Blackie and Son, Ltd., 1918.) Price 3s. 6d. net. Ir is generally recognised that a well-planned course of chemical analysis by volumetric pro- cesses provides good intellectual and manipulative training in scientific methods. Careful thought, clear reasoning, and habits of accuracy are fostered by it. One may hope, indeed, that the time is not far distant when all students in our public schools, whether on the ‘“classical’’ or on the *‘modern’’ side, will receive some such train- ing as a normal part of their education, apart altogether from any question of a contemplated career in chemistry. For such a course Mr. Boone’s little book sup- plies an excellent basis. It “begins at the begin- ning,’’ and leads the student on by easy but educative stages to quite advanced work. The numerous exercises are very well devised,. and ample directions and explanations are given. A useful feature is the interspersed questions on points suggested by the experiments: they focus the learner’s attention on matters of special im- portance. The experiments include the prepara- tion of indicators and standard solutions, as well as analytical exercises; and there is a chapter, short and sufficiently simple, explaining the be- haviour of indicators on the usual theory of ionic dissociation. The book can be confidently recom- mended. GC. s: The Statesman’s Year Book, 1918. Edited by Sir J. Scott Keltie, assisted by Dr. M. Epstein. Pp. xlvili+1488. (London: Macmillan and Co., Ltd., 1918.) . Price 18s. net. Tuts ever-welcome annual contains the usual familiar features. The bibliographies have been brought, so far as is possible, up to date. Some of this statistical material ‘“‘cannot be given,” other parts are “provisional,” for obvious rea- sons; but an effort has been made to cope with the abnormal conditions. A notable conspectus of the world’s pre-war traffic in foodstuffs is pro- vided in a folding map showing relative exports and imports. From an inset diagram we learn that the United States food production just equalled the requirements of the country; only Russia, Canada, and Argentina produced an excess; while the United Kingdom provided for just above half the required quantities of foodstuffs; though Canada is given, Australia is omitted. Among the introductory tables we note one dealing with sugar. During the war the world’s supply of sugar has decreased by 20 per cent. ; the production of sugar from the sugar-beet declined by more than 4o er cent., that from the cane has grown by 20 per cent., the output from Java having increased by 40 per cent. 2550, VOL. 102 | [SEPTEMBER 12, 1918 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. | [The Editor does not hold himself responsible for opinions expressed by his correspondents. Neither can he undertake to return, or to correspond with the writers of, rejected manuscripts intended for this or any other part of Nature. No notice is taken of anonymous communications. | Auroral Observations in the Antarctic. In Narure for April 11 last Dr. Chree reviewed Sir Douglas Mawson’s paper on ‘ Auroral Observa- tions at the Cape Royds Station, Antarctica,’ and directed attention to the impression the observers re- ceived that the aurora was sometimes seen in the lower atmosphere between them and Mount Erebus. A similar statement had appeared in Shackleton’s book, ‘‘The Heart of the Antarctic”. (vol. i1:, pp. 360-61), before Scott’s expedition left for the South. As this subject is of fundamental importance in all discussions of the origin and nature of the aurora, I arranged with all members of the expedi- tion that I should be called whenever they saw, or thought they saw, an aurora in front of Erebus. Observations of this phenomenon were made on three occasions, and luckily I was at hand each time. f reproduce here, verbatim, the notes I made imme- diately after each occurrence :— ‘““(a) May 21, 1911.—This evening there was a bright aurora, and word came in to me that the aurora beams were clearly visible between here and Erebus. On Fic. 1. going out it appeared for some moments that this was so, but on looking closely I came to the con- clusion that the effect was an illusion. The moon was low in the south, and only one or two shoulders of Erebus were lit up by it; these, however, formed more or less clear bands of light from top to bottonr of the mountain. When the aurora was bright above the mountain these moonlight bands appeared as con- tinuations of the aurora beams, and it was quite easy to imagine them in motion owing to the bright and rapid motion of the aurora itself. Dr. Wilson agreed with me in this explanation, but Dr. Atkinson, Wright, and Ponting continued to hold firmly that they had really seen the aurora in the lower atmo- sphere this side of the mountain. “(b) June 22, 1911.—At about 2th. 30m. Meares re- ported an aurora this side of Erebus. On going out to examine, I found that the effect had disappeared ; the explanation, however, seemed simple. The top of Erebus was covered with a cloud-cloalk, which had an external form almost like that of the mountain. At one side, however, it was incomplete, and no doubt the aurora was seen between the cloud here and the mountain. In the dim light the outline of the cloud was taken to be that of the mountain, so that the aurora appeared to be in front of the moun- tain. (Fig. 1.) ““(c) July 19, 1911.—At 5 a.m. Meares reported to me an aurora in front of Erebus. On going out, there appeared to be a very bright beam of aurora low down on the foothills of the mountain, and obviously SEPTEMBER 12, 1918] NATURE 25 well in front of the latter, The explanation was, however, simple. The beam was not an aurora beam at all, but part of the 22° halo with the horizontal | mock moon. The illusion was, however, very strik- ing, as there were vertical beams of aurora on the left and above the halo beam.” (Fig. 2.) I have given above the actual words written at the time, as it is dangerous to describe an observa- tion several years later, especially if a matter of opinion is concerned. I feel compelled, however, to add a few further remarks. With regard to (a). it should be realised that as the moon was low, the outlines of the mountain were very indistinct, and the bands of light due to the moon shining on the shoulders were very faint. Normally, they could scarcely be seen, but when an | aurora beam above the mountain coincided with a band, the eye was guided down from the beam to the band of light, which then attracted the attention and appeared as a continuation of the aurora beam. A cloud-cloak similar to that referred to in (b) was often observed to cover the top of Erebus, especially after a blizzard. It frequently lay very near to the mountain, and at night its outline would not be dis- | tinguishable from that of the mountain. It was only when the gap between the mountain and the cloud, | through which the aurora appeared, was observed that the presence of the cloud itself was suspected. This was an excellent illusion, and nine casual observers out of ten would have been convinced that the aurora was clearly visible in front of the mountain. The third illusion was probably the most impres- iy 4 —_ —_—_ Fic. 2. sive. The mock moon, with part of the vertical circle, was formed in a mist, itself quite invisible, which lay over the foothills of Erebus. The moon was shining in a clear sky without any sign of a halo, and none but a trained observer would have connected | this detached beam of light with the moon. It ap- peared to be much more a part of the aurora display which was taking place apparently in its immediate neighbourhood, and the conclusion reached by Meares that it was a part of the aurora was very natural. In my paper on “Atmospheric Electricity in High | Latitudes” (Phil. Trans., A, vol. ccv., p. 92, 1905), I described another case of an illusion in Lapland, which made the aurora appear underneath low-lying clouds. | Thus both in the north and in the south I have seen cases in which the aurora appeared to be in the lower | atmosphere, and in all these cases very careful observ- ing was necessary to discover the illusion. The mere statement, therefore, that an aurora has been seen between the observers and a near object cannot be accepted as a proof of the penetration of the aurora into the lower atmosphere. G. C. Smvpson. Meteorological Office, Simla, India, June 13. EvecrricaL phenomena resembling aurora have hitherto been observed in the laboratory only at very low atmospheric pressures, and the recent determina- tions of the altitude of aurora by Prof. Stérmer and others have given few heights so low as 50 km. Thus reported observations of aurora below the summits of mountains are naturally viewed with suspicion by physicists. The explanations given by ir. Simpson of the three cases he deseribes—the only ones ap- NO. 2550, VOL. 102] parently observed during the Scott Antarctic Expedi- tion of 1911-12—are ingenious. But in two cases it is not explicitly stated whether the original observer accepted the proffered explanation, and in the remain- ing case it appears that, with Dr. Simpson’s explana- tion before them, the majority of the observers remained of their original opinion. Sir Douglas Mawson’s list included a greater number of apparent cases of aurora at low altitudes, but whether the observers possessed the exact shade of scepticism desirable in observers in such a case I am unable to say. My own view is that we are not as yet in a position to deny the possibility of the occurrence of. aurora at low levels near the magnetic poles. It is desirable that the cbservers of the next Arctic or Antarctic expedition should be familiar with what has been written on the subject, and that they should tx specially careful in dealing with any apparently low- level aurora. Also observation of auroral heights by photography after Prof. St6érmer’s method should be a fundamental part of the programme of any such expedition; and while a long base should be used for seme of the observations, others should employ a base sufficiently short to deal satisfactorily with heights of only a few kilometres. C. CHREE. August 17. Hybrid Sunflowers. IN crossing the different species and varieties of Helianthus some peculiar results have been obtained. The crosses referred to ‘have all been made by my wife at Boulder, Colorado, and the results may be classified as follows :— : (1) The varieties of Helianthus annuus (including H. lenticularis, regarded by some botanists as a dis- tinct species) when crossed together produce plants which are as fertile as the parents. In some of the mongrel varieties there is, however, a marked deficiency of pollen. (2) The annual species of sunflowers (typical Helian- thus) crossed together are quite fertile, but the hybrids are themselves nearly sterile. H. annuus has been crossed with three species, H. argophyllus, H. petio- laris, and H. cucumerifolius. (3) The annual species can rarely be crossed with the perennial, and when this occurs the offspring closely resemble one or the other parent species. One such hybrid was recorded in the ‘* Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture’’ (vol. vi., 1917, p. 3281) as between H. pumilus and H. annuus. Renewed study of the living plants this year convinces me that this is an error; the perennial parent was, in fact, H. sub- rhomboideus. Both species occur here, and Mrs. Cockerell, at the time of making the cross, did not distinguish between them. Morphologically they are especially distinguished by the fact that H. sub- rhomboideus has underground migratory branches, by means of which it spreads, while H. pumilus is strictly stationary, reproducing only by seed. The hybrid, which closely resembles H. subrhomboideus (though this was the pollen parent), but is much larger, with larger broad leaves, has small or short underground branches, but, nevertheless, is stationary. That is to say, the migrators are present, but the plant does not spread by them in all directions as do the true migratory forms. Comparing the details of struc- ture, I found that the ray-florets of the hybrid were quite without pistils, whereas these were well developed (though not functional) in the H. subrhomboideus. However, further investigation showed, to my_ Sur- prise, that some heads of the wild HF. subrhomboideus had the ray-florets wholly without pistils. The involu- 26 NATURE cral bracts of the hybrid are more distinctly pointed than those of H. subrhomboideus. In other cases attempts to cross annuals with perennials have re- sulted in total failure, as has happened when crossing H. annuus on H. pumilus, in attempts to repeat the cross described above, which was erroneously inter- preted. In other cases seeds were obtained from the pollen of perennials used on annuals, and the resulting plants were indistinguishable from the annual parent. Seeds received from Mr. L. Sutton from England, representing the F, of a cross between the red H, annuus and the perennial H. rigidus, also gaye plants entirely of the annuus type. Babcock and Clausen, in their recent (1918) admir- able work, ‘Genetics in Relation to Agriculture,” have (chap. xii.) discussed those remarkable cases in which the F, generation of a cross gives plants resembling the original species crossed, with greater or less fertility. A very ingenious and plausible ex- planation is given. Collins and Kempton recently found that in crossing two distinct genera of grasses, Tripsacum and Euchlena, they obtained plants agree- ing with the pollen parent, the Euchlaena. They call this patrogenesis (Journal of Heredity, vol. vii., No. 3, 1916). One of the explanations offered by them is that the male nucleus may have developed in the ovary to the complete exclusion of the female, ‘‘ representing in a way the counterpart of parthenogenesis.”’ It appears quite possible that in some hybrids, and perhaps other heterozygous forms, particular pairs of homo- logous determiners do not both function or develop, so that in respect to certain characters the organism is simplex, not in the sense of the old ‘‘ presence and absence theory,’ but in the sense of not being a hybrid at all in respect to particular features. JT. D. A. COCKERELL. University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, August 6. THE NITROGEN PROBLEM IN RELATION TO THE WAR. ROF. ARTHUR A. NOYES, of the Massa- chusetts Institute of Technology, who is chairman of the Committee on Nitrate Investiga- tions of the National Research Council of America —a body which owes its existence to the war— recently delivered a lecture before a joint meeting of the Washington Academy of Sciences and the Chemical Society of Washington, a report of which, under the above title, is published in the Journal of the Washington Academy of Sciences for June 19. The lecture dealt with the vital im- portance of an adequate supply of nitrogen com- pounds, particularly of nitric acid and ammonia, in connection with the war, and gave a brief de- scription of the various efforts America was making in order to meet the demand. Nitric acid enters, directly or indirectly, into the composition of all the more important explosives, such as smokeless powder, picric acid, ordinary black powder, dynamite, trinitrotoluol, and ammonium nitrate. The last-named substance is now used on so enormous a scale that the demand for am- monia is scarcely less urgent than that for nitric acid. The main sources of these two nitrogen com- pounds are: (1) Chile saltpetre; (2) by-product gas from coke-ovens; (3) atmospheric nitrogen, which is “fixed’’ by (a) the cyanamide process, NO. 2550, VOL. 102| [SEPTEMBER 12, 1918 (b) the cyanide process, (c) the arc process, and (d) the synthetic process. For its supply of nitric acid the United States, like ourselves, has hitherto mainly depended upon imported sodium nitrate (Chile saltpetre), which is now recognised as a rather precarious source, as it depends upon adequate shipping, and is liable to be affected by enemy machinations in interfering with production, destroying plants, or blowing up the reservoirs of oil needed for fuel. Hitherto all attempts on the part of the enemy to establish a submarine base on the Pacific Coast have been foiled. But even if this source con- tinues to be efficiently safeguarded, America realises that it is impracticable to get through imported nitrate the huge amount of nitric acid that will be needed for her Army, and that it will be necessary to supplement this supply by other means. The demand for ammonia has led, as with us, to a complete revolution in coke-oven practice, and the old wasteful “beehive ’’ oven is rapidly becoming a thing of the past. “By-product ”’ ovens, in which the coal to be coked is heated in what are practically closed retorts, and the evolved gases passed through scrubbers and condensers whereby the ammonia and inflammable gases are ‘recovered and utilised, are, under the spur of necessity, being everywhere established, to the permanent benefit of industry. The preference of the iron-smelter for the hard-coke produced in the “beehive ’’ oven was no doubt the reason why a process of coking which wasted all the nitrogen and much of the calorific energy of the fuel has continued so long, both here and in America. The war, however, has effectually broken down what is, after all, a prejudice, and there can be little doubt that “by-product’’ coking will shortly be- come the universal practice. Indeed, it is now a question of practical politics whether, in the in- terests of national economy, the employment of “by-product ’’ ovens in coking, to the exclusion of the old form, should not be made compulsory. So urgent is the demand for ammonia in con- nection with the war that Germany is incidentally producing far more coke than she can use imme- diately, either in metallurgy or as fuel, and enor- mous stocks are being accumulated. As regards “fixation’’ processes, America is now working, to a greater or less extent, all the methods which have been developed during the past fifteen years. Even before the war the American Cyanamid Co. at Niagara Falls was producing about 20,000 tons of cyanamide a year, largely for use in agriculture. By the action of steam upon this substance it is practicable to get substantially all the original nitrogen in the form of ammonia. This process is capable of a great extension, and has already reached considerable proportions in Germany, where it competes with the Haber process. The American Government is building a cyanamide plant with a capacity of 110,000 tons of ammonium nitrate at Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and a third plant has been authorised for the production of another 110,000 tons in Ohio. The cyanamide process has the SEPTEMBER 1 12, 1918] advantage that it can be installed in many places in the country, and that it requires little power. It has probably a great future before it—certainly immediately—but whether it is ultimately destined to be supplanted by the synthetic process time alone can show. The cyanide method is still in process of development, and is carried out in various ways. Several concerns are working it, among them the Nitrogen Products Co. at Saltville, Virginia, and the Air Reduction Co., and the Govern- ment is also building a plant. The product first formed is sodium cyanide, which, as in the case of cyanamide, can be made to yield ammonia under the action of steam. Sodium cyanide is, however, so valuable as a metallurgical adjunct that it will not pay to convert it into ammonia until the market for cyanide has been satisfied. The synthetic process was already worked in America by the General Chemical Co. before the outbreak of war, and it had so far per- fected the process—well beyond the point which the Germans had reached—that it was able to operate at lower temperatures and pressures. The Government has taken over the process of the company, and is now working it at Sheffield, Alabama, with a plant capable of producing 20,000 tons of ammonium nitrate per annum. A portion of the ammonia produced is put through the oxidation process, converting it into nitric acid, which is combined with more ammonia to form ammonium nitrate. The are process is especially suitable for the production of nitric acid. The reactions involved are chemically very simple, but they need a large amount of energy, which, under American con- ditions, would be very expensive to produce. By recent agreements with the Norwegian Govern- ment the United States and the Allies will receive about 112,000 metric tons of calcium nitrate per annum, made by the arc process, as against the limit of Sooo tons sent to Germany. As matters stand it is very unlikely that the are process will obtain any very extensive application in America. Prof. Noyes concludes his lecture with some remarks upon the relative economies of the dif- ferent processes, but the conditions at present are so abnormal that it is impossible to make any very definite statements as to their ultimate com- mercial prospects. In the meantime the Govern- ment is using all its resources, expanding its im- ports of Chile saltpetre, introducing as rapidly as possible ‘‘ by-product ’’ coke-ovens, and developing new fixation processes through the Nitrate Division of the Ordnance Department with the co-operdtion of the Bureau of Mines. The oxidation process of turning ammonia into nitric acid has been so far perfected that a conversion of from 92 to 95 per cent. is now pos- sible, and the process of absorption of the nitric vapours has been much simplified. It is certain that, as one result of the war, there will be a very marked development in the States within the next year or two of American processes of nitrogen fixation. NATURE 27 INDIGO IN BIHAR. N account of the recent history and present position of indigo in Bihar, by Mr. W. A. Davis, indigo research chemist to the Government of India, was reviewed in Narure of July 18 last. In two further communications Mr. Davis has discussed the future cultural prospects of the in- dustry,' outlined the difficulties to be surmounted if success is to be attained, and detailed the con- clusions indicated by a study of Bihar indigo- soils.” Among the various factors—careful seed-selec- tion, improved cultivation, better manufacture, and sounder business organisation—on which the fate of natural indigo depends, the most urgent is the cultural. The evidence presented indicates that the indigo-soils of Bihar have been steadily losing fertility through exhaustion of their avail- able phosphate. This conclusion is based on the results of actual soil-analyses, the success with in- digo grown outside Bihar in soils still containing adequate available phosphate, and the response of indigo within Bihar to the manurial use of super- phosphate. The treatment appropriate for Indigofera swma- trana, until 1898 the indigo exclusively grown in Bihar, does not suit J. avrecta, introduced in 1899. After this difficulty was overcome the results with I. arrecta appeared to justify the hope that ex- tended cultivation of this new plant might save the natural indigo industry. The product of I. sumatrana may no longer be expected to com- pete successfully against artificial indigo. But actual results, secured in 1906-7, indicate that natural indigo from I. arrecta may be manufac- tured and profitably sold at rates “ cutting” the lowest pre-war quotations for synthetic. The disappointment of this. hope is popularly attributed to two blights—psylla and “wilt.’’ The entomological malady can scarcely be accounted serious. There is no evidence that psylla injures indigo of normal vigour; there is evidence that affected plants which regain thrift may “ grow through” and “ shake off” psylla attack. The “wilt” is not induced by any pathogenic organ- ism; it is the sequel to defective nutrition, explic- able by the phosphate-exhaustion now character- istic of Bihar soils. The remedy then for Bihar is to employ super- phosphate. Even so, the only hope for the future lies in the cultivation ‘of I. arrecta; that of I. swma- trana iscontra-indicatedoneconomicgrounds. Seed- selection to secure strains of I. arrecta rich in indi- can is also a pressing need. There is doubtless another possibility. Outside Bihar, under climatic conditions hitherto deemed unsuitable for indigo, I. arrecta thrives well. It may in time prove more economic to transfer indigo from Bihar to focalities with soils sufficiently rich in available phosphate than to transport phosphate to indigo in Bihar. What lies outside debate is that, if the natural 1 “The Pree oe Position and Future Prospects of the Natural Indigo Industry.” By W. A. Davis, Indigo Research emist to the Government of India. Mee tatlerse, Journal of India, vol. ah 45 part iii. (July, 1918). 2 “4 Study of the Indigo Soils of Bihar.” B A. Davis. Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, Indigo Publication ak I 1 (1918). 28 NATURE indigo industry js to survive, J. arrecta must receive the phosphate it needs. So far as the cultural factor is concerned the future depends upon the indigo grower. Unless he is prepared to supply his plant with the food requisite for its vigorous thrift, and to do this without further demur and delay, the end of the war must mean the end of natural indigo, not in Bihar alone, but throughout India. NOTES. WE regret to learn that the Natural History Museum is losing the services of Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, assistant keeper of the department of zoology and head of the Bird Room, who has been compelled to relinquish his appointment owing to continued ill- health. Mr. Grant has served in the museum for thirty-six years, having entered the department as an assistant in the year 1882. He is the author of the official catalogue of the game-birds, and joint author with the late Dr, R. Bowdler Sharpe of two other volumes of the great British Museum Catalogue of Birds. Mr. Grant was for many years editor of the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club, and he carries with him in his retirement from official harness the good wishes and esteem of his many friends and brother ornithologists. We learn from the Journal of the Washington Academy of Sciences that Dr. Cleveland Abbe, meteorologist of the U.S. Weather Bureau, and editor of the Monthly Weather Review, has been removed from his positions, the reason given being his “long-standing and generally well-known friendly sympathies for the Imperial German Government.” It is stated that Dr. Abbe has denied disloyalty, and asked to be given an opportunity to reply to any charges presented. Pror. C. A. PEKELHARING has retired from the chair of physiological chemistry in the University of Utrecht, and has been succeeded by Dr. W. E. Ringer, one of his former assistants, and originally an inorganic chemist. AccoRDING to the Nieuwe Courant of August 24, Prof. Haeckel’s house at Jena, Villa Medusa, will be transformed into a Haeckel museum and presented to the University. It will contain Haeckel’s extensive collections, and be combined with an institute for general developmental theory. The Carl Zeiss founda- tion is giving financial aid. Tuer Times announces that Mr. V. Stefansson, the leader of the Canadian Arctic Expedition, -has arrived at Dawson on his way to Ottawa. Mr. Stefansson’s expedition left Esquimault in the summer of 1913 to explore the Beaufort Sea and adjacent islands of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. It will be remembered that his chief vessel, the Karluk, was crushed in the ice in January, 1914. Three members of the expedi- tion lost their lives on that occasion, Dr. Forbes Mackay, Mr. James Murray, and M. Henri Beuchat. Mr. Stefansson, with several members of his staff, was ashore at the time the Karluk broke adrift, and he continued the work of the expedition. The southern party, under the leadership of Mr. R. M. Anderson, returned in the autumn of 10916 after doing a considerable amount of work in the Mackenzie delta and the coast of the mainland to the east; Mr. Stefansson ‘himself discovered new land north of Prince Patrick Island in June, 1915, and further land north-west of Banks Land in 1916. NO. 2550, VOL. 102] No news of his | jects. [SEPTEMBER 12, 1918 discoveries since that date has yet been announced, but Mr. Stefansson has probably been engaged in, extending his explorations, in surveying his dis- coveries, and in studying the Eskimo. He announces that he intends to return to the Arctic in a year’s time. There has been no news of Mr. Storkersen, a member of the expedition, who, with three Eskimo, left Herschell Island last winter in an attempt to reach Melville Island across the sea-ice, since April last, when he sent back word that he had gained a point 175 miles north of the Alaskan coast. WE regret to record the death of Lerd Forrest, which occurred at sea last week on his voyage from Aus- tralia to England. Lord Forrest, better known as Sir John Forrest, was born in Australia of Scottish parents in 1847. He entered the Survey Department of Western Australia in 1865. In 1869 he undertook to search for traces of the German explorer Leichhardt. Though he failed in the main object of his expedi- tion, Forrest made many discoveries. In 1870 he ex- plored the south coast of Australia from Perth to Adelaide, and in 1874 he accomplished a journey through the heart of Western Australia. Starting from Champion Bay, he struck north-east to the Murchison River, which he followed to the Robinson Ranges, and then went along the 26th parallel to Peake Station on the overland telegraph, where he turned south and reached Adelaide. This remarkable journey of about 2000 miles was accomplished in five months, and proved that the interior of the colony was useless for settlement. In succeeding years Forrest surveyed the country between Ashburton and Lady Grey Rivers, and the Fitzroy district. From 1883 to 18900 he Was Surveyor-General of Western Australia, and in 1890 became Premier. In t1901 he joined the Common- wealth Government, and served successively in several capacities. He had been a ceaseless advocate of a transcontinental railway, and regarded the completion of the line from Perth to Adelaide as the triumph of his political career. Lord Forrest was a gold medallist of the Royal Geographical Society and an LL.D. of Cambridge, Adelaide, and Perth. By the death of Sir Ratan Tata, which occurred on September 5, at the age of forty-seven, a notable figure in the industrial and philanthropic life of India and England has disappeared. The son of Mr. Jamsetjee N. Tata, the well-known Parsi capitalist of Bombay, he married the daughter of Ardesir Mer- wanji Seth, the head of the priestly community of the Bombay Parsis. Mr. Jamsetjee N. Tata, who died in 1904, had planned various industrial enter- prises, which he left to his sons, Sir Dorab Tata and Sir Ratan Tata, to bring to completion. One of these schemes was the establishment at Mysore of the Indian Institute of Research for the promotion of scientific, medical, and philosophical studies. His sons carried out his intentions, and provided a liberal endowment for the institute. Sir Ratan Tata’s fame rests on his development of the Indian steel and iron works, for which the preliminary investigations were made at his expense by a staff of European and American experts. He and his brother, Sir Dorab Tata, carried out this enterprise, and founded the great metal works at Sakehi, the capital of which amounts to some millions sterling. Another scheme due to the brothers was to store and utilise the heavy rainfall of the Western Ghats for the supply of cheap and abundant electrical energy at Bombay, a work which has few parallels in other parts of the world. Sir Ratan Tata had long resided at York House, Twickenham, and at Versailles. In London he was deeply interested in scientific and philanthropic pro- He founded the Ratan Tata Department of SEPTEMBER 12, 1918] Social Science and Administration in the London School of Economics, and he established a fund of rgool. per annum for the study of means to prevent and relieve destitution. He supported the Indian Moderate Party’s programme of political reform in India, and received the honour of knighthood in 1916. It is fortunate that Sir Ratan’s industrial enterprises are now under the competent supervision of his brother, Sir Dorab Tata. Tue death is announced, at the age of sixty years, of Dr. J. Harper Long, professor of chemistry at the North-Western University Medical School, Chicago, and a former president of the American Chemical Society. THE recent death of Mr. W. Francis de Vismes Kane, of Drumreaske, Monaghan, Ireland, at the age of - seventy-eight, is announced in the Irish Naturalist for July. Mr. Kane was well known to entomologists through his ‘“‘Handbook of European Butterflies” (1885) and his ‘“‘Catalogue of the Lepidoptera of Ire- land” (1901), but his scientific interests were wide, as he attained distinction also as a student of the fresh- water Entomostraca and of prehistoric archeology. News has just been received that Lieut. L. J. F. Oertling, who was reported missing on August 8, died on that date from wounds received in action. Lieut. Oertling was in the twenty-seventh _year of his age, and was educated at Clifton College, afterwards entering the business of his father, Mr. Henry O6ertling, the well-known manufacturer of chemical and other types of balances. He joined the Inns of Courts O.T.C. shortly after the outbreak of war, and obtained a commission in the Bedfordshire Regiment (T.), proceeding to France with the 8th Battalion. ‘Eventually he became attached to the ‘Royal Flying Corps. Pror. Fraser Harris has now completed the his- tory of the medical aspect of the great disaster at Halifax, N.S., on December 6, 1917. It is expected that the history and its appendices will be published under the auspices of the Halifax Relief Commission, a body appointed by the Canadian Government to | take over the care of all matters arising out of the disaster. Tue Faraday Society has again arranged for a series of general discussions of important scientific subjects during the coming session. On November 4 the sub- ject of discussion will be the occlusion of gases by metals; and that at the December meeting will be the present position of the electrolytic dissociation theory. After the New Year, discussions will be held on catalysis, the theory of flotation processes, and the scientific use of fuel. All these subjects are of wide interest on both the industrial and the scientific sides, and their discussion by competent authorities should have a stimulating influence upon their development. Communications are invited from investigators who have devoted particular attention to any of the sub- jects in the programme. The address of the society is 82 Victoria Street, S.W.1. Tue sixth annual meeting of the Indian Science Congress will be held in Bombay from January 13 to 18 next, under the patronage of Lord Willingdon, the ‘Governor of Bombay, and the presidency of Sir Leonard Rogers, F.R.S. The sections and their presi- dents will be :—Applied Botany and Agriculture, the Hon. G. F. Keatinge; Physics and Mathematics, Dr. D. N. Mallik; Chemistry, Mr. F. L. Usher; Sys- tematic Botany, Mr. S. R. Kashyap; Zoology, Mr. S. W. Kemp; Geology, Dr. L. L. Fermor; and Medical Research, Lt.-Col. Glen Liston. NO. 2550, VOL. -102 | NATURE 29 particulars of the meeting may be obtained from the hon. secretary, Dr. J. L. Simonsen, Indian Muni- tions Board, Simla. An editorial article in the Geographical Journal for September (vol. lii., No. 3) discusses some important points in the nomenclature of Himalayan peaks. It is the practice of the Survey of India to veto all names and employ only numbers to designate peaks. Mount Everest is the only exception. Even Godwin-Austen is not allowed in place of K* or its modern synonym Pk. 13/52A. Most of the peaks have no native names, and the difficulty in giving names seems to lie in finding ones that will harmonise with such as. exist. The Survey of India rightly objects to trivial names which are out of keeping with the ranges as a whole. Cathedral Peak, Broad Peak, and so forth may be appropriate locally, but are unsuitable continentally, and in any case are not specific. The numbering of peaks on the system now adopted has the merit of indicating the degree-sheet on which the peal occurs. In the example cited above, 52A is the number of the degree-sheet and 13 the number of the peak. On the other hand, the system has obvious defects, the greatest, perhaps, being that numbers are difficult to remember, and give anonymity to the peaks. Mr. Hinks suggests eight figure-numbers giving latitude and longitude. That would involve greater precision, if a severer test of the memory, but introduces com- plications where two peaks lie close together and seconds have to be added. No doubt in time many of these peaks will receive names, despite official dis- approval. In the July issue of the Journal of the Land Agents’ Society there appears an article on ‘‘ Wild Birds and Legislation,” by Dr. W. E. Collinge. Although there will not be general agreement with the author in his conclusions that the question of wild-bird protection has never received really serious consideration, that the majority of the Wild Birds’ Protection Acts have been ill-considered, and that no attempt has been made | by those who advocate the protection of wild birds to understand the problems presented by wild-life, yet we thoroughly endorse his opinion that there is im- mediate need for a new and comprehensive Act—one that would afford protection to rare and vanishing | species as well as to those birds which are beneficial, and would at the same time allow for the taking of adequate repressive measures against those species which are destructive and have become too numerous. As a matter of fact, a Departmental Committee was appointed by the Home Secretary in 1913 to consider what amendment in the law relating to wild birds and its administration might be required. This Com- mittee held a number of meetings at which such ques- tions as those raised by Dr. Collinge were freely dis- cussed and considered, and many witnesses, repre- senting all parties interested, were examined. The war, unfortunately, put a stop to the deliberations of | the Committee, but it is to be hoped that when the Committee next meets it will be able to suggest lines | on which a new Wild Birds’ Protection Act, applic- | States of America. able to the whole of the British Isles, should be framed to replace the Act at present in force, with its perplexing supplementary Acts and the local Orders issued under them. The economic status of birds is now fully recognised, and it is high time that there should be created.an Ornithological Bureau, similar in function to that long since established in the United To such a bureau should be re- ferred all matters in connection with the administra-- | tion of the Wild Birds’ Protection Act, and ‘the con- | Further | sideration of such modifications as may be necessary to meet special and local conditions. 30 Tue American Museum of Natural History (New York) has just issued, as the first article of vol. xxxix. of its Bulletin, ‘A Revision of the Vespidz of the Belgian Congo," by J. Bequaert. This is a sys- tematic paper of more than usual importance, the generic and specific diagnoses being exceptionally de- tailed and carefully illustrated by structural drawings and coloured plates, and the classificatory facts being illuminated by many notes on behaviour and by valu- able geographical discussions, with many distribu- tional maps. It is pleasant to read in the author’s introduction that when conditions in Europe deprived him of the fruits of all but a small part of his own collecting, he found ample materials for study in ‘‘the splendid collections of the American Museum Congo Expedition,” as well as a hearty welcome and cordial assistance from the naturalists of the United States. From the same institution has been issued as a “‘ Guide Leaflet’? (No. 48) a popular pamphlet by C. E. A. Winslow and F. E. Lutz on. ‘‘ Insects and Disease.” The facts and methods of germ-transmission by insects are clearly set forth, and illustrated by good photographs of specimens and models exhibited in the American Museum. In the latest part of the Science Reports of the Tohéku Imperial University, Japan (Second Series, Geology, vol. iii., No. ii., 1918), Prof. H. Matsumoto has several interesting notes on the fossil mammals of Japan. A new molar tooth of an elephant from Kaza seems to be exactly intermediate between the molars of Elephas.and Stegodon. Part of the lower jaw of an ancestral deer, probably of Lower Miocene age, is referred to a new species of Amphitragulus, and is unusually large. An elaborate study of some skulls and frontlets of bison from the Pleistocene of Japan shows that they belong to the extinct species Bison occidentalis and B. crassicornis, which are already known from North America (chiefly Alaska) and Siberia. remarkable Miocene sirenian Desmostylus is especially valuable. Good specimens have now been obtained both from the Pacific coast of North America and from Japan, so that instructive comparisons can be made. The Japanese species is the largest sirenian known, with a skull 90 cm. in length. It seems to have frequented estuaries rather than open seas, and its peculiar front teeth were probably used like those of a hippopotamus to dig up nutritious plants from mud. The molars are especially effective grinding teeth, and are sufficiently deepened to last during a long life, Pror. Cuas. Cuttton, who described the first species of Phreatoicus in 1883, has added an chapter to the history of this crustacean genus by giving a-description (Journ. Proc. Roy. Soc. N.S. Wales, vol. li., pp. 365-88, 1918) of a fossil species based on ten impressions found in the Wianamatta Shale (probably Upper Trias) of Queensland. Although none of the specimens are complete, the head and the first pereeopods not being clearly represented in any of them, the evidence afforded by the remainder of the animal, which is in a good state of preservation, leaves no doubt as to the correctness of the identification. The fossil species, described as new under the name Phreatoicus wianamattensis, was similar in general appearance to P. australis, and reached a length of 30 mm. The living members of the Phreatoicidea, a primitive group ot the Isopoda, are found in the fresh waters of Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand, and South Africa. Tur Geological Survey of Hungary has published the first volume of a new serial named Geologica Hun- garica. Jt is a handsome quarto of 450 pages in the NO. 2550, VOL. 102] NATURE A discussion of the skull and teeth of the - interesting | [SEPTEMBER 12, 1918 Magyar language, and is well illustrated by 275 text-figures and 26 plates of fossils. It comprises three parts, dealing respectively with Oligocene Mol- lusca, Tertiary Echinoids, and Callovian, Ammonites. The last part is by the director of the survey, Dr. L. Loczy, and concludes with a valuable stratigraphical table showing the various Hungarian equivalents of the Lower and Middle Oolites of western Europe. THE past summer has, for the most part, been agree- able and pleasant from a meteorological point of view, although the totals and averages of the several ele- ments, and of the rainfall especially, have been liable to mislead and to give a somewhat unsatisfactory impression. Some of the meteorological happenings were abnormal, but they have, on the whole, proved to be an advantage. Combined records for the three ~ months, June, July, and August, show a general deficiency of rain except in the north of Scotland and in the south-east of England. In the neighbourhood of London the aggregate rainfall for the three months was about 9 in., which is nearly 2:5 in. more than the normal, although about 2 in. less than in 1917, and it has only been exceeded in one other summer, 1903, since 1890, in twenty-eight years. June had a decided deficiency of rain over the British Isles, and chiefly so in England, where it was mostly less than 50 per cent. of the average, but July was excessively wet, vielding generally over the kingdom an excess of nearly 50 per cent. of the average, whilst August _ has yielded a total far below the normal. In July ‘thunderstorms were phenomenal over England, and at Kew Observatory they occurred on nine days, being more frequent than in any July since 1880. In London the mean temperature for the summer was 615°, the mean maximum reading being 10° higher and the mean minimum 10° lower than the mean temperature, these results being not very different’ from the average, but, on the whole, there has been an absence of hot days. Sharp ground-frosts occurred in many parts of England, especially in the eastern, central, and south-eastern districts, on several occa-. sions in June, and their effects are distinctly trace- able. Over the country generally there has been during the summer a slight deficiency of temperature. The sunshine has not differed very materially from the average. Tue Cairo Scientific Journal (vol. ix., No. 100, January to March, 1917) contains an account by the late Prof. Kr. Birkeland of simultaneous observa- tions of the zodiacal light by himself and an assistant, the one at Helwan in Egypt, the other at Salisbury in Southern Rhodesia. The stations possessed the same longitude, 31° E. of Greenwich, while differing nearly 48° in latitude. The observations discussed were made on sixteen occasions between July 8 and September 2, 1915, but the results are treated as pre- liminary, the hope being expressed of repeating them at more suitable stations at a more favourable season, adopting an improved photographic method. The observational results are shown in a number of figures, and it is claimed that they show two definite results—first, that the height of the visible light column was much greater at Salisbury than at Helwan, and, secondly, that there was a considerable relative displacement of the light columns, to the north at Helwan, to the south at Salisbury. There are numerous. references to Prof. Birkeland’s theoretical views, which associate the zodiacal light with the earth’s magnetism. He apparently believed in the existence of ‘‘a principal ray system, a lenticular nebula round the sun which scatters the sunlight, and of a secondary scattering ray system round the earth, captured from the principal solar system by the earth’s SEPTEMBER 12, 1918] magnetism.” In Prof. Birkeland’s view, ‘a nebulous ring round the earth will alone never give any satis- factory explanation of the zodiacal light.” Tue water supply to the town of Hobart, Tasmania, was the subject of an article in the Engineer of Sep- tember 6. The reservoir has a capacity of 207 million gallons, and the dam is an interesting instance of two gravity wings with an intervening arch section. The wings are 293} ft. and 2034 ft. long respectively, in straight lengths, and the arch is 232 ft. long, with a radius of 200 ft. The wings and the arch are not actually connected; a 6 in. by 6 in. bitumen joint, with sheet-lead faces, forms a watertight key from ground-level to the top of the dam. The maximum depth from the summit of the arch section in the centre to the foundation is 201 ft. The greatest depth of water in the reservoir is 95 ft., and the surface- level is 905 ft. above sea-level. The dam is constructed of concrete, and the arched portion is reinforced with iron rails, both vertically and horizontally. The thick- ness of the arch at the top is 6 ft., and at the bottom 54 ft. An unforeseen fissure in the foundation neces- sitated the sinking of a shaft to a depth of 185 ft. below the ground-level; this was refilled with concrete. L’Aérophile for May gives a description of the Vincent multiplex compass, which, it is claimed, com- bines in one small case all instruments required by determination of magnetic declination and for the solution of astronomical, geodetic, and topographical - problems required for determining position and direct- ing the course of travel. It is also claimed that this compass provides a means of steering craft overseas with a precision hitherto unknown. The compass is provided with a reference line or directrix, which may’ be rotated, a movable index card with sights for the measurement of angles and azimuths, and a style for the solution of time problems. The whole compass is suspended on gimbals inside a box, which is pivoted on a slab. The box carries on one of its faces a _ needle and a dial, and on its bottom a second needle, which moves over degree graduations on the slab. The method of using the compass is explained. A Frencu Electrotechnical Commission has just published, in English and French, the results of an investigation on aluminium. The mechanical and physical tests give the density, coefficient of expan- sion, breaking stress, and elongation. Chemical ana- lyses were also made. According to the Revue Générale de l’Electricité for June 8, the electrical measurements were made at the Laboratoire central d’Electricité, and include resistivity and temperature- coefficient of commercial aluminium. A table is given in which the constants for three different samples of aluminium, containing slightly different amounts of impurities, are set out. Dr. P. Linpner, of Charlottenburg, has taken out a German patent (Chemiker-Zeitung, June 29) for obtaining fat from low forms of animal life. By popu- lating suitable waste material with these minute forms he obtains material from which fat may be ex- tracted. As examples he mentions decaying mush- rooms and non-edible fungi, putrefying meat, gutter refuse, etc., grass and spoilt hay, masses of dead leaves infested with plant-lice, and stale yeast. Dr. Lindner further states that certain materials may be inoculated with the germs of bacteria or micro-fungi and culti- vated. The mass of prepared material is triturated and mixed with water, then heated, and NATURE the fat | skimmed off; or it may be ‘recovered chemically by | treating the triturated mass with a solvent. NO. 2550, VOL. 102] ~ 31 We learn from a note in the Journal of the Society of Chemical Industry for August 15 that the giant kelp of the Pacific Coast is now being utilised on a very large scale for the production of both potash and acetone. The works, which are situated at Potash, near San Diego, California, cover thirty acres of ground and give employment to 1000 men. Acetone, rather than potassium compounds, has become the chief product; it is required for the British authori- ties, and is of excellent quality. Among the sub- sidiary products recovered are ethyl propionate and ethyl butyrate, which are now being obtained on a scale never. before approached. These compounds serve as solvents, and are especially valuable just now as substitutes for amyl acetate, on account of the necessity for conserving acetates. The quantity of kelp cut last vear was about 24,000 tons a month. Tue Cambridge Scientific Instrument Co., Ltd., has issued a new list (No. 137) dealing with the Cam- bridge microscope lathe-attachment. This is a device recently placed on the market to aid in tool-setting for the production of exact and interchangeable screw-threads. The attachment consists of a com- pound microscope fitted with an eyepiece that is capable of being focussed on a diaphragm ruled with two fine lines representing the thread-angle of the tool to be used, and with a third line equally inclined the aviator, the navigator, and the explorer for the | to them. When the third line is set parallel to the axis of the cylinder to be threaded, the two inter- secting lines represent accurately the position in which the tool must be set. The device is rigidly fixed to the slide-rest, consequently both move together. The standard diaphragm is engraved with a 55° angle. The inaccuracy of tool-setting by this method should not exceed 0° 3’. The list describes also the Cam- bridge alignment tester for ensuring the correct align- ment of machine-tool beds within close limits. In ‘this instrument a microscope fitted with a micrometer eyepiece is used to view a fine wire stretched along the length of the bed. One division of the micro- meter scale corresponds with 1/2000", so that high accuracy is obtainable. An outstanding feature of Catalogue No. 175 just issued by Messrs. W. Heffer and Sons, Ltd., Cam- bridge, is a number of books printed at special presses such as the Kelmscott, Doves, Riccardi, and others. Sections appealing more particularly to readers of a journal such as Nature are devoted to agriculture, botany, geology, mathematics, physics and chemistry. zoolosy and biology, physiology, anatomy, and medicine. Tue following works are in the press for publica- tion by the Carnegie Institution of Washington :— “Human Vitality and Efficiency under | Prolonged Restricted Diet,” by Benedict, Miles, Roth, and Smith: ‘‘A Biometric Study of Basal Metabolism in Men. Women. and Children,” by J. A. Harris and F. G. Benedict; ‘Effect of Alcohol on Psycho- physiological Functions,” by W. R. Miles. Messrs. CHARLES GRIFFIN AND Co., Ltp., will pub- lish shortly ‘‘A Treatise on British Mineral Oil.” by E. H. Cunningham Craig, A. G. V. Berry, Dr. 7 EMS Se Dunstan, Dr. Mollwo Perkin, and A..Campbell. The work will contain a foreword by Sir Boverton Red- wood, Bart., and be edited by J. A. Green. Tue article by Dr. James Ward on “ Psychology” in the ‘‘ Encyclopedia Britannica’? has been expanded by the author, and will be published shortly in book form by the Cambridge University Press. 32 NATORE x OUR ASTRONOMICAL COLUMN. Tue Harvest Moon.—The September full moon occurs this year on the 20th at 1.1 p.m. G.M.T., but, although this is so near the autumnal equinox, the daily retardation of the time of rising about full moon is not the smallest possible on account of the un- favourable position of the moon’s node. The fol- lowing are the Greenwich mean times of rising, southing, and setting from September 13 to Sep- tember 28 ;— Rises Souths : Sets P.M. PM PM. Sept. gigs) a5) spt. (1g; 4.55. ‘Sept..13, 94nd. 14, 2.46 14, 6.48 14, 10.56 AM Tey B25 15, . 742 16, 0. 6 16, 3.58 16, 8.36 Gay Pier acs 17, 4.26 17, 9.29 18, 2.44 18, 4.51 18, 10.22 19; 4. 8 EG;, 5.14 19, 11.16 20, 5-34 A.M. 20, 5:37 21, (0.0 BI sly ene 27, 6: 22) 1.16 22, $.28 22, 0.30 23, ) 2.8 23, 9:53 aes fect Byes 24, IT. 0s P.M. 24, 7.46 25, san a 25, 0.23 BE) ABes4, PAT) 0543.0) 26, ) 1.22 26, 9.37 279) 1550 Bs (201 27, 10.43 28, 6.49 28, 2.44 Zope Mey 29, 7-39 FAD ya C-312} Tue New Star 1n AguiLa.—aA preliminary account of some valuable photographs of the spectrum of Nova Aquilz obtained during June at the Dominion Observatory, Ottawa, has been given by Dr. W. E. Harper (Journ. Roy. Ast. Soc. Canada, vol. xii., p- 268). The photographs of June 9 are of special importance as showing that the absorption bands which preceded the appearance of bright lines were already strongly displaced to the violet sides of their normal positions, the displacements corresponding with 1250 km. per sec. if interpreted in terms of motion. Emission bands on the red sides of these absorption bands were first recorded, as elsewhere, on June to. On June 10, 13, 14, and 15 the absorption bands , accompanying the bright bands of hydrogen were double, the displacements of the two components representing velocities of 1350 and 2200 km. on June to, and 1700 and 2300 km. on June 15. From June 17 to June 23 only the less refrangible com- ponents of the absorption bands were present, and the velocity indicated was 1750 km. per sec. Sharp H and K lines appeared on all the plates, and these maintained the same positions throughout, their displacements representing a velocity of 22 km. per sec. towards the solar system. From a circular issued by the Government Astro- nomer, it appears that the new star was independently detected in New Zealand by Mr. A. G. Crust at G.M.T. June 8d. 21th. yom., and by Mr. G. V. Hudson at ‘G.M.T. June 8d. 23h. 15m. The nova is still visible to the naked eye, the magni- tude being about 5, with small oscillations. The nebular characteristics of the spectrum are strongly marked. Wotr’s Cometr.—Mr. Jonckheere observed this comet on September 2 with the 28-in. at ‘Greenwich. At midnight it preceded the star BD+22° 3918 by Im. 33°67S., and was 25-6" south of it. The magni- tude was estimated as 12-8, and the diameter was 30”. \Mr. Harold Thomson observed it on August 31 with his 9-in. reflector at Newcastle. He estimated the magnitude as 12, and stated that there was a central condensation of light, but no stellar nucleus. The position agrees closely with Kamensky’s ephemeris. NO. 2550, VOL. 102] [SEPTEMBER 12, 1918 NEW SCIENTIFIC FACTORS IN INDUSTRY. : ' NE of the impressions of the British Scientific Products Exhibition that remain in the memory is the silent revolution that many departments of industry have undergone since the war began by processes which could only result from scientific re- search. Among the processes which have \thus been affected, mention may be made of the welding of aluminium, copper, and other non-ferrous metals by oxy-acetylene—branches in which German workers were pre-eminent before the war. Mr. C. R. Darling has shown that continuous research in this direction has resulted in great improvenients being effected. *“ Thermit’’ processes, formerly under German con- trol, have now passed into British hands, and most of the compositions used are now made in this country, patient investigation having overcome the difficulties involved. A great advance has been made in the art of electric-are welding, which is now used in the production of “‘rivetless’’ ships. This process Was in its infancy at the outbreak of war, and at that time was more highly developed in Germany than in other countries. The excellent progress made has been due to the enterprise of the firms which have specialised in this work, and systematic re- searches are in hand with the view of finding methods for producing the most satisfactory welds at the minimum of cost. Arc-welding is capable of applica- tion to non-ferrous metals, and is destined to play an increasingly important part in the future. The production of high-class steel by the electric furnace has been developed extensively during the past four years. In 1913 the number of electric steel fur- naces in Europe and America was 114; to-day there are probably as many in England alone. Mr. Darling suggested that in the event of a large super-power station for the production of cheap electricity being erected near London, it is quite possible that the metropolis may become an important steel-refining centre. The spraying of metals on to cold surfaces by the Schoop process has so far not met with extended application, but it has been suggested that ~ concrete ships might be coated with metal in this manner, so as to prevent the destructive action of sea-water. In the production of materials by the electric furnace, Mr. Darling reminded us that Britain has always been backward, and remains so. Cheap electrical power is needed for the success of this branch of industry, and up to the present these sub- stances have been produced at the hydro-electric in- stallations at Niagara, in Norway, and elsewhere. Calcium carbide is now made in considerable quanti- ties at Manchester, but the cost is far greater than in the case of Norway, owing to the difference in the cost of power. On the other hand, it is now possible to obtain electric power as cheaply on the Tyne as at Niagara, and there appears to be no good reason why carborundum and alundum, now universally used as dbrasives, should not be made in this country. The same applies to artificial graphite and other pro- ducts now extensively manufactured at Niagara. In the future, furnace products are bound to increase in importance; in particular, refractories urgently needed for electric steel smelfing may be expected to be forthcoming, and it is a matter for regret that this branch of high-temperature work has been neg- lected in Britain. Facilities for research on electric- furnace products on a reasonably large scale are non- existent, and it is urgently important that this defect should be remedied at once. An exception to the general neglect of electric-furnace products mentioned by Mr. Darling is provided by vitreous ssilica, a material discovered in this country and now ti! _ oe = = ———E——— SEPTEMBER 12, 1918 | forming the basis of a considerable industry, which has attained its present dimensions as the result of con- tinuous research and commercial enterprise. No field of investigation offers greater promise of useful dis- coveries than that of high temperatures, and vitreous silica may be taken as an example of what might be achieved in many directions if systematic work were carried out. Dr. Walter Rosenhain, in his lecture at King’s College, urged the need for serious attention to aluminium and its alloys. Even now, for aircraft and other military purposes, this subject has the import- ance of a ‘‘key" industry; but considerable develop- ment in the wider industrial field may be expected. Dr. Rosenhain claims that, so far as scientific re- search is concerned, we hold a very high place in regard to light alloys. What is needed now is indus- trial enterprise which will give commercial applica- tion to the results obtained. Cases were mentioned of structural design where the greater efficiency of the lighter material would make it easy, or, at least, possible, to carry out work which could not be con- templated with ordinary steel. Even where there is no approach to a limiting span, there are many cases where the use of a lighter metal would effect very great economy. A direction in which the use of strong and light materials is of very great importance is in the construction of objects which have to be started and stopped. The greatest expenditure of power in many cases occurs in this process of starting and stopping owing to the fact that energy has to be put into the moving objects while they are being set in motion, and has to be absorbed again—and usually wasted—when they have to be stopped. The recipro- cating parts of machinery are examples of that kind, and the importance of making these as light as pos- sible has been fully recognised recently. Tube and electric railways generally furnish other impressive examples. To start an electric train and to bring about that rapid acceleration which is the most valu- able feature of electric railways, an enormous expendi- ture of power is necessary. In one actual case the starting current for a train is as high as 3000 am- peres at 500 volts. As this same amount of power has to be absorbed when a train is stopped, it is taken up by the brakes and affects the cost of running by heavy wear of rails and tyres. The power re- quired for these operations is simply proportional to the weight of the train. Dr. Rosenhain suggested that if the steel parts of the train, the under-frames of the carriages, and much of the electric locomo- _ tives were constructed of light alloy, a very consider- able saving of weight would result. The main reason why light alloys have not come into much wider use is probably due to their cost, which is still very high as compared with that of steel, while there are also certain technical difficulties. Systematic research, however, has now gone far enough to clear the ground and to place aluminium alloys on a secure and sound basis. With regard to cost, although aluminium alloys cannot as yet be regarded as competing with steel, Dr. Rosenhain does not believe that the difference will persist. He looks for- ward to a cheapening in the cost of aluminium by the development of economical means of separating the aluminium, which is present in considerable propor- tions in all clays and in many rocks, also in the exploitation and method of utilisation of water-power for this purpose. There lies in this direction a great field for future progress provided that the requisite scientific research and industrial enterprise are applied to it. Mr. C. H. Wordingham indicated many of the fields in which there was scope for electrical en- NO. 2550, VOL. 102] NATURE 2) gineering. A new and extraordinary application is to the propulsion of battleships and cruisers, while a most important field has been opened up in .connec- tion with salvage work in respect of an_ electric motor driving a pump which will work wholly im: mersed in the sea. These and other developments can only take place, however, by a cheap supply of power, and Mr. Wordingham advocated a scheme for the .establishment of large or super-power stations. Among the important industries established in this country which are dependent upon the cheap supply of power, Mr. Wordingham mentioned carbons for searchlights and other arc lamps, magnetos, incan- descent lamps, and insulating materials. One very important class of insulating materials almost wholly imported from abroad is that known under the generic term of composite materials. These materials are usually mouldable, and are used largely for a great variety of apparatus. One particular class of vul- canised material is a vital part of the magneto used in connection with the ignition and internal-combus- tion engines. - A curious fact mentioned by Mr. D. T. Chadwick in a paper on the industrial development of India during the war is that, in spite of a forest area of more than 250,000 square miles, imports of timber into India exceed exports by some 250,000 tons a year. These imports consist largely of teak, hard woods, and pine. In some cases wood is imported from Siam when exactly the same was available locally and at a lower price. The development which has taken place since the war is due to the realisation of the vital necessity of utilising local resources, and by the adoption of scientific methods in this process. Inquiries are being carried out in co-operation with business houses in directions in which forest resources are essential to industries. In regard to sandalwood oil, a trade has been established which was formerly centred in Germany; before the war sandalwood to the value of more than 100,000l. was exported an- nually. The factories established in Mysore since the war are now capable of producing nearly 20,000!. worth of oil per month of the highest quality, well suited to medicinal purposes. The manufacture of the alloys of iron has been commenced, and, in addi- tion, electric furnaces have been erected at Sakchi, primarily for the manufacture of steel for springs, tools, and other purposes, but it is expected that these furnaces will be devoted to the production of ferro- chrome, ferro-tungsten, and other ferro-alloys. The possibility of developing local resources for aluminium, calcium carbide, cyanide, etc., turns on the supply of cheap electric power from the waterfalls of India. Many chemical problems associated with industry in India await solution, and one of the activities of the Munitions Board has been to mobilise the chemists and allocate to them specific problems for solution. Hitherto, except in a few cases, chemists in India have been mostly employed in the educational depart- ments scattered throughout the colleges, and have not been in touch with industrial problems. This know- ledge and talent is now being utilised. A few of the items of research allotted to different chemists may be cited as indicative of the class of worl under- taken; these are colloidal medicinal preparations, the causes which render bleaching powder unstable in hot climates, the proportion of suitable chromate ‘by extraction from chrome-iron ore without the use of caustic soda or sodium carbonate, the refining of waste copper, the refining and preparation of several of the essential oils and varnishes, etc. One of the greatest needs of the immediate future is for more organised practical scientific research into the indus- trial resources of India, alike in forestry, mineralogy, 34 hydro-electricity, and in the industries themselves. This is the factor which is destined to play a decisive part in the establishment of scientific industry in India. What has already been achieved in the manu- facture of optical glass was explained by Sir Herbert Jackson in his lecture at the exhibition, when the chair was appropriately occupied by Sir William McCormick, administrative chairman ‘of the Depart- ment of Scientific and Industrial Research. It is not correct to say that this is a new industry, for during about seventy years the firm of Messrs. Chance Bros. and Co., Ltd., of Birmingham, has been making optical glass of high quality. The progress made during the war has been very great indeed, and there is some sense, perhaps, of humility, along with the feeling of pleasure, that this country has been able to do what it has in the matter of optical glass through the pressure of the war. Apart from optical glass, very great strides have been made in what may be generally described as the scientific glassware industry, and Sir Herbert Jackson predicts that the time is rapidly approaching when we shall meet our entire needs for this type of glassware by home manufac- ture. For this result credit must be given to the close co-ordination between the Ministry of Munitions, manufacturers, and research workers. Indeed, this industry can well serve as an object-lesson fer other industries in respect of the application of scientific research to manufacturing processes. The dependence of the chemical glass industry upon the ready supply of raw materials, which with proper attention can be produced here, is illustrated by the difficulties which have had te be overcome in connection with certain raw materials, notably potash. Investigation has stown that for producing some glasses, and X-ray glass is one of them, there are considerable advantages in the use of potash. When this has not been obtain- able in sufficient quantity, much work has been re- quired to produce types of glasses good enough to carry on with containing little or no potash. The position with regard to potash, however, gives no cause for fear that in the future, wherever it is re- quired in glass, it will be forthcoming. After the war the struggle between the various nations anxious to obtain supplies of essential raw materials will be very keen, and it is necessary, there- fore, that attention should be given to the develop- ment of home resources. Copper is a metal for which the demand will be exceedingly great. At one time Britain occupied an important place in the list of the world’s copper producers. But the British deposits are for the most part small, and many have been exhausted, so that our domestic supplies are almost negligible. On the other hand, as Prof. Henry Louis pointed out in his address, the British Empire con- tains a number of highly important deposits, some of which, lilke those of Rhodesia, have not yet reached their full development. The copper resources of other Colonies, notably Canada and Australasia, are by no means unimportant, so that even if the British Empire cannot cover all its requirements of copper from its own resources, it can go a long way towards so doing. Other minerals which abound in this country are in need for their full exploitation, Prof. Louis remarked, of sound scientific education for all engaged in the mineral industry. Mr. Leon Gaster demonstrated in a lecture that scientific illumination is a necessitv. He claimed that the provision of appliances needed for artificial lighting is essentially a key industry, and he was able to illustrate that in the factory good lighting is essential to rapid and efficient work, the prevention of accidents, and the health of operators. Illumination is a factor in industry which has hitherto not met with that NO. 2550, VOL. 102| NATURE [SEPTEMBER 12, 1918 | appreciation which its importance merits, but the pos- sibility of placing the lighting of factories and work- shops on the same level as heating and ventilation under the Factory Acts will appreciably alter the posi- tion’ of illuminating engineering. Instruments have been developed for the measurement of illumination— a process essential to scientific method in lighting problems—and the worl has already proved of great value in connection with the war. ROTHAMSTED IN WAR TIME. HE report of the Rothamsted Experimental Station for the three years 1915-17 is a striking record of triumph over war-time difficulties and of adaptability to the circumstances and needs of the times. On the outbreak of war the staff of the station was rapidly depleted of two-thirds of its members, whilst the call of various Government Departments for assistance by way of investigation has steadily grown. Largely through the assistance of women the emergency has been successfully met and the more important lines of inquiry have been maintained, although the programme of work is naturally undergoing modifications as new problems arise out of the changing agricultural conditions. At the present time the inquiries fall naturally into four groups: the economical use of manures, the plough- ing up of grassland, the control of soil organisms, and the nutrition of plants. With regard to the first-named group of inquiries, the summary given in the report of progress made with investigations of the economy of the manure-heap indicates that along two indepen- dent lines of inquiry methods have been developed whereby an: actual enrichment of the manure-heap or of straw with nitrogen drawn from the atmosphere may be effected. These methods are at present being tested on the semi-practical scale, and, in view of the very large issues involved, the final report will be awaited with the greatest interest. In connection with the ploughing up of grassland, the problem of coping with wireworm attack is being dealt with, partly by a study of the natural habits of the wireworm in the soil and partly by way of search for some insecticide or method of treatment which will destroy the wireworm and leave the soil suitable for crops. The interesting question of the weed flora of newly broken old grassland is also receiving attention. The study of the organisms of the soil, which has been so prominent a feature of the work at Rotham- sted in recent years, has been steadily maintained, and substantial progress made in the correlation of the protozoan fauna with bacterial activity. In addition to the foregoing, an astonishing variety of problems has been dealt with in the period under review, and the long list of papers published and of inquiries undertaken at Government request reveals an activity which only the most efficient organisation and strenuous effort on the part of the staff could maintain. Not least among the achievements of the war period has been the development of the library from a small collection into an imposing array of some 10,000 volumes dealing with agriculture and the cognate sciences, and including an extremely valuable collec- tion of the earliest works on husbandry. Those who have seen the library in its handsome setting and have had occasion to test the merits of the system of indexing so thoroughly carried out will testify to the debt of gratitude which agricultural research workers owe to Dr. Russell for the great work he has accom- plished in building up this library at a time when the normal work of the station must have made the | heaviest demands upon his energies. ee _~* ~~ SEPTEMBER 12, 1918| BACTERIA OF ICE AND SNOW IN ANTARCTICA. HE researches we were able to prosecute during | Sir Douglas Mawson’s Australasian Antarctic Expedition (1911-14) in the subject of bacterial flora of snow and ice have given rise to certain queries which, if accurately answered and correlated to the wor'x of four previous observers, should go far towards an elucidation of the bacteriology of Antarctica as a | whole. Dr. Ekel6f,’ whose investigations for nearly two vears of the soil of Snow Hill Island, near Graham Land, were rich in results and of great scientific value, made experimental exposures of Petri plates for possible bacteria in the air. He found positive growths on at least half of his culture media, claiming that a Petri plate had to be exposed for two hours for one bacterium to settle on it. His conclusion is, on the evidence of examinations of soil and on account of the unprecedented weather conditions of his Antarctic station, that the organisms he obtained from the air | were impurities carried into it by the wind from the | soil. Dr. Gazert,? when frozen in the pack-ice to the north of Kaiser Wilhelm II. Land, sought for bac- teria in the atmosphere by making cultures of freshly fallen snow. The cultures were found in every instance to be sterile. Dr. Pirie,* during his voyage in the Weddell Sea, exposed plates and tubes in the crew’s-nest (at the top of the mainmast) of the Scotia, at the longest for twenty hours, with negative results. During the winter months at Scotia Bay he was unsuccessful in similar experiments, as also during the summer. He records, too, that plates of agar and media (for de- nitrifying organisms) were exposed on top of the deck- laboratory during the voyage in the Weddell Sea.in 1903. He considered the last-named cultures to be unsatisfactory, owing to the possibility of contamina- tion from the ship and from spray. ‘‘Growths of (apparently) Staphylococcus pyogenes albus and of a vellow coccus, possibly Staphylococcus pyogenes citreus, were obtained, and also denitrifying organisms.” With this evidence before us it learn that Dr. Atkinson, of Capt. Antaretic Expedition (1910-13), apparently made bac- teriological examinations of snow.’ “Atkinson is pretty certain that he has isolated a very motile bacterium in the snow. It is probably air-borne, and, though no bacteria have been found in the air, this may be carried in upper currents and brought down by the snow. If correct, it is an interesting dis- covery." Lastly, so far back as 18093, it is the record of instructive to Scott’s British is NATURE 35 Nansen in ‘‘Farthest North’? that he made frequent Microscopic examinations during the second summer of fresh-water pools on the floe-ice of the North Polar basin. Alga and diatoms were proved to germinate at the bottom of these pools, providing the food material of infusoria and flagellata. Bacteria, he says, were occasionally observed. Again, Nansen noticed that in places the surface of the snow was sprinkled with dust, and he was led, after more extended inquiries, to regard the phenomenon as | universal over the North Polar sea. He attributes | this fact to floating dust being carried by lofty air- | 1 “ Bakteriologische Studien wahrend der Schwedischen Sudpolar-Expe- dition (1901-3). (Stockholm, 1908.) 2 Deutsche Sudpolar-Expedition, roor-2. “Untersuchungen uber Meeresbakterien und ihren Einfluss auf den Sloffwechsel in Meere.” * “Notes on Antarctic Bacteriology.” (Edinburgh, 1912.) 4 Scott's Last Expedition,” vol. i., p. 2t1- (1913.) We have been unable so far to confer with Dr. Atkinson with reference to his actual results and general conclusions. NO. 2550, VOL. 102] | frin ge o | currents from southern lands and then descending to the surface in falling snow. Doubtless, too, one may infer that equatorial air- currents at a high altitude convey myriads of dust- motes towards the South Pole, where they descend, free or clinging to snow-particles, over the great ice- capped continent of Antarctica. And as evidence towards the probable truth of this speculation we have been able to furnish some isolated observations. The locus of the main base of the Australasian Antarctic Expedition in Adelie Land was singularly fitted for research of a general character on ice and snow, since here the great inland plateau undulates downwards in névé-fields, declining gradually for hundreds of miles, to fall abruptly in glacial slopes to the sea. In fact, we were on the verge of the continent, with no naked mountains or outcropping nunataks *® encircling us to the south, so far as we were able to judge from sledging journeys into the interior. That is to say, there were in the hinterland no indigenous bacteria of Antarctic soil liable to con- taminate the ice and snow, and as an additional safe- guard, so to spealx, there was a continuous torrent of air always blowing towards the north. The average hourly velocity of the wind during our two years’ sojourn in Adelie Land was actually almost fifty miles per hour. The main base with its few rocks was at sea-level, and behind it mounted the glacier back to the vast, upland plain which extends southwards, for the most part at a height of 6000 ft., across the crown of the Pole, itself at an altitude of more than 10,000 ft. (The results which were obtained from an examina- tion of frozen algze and frozen seaweed led us to inquire further into the bacterial content of the glacier- ice—apparently as pure as distilled water! And so the organic content of frozen alga males a suit- able point of departure in considerations of a general character, for in these dirty green lumps of ice are represented practically the whole of the low life which exists and actively multiplies in Antarctica: alge, diatoms (unicellular algae), protozoa, rotifera, and bacteria. The algze (including the diatoms) are uni- versally found, according to the scientific reports of other Antarctic expeditions, as marine or fresh-water types in the ice-girt zone surrounding the continent. In Adelie Land one became accustomed to note in the summer-time that certain of the thawed pools among the rocky ridges were filled with a greenish slime— the filamentous, multicellular algz.] On comparing results in Adelie Land and in Aus- tralia, it is evident that at least four species of bacteria exist in the frozen algze :— (1) Gram-positive cocci, with fine, white colonies, liquefying gelatine very slowly, were almost invariably obtained in cultures. (2) A gram-positive, sporing bacillus spreading as an abundant, pale, wrinkled, and adherent growth on all media. (3) Gram-positive, chained, sporing bacilli, occurring as a white, profuse growth on all media. In cover- | slip preparations of the ice chained bacilli were always seen. (4) Short gram-positive bacilli, showing on agar a milky-white growth, which afterwards became yel- lowish in tint. The fact of the mere presence of bacterial life in frozen algae would not seem remarkable along the of the continent, where lichens and mosses thrive during the short periods of warmer weather, and where there is a continuous accession of low life from the sea, the soil, and animals. It is only ° The Western Party, under Mr. F. H. Bickerton, discovered a small piece of rock on the snow at a height of 3000 ft., 17 miles south-west of the Hut in Adelie Land. This was afterwards identified in Melbourne by Prof. Skeats and Mr. Stillwell as a meteorite. re natural to expect them, and to infer, further, that they migrate for a variable distance into the all- enveloping mass of ice and snow, to all intents and purposes free from organic life. Again, in morainie ice—macroscopically pure but for particles of soil and grit in small amount—protozoa- like organisms were present, and in several cultures appeared fine, white colonies of gram-positive, staphylo- cocci, together with the gram-positive, sporing bacilli of the white, wrinkled, adherent growth already described. When our observations had arrived at this juncture there was a clear indication to go further afield in the examination of the ice; at all events, to see the extent of the local bacterial flora. So specimens were procured from various points, free from obvious con- tamination, on the ascending glacier. (1) In a magnetic cave, cut shaft-like through the slope of blue ice, about 1100 yards south of the Hut, at an altitude of 300 ft. above the sea, were found in cultures cocci and diplococci, slender bacilli, and a “veast.”” Protozoan organisms were also seen. (2) In cover-slip preparations 200 to 300 yards, 500 yards, and 1000 yards south of the Hut occurred cocci, motile bacilli, yeast-like bodies, and protozoa. (3) The surface-ice at 1100 yards, altitude 300 ft., yielded in cultures cocci (staphylococci) and_ short, stout bacilli. (4) At one mile, altitude 600 ft. to 700 ft., in surface- ice, appeared in ‘cultures gram-positive staphylococci and slender, gram-negative, chained bacilli. Protozoa and yeast-like bodies were demonstrated in the thawed ice-chips. (5) In the vicinity of Aladdin’s Cave, five miles south of the Hut, and at an altitude of 1500 ft., surface-ice showed the presence of protozoa and yeast-like bodies. Gram-positive cocci grew in cultures on several occa- sions. : Ice at a depth of 4 ft. contained, besides protozoa and yeast-like bodies, gram-positive cocci and gram- negative bacilli, all in sinaller numbers than on the surface. Nothing was obtained in a few cultures. In ice at 7 ft.—from the wall of the cave—cultures were more successful, demonstrating gram-positive cocci and gram-negative bacilli (probably cocco- bacilli). Protozoans and yeast-like bodies were also present. (6) From the Cathedral Grotto—at eleven miles, and at an altitude of 1800 ft. above the sea—specimens of ice gave in cultures growths of a gram-positive and a gram-negative cocco-bacillus. No protozoa or yeast-like bodies were observed in the preparations from thawed ice. coccus (7) In a position fifty miles west of the Hut and twenty-five miles inland, nearly 4ooo ft. high on the plateau, surface névé (a transition between snow and ice) was found to contain coeci and bacilli in their usual numbers, but no protozoa or yeast-like bodies were seen. Many of the bacilli were clumped in zoogloea masses. From four original cultures and several subcultures were isolated gram-positive cocci and gram-negative cocco-bacilli, similar to those grown from other specimens of glacier-ice. Then, too, we should adduce the evidence of the cultures made in Antarctica and carried back to Aus- tralia for examination. It was to Dr. J. B. Cleland, of the Bureau of Microbiology, Sydney, New South Wales, that we were indebted for a consignment of freshly prepared culture-tubes which arrived by the Aurora on her last cruise of relief in the summer of to13-14. All the tubes reached Adelie Land in good condition, and. to prevent any possible contamination by mould, had been sealed with paraffin. NO. 2550, VOL. 102] 36 NATURE [SEPTEMBER 12, 1918 On a rare calm day early in January, 1914, six agar tubes were taken, with a_ spirit-lamp and platinum needle, up the slope of the glacier nearly half a mile towards the south-east, where the glacier could not possibly have been soiled by the many sledging-parties which passed up and down during the summer. There was no opportunity at the time to go further afield. The sun was bright and warm, there was no wind, and the ice was covered with a humid sheen of moisture. The tubes were inoculated from loops of liquid collected with the needle in small cups where thaw-water had accumulated. They were then carried back to the ship and placed in an incubator, which ran at a temperature varying, during blizzards, from about 10° to 15° C.; as a general rule, the tempera- ture was between 18° and 20° C. Dr. Cleland’s report shows that nine cultures of ice were received, that of these, three showed no colonies, and were discarded, and that the remaining six on agar slopes exhibited growth. From _ three tubes *“‘yeasts’’ were isolated, two of them giving a pink growth on agar, the remaining one a creamy- yellow growth. Two cultures showed the presence of a gram-positive coccus, producing a fine growth, which died out in subsequent subcultures. It is a curious fact, and yet a well-known experi- ence, to find that bacteria may live dormant in ice for prolonged periods, and that infection may be carried through ice, but it is not so generally recognised that some bacteria prefer to grow on ice. Micro- organisms, as a rule, are capable of resisting a low temperature when their ordinary activities cease, and they tend, either as single units or in clusters, to throw out a mucilaginous protein substance for their protection. Ravenel, Macfadyen, and Rowland have demonstrated that several bacilli will bear exposure for a few days to the temperature of liquid air (—192° C. to —183° C.). More recently it has been proved that certain bacteria actually survive the tem- perature of liquid hydrogen (—252° C.), applied for so long a period as ten hours. Bearing in mind such experiments conducted in vitro, we could understand that certain organisms carried by dust-motes to the vicinity of the south geographical pole (at an altitude of approximately 10,000 ft.) could retain their vitality in a temperature of —100° C. (—148° F.), if ever the .midwinter temperature descends to such a low limit. Certainly, in the prolonged insolation of the summer- - time, some hardy organisms on the surface could thaw out, become free, and increase in numbers. On the other hand, bacteria and their spores have almost a defined limit of resistance to heat—57° C.. if applied long enough. Some germs are thermophilic, mainly those which live and multiply in warm-blooded animals; while others—in general terms, the bacteria of the sea, the soil, and the air—prefer the mean temperature of their environment. In the Antarctic—and the same holds good of the Arctic regions—there is a definite fauna, comprising in the former case the various species of seals, whales, and birds and their parasites, insect-like mites of the mosses, rotifera, and a fairly prolific marine life. The flora of the south is summed up in the lichens, mosses, and alge, the last-named having a vast distribution amongst the ice encircling and adhering to the con- tinent. Primordial, lowest of all, and standing as an evolutionary basis of the animal and vegetable kingdom are the bacteria, which we may presume to say are universal—clinging to the myriad dust-motes which float from the north; descending in snow on the Antarctic plateau; paralysed for long winter months; active and acclimatised in the liquid thaw of summer; segmenting or sporing in their multiplication; dor- NATURE 3A SEPTEMBER 12, 1918| mant again in the inter-crystalline canaliculi of the névé and ice, and free once more to live and increase in the viable reticulum of the glacier. Such a specula- tive theory may be the key to their cycle of life in Antarctica. Liquid containing salts in solution does not com- pletely freeze at a temperature of 0° C. (32° F.), and this factor is very important in the maintenance of low and higher forms of Antarctic life. The late Mr. James Murray,® of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s British Antarctic Expedition (1907-9), has contributed some unique evidence of the habits and powers of resist- ance to cold exhibited by the rotifers and water-bears. “To test the degree of cold which they could stand, blocks of ice were cut from the lakes (saline) and exposed to the air in the coldest weather of the whole winter. By boring into the centre of the blocks we found that they were as cold as the air. A tempera- ture of —4o0° F. did not kill the animals. “Then they were alternately frozen and thawed weekly for a long period and took no harm. They were dried and frozen, and thawed and moistened, and still they lived. At last they were dried, and the bottie containing them was immersed in boiling water, which was allowed to cool gradually, and still a great number survived. . . . “Such is the vitality of these little animals that they can endure being taken from ice at a minus tem- perature, thawed. dried, and subjected to a tempera- ture not very far short of boiling-point, all within a few, hours (a range of more than 200° F.). . . .” It would seem that bacteria were the ideal .denizens of an environment where, for the greater part of the year, all visible life is banished, and where their minute size, protective changes of form, and versatile reaction to moisture, low temperature, and concentra- tion of salts would be most advantageous for existence. The bacteria caught up in the frozen sea within the liquid sludge of ervohydrates, which circulates between the crvstals of fresh-water ice, learn to live, and probably multiply, in a medium of much higher con- centration than the ocean to which they are accus- tomed. The question now seems naturally to arise: How are we to explain the existence and multiplication of bacteria in ice? And to satisfy such a query we should endeavour to discover what is the ultimate composition of ice, how the crystals of ice are inter- related. and what are the intimate changes which occur in a descending or rising temperature. We refer to Mr. J. Y. Buchanan,’ formerly of the Challenger Expedition (1874), for the most modern views of ice-formation. As a result of many exhaustive experiments on the changes which occur in freezing non-saturated saline solutions, he finds that the crystals formed by freezing a saline solution are in their ultimate constitution free from salt. That is to say that “the crystals formed in freezing a non-saturated saline solution are pure ice, and that the salt from which they cannot he freed does belong to the adhering brine.”’ There- fore, we may imagine that when sea-water freezes the primary solidification which takes place is of the fresh-water content, the salts in solution being re- jected into the channels which now exist between the pure crystals. As the temperature is still further reduced, accretions of pure ice go to the crystals, and the brine. still further concentrated, remains in the channelled meshwork. Buchanan makes the whole matter perfectly clear in the following passage, extending his principle to purer forms of ice, such as glacier-ice :— 6 “The Heart of the Antarctic.” By Sir E. H. Shackleton, C.V.O. Vol. ii., p. 228. (London, 1009.) 7 “Ice and its Natural Historw.” NO. 2550, VOL. 102 | “All natural waters, including rain-water, contain some foreign, and usually saline, ingredients. Jf we take chloride of sodium as the type of such ingredients, and suppose a water to contain a quantity of this salt equivalent to one part by weight of chlorine in a million parts of water, then we shall have a solution containing o-ooor per cent. of chlorine, and it would | begin to freeze and to deposit pure ice at a tempera- ture of +o-o001° C.; and it would continue to do so until, say, 999,000 parts of water had been deposited as ice. There would then remain iooo parts of residual water, which would retain the salt, and would contain, therefore, o-1 per cent. of chlorine, and would not freeze until the temperature had fallen to —o-1°C. This water would then deposit ice at temperatures becoming progressively lower, until when 900 more parts of ice had been deposited we should have 100 parts residual water, or brine, as it may now be called, containing 1 per cent. of chlorine and remain- ing liquid at temperatures above —1-0° C. When 90 more parts of ice had beer. deposited we should have 10 parts of concentrated brine containing 10 per cent. of chlorine, and remaining liquid as low as —13° C. In the case imagined we assume the saline contents to consist of NaCl only, and with further concentration the cryohydrate would no doubt separate out and the mass become really solid. ai In the case of the glacier-ice of Adelie Land, which we wish particularly to consider, one would expect the ice to be very pure; in fact, the superimposed layers formed from the snow which has fallen should be, presumably, as fresh as distilled water. But assum- ing, as we do, that a large amount of aerial dust is distributed over the South Polar plateau, and that atmospheric gases are combined with the snow, the ice contains mineral constituents, without doubt, in much more dilute solution than is present in the rain- water of a more temperate climate. And, considering that this contamination by dust-motes has gone on for countless aeons, the whole thickness of the polar ice-cap is impregnated with minute foreign bodies. On dissecting a piece of the glacier we find that a disintegration of the interlocking grains, similar to that which occurs in upturn@d slabs of sea-ice, takes place on its exposure to the warmth of the sun or to a temperature just below the freezing-point of fresh water. As Buchanan savs: ‘Under the influence of the sun’s rays the binding material melts first. the continuity of the block is destroyed, the individual grains become loose and rattle if the block be shaken, and finally they fall into a heap. A block of glacier- ice is a geometrical curiosity. It consists of a number of solid bodies of different sizes and of quite irregular shapes, yet they fit into cach other as exactly and fill space as completely as could the cubes. referred to above.” Buchanan made his studies of ice on the Alpine slaciers, which, in comparison with the ice-sheet of Antarctica, move rapidly, and, of course. are grossly contaminated by soil, rock, and dust. Still, one of the first phenomena we remarked when stepping on to the ice-foot at Cape Denison. Adelie Land, was the large amount of granular rubble which formed the surface of the glacier. In other words, the summer sun had thawed out all the cementing channels, and the crystals lay melting in a clear slush of liquid. To a living organism a few micro-millimetres in length a block of glacier-ice not completely solidified would be a veritable labyrinth of minute tunnels filled with liquid containing salts in solution. In every direction the tunnels would be viable, so that a single bacterium might easily pass from top to bottom of the block. The same Jump, as an integral part of the slacier, would still be perforated with devious and 38 NATURE circuitous passages, inosculating with others in the surrounding ice, but the watery contents of these pas- . sages would follow laws of movement dependent upon gravity, the slope and movement of the glacier, the presence of small seams and cracks in the ice, and the gradient of temperature from above downwards. Sufficient has been said to indicate that if in the section of ice we are considering the temperature ap- proaches close to freezing-point, the channels of adhering fluid which encircle the crystals would per- meate the glacier down to a definite point where, if the ‘mean annual temperature were low enough, the ice would be solid and impervious. We are led to suppose from Buchanan’s observations that the critical temperature of solidification may be as low as —13°C., though in Antarctica, where the ice is purer, it should be 4° or 5° higher. Granting that such a temperature may be several degrees from the actual truth, we may at least be sure that for 5° below the freezing- point of fresh water the glacier-ice of Antarctica is pervious to bacteria, and contains a medium suitable for their reproduction. In Adelie Land the mean annual temperature at sea-level lies between —15° and —20° C., but on mounting the plateau. which falls steeply to the coast, the temperature descends at the rate of almost 4° for every 1000 ft. In the summer-time the shade tem- perature registered on several occasions 5-5° C. (40° F.), and for three months at least the temperature, except for unusual fluctuations due to blizzards, never fell much below .-10° C., and was very often close to o° C. Considering, too, that there is a very appre- ciable amount of sunshine between the equinoxes, the period during which bacterial life and growth would be possible might be extended, during a favourable summer, up to four months. The action of sunlight is of paramount importance in promoting a thaw throughout the ice canaliculi, especially when we remember that the shade temperature may register 0° C. at the same time as the thermometer in the sun rises to 16°.C. The important point at issue is that the northern slopes of the glacier fall towards the sea at such an angle that the rays ofm the sun for some months during the summer are normal to the surface, thereby increasing the intra-glacial thaw, and for short periods causing the temperature of the whole mass in the lower latitudes to rise within a few degrees of freezing-point. the optimum temperature of the micro- orsanisms of ice and snow. At the south geographical pole, elevated to 10.000 ft., the oblicuity of the sun’s rays and the low temperature would not encourage bacterial life except in the surface lavers of snow, and that only for a few weeks at the summer solstice. Assuming that the greater part of the continent is at a more or less uniform height of 6000 ft., we should conclude that the organisms which descend from the air are, when buried to a certain depth. wholly deprived of a free-swimmins existence. until in the nlenitude of they arrive at that northern boundarv where the summer thaw begins. It will be apposite now to review the few observa- tions which were made on snow before passing to a few remarks on the meteorology of the southern ages hemisphere :— (1) Gram-positive cocci and gram-negative, sporing bacilli grew in culture from snow of a sastruga or snow-wave one-third of a mile south-east of the Hut. (2) On three occasions when falling snow was sathered in a_ sterile basin, elaborate precautions having been taken to prevent contamination, the thawed-out samples showed under a cover-slip cocci, motile bacilli. and, invariably, zooslaea masses of bac- teria in moderate numbers. Diplococci, and .occa- NO. 2550, VOL. 102] [SEPTEMBER 12, 1918 sionally cocci, were observed to be invested by a pale capsule. In one case doubtful organic matter in the form of vegetable cells was noted. (3) A glucose agar slope culture of falling snow showed a few small greyish colonies, which were not examined. Slender as these results are, they become of more importance when correlated with the many positive findings made in glacier-ice—the vast repository of the falling snow. They are meaningless, too, unless we consider the probable origin of the bacteria which cling to the crystals of snow. Regarded simply, the circulation of air in the” southern hemisphere has certain main characteristics— a widespread uprush from equatorial, tropic, and sub- tropic zones; a continuous flow at a high level towards the southern continent; a subsidence of successive layers of cool air, increasing in density and coincident with a rising barometric pressure; a concentration of air at high barometric pressure over the vast crown of lofty Antarctica; a relief of pressure in the tor- rential bursts of blizzards through to the low-pressure belt of the Southern Ocean, and, in wide terms, the genesis of a low equatorial return current modified and deviated by such factors as earth-movement, lati- tude, disposition of island, sea, and continent, and configuration of the land. Bacteria or their spores may be found in the atmo- sphere free, incorporated with minute particles of aqueous vapour, or clinging to small foreign bodies. With these foreign bodies or dust-motes we know that they ascend under the impetus of rising equatorial air into the atmosphere to a considerable height, until at length they come under the influence of the great poleward-flowing current. The bacteria meanwhile have cooled, become paralysed, and, either singly or in segregated masses, thrown out their protective capsule of protein material. They travel to the Pole, and here are frozen to spicules of ice or with the dust which has conveyed them are attached to crystalline snow-flakes, sinking lower with the descending strata of air, and alighting at last on the surface of the plateau. f And now, sparse or in numbers, the frozen organisms, extruded with the dust-mote they accom- panied to the periphery of the nuclear snow-crystal, commence a new life-history. When the snow-flakes—on the plateau of Antarctica snow is mostly in th2 form of sago-like granules—have recently fallen, they lie together in soft, downy, flocculent heaps enclosing, in proportion to the space they occupy, a large volume of air. Under the in- fluence of gravity and the pressure of the wind, and in dependence, too, on the temperature and humidity of the air, ihe snow hecomes denser and more com- pact, the enclosed air is expelled, and the snow- crystals increase in size. Thus we may conceive that the bacteria tend to be expelled into the interstices between separate crystals. where they await the time when the temperature will rise sufficiently to provide a liquid medium in which their life and species may be renewed. If the temperature still remains too low for liquefaction of the comparatively impure snow adher- ing around the primary pure crystal, the slow meta- morphosis of the snow into névé goes on under more or less dry conditions. In conclusion, if we trace out briefly the subsequent history of these hacteria of ice and snow, we see them in the slow northward surge of the glacier set floating in ice-tonsues and bergs of the Antarctic Ocean, where they gradually thaw out and probably become accus- tomed to the salinity of the sea. They circulate throughout the immense volume of water, clingins to the plankton of the surface, travelling to various SEPTEMBER. 12, 1918] depths, reaching, maybe, the ooze in company with sinking foreign bodies. They migrate in the vast, moving ocean currents towards northern lands, where some remain ‘as marine bacteria; others enter the mouths of rivers and become adapted.to life in the fresh-water medium they knew in Antarctica, while still others are stranded on the littoral, whence, in a dry condition, they may be transported by wind to a new soil, assuming, perhaps, the characters of anaerobic bacteria. The cycle—centuries or geological periods in duration—begins once more when, In a tem- perate zone, the descendants, by an endless gamut of fusion or sporulation of the original organisms, rise on dust-motes and rejoin again the bacteria of the upper air, once more liable to enter the current flow- ing continuously towards the southern pole of the earth. A. L. McLran. UNIVERSITY AND EDUCATIONAL INTELLIGENCE. THE sum of 500,000l. has been given to the Univer- sity of Chicago by Mr. La Verne Noyes for the pur- pose of the education of soldiers and sailors and their descendants after the war, and for instruction in American history and the public duties of citizenship. Major E. W. CaLpwett, who died from burns re- sulting from experiments with X-rays, has left from two trust funds upon the death of life tenants provi- sion for a foundation in general educational work in Columbia University. His estate is valued at more than 30,0001. Dr. E. H. Braprorp has just retired from the posi- tion of dean of the Harvard Medical School. He has been associated with the faculty of the school for thirty-eight years, and an Edward Hickling Bradford fellowship in his honour was recently founded by an anonymous donor of 5000l. ANNOUNCEMENT is made by the South-Western Poly- technic Institute, Chelsea, of courses in science and engineering, analytical and manufacturing chemistry, pharmacy, dispensing, food and drugs, metallurgy, assaying and foundry work, botany, geology, and zoology. For further particulars application should be made to the secretary of the institute. Dr. C. STEPHENSON, of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, has bequeathed the sum of 5oool. to the Royal Veterinary College, London, for the foundation of a Clement Stephenson scholarship; 50o0ol. to Armstrong College, Newcastle-upon-Tyne; and s5oool. to the Victoria Benevolent Institution, London, to provide assistance for deserving widows and families of veterinary surgeons. AccorDinG to Paris Médical, the French universi- ties have recently acquired for the first time the power of conferring honorary degrees. The recipients are to be foreigners who have done signal service to learn- ing, to France, or to the university. In the case of ‘services relating to any particular faculty, an absolute majority of the faculty and a two-thirds majority of the Senate will be required; in other cases the Senate will have to give its approval at two separate meet- ings. In all cases Ministerial approval will be required. In connection with the department of technical optics of the Imperial College of Science and Technology, South Kensington, lecture courses have been arranged as follows :—“General_ Optics," by Prof. F. J. Cheshire; ‘‘Optical Designing and _ Computing,” “Practical Optical Computing,’’ ‘‘ Workshop and NATURE Testing-room Methods,” and ‘‘ Microscopes and Micro- | NO. 2550, VOL. 102] 39 scopic Vision,” each by Prof. A. E. Conrady; and “The Construction, Theory, and Use of Optical Measuring Instruments,” by Mr. L. C. Martin. Inquiries respecting the courses should be addressed to | the registrar of the college. Two years ago a department of coal-tar colour chemistry was instituted at the Huddersfield Technical College to provide specialised chemical teaching with research facilities for the sudden influx of chemists consequent on the enormous development of the colour industry in Huddersfield. The demand for fully trained chemists is now more insistent than ever, and the recent appointment of Dr. H. H. Hodgson to the headship of the above department is a matter of note- worthy interest. Dr. Hodgson enters his new sphere of activities after nearly three years’ successful work as chief chemist for one of the largest firms of chemical manufacturers in the country. Prior to his industrial engagement he was head of the chemical department at the Northern Polytechnic Institute in London. He is the author of numerous original con- tributions to chemical literature, as well as the trans- lator of five important technological books. In the recently published ‘Handbook of Classes and Lectures for Teachers” full particulars are given of some sixty-two courses of lectures arranged by the London County Council to be given during the school- year 1918-19, primarily for teachers employed in teaching within the administrative County of London. Teachers employed elsewhere will be admitted where accommodation permits, but they will be expected to pay an inclusive fee of 7s. in respect of each course instead of merely a registration fee of 1s. demanded from London teachers. Among the courses arranged may be mentioned that by distinguished authorities on different branches of science dealing with the application of their science to problems of national life and industry. On October 12 Prof.-W. J. Pope will lecture on the national aspects of chemistry; on November 2 Prof. W. W. Watts on geology, with special relation to national life; on November 16 Sir A. ID. Hall, K.C.B., on the relation of agriculture to the urban population; on December 7 Dr. HH: Eltringham on insect-carriers of disease; on January 25, 1919, Prof. W. E. Dalby on engineering with special reference to its relations with our national life; on February 15 Dr. A. Schuster on pure science in relation to the national life; and on March § Prof. J. B. Farmer on some aspects of the rubber- growing industry. The lectures will be given in every case at 11 a.m. at the Regent Street Poly- technic, except Prof. Dalby’s, which will be at the City and Guilds Engineering College of the Imperial College of Science and Technology, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, S.W.7. Other courses in science include five lectures in the spring term by Sir Rickman J. Godlee, Bart., K.C.V.O., on surgery past and present; eight lectures, commencing on Tanuarv 21, Iora, at 5.30 p-m., at King’s College, by Prof. W. D. Halliburton, on the princioles of dieting, with special reference to reduction of food in war- time: and ten lectures on warfare among the lower animals, by Prof. A.) Dendy, commencing on October 4, at 5.30 p-m., at King’s College. Tur issues of the British Medical Journal and the Lancet for August 31 were concerned almost wholly with descriptions of the facilities available in the British Isles for medical education in its different branches. Students are provided in both cases with detailed and clearly stated particulars of how to proceed to gradua- tion in medicine and sursery at the various British universities, as well as how to secure professional 40 The British Medical Journal points out that between the years 1910 and 2t914 the annual entry of first-year medical students averaged roughly 1440. Since the war the number of these entries has increased by five or six hundred a year. Thus the whole number of students actually pursuing medical studies in the medical schools of the United Kingdom has shown a steady upward movement. In May, 1916, the total was 6103; in January, 1917, it was 6682; in October, 1917, it was 7048; while the latest figure, for May, 1918, was 7630. But for some time the large with- drawals of male students from the medical schools for combatant service, or for service as surgeon pro- bationers in the Navy, more than nullified the in- creased entries, and bade fair to produce a serious deficiency of new practitioners in the years 1918 and 1919. Urgent representations upon this matter were made to the Government. As a result, something has been done to make good the threatened shortage by the return of third-year students from active service to complete their studies, by the retention in the medical schools of students on their way towards qualification who are liable to be called to the colours, and by limiting the period of service of surgeon pro- bationers: The Minister of National Service has further undertaken to provide that, if possible, the supply of students in training shall be kept at a level sufficient to give an annual yield of at least 1000 new practitioners. Another feature of the last four years has been the great increase in the number of women students of medicine. In May last there were $250 women medical students in the United Kingdom—a figure 23 per cent. greater than the total for January, 1917, and several times larger than in 1914. For this remarkable -growth the war must be held mainly responsible. SOCIETIES AND ACADEMIES. Paris. Academy of Sciences, August 19.—M. Ed. Perrier in the chair.—J. Boussinesq : Rational solution of the two problems of the punching out and flow of plastic blocks, furnished with a rigid, polished ring.—R. de Montessus de Ballore: Plane algebraic curves having common multiple points.—P. Weiss: The characteristic equation of fluids. The isochores of hydrogen, accord- ing to the measurements of Kamerlingh Onnes and Braak, are rectilinear, and give for the law of expan- sion v=6+R ass where R is the gas constant and IL pri : the internal pressure. For the ‘families of recti- linear isochores studied by the author the relation given by the above equation holds to a degree of pre- cision of the experiments, but R has *to be multiplied by a factor greater than 1. Thus it is 1-30 for carbon dioxide. With argon and isopentane the isochores are formed of two straight lines making an angle with each other—that is, the above factor changes abruptly in the case of argon from 1 to 1-39,— C. Benedicks: An electro-thermal effect, of which the Thomson effect is a special case.—L. Gentil: The neogene deposits of southern Spain.—A. Sartory : Sporulation by symbiosis in the lower fungi. Without bacteria being present the perithecium of Aspergillus is not formed. It would appear that under the action of bacteria the medium undergoes a transformation which renders it capable of provoking the production f the perithecium.—H. Vincent and G. Stodel: The results of antigangrene serotherapy. Details of five ases cured by the use of the serum described’ in an rlier communieaticn. NO. 255Gh GL 102 | qualifications through one of the medical corporations. | NATURE [SEPTEMBER 12, 1918 BOOKS RECEIVED, A Calendar of Leading Experiments. By W. S. Franklin and B. Maenutt. Pp. viiit210. (South Bethlehem, Pa.: Franklin, Macnutt, and Charles.) 2.50 dollars. The Destinies of the Stars. By Dr. S. Arrhenius. Translated by J. E. Fries. Pp. xvii+256. (New York and London; G. P. Putham’s Sons.) 7s. 6d. net. Matrices and Determinoids. By Prof. C. E. Cullis. Vol. ii. Pp. xxiv+555. (Cambridge: At the Uni- versity Press.) 42s. net, Applied. Anatomy. By Prof. G. G. Davis. Fifth edition. Pp. x+630. (Philadelphia and London: J. B. Lippincott Co.) ¢ Homeland: A Year of Country Days. Izzard. Pp. 383. (London: John 7s. 6d. net. The Chemistry of Synthetic Drugs. Second edition. Pp. xii+250. and Co.) tos. 6d..net. Dr. John Radcliffe. By Dr. J. B. Nias. (Oxford: At the Clarendon Press.) By FW. D. Richmond.) By Dr. P. May. (London: Longmans s. Pp. 14% 12s. 6d. net. Magnetism and Electricity for Home Study. By -H. E. Penrose. Pp. xxiii+515. (London: The Wireless Press, Ltd.) 5s. net. CONTENTS. PAGE Industrial'Chemistry. I. By Dr. E. F. Armstrong. 21 The ‘‘ Kew Bulletin ” fy 50 Siero, 24 ceo ore The Map as a New Educational Instrument. By EJ Orford.) +2 Rie 920 2a ai icy eee eee Our Bookshelf 23 Letters to the Editor:— Auroral Observations in the Antarctic. (Illustrated.) —Dr. G. C, Simpson, F.R.S.; Dr. C. Chree, F.R.S.. COANE MCR ay eden ey Skis 24 Hybrid Sunflowers.—Prof. T. D. A. Cockerell . 25 The Nitrogen Problem in Relation to the War . 26 Indigo in Bibar 27 Notes . A 6. Pa ott ctiOerin ot) Our Astronomical Column :— The Harvest Moon . 32 The New Star in Aquila Signe tee hers 32 Wolf’s:Comet'::) Seeirmee) (ssl Rteienred tonne iety 3 32 New Scientific Factors in Industry . oot ee: Rothamsted in War Time cyt. Se Bacteria of Ice and Snow in Antarctica. By Capt. AS I. McLean’. | -oeereenciee ane) ee) <>. University and Educational Intelligence 39 Societies and Academies 40 Books Received . 40 Editorial and Publishing Offices: MACMILLAN AND. CO., Ltp., ST. MARTIN’S STREET, LONDON; W.GC.2. Advertisements and business letters to be addressed to the Publishers. Editorial Communications to the Editor. Telegraphic Address: Puusts, LONDON. ~- Telephone Number: GERRARD 8830. A WEEKLY- ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF SCIENCE. “To the solid ground Of Nature trusts the mind which builds for aye.-—WorDSWoRTH. No: 2551, VOL 102] THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19. 1918 [PRICE SIXPENCE. _ Registered as a Ne wspaper é _at the Genera al Post Office. Z x: i _fAl Rights _ Reserved. REYNOLDS & BRANSON, Ltd., Chemical and Scientific Instrument Makers to His Majesty's Government (Home and Overseas Dominions). LABORATORY FURNISHERS and MANUFACTURING CHEMISTS. WORKS AND OTHER LABORATORIES equipped with Benches, Fume Chambers, Apparatus and Chemicals. Designs and quotations submitted on application BRITISH-MADE _ Glass, Porcelain, Nickel Ware, and Filter Papers. 4 Apparatus in Glass, Metal, or Wood made BUY DIRECT FROM to customers’ own Designs. \ F E. BECKER &CO0., HATTON WALL CATALOGUES POST FREE. 6 (W. 80. GEORGE. LTD, succ4?) * LONDON 4 he C. Enquiries for Technical Chemicals in quantity solicited. 14 COMMERCIAL STREET, LEEDS. ANEMOMETRY. The Combined Anemo-Biagraph and Wind-Direction Recorder. Graphite-Selenium Cells FOURNIER D'ALBE’S PATTERN. Great Stability and High Efficiency. " With a sensitive Se surface of 5 sq. cm. and a voltage 20 the additional current obtainable at various. illuminations (in metre-candles) is :— At 1 m.c. ... } milliamp. J Aa) A ei ei S| = RU BOO) Seria: Seay os For particulars and prices apply to the SOLE AGENTs : John J. Griffin & Sons, Makers of Physical and Electrical Apparatus, NEGRETTI & ZAME R A, Kemble Street, KINGSWAY, 38 HOLBORN VIADUCT, E.C.1 LONDON, W.C. 2 45 cORNEaS LONDON. 122 REGENE ST. NATIONAL UNION OF SCIENTIFIC WORKERS The first General Meeting of the Union, which will determine its constitution and place it on a permanent basis, will be held in London in the last week of October. Any persons who desire to be represented at the meeting, and have not yet joined branches of the Union, should Secretary, NORMAN CAMPBELL, North Lodge, communicate at once with the Queen’s Road, Teddington. LONDON COUNTY COUNCIL. EVENING CLASSES in SCIENCE and MATHE- MATICS are held at the undermentioned Institutions main- tained by the London County Council :— 2a ih INSTITUTE, Princes Road, Vauxhall S.E.11. (MATHEMATICS and ELEMENTARY SCIENCE.) HACKNEY INSTITUTE, Dalston Lane, E. 8. (MATHEMATICS, CHEMISTRY, PHYSICS.) NORWOOD TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, Knight’s Hill, West Norwood, S.E. 27. (MATHEMATICS, CHEMISTRY, PHYSICS, BOTANY.) PADDINGTON TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, Saltram Crescent, W. 9. (MATHEMATICS, PHYSICS, CHEMISTRY, BOTANY.) Street, Full prospectuses may be obtained on application to the Secretaries of the respective Institutions. JAMES BIRD, Clerk of the London County Council. EDINBURGH & EAST OF SCOTLAND COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE. SESSION 1918-19. The WINTER SESSION BEGINS on TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8. The Courses of Instruction qualify for the Degrees of B.Sc. in Agriculture and in Forestry of the University of Edinburgh, and for the Diploma in Agriculture granted by the College ; A Two Years’ Course for the College Certificate ih Horticulture, and a similar course for students taking up Dairying, are also available. Bursaries given by Secondary. Kducation Committees are tenable at the College. N.B.—All Courses and Classes are open to Women Full particulars are given in the Calendar, copies of which may be obtained ) application. ALEXANDER M‘CALLUM Director and Se : : M.A., LL.B., George Square, retary jinburgh. ° NATURE [SEPTEMBER 19, 1918 New Session opens on Monday, September 30. BIRKBECK COLLEGE, BREAMS BUILDINGS, CHANCERY LANE, E.C. 4 COURSES OF STUDY (Day and Evening) for Degrees of the UNIVERSITY OF LONDON in the FACULTIES OF SCIENCE & ARTS (PASS AND HONOURS) Under RECOGNISED TEACHERS of the University. SCIENCE.—Chemistry, Physies, Mathematies (Pure and Applied), Botany, Zoology, Geology. ARTS.—Latin, Greek, English, Freneh, German, Italian, History, Geography, Logie, Economies, Mathematies (Pure and Applied). Geography Diploma and Matriculation. POST-GRADUATE AND RESEARCH WORK, = - Day: Science, £17 10s.; Arts, £10 10s. SESSIONAL FEES {77 ie Science, Arts, or Economics, £5 5s. Prospectus post free, Calendar 6¢. (by post 8d.), from the Secretary. SOUTH-WESTERN POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, CHELSEA, S.W. 3. SESSION COMMENCES SEPTEMBER: 23, 1918. Day and Evening Courses in Science and Engineering. Technical Courses in Analytical and Manufacturing Chemistry. Pharmacy, Dispensing, and Food and Drug Courses. Metallurgy, Assaying, and Foundry work. Botany, Geology, and Zoology Courses. Three years’ college course in Physical Education. SIDNEY SKINNER, M.A., Principal. Telephone: Western 899. BOROUGH POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, BOROUGH ROAD, S.E.1. CHEMISTRY DEPARTMENT. Under the direction of C. Dorrr, M.A., D.Sc. The Classes in Elementary and Advanced Inorganic and Organic Chemistry commence September 30, 1918. The following Special Evening Courses in Applied Chemistry will be arranged :— THE CHEMISTRY AND TECHNOLOGY OF THE ESSENTIAL OILS. THE ANALYSIS OF LAUNDRY TRADE MATERIALS. Attention is also directed to the facilities available for special work in Electrochemistry, Foodstuffs—Chemistry and Manufacture—and the Chemical Technology of Cellulose. For further particulars apply C. T. MILLIS, Principal. ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL OPTICS. NORTHAMPTON POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, ST. JOHN STREET, LONDON, E.C.1. ENGINEERING DAY COLLEGE. Full Day Courses in the Theory and Practice of Civil, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering will commence on Monday, September 30, 1918. The Courses in Civil and Mechanical Engineering include specialisation in Automobile and Aeronautical Engineering, and those in Electrical Engineering include specialisation in Radio-Telegraphy. Entrance Examination on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 24 and 25, 1918, These courses include periods spent in commercial workshops, and extend over four years. They also prepare for the Degree of B.Sc. in Engineering at the University of London. Fees £15 or £11 per annum. Three Entrance Scholarships of the value of £52 each will be offered for competition at the Entrance Examination in September, 1918. TECHNICAL OPTICS. Full and Part Time Courses in this important department of Applied Science will be given in specially equipped Jaboratories and lecture rooms. An Aitchison Scholarship (value 5) will be offered in this department at the Entrance Examination. Full particulars as to fees, dates, &c., and all information respecting the work of the Institute, can be obtained at the Institute or on application to R. MULLINEUX WALMSLEY, D.Sc., Principal. EEE For other Official Advertisements see page xix and page ii of Supplement. THURSDAY INDUSTRIAL Il. (4) Organic Compounds of Arsenic and Antimony. By Prof. G. T. Morgan. Pp. xx-+376. (‘‘Monographs on Industrial Chemistry.’’) (London: Longmans, Green, and Co., 1918.) Price 16s. net. (5) Plant Products and Chemical Fertilisers. By S. Hoare Collins. Pp. xvi+236. (‘‘ Industrial Chemistry.’’) (London: Bailli¢re, Tindall, and Cox, 1918.) Price 7s. 6d. net. (6) A Text-book of Inorganic Chemistry. Edited by Dr. J. N. Friend. Vol. v. Carbon and its Allies. By Dr. R. M. Caven. Pp. xxi+ 468. (London: C. Griffin and Co., Ltd., 1917.) Price 15s. net. . HE breadth of chemical industry is well ex- emplified in the works under notice. The three mentioned in the first review (NATURE, September 12, 1918, p. 21) cover the heavy chemical, the dye, and the edible oil industries, all requiring many millions of capital, employing thousands of workpeople, and affording problems enough for the most exacting critic. (4) The three volumes now dealt with show equal diversity, and although Prof. Morgan’s monograph deals with a much smaller and more highly specialised section of the chemical industry, it is none “the less of conside-able importance to establish it in this country. The synthetic organic arsenical compounds were found to be of great physiological potency at quite an early date, though real progress dates only from the be- ginning of the present century; this fact has very much stimulated later research in the field. The first discovery of an aromatic arsenical drug was made by Béchamp during the years 1860-63. His compound began to be tried in therapeutics about the year 1902. It was termed “‘atoxyl’’ on account of its comparatively non- toxic nature, and employed in the treatment of sleeping sickness. The success attending these pioneering efforts caused Ehrlich in Frankfort and his many student collaborators systematically to investigate the subject, and Ehrlich and Bertheim showed in 1907 that atoxyl is the sodium salt of p-arsanilic acid. Ehrlich carried out researches in a laboratory and private hospital endowed for him by George Speyer, the Frankfort banker, and in collabora- tion, on the industrial side, with the well-known Hochst colour works. The Béchamp reaction was extended from aniline to other bases, and every possible arsenical derivative was tested physio- logically; proof of Ehrlich’s zeal is afforded ‘by the story that salvarsan, first obtained in 1909, was the 606th compound to be examined by him. Atoxyl and its homologues are derived from quin- quevalent arsenic, but Ehrlich noticed that aro- matic compounds of tervalent arsenic were much NO. 2551, VOL. 102] CHEMISTRY. 8 )} NATURE more effective against diseases of protozoic origin. Salvarsan and its sodium methylene sulphinate, known as neosalvarsan, are the substances chiefly used to-day in the arsenical treatment of syphilis, and it is satisfactory that we are no longer de- pendent upon Germany for these drugs, which are manufactured here by Messrs. Burroughs Well- come and Co. and by Messrs. May and Baker, and in France by Poulenc Fréres, and possibly by others. A further discovery made by Ehrlich is the property of arsenobenzene to couple with salts of copper, silver, gold, and platinum in such a way that compounds are formed which can be ad- ministered intravenously, when the heavy metal exerts a germicidal action, supplementing that of the aromatic arsenical, whilst at the same time the compound is less toxic to the patient than salvarsan. Such a compound is luargol, prepared by Danysz, and used with considerable success in the French Army. Other valuable organic arsenicals are the primary aromatic arsines dis- covered by two American chemists, Palmer and Dehn. The foregoing is only the briefest outline of Prof. Morgan’s very fascinating introductory chapter; he rightly points the moral of the need for co-ordinated effort in scientific research which is to have a practical bearing. For the pure chemist organic arsenic compounds have even greater sentimental interest on account of the part they have played in the early develop- ment of the theory of radicles. Bunsen’s discovery of cacodyl, as Berzelius named it, and Frank- land’s explanation of its constitution, were im- portant stages in establishing the constitution of carbon compounds generally. Prof. Morgan has aimed at giving a complete account of the chemistry of these compounds, deal- ing with the literature up to the end of 1917, and the value of the text is enhanced, as is nowadays the custom, by a comprehensive bibliography. Successive chapters deal with cacodyl, the ali- phatic arsenicals, the aromatic arsenicals, atoxyl, salvarsan, neosalvarsan, the primary arsines, luargol, and the aromatic antimonials, with finally a chapter on miscellaneous derivatives. Lithium antimonyl tartrate has been used extensively by | Plimmer and others in the treatment of sleeping sickness, but so far the true organo-antimonials have not been found to equal the arsenical drugs of the salvarsan type. (5) Agriculture can scarcely be termed a chemical industry, but that side of it which deals with fertilisers is essentially applied chemistry, and justifies its inclusion in this series. \Ir. Collins starts from the point of view that the raw materials of agriculture are often the waste pro- ducts of the other industries, whilst the produce of agriculture again forms the raw material for other industries. His volume covers the eycle from factory to fertiliser, from fertiliser to field, and from field to factory again; it is another of Dr. Rideal’s monographs on industrial chemistry. D 42 NATISRE [SEPTEMBER 19, 1918 The opening sections deal briefly with the nature, use, and advantages of the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash groups of fertilisers. Under the head- ing of ‘‘ Mixed Fertilisers ’’ the many questions arising out of farmyard manure and its storage are discussed—the manure heap is still the most unscientific part of the farm—also the vexed subject of the utilisation of sewage. Part ii. deals with soils and their properties, and the author is able in relatively few words to give a comprehensive account of this vast subject, in which the application of science has made such strides, though it remains more than ever true that the cultivator of the soil himself must deter- mine in every case the dividing line between what is practicable and what is not. The sections on special soil improvers and soil reclamation are most suggestive. Under the heading ‘“Crops’’ an outline of photosynthesis is given, followed by sections on the formation of carbohydrates, oil, nitrogenous bodies, and miscellaneous substances, such as tea, coffee, rubber, and fruit. These are all well done, and give a great deal of information in a limited space, much of which is not so generally known to chemists as is perhaps desirable. A point of interest in connectioa with the increasing produc- tion of oil-cake in this country is the opposition of cattle to take readily to new-fashioned food. Perhaps the most interesting section is that entitled “The Production of Meat.’’ The grazing animal is a machine for converting food of low value to human being's into. high-grade food, and there is much to be learnt before this process is fully understood and efficiently controlled. The variety of simple-forms of combined nitrogen is large, but whereas some of them are plentiful, others are scarce, and possibly their supply to the animal has to be considered. At present no prac- tical way of obtaining a clear idea of the value of the different proteins in the foods has been dis- covered. Similarly the production of fats in this country is one of the greatest needs for the future, particularly in times when sea transport ‘is re- stricted. The climate is unsuitable for the pro- duction of vegetable fats, and far greater atten- tion will have to be paid to the pig from this point of view. In discussing future development the financial aspects and the labour question are not forgotten. Enough has been said to indicate that Mr. Collins has produced a book which is both novel and suggestive, and it deserves to be very widely read. ; (6) Without the solid foundation of fact, chemical theories of any kind would not lead far, and it is therefore appropriate to include here a mention of the newest volume of Dr. Friend’s ““Text-book of Inorganic Chemistry ’’—namely, that entitled “Carbon and its Allies,” by Dr. Caven. Inorganic chemistry to-day is vastly more interesting than a generation ago, when physical chemistry was all but unknown, and the increas- ing technical importance of many of the less com- mon elements has also added to their interest to 2551, VOL. 102] _ the chemist. The elements dealt with are carbon, silicon, titanium, zirconium, thorium, germanium, tin, and lead. For carbon 150 pages of the text are required, which allow of detailed considera- tion of the allotropic forms, of coal, the simple hydrocarbons, coal-gas, and carbon dioxide. The section dealing with the last is particularly full, and may be quoted as typical of the thoroughness with which the book has been prepared. The chemistry of silicon has made notable ad- vances during the last few years, largely owing to the researches of British workers on the prob- lems of its relation to carbon, which will be found to be fully considered. An interesting section is that concerning the constitution of the silicates, which are more de- finite in composition than the acid itself. The hexite-pentite theory of the Aschs is briefly re- plained. The author might have made fuller refer- ence to the present industrial uses of silica and of the alkali silicates, the latter especially having very wide application. Titanium is in the main a scientific curiosity, practical interest being limited to its use in steel. The same applies to zirconium, but now that the subject of refractory materials is receiving greater attention we may expect to hear more of it. Thorium is of import- ance from two points of view—namely, on account of its radio-activity and the use of its oxide in the manufacture of incandescent gas mantles. Both subjects receive very full treatment, and the ehapter is one of the most valuable in the book. Dr. Caven is to be congratulated on having done his work well, and his book will be found to be a storehouse of useful knowledge by all desiring information about the metals mentioned. It is well arranged and clearly printed, both of which facts add much to its usefulness. E. F. ARMSTRONG. A THEORIST’S OUTLOOK. Essays in Scientific Synthesis. By E. Rignano. Pp. 254. (London: G. Allen and Unwin, Ltd., 1918.) Price 7s. 6d. net. HE editor of the well-known international journal of science, Scientia, has done well to give Englishmen, whom he regards as “not attracted by broad generalisations,’’ an oppor- tunity of appreciating in their own language some of the stimulating essays that come from his un- tiring pen. They deal, indeed, with generalisa- tions of the loftiest scope, but those who cannot follow the author up all the peaks which he seeks to climb will be rewarded by many an interesting view of the solid ground of facts below. The bond uniting the eight essays is that they express the synthetic spirit, and that they are animated by the object ‘‘of demonstrating the utility in the biological, psychological, and sociological fields of the theorist, who, without having specialised in any particular branch or subdivision of science, may nevertheless bring into those spheres that synthetic and unifying vision which is brought by SEPTEMBER 19, 1918| the theorist-mathematician, with so much success, into the physico-chemical field of science.’’ We are not sure that “theorist’’ is the proper title for the generalising thinker like Herbert Spencer, or that Dr. Rignano sufficiently realises the dangers of the synthetician’s ambition, but we agree with his protest against the narrow view that all experimentation must be done in a labora- tory. What the author really stands for is, that complementary to the work of the experimentalist is the work of the quiet thinker who has had sufficient discipline in scientific method on one hand, and in metaphysical analysis on the other. For this function the book before us is an apologia, and, while it naturally illustrates the risks of the adventure, it also clearly demon- strates its rewards. The second essay gives a luminous exposition of the synthetic value of the evolution-theory. ‘‘No other theory, perhaps, has succeeded in bringing into one general survey so many disparate phenomena, and in co-ordinating in one complete complex the numerous individual theories which hold their own in widely differing branches of science, and which, at first sight, seem to have nothing in common.’’ We wish, however, that the author had said something about the fallacy so frequently involved in apply- ing the same word “evolution’’ to historical sequences which have little in common except that they are processes of becoming. The central part of the book is undeniably difficult, but it is, as an attempt at least, of great importance. It gives an outline of a mnemic theory of life, which the author has previously expounded in his work on ‘‘centro-epigenesis.’’ Let us try to state the main idea without too much of its special terminology. It is quite certain that a relatively simple living creature without any nerve-centres can somehow enregister the results of its experience so that subsequent actions are influenced. That is a relatively simple “mnemic’’ phenomenon. A set of cells that have taken to some novel metabolic routine, such as secreting an anti-body to some toxin, may keep up the habit long after the original stimulus has ceased to operate. Thatis another illustration of ‘‘ mnemic ”’ phenomena. There is some sort of functional inertia in individual organisms—a tendency which in its most fundamental expression is simply to persist in a given phase of moving equilibrium {the word “stationary’’ used in the translation does not suggest the right idea). Now if the germinal substance is made up of “specific potential elements ’’ which act as accumulators of particular modes of energy—‘ representative currents,’” as it is said—it may also be that in the course of the individual development of the offspring there is an activation of these and an irradiation from the centre outwards so that a formative influence is exerted. ‘The substance of which each of these specific potential elements is composed, which is capable of giving as dis- charge a single well-determined specific nervous current, is still one and the same substance which this nervous current, when it acts as a ‘charg- NO. 2551, VOL. 102] NATURE 43 ing’ current, can in its turn form and deposit.” In this is found the explanation of the transmission of acquired characters (supposing that to be a fact) and of the recapitulation of phylogenetic stages in ontogeny. It appears to us that the specific form of Dr. Rignano’s theory is not in grips with the facts, but to those who believe that experience counts in racial evolution in some other way than either Lamarck or Darwin recognised, every adventure in mnemic theory will be wel- come. As to the nervous energy referred to, with its fundamental property of specific accumulation, it is said to obey the general laws of energetics, but is regarded as a monopoly of living organisms. In other words, there is a specific vital energy, as the late Prof. Assheton also maintained. Organisms strive and cry, they exhibit en- deavour and initiative, they are swayed by “affective tendencies.’’ The author seeks to show that these are fundamentally referable to the ten- dency to maintain physiological integrity or equi- librium. Inborn affectivities with a mnemic basis express themselves in habitual actions, and new habits form new affectivities of the most varied nature. If “habit is second nature,’’ then, in- | versely, ‘“‘nature’’ is nothing but “first habit ’’— a deliverance that would have pleased Samuel Butler. The author recognises, of course, the complications that are added in organisms with fine brains and strong emotions, that secondary | affectivities may come to overrule the primary ones, and so on; but all the apparent “finalism”’ of life rests on the mnemic property of living sub- stance, which is admitted to be beyond chemical and physical formulation. We have left too little of our allotted space for the remaining chapters. In answer to the am- bitious question, ‘‘What is consciousness? ’’ the author maintains that a psychic state is not in itself conscious or unconscious, but becomes one or the other only in relation to some other psychic state. As to the réle of religion, it is argued that its social functions are gradually waning away, having been replaced by other influences. For the individual, however, it is likely to remain, in some form or other, as an expression of man’s uncon- querable desire to push beyond the frontiers of science and in a stretching out of his hands to relieve his surcharged emotion. Against the fata- listic dogma of “historic materialism’’ which exaggerates the ‘inevitable march ’’ of economic processes, the author argues cogently that even in ‘the recognition of the struggle between classes there is on the part of extreme Marxists a welcome contradiction in terms, for the agency of free men with ideas and ideals is thus admitted to be a factor that counts. In spite of its exaggerations, however, the fundamental idea of ‘‘historic materialism’’ has had an important synthetic function in binding together the previously discon- nected disciplines of economics, law, and history. The book ends with a dispassionate discussion of Socialism and its future and with a note of hope- ‘fulness in recognising the, in part compulsory and in part spontaneous, enlargement and sensi- 44 tising of the social conscience. a continuation of these valuable essays in scientific synthesis, and we would take this opportunity of wishing the author success in his disinterested editorship of Scientia, which is an indubitable factor towards: true pacifism. MATHEMATICAL BOOKS. (1) Theory of Maxima and Minima, By Prof. Harris Hancock. Pp. xiv+193. (Boston (Mass.), London, etc.: Ginn and Co., 1917.) Price ros. 6d. net. (2) Analytic Geometry and Calculus. By Profs. B.S: Woods and F. H. Bailey. Pp. xi+516. (Boston (Mass.), London, etc. : Ginn and Co., 1917.) Price ros. 6d. net. : (1) ‘THE theory of maxima and minima con- tains pitfalls into which have fallen such well-known mathematicians as Lagrange, Ber- trand, Serret, and Todhunter. A peculiar interest, therefore, is attached to the subject, and the reader will find Prof. Hancock’s book well worth his study. Except that there is no reference to cal- culus of variations, the author has succeeded in covering the ground fairly thoroughly, and that without allowing the argument to be anywhere tedious. He gives many references, and a few quite interesting examples. After a short investigation of maxima and minima of functions of a single variable, he gives in some detail the methods of Scheeffer and von Dantscher, which introduced rigour into the dis- cussion of functions of two or three variables. The theory here is intimately connected with the theory of quadratic forms and singularities of higher plane curves. The author seems not to have read such books as Bromwich’s “Quadratic Forms,’’ Hilton’s ‘Linear Substitutions,’’ or Muth’s “ Elementartheilar,’? which would have en- abled him in places to simplify his treatment of quadratic forms. In tracing a plane curve near a singularity, the author should have made use of Newton’s diagram. He should also have avoided such a phrase as “‘ cusps of the first and second kkind,’’ which implies that the cusps in question are comparable, whereas the latter is a singularity of much higher complexity than the former. The chapter on relative maxima and minima is especially interesting. The discussion usually given in the text-books is very scanty, and the fuller treatment, here given is very welcome. A valuable point is made in §§ 98-107. The usual proof that the maximum triangle inscribed in a given circle is equilateral runs as follows: “If not, suppose ABC to be the greatest triangle. If AB+AG, let D bisect the arc BAC. Then the triangle BDC>BAC, etc.” Is this argument ad- missible? The reader may compare the following reasoning, due to an Italian author: “Unity is the greatest integer. For, if not, suppose n (+ 1) the greatest. Then n?>n, etc.’’ The proofs run parallel, but the tacit assumption (a greatest tri- ngle or integer exists) is lawful in one case and in the other. NO. 2551, VOL. 102] not NATURE We hope to see | SEPTEMBER 19, 1918 (2) This work is a revision and abridgment of the authors’ two-volume “Course in Mathematics for Students of Engineering and Applied Science,’’ and is intended to occupy a two years’ course for an average college class. The book does not give the impression of being especially suited to the needs of students of applied science, except for the faét that examples are included on finding centre of gravity, centre of pressure, and so on. In the main the book is apparently simply a course on pure mathematics designed for the American undergraduate. As such it may be commended as quite clear and readable, and it is furnished with some 2000 well-chosen examples. Naturally it is possible to criticise certain portions on the ground of absence of rigidity. But prob- ably the authors have hit the happy mean between a slovenliness which demoralises the beginner and a precision which terrifies him. It is interesting to contrast the American and English ideas of a suitable syllabus for the first two years of a “pass ’’ mathematical course. The Americans include the co-ordinate geometry of straight line and plane; but the rest of the syllabus consists almost entirely of the calculus and elementary differential equations. Even the circle and conic receive no more than a passing mention ; and very little algebra is inserted, such subjects as determinants and the theory of equations being deferred for subsequent study. Contrast, this with a certain English B.A. course, which demands no calculus whatever, but requires the “simple pro- perties of conic sections, including a discussion of the general equation of the second degree and the methods of projection’?! The book under review may give the student a somewhat false idea of the importance of the conic (it is mentioned casually along with the witch, the cissoid, and the strophoid), and he may find partial differentia- tion studied by means of three-dimensional co- ordinate geometry a little too hard for him. But, nevertheless, English teachers have very much to learn from their allies. Hie Be OUR BOOKSHELF. The Botany of Iceland. Edited by Dr. L Kolderup Rosenvinge and Dr. Eug. \Warming- Partii. 3. Ernst Ostrup: ‘‘ Marine Diatoms from the Coasts of Iceland.”’ 4. Aug. Hesselbo : “The Bryophyta of Iceland.”’ Pp. 348675. (Copenhagen: J. Frimodt; London: J. Whel- don and Co., 1918.) Price 11s. net. Tus part completes vol. i. of “The Botany of Iceland,’’ the first part of which was issued in two sections, one on ‘The Marine Algal Vegetation,” by H. Jénsson, in 19r2, and a second on “The Physical Geography of the Island,’’ in 1914. The list of marine diatoms from the coasts of Iceland comprises 209 species and varieties; seven species and a number of varieties are here described as new. Mr. Ostrup gives a tabular list showing the universal distribution of the forms, as well as their distribution on the different parts of the coasts of Iceland. from which it ———— SEPTEMBER 19, 1918] appears that this coastal flora has a predominant European character, but that about one-half of the European species may also occur in colder seas; and, further, that diatom-life is most abun- dant on the south-west coast. The author also gives a synopsis showing the association of the genera and species of diatoms with the various genera of seaweeds. The greater part of the book (p. 395 to the end) is occupied with a detailed study of the moss flora of the island, based mainly on Mr. Hesselbo’s own collections and investigations. This comprises a systematic list with full notes on the distribution of the species mentioned, and including ninety- three liverworts, twenty sphagna, and 326 true mosses. A full account of the Bryophyte com- munities follows; first the lowland formations, and secondly the vegetation of mountain heights. Mosses play a very important part in the plant- covering of Iceland, occurring either as an essential component of practically all the plant associations, and often in far greater numbers as regards species and individuals than do the higher plants; or as distinct Bryophyte associations from which other plants are entirely absent, or in which they occur only as a subordinate component. The lowland formations are classified as littoral, hydro- philous or wet-soil, mesophilous, xerophilous (heaths), the vegetation of the rocks, and the vege- tation of the lava-fields. The hydrophilous afford the greatest variety, the formations varying with the character of the water or soil; especially in- teresting are those of the hot springs, which. the author describes in some detail. A number of successful photographic reproductions illustrate the prominence of the mosses in the Iceland flora. The Main Currents of Zoology. By Prof. W. A. Locy. . Pp. viit+216. (New York: Henry Holt and Co., 1918.) Tue aim of this book is to explain to the student and to the general reader what have been the main movements in the development of zoology. In the nineteenth century, with which the author begins, the outstanding biological advances were the discovery of protoplasm, the formulation of the cell-theory, the establishment of the doctrine of evolution, the rise of bacteriology, and the beginning of the experimental study of heredity. After interesting chapters on taxonomy and Lin- nus, On comparative anatomy and Cuvier, on embryology and von Baer, on physiology and Claude ‘Bernard, the author indicates what seem to him to be the five chief pathways—structural zoology, systematic zoology, general physio- logy, experimental zoology, and_ philosophical zoology. This does not seem very satisfactory, for “systematic zoology’’ is taken to include classification (which belongs to morphology), ecology and study of habits (which belong to physiology); and “experimental zoology’’ is, as Prof. Locy says, “more a method of general application than a subdivision.’’ A chapter on insects illustrates a very charac- teristic modern current, the study of the carriers NO. 2551, VOL. 102] NATURE 45 of important disease-producing organisms, such as those causing malaria and sleeping sickness. Then follows a terse but very clear exposition of theories of evolution. A chapter is devoted to a consideration of the discoveries leading to vac- cination and to the use of anesthetics, with emphasis on W. T. G. Morton’s worl (1846) in connection with ether. ‘‘The ten foremost men of zoological. history’’ are (after Aristotle) Harvey, Malpighi, Linnaeus, Cuvier, von Baer, Johannes Miller, Pasteur, Darwin, Max Schultze, and Mendel. The study ends with an estimate of the contributions to zoology made by different nations, and with an emphasis on the inter- national character of science. There is a copious, well-arranged bibliography, and students will also welcome the series oi photographs of great zoologists. Prof. Locy is beyond question right that the educational value of a science is greatly enhanced if the historical setting is made clear, and towards that end his book will be found thoroughly effective. 1 [As Fe A Primer of Engineering Science. By E. S. Andrews. Part i., “ First Steps in Applied Mechanics.” Part ii., ‘‘ First Steps in Heat and Heat Engines.” Pp. ix+95+67. (Lon- don: James Selwyn and Co., 1918.) Price 3s. gd. net. Boru parts of this book are bound in one volume, Part i. contains chapters dealing with forces, moments, work, power, energy, machines, various types of mechanism, friction, stress and strain. The matter in this part is taken from the author’s “Introduction to Applied Mechanics,” which was reviewed in Nagture of January 20, 1916. The experimental work described in this part is weak. Six experiments in all are described; the first three only are numbered. Judging from the use made of spring balances in two of the experiments, these appliances have no weight. Part ii. is new, and consists of five chapters dealing with types of heat engines, measurement of ‘heat energy, properties of steam, expansion, indicator diagrams, and the transmission of heat. There are a summary of the contents at the end of each chapter, and also some exercises to be worked by the student. Ten ex- periments are described in this part. No table of the properties of steam is given; a graph is in- cluded, but stops at roo lb. per square inch; since it is reproduced to a small scale, accurate readings cannot be taken from it. There is evidence of haste in the compilation. On p. 2 the piston ring is described as a “junk” wring; Fig. 6 (c) on p. 9 is wrongly arranged; «it is stated on p. 39 that Boyle discovered his law in 1862; on p. 50 a dia- gram traced by an indicator is described as “ a diagram of resultant force or effort upon a body.” Some of the diagrams are badly reproduced, this being owing to the quality of paper used. Con- sidering the book as a whole, the young student will find some parts interesting and helpful; other parts ave treated unsuitably, and a considerable amount of supplementary matter will have to ‘be supplied by his teacher. — 46 LETTERS) TOME eel OR. [The Editor does not hold himself responsible for opinions expressed by his correspondents. Neither can he undertake to return, or to correspond with the writers of, rejected manuscripts intended for this or any other part of Nature. No notice is taken of anonymous communications.] A Shower of Sand-eels. Asout 3 o’clock on the afternoon of Saturday, August 24 last, the allotment-holders of a small area in Hendon, a southern suburb of Sunderland, were sheltering in their sheds during a heavy thunder- shower, when they observed that small fish were being rained to the ground. The fish were precipi- tated on three adjoining roads and on the allotment- gardens enclosed by the roads; the rain swept them from the roads into the gutters and from the roofs of the sheds into the spouts. The phenomenon was recorded in the local news- papers, the fish being described as “‘sile.”. I was away at the time, but, seeing the account, I wrote to Dr. Harrison, and thanks to him, and especially to Mr. H. S. Wallace, I obtained a sample of the fish, and I was able yesterday (September 5) to visit the place in the company of the latter gentleman. From those who saw the occurrence we derived full information, which left no doubt as to the genuineness of what had been stated, and this we were able to put to the test, for a further sample was obtained from a rain-barrel which could have got its supply only from the spout of the shed to which it was connected. The precipitation of the fish, we were told, lasted about ten minutes, and the area involved Commercial Road, Canon Cocker Street, the portion of Ashley Street lying between these streets, and the adjoining gardens. The area measured approximately 60 yards by 30 yards, and was thus about one-third of an acre. It is not easy to say how many fish fell, but from the accounts it may be gathered they were numerous; there were apparently several hundreds. ; There can be no question, therefore, that at the time stated a large number of small fish were showered over about one-third of an acre during a heavy rain accompanied by thunder; we were in- formed that no lightning was observed, and that the wind was variable. All the examples which came into my hands from different parts of the ground and from the rain- barrel prove to be the lesser sand-eel (Ammodytes tobianus). They all, moreover, are about 3 in. in length, or 7-5 cm. to 7-9 cm. They are not “sile,” a name usually given to the very small young of the herring. But the sand-eels are sea-fish, and it “is evident that the sand-eels showered to the ground at Hendon were derived from the sea. On sandy beaches around our coasts the lesser sand- eel is very common. As its name implies, it burrows into the sand, but in the bays it may often be seen not, far from the surface swimming about in immense shoals—shoals which are characterised by the members being all about the same size. F The place where the sand-cels in question were deposited lies about one-quarter of a mile from the seashore, but it is probable that the minimum dis- tance of transport was at least half a mile. The only explanation which appears to satisfy the conditions, therefore, is that a shoal of sand-eels was drawn up by a waterspout which formed in the bay the south-east of Sunderland, and was carried by an easterly breeze to Hendon, where the fish were released and deposited. It is significant that the area of deposition was so restricted, and that no other area NO. 2551, VOL. 102] NATURE ‘(SEPTEMBER 19, 1918 was affected. The origin and the deposition were therefore local, We were informed that the fish were all dead, and, indeed, stiff and hard, when picked up immediately after the occurrence. This serves to detract from the possibilities of distribution being influenced by such an occurrence, but it is possible that other species would be able to withstand such an aerial method of dispersion. It is more than probable that the vortical movement of a waterspout would trans- port plankton. This was naturally not observed in | this case, and the small creatures, including eggs and, young stages, would likely be carried over a wider area. A. MEEK. Dove Marine Laboratory, Cullercoats, September 4. THE WATER-POWERS OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE. : Por a number of years Nature has been, on the subject of water-power in Great Britain, a vox clamantis. It has pointed out that while other countries—notably the United States, France, Italy, Switzerland, and even Canada— have possessed hydrographic services, there has been no co-ordinated effort—indeed, one might almost say, no effort of any kind—in this country to procure the information essential to the deter- mination of its water-power resources and _ their extent and availability. It is true that a merely superficial review is sufficient to show that those resources cannot possibly vie with the vast stores of power locked up in the Alps, the Pyrenees, and the Rockies, Neither, in consequence of the pleni- tude of our coalfields, has there hitherto been any occasion to trouble in the least about additional, or alternative, sources of power supply. But the war, or rather its unexpected protraction, has of late completely changed the national outlook. The reckless prodigality with which our stores of solid fuel have hitherto been depleted can no longer be countenanced, and the certainty of ultimate ex- haustion has to be faced before increasing scarcity causes prices to mount to unremunerative heights. The nation is learning economy, not only in food and clothing, but also in regard to its natural resources and mineral endowments. A salutary experience has been gained, and, though somewhat late in the day, it is satisfactory to know that the position is at last beginning to be fully realised and appreciated. The Water-Power Committee of the Conjoint Board of Scientific Societies, in their preliminary report, which was abridged in Nature of Sep- tember 5, p. 16, has taken a wide and comprehen- sive view of its functions. The committee has, the report states, “endeavoured -to collect all the available relevant information’ respecting the amount and distribution of water-power in the British Empire. Turning over the twenty-eight pages of the report, it must be affirmed ‘that the information thus forthcoming is lamentably scant and imperfect. Throughout the length and breadth of the Empire two countries only—Canada and New Zealand—have recognised the fundamental importance of systematic investigation. Initiatory efforts on a small scale have, indeed, been made OE SEPTEMBER 19, 1918] in Tasmania, New South Wales, and South Africa, but as regards the rest of the Empire there is an entire lack of data upon which to form any trust- worthy estimate whatever. No wonder that the committee confesses to a feeling of disappoint- ment and concern. A very commendable effort was made, in January last, by Mr. A. Newlands, a member of the committee, to direct public attention to the matter, and the statistics which he then put for- ward in a paper read before the Royal Society of Arts, though admittedly incomplete, serve the useful purpose of furnishing a basis for preliminary estimates in regard to the United Kingdom. As the information was summarised in NaTurE of May 9, there is no occasion to dilate upon it here. The committee’s comment is that ‘while the pos- sible .water-powers of the United Kingdom are comparatively small, yet, occurring as they do at no great distance from industrial regions, they are relatively valuable, and every effort should be made by close investigation to ascertain their com- mercial value at an early date.’’ The outstanding fact, however, about natural supplies of water-power is that their efficient and economic development depends upon the acquisi- tion of extensive data, involving prolonged and laborious observation. It is not sufficient to take a few gauge readings, or to record variations in level over several months, or a year or two. If the investigation is to be of real practical value it must extend over a long series of years. And herein lies the difficulty of dealing, instanter, with a situation which by long neglect has been allowed to become acute. Not until hydrometric studies have completely determined the range of condi- tions from maximum flood to minimum flow can the design of headworks be safely taken in hand. So, even if observations be commenced to-morrow, a lengthy interval of time, as things are reckoned in these rapid days, must eg before they are complete enough for action to be taken on them. In these circumstances it is obvious that where the outcome is, at all problematical, or the com- mercial advantages not strikingly attractive, there will be a reluctance on the part of private in- dividuals to undertake the necessary research work. Scientific bodies, however willing to assist, are certainly not equipped with funds for the purpose. It is natural, therefore, to look to the State to finance such undertakings, the more so as the water-powers, when defined and available, should be exploited, not for individual or merely local benefit, but for the advantage of the whole community. The committee’s report advocates the principle of State initiative. It recommends that the British Government should bring to the notice of the Indian and Dominion Governments the necessity for a systematic investigation of all reasonably promising sources of water-power, and where such an inquiry would be beyond the capabilities of any governing body, the report recommends that it be dealt with by an Imperial Water-Power Board, the | constitution of which should be of a widely repre- NO. 2551, VOL. 102] 47 sentative character. Finally, it suggests that “since itis unlikely that private capital will be avail- able for many years for hydraulic development on | any large scale, powers should be obtained for the State to assist or to undertake such development if thought advisable.’’ These are the main conclusions of the report, with the general trend of which we venture to think public sentiment and technical opinion will entirely concur. It ‘now remains to be seen whether any action on the part of the Government will follow. Continued neglect of the matter can only be attended by consequences not merely inimical to immediate national interests, but also economically prejudicial to the welfare of suc- ceeding generations. BRYSSON CUNNINGHAM. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CONSTANTS. Bee valuable publication before us makes one realise that the country is waking up, if slowly. It is very significant that only in the fourth year of the war a Government Department should be sufficiently alive and receptive to agree to issue a book of constants such as this, bearing as it does on a problem indissolubly bound up with the future of the race. Both Germany and ourselves have been giving the closest attention to the commercial develop- ment, of the various processes for the fixation of nitrogen. It was well known that Germany was ahead of us, and the Munitions Inventions Re- search Laboratory accordingly concentrated on the problem. Its staff soon realised that a detailed compilation of the physical and chemical con- stants involved was a virtual necessity. Hence the present publication, which is to be regarded as a first instalment of constants compiled by Dr. Todd and his colleagues under the direction of Dr. J. A. Harker, F.R.S., whose name is a guarantee, were one needed, of the soundness of the physics and chemistry of the publication before us, and for which we have nothing but praise. Considerable skill has obviously been exercised in employing the material to the fullest advantage, more especially in those cases where a scrutiny of the literature served only to show that the data available were meagre. Careful acknowledgment is paid to the several well-known existing books of constants, happily now no longer confined to the German tongue. But the present work is not to be regarded as a mere compilation of constants. It is a good deal more than that. There are many points in it of considerable technical importance which are very fully discussed, to which the attention of the practical man interested in such problems should be directed. Half the book is divided into graphs, very clearly executed on a scale sufficiently generous to permit of their accurate and rapid use. [n many of these virtually the full area of the page (11 in. by 8 in.) is employed. 1 “ Physical and Chemical Data of Nitrogen Compounds.” Pp. 96 Ministry of Munitions, Munitions Inventions Department, Nitrogen Pro- ducts Committee. 45 The book is divided into five sections (with their associated graphs): general gas data, am- monia data, nitric acid data, hydrogen purifica- tion data, and miscellaneous data. It will suffice to say that in no other publica- tion have we found so adequate and up-to-date a summary of results. One wishes that other branches of physics and chemistry could be treated in a similarly comprehensive manner, and the whole issued as the British answer to “ Landolt.’? It would be large, and doubtless ex- pensive, but imagine its utility! And we need not despair, for we have now got an English Baedeker—blue—and that is only a beginning. It is not clear from the copy before us to what extent the publication will be available to the general public, or how it may be obtained, or what its cost will be to the would-be purchaser. We trust that there will be no difficulties on these scores, for, both for its own worth and as an earnest of many more good things of the same kind, the present volume deserves a wide circula- tion. BIOLOGY AND WAR. pee RAYMOND PEARL makes in the lecture before us an interesting examination of the biological philosophy of war. The primary imple- ments are not mechanisms, but biological entities —men. The primary problems of war are bio- logical problems—why do men fight, what kinds of men make the best fighters, what conditions conduce to the most effective fighting, and what are the probable consequences of the fight to the winner and the loser? “In general, why men deliberately plan wars is because they are different biologically, in structure, habits, mental outlook, thought, or other ways, and wish to preserve in- tact their differentiations.’’ The group differences have an emotional context of passion, and the modern physiologists have shown us “why rage is more generally followed by fighting than by judicial arbitration.’’ As to the belief, held with particular tenacity in Germany, that warfare is in line with the process of nature selection which has made on the whole for progressive evolution, it must be pointed out that ‘nowhere in nature does natural selection, as indicated by modern careful study of the subject, operate with any- thing like that mechanistic precision which the German political philosophy postulates ; : much less does natural selection operate in a rigid and mechanical manner with reference to human affairs ; military results are not, in fact, measured in terms of ‘biological survival.’ “The plain fact in the matter is that the proudly ruthless philosophy of Treitschke and Bernhardi is not only immorally cruel, but also immortally stupid.”’ ‘ As to the widespread fear that this war will have a serious dysgenic effect by the elimination so many exceedingly desirable types, Prof. ture given before the Washington Academy of Sciences on May 9, 19 Journ, Washington Acad. Sci., vol. viii. (1918), No. 11, pp. 341-60. ‘O. 2551, VOL. 102] NATURE ‘adequate for some purpose to be decided upon. [SEPTEMBER #9; ious Pearl points out that the racial qualities are con- tinued in the females, that many fighters have left progeny before they fell, that a large propor- tion of the total male population is not involved in the war, and so on. Nevertheless, it seems to us that Prof. Pearl is very optimistic in conclud- ing that ‘‘any putative, deleterious, selective | effect ” of the present war “on the races con- cerned will be insignificantly slight.’’ Most readers of Nature will, we believe, know person- ally of several highly distinguished and markedly original men, whose deaths on the field have left the race, whatever statisticians may say, very definitely the poorer. These unique patterns may recur perhaps; for the present they are gone; and we know not how to replace them. NOTES. Tue council of the South African Association for the Advancement of Science has resolved to institute a Sir David Gill memorial fund, to®accumulate for a number of years until an amount has been raised Mr. R. T. A. Innes, Union Observatory, Johannesburg, has consented to act as the secretary and treasurer of the fund, and intending subscribers are invited to communicate with him. Pror. H. C. H. Carpenter, the president of the Institute of Metals, has been nominated to fill the office for a further year. Dr. H. S. Hee-SHaw, F.R-S., Marconi have been elected honorary Society of Engineers (Inc.). and Signor fellows of the Sir Joun Marsuatt, Director-General of Archeology in India, has, in consequence of illness, been granted leave of absence, during which his deputy will be Dr. Spooner, Superintendent of Archeology, Eastern Circle. A COMMITTEE on explosives investigations has been selected by the U.S. National Research Council at the request of the American Secretary of War and the Secretary of the Navy. The committee consists of Dr. C. E. Munroe, of the George Washington University (chairman); Mr. L. L. Summers, of the War Industries Board; Lt.-Col. W. C. Spruance, jun., of the Ordnance Department of the Army; and Lt.- Commdr. T. S. Wilkinson, of the Ordnance Depart- ment of the Navy. Dr. J. N. Rose, a curator of the division of plants, the U.S. National Museum, has gone on a botanical expedition to Ecuador on behalf of the National Herbarium, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the New York Botanical Garden, and the Gray Herbarium. Dr. OLar ANDERSON, petrologist at the U.S. Geo- physical Laboratory, has resigned his position, having been appointed Government geologist and director of an experimental silicate laboratory at Christiania. On September 3 there died in a nursing home in London, only three months after her ‘‘ Life of Sophia Jex-Blake” had been published, Dr. Margaret Todd, the authoress. Dr. Todd was known to many readers s ‘‘Graham Travers,” under which nom de flume her five novels were written. Dr. Todd, born in 1859, was educated at Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Berlin, SEPTEMBER 19, 1918] graduated in medicine (M.D-.. Brux.), and was asso- ciated in her medical work with Dr. Jex-Blake, the pioneer of the ‘‘lady medicals’? movement in Edin- burgh. Their friendship led to Dr. Todd’s becoming Dr. Jex-Blake’s executrix and her biographer. To this latter task Dr. Todd brought a triple qualification, the colleague’s, the friend’s, and the novelist’s. Like Mrs. Gaskell’s “ Life of Charlotte Bronté,” it is a woman’s life of a woman, is written by a novelist, and reads with all the interest of a novel. Dr. Jex- Blake’s biographer depicts her truthfully, a strong, not altogether likeable, personality, strangely emerg- ing from the setting of a patrician English country home, in sharp contrast to the roughness and bitter rancour she endured in Edinburgh. There, supported by such men as Prof. Masson and a small band of staunch friends, she waged war against ‘‘a dying tyranny,” won the day, and thereby opened a road for those who came after,-among them Dr. Elsie Inglis, and others serving to-day with the Scottish Women’s Hospitals. Dr. Margaret Todd’s last work is an addition to biosraphical literature, and will help to keep the road-makers unforgotten. Dr. Cart Perers, the German African explorer, died last week at the age of sixty-two. His first ymission to Africa in 1884 was unofficial, and, in fact, discouraged by his Government, but Dr. Peters suc- ceeded in signing a treaty with chiefs on the main- land opposite Zanzibar and laying the foundations of German East Africa. In 1888-90 he made an ex- pedition up the Tana River by Mount Kenia to Lake Baringo, Victoria Nyanza, and back to Zanzi- bar through Usukuma and Ugoga. Dr. Peters’s avowed object was to search for Emin Pasha, but he Was more concerned in making treaties with Uganda chiefs. In this, however, he was forestalled by the British. His expedition covered a great deal of ground, and the way was marked by terrorism and brutality, where previous explorers had penetrated with littlé difficulty. In 1891 Dr. Peters returned to Africa, and in 1892 was one of the commissioners for delimiting the Anglo-German boundary in East Africa. Soon after he was recalled to Germany. In 1899-1901, and again in 1905, he travelled in the Anglo-Portu- guese frontier lands in the Zambesi region, and made many important discoveries. This was probably Dr. Peters’s best work, though his published results were marred by hasty conclusions and ill-founded judgments on the origin of the Zimbabwe ruins and the extent of early Portuguese work in Africa. Dr. Peters was the author of several works on Africa, including ‘‘ The Eldorado of the Ancients,’ published in 1902. THE publication of the Monthly Register of the American Society for Practical Astronomy has been suspended for the duration of the war. The society itself has postponed all further activity for the same period, and no new members are being elected. When the work of the society is resumed the organisation will be as at the close of 1917, the membership con- sisting of those who were upon the books at that time. With the issue of the Journal of Anatomy for October, the publication of the periodical, which is the official organ of the Anatomical Society of Great Britain and Ireland, is to be transferred to the Cam- bridge University Press, Fetter Lane, E.C.4. Con- tributions should be sent, as hitherto, to Prof. Keith, acting editor, Royal College of Surgeons, Lincoln’s Inn Fields, W.C.2. We wish the journal, which was established in 1867, continued and increasing success. Amonc the forthcoming free public lectures to be delivered at Gresham College, Basinghall Street, are the following :—Geometry, W. H. Wagstaff, October NO. 2551, VOL. 102 | NATURE 49: 8 to 11; Astronomy, A. R. Hinks, November 5, to 8; Physic, Sir R. Armstrong-Jones, November 12 to 15; and Music, Sir F. Bridge, November 19 to 22. We welcome the establishment of a new scientific publication, the American Journul of Physical Anthro- pology, with Dr. Ales Hrdlitka as editor, supported by a large staff of eminent American anthropologists. The first number, ,issued for January-March, 1918, con- tains some important contributions. Mr. G. S. Miller publishes an elaborate study of the famous jaw dis- covered at Piltdown in to12. This specimen has been the subject of much controversy, some British anthro- pologists maintaining that it formed part of the ad- mittedly human cranium close to which it was dis- covered, while others regarded it as the jaw of a chimpanzee accidentally washed into proximity with a human skull. The latter view is supported in this paper. The combined characters of the jaw, molars, and skull were made the basis of a genus Eoanthropus, of the family Homindz. But Mr. Miller asserts that “while the brain-case is human in structure, the jaw and teeth have not yet been shown to present any character diagnostic of man; the recognised features in which they resemble human jaws and teeth are merely those which men and apes possess in common. . . . As the result of recent study the generic features of the jaw and teeth have not been shown to differ from those of living African chimpanzees.” The ques- tion! has probably not reached its conclusion. But the investigation will be assisted by the comprehensive study of the facts-and a bibliography of the literature provided by Mr. Miller. In the September issue of Man Sir H. C. Read discusses a remarkable carved ivory object from Benin, which has recently been presented to the British Museum by Mr. Louis Clarke. At first sight this example scarcely suggests African art, but the repre- sentation of a human head wearing a hat connects it with other specimens of Benin art. It is difficult to conceive the precise object of a cover of this pecu- liar shape. It may have been used as the cover of a vessel, and offerings of some kind may have been dropped into a lower receptacle through the hole in the centre. But no exactly parallel specimen appears to exist in other collections of Benin art, and the object of its construction so far remains a mystery. In Sudan Notes and Records (vol. i., No. 3, July, 1918) Mr. W. Nicholls describes a remarkable mar- riage custom in the Sennar province, which is known as “stealing the fire.” On the final night of the fes- tivities the bridegroom goes to the bride’s house escorted by a band of youths bearing torches. These torches can be lit only by fire taken from the bride’s house, and this the relatives of the bride take every possible method to prevent. Some of the bridegroom’s friends creep in secretly at night, or a body of them forces its way into the house to carry off the fire. The editor quotes as parallels the custom recorded by Sir James Frazer (‘‘ The Golden Bough,” “*The Magic Art,”’ vol. ii., pp. 216, 230), in which fire is used as a fertility charm in marriage ritual. But this is not an exact parallel, and, assuming that the charm is in the interest of the bride, it does not account for the resist- ance made by her friends when the bridegroom’s party endeavours to procure fire from her home hearth. Tue report for 1917 of the inspectors under the Act restricting experiments on animals has just been pub- lished; it can be got from H.M. Stationery Office or through any bookseller, price 2d. The total number of experiments in England and Scotland was 55,542, being 10,501 fewer than in 1916; the total number of experiments in Ireland was 832. About 97 per NATURE 50 [SEPTEMBER 19, 1918 cent. of all experiments were inoculations, or other Enromo.ocists are still in doubt as to the stage of proceedings performed without anesthetics. The | the life-history in which the common __house-fly decrease in the number of experiments goes with the fact that many of our pathologists and bacteriologists are working in -one or other of the theatres of war. Indeed, the war is writ large all over this report. Of the twenty new places registered under the Act, fourteen are military hospitals and labora- tories, mostly for Canada and New ‘Zealand. Owing to the shortage of men for the work, women are help- ing; of the 695 licensees, 43 were women. The number of licensees is discounted by the fact that no fewer than 402 of the 695 made no use of their licences during 1917. Reports have recently been received from various quarters of the occurrence in rooms of myriads of little black flies. These not only swarm upon the window-panes, but have also been found in drawers, under carpets, and even behind the glass of framed pictures. Specimens that have been submitted to the Natural History Museum, South Kensington, prove to be Pteromalus deplanatus, Nees, a species belonging to the parasitic Hymenopterous family Chalcididz. There appears to be some uncertainty as to the host- insect that gives rise to such swarms of the parasite. The latter is recorded to have been bred from insects of various orders, e.g. a moth (Tortrix xylosteana), a beetle (Ceuthorrhynchus asperulus), and a Cynipid gall (Teras terminalis), but none of these hosts is likely to be the source of origin of such swarms of the parasite indoors; it is probable that in such circum- stances it has emerged from one of the wood-boring furniture beetles (Anobium striatum or Xestobium tessellatum), though there is no definite record of such an origin. Should this prove to be the fact, the Pteromalus, though, perhaps, regarded by the house- holder as a nuisance, is evidently from its numbers a useful and efficient check upon the insidious and destructive pest of indoor woodwork, whether furni- ture, wainscotting and panelling, or beams and floor- boards. Information of the definite association of the Pteromalus with one of these wood-boring beetles would be welcomed by the Natural History Museum. Mr. CLoupEsLey BRERETON writes to us in regard to the origin of water-snails and leeches in a small artificial pool in a London garden. The basin, a few square feet in size, was made about three years ago, and one or two water-lilies were placed in it. Two years later some water-snails appeared, and this year three leeches. There is no pool of any sort in adjacent gardens. The water comes from the main. Where have the animals come from? (a) They may have been introduced in a young phase along with the water-lilies. The spawn of Limnaa and some other fresh-water snails is deposited on the under-surface of water-plants, and the eggs of some fresh-water leeches are similarly attached. (b) They may have been intro- duced along with the main water—the snails in their larval state, the leeches either when very small or later. On two occasions we have obtained from a house-tap in a large town leeches about 2 in. long. (c) Even in transitory rain-water pools the sudden appearance of fresh-water molluscs has been repeatedly observed, and we do not know that any circumstantial explanation has been given. It is probable that water-birds, such as wagtails, may occasionally serve as distributors. Darwin wrote in the “Origin of Species"? of just-hatched shells clinging to a duck’s foot, and Sir Charles Lyell told him of a water-beetle (Dytiscus) which carried an Ancylus, a fresh-water snail like a minute limpet. Mr. Brereton’s observa- ion, which has its counterpart in the experience of others, deserves further investigation. NO. 2551, VOL, 102 | normally passes the winter. A paper on the subject has been lately published in the Journal of Agricul- tural Research (vol. xiii., No. 3) by R. H. Hutchi- son, who concludes, from observations and experiments made in Washington, that larvae and pupa survive the cold season in and under large manure-heaps, and that breeding may go on through the winter if flies gain access to heated buildings, and find there both food and material suitable for egg-laying. Tue stone-flies ,(Perlida) have hitherto been con- sidered as of no economic importance except that they serve as bait for anglers. A paper by E. J. Newcomer (Journ. Agric. Research, vol. xiii., No. 1). is therefore noteworthy, since it records damage to orchard foliage by some species of Tzeniopteryx. Tue “Summary of Progress of the Geological Survey of Great Britain for 1917” (H.M. Stationery Office, 1918, price 2s.) contains a number of valuable facts relating to the modes of occurrence and probable reserves of iron-ores in Great Britain. Mr. Lamplugh’s account of the oolitic ore of Jurassic age revealed by the Dover coal-borings is especially noteworthy, a reserve of about 100,000,000 tons being indicated. Dr. R. Campbell describes Scotch occurrences of potash-felspar. THE issue of the American Journal of Science for July, 1918, contains 416 pages, and commemorates the one hundredth anniversary of the foundation of the journal. The progress of the sciences since 1818 is described in eleven chapters, and the entire cost of the issue has been defrayed from the Silliman memorial fund. In his review of the history of the journal, Prof. E. S. Dana gives a facsimile of the covering title of vol. i., No. 1, which shows that its scope included ‘‘agriculture and the ornamental as well as useful arts.” The essay on ‘‘ The Progress of Historical Geology in North America,” by Charles Schuchert, contains important remarks on strati- graphy, and the following classification is proposed for the older Palaeozoic systems :—Taconic (Olenellus beds), Cambrian, Champlain (Emmons, 1842) or Ordovician, Silurian. The author does not seem aware of Lapworth’s support and revival of the term Taconic in 1891. Joseph Barrell, in a philosophic article, reviews the growth of our knowledge of earth-structure; and R. S. Lull deals with vertebrate paleontology, a subject to which the United States* have made such paramount contributions. H. L. Wells and H. W. Foote, in the article on chemistry, furnish a table of the elements on Mendeléeff’s scheme, in which recent discoveries are included. Attention is directed by the authors to the remark- able compartment in Group III., in which fourteen metals of the rare earths are summarised as “lanthanum 139:0 to lutecium 174-0,” the full list being added below. The century’s progress in physics is reviewed by L. Page; but W. R. Coe deals only with American developments in zoology. The capture of Louis Agassiz for the United States in 1846 is recorded with warm appreciation. Mr. J. T. Jurson (Proc. Roy. Soc. Victoria, vol. xxx., part 2, 1918, p. 165) furnishes striking examples of the influence of the crystallisation of soluble salts in promoting rock-weathering in sub- arid regions. He acknowledges his indebtedness to Prof. J. Walther, who directed attention to the sub- ject during the visit of the British Association to Australia in 1914. Level rock floors are developed around lakes, where moisture, containing for the most part sodium chloride, is drawn up by capillarity. The solidifying of the salt disintegrates the rock, and SEPTEMBER 19, 1918] NATURE 51 wind removes the débris. Caves are eaten out in this way under the marginal cliffs, which recede by a process of dry undermining. A paper by Dr. Bather in the Geological Magazine for 1917 is referred to. A puBLication of importance to zoologists and geologists on ‘The Foraminifera of the Atlantic Ocean” is begun by Mr. J. A. Cushman in Bulletin No. 104 of the United States National Museum (Smithsonian Institution, Washington, 1918). The Astrorhizidz are here dealt with, and the evidence of selective ability in these primitive forms is of perennial and philosophic interest. Haliphysema, with its crown of sponge-spicules, is figured after Brady; but photographs are given of Psammosphaera parva, which habitually builds into its spherical test one large spicule, projecting boldly at each end. Mr. Cushman writes of another species as possessing “‘even greater ingenuity." One of the greatest earthquakes of the last ten years was registered on September 3. At West Brom- wich the range of movement amounted to to in.; the writing pointers were frequently swept off the paper, and were once completely dismounted, the total dura- tion of the oscMlations being four or five hours. The origin of the earthquake is estimated to be in the North Pacific, at a distance of 5600 miles, ‘and probably in the Aleutian Islands, which belong to one of the great unstable regions of the globe. Mr. C. H. GrascopinE, of Abingdon Gardens, W., has sent us an account of a remarkable hailstorm in King Island, Tasmania, on June 21 last, received from his nephew, Mr. E. J. Glascodine, from which we extract the following :—'‘‘The hailstones were like starfish, i.e. with a roughly spherical core and fingers out in all directions, not only on one plane: more like one of those most useful-looking old-time war weapons, spikes protruding from a sphere of iron in all directions mounted on a handle by a short chain! But in the case of the hailstones the spike was much longer, the largest part of the whole. One or two I measured were more than three inches across from point to point, and several were above two inches in two directions: the centre was comparatively small, from } in. to ? in. in diameter, roughly. They were not heavy, and were clear ice, not opaque as hail usually is, and at the same time each ‘stone’ appeared to be an agglomeration of ordinary small hailstones. Though the ground was more or less covered with ice, which lay for two hours, only a proportion of the hailstones were of extra large size and this unusual shape, the thermometer (on veranda) did not fall below 48° F. All soft, succulent leaves of plants, such as arum lilies and rhubarb, turnip-tops, and such like, were shredded, torn in strips.” In an article in the September issue of Scientia Dr. A. Riccd, of the Astrophysical Observatory of the. University of Catania, summarises our know- ledge of the constitution of the sun. So far as the interior is concerned, there is still much to learn. The high temperature and pressure which exist there are so much above those attainable in a laboratory that we are unable to ascertain what their effects on the properties of matter are likely to be. There seems little doubt that the temperature of the interior ex- ceeds 7000° C., and is well above the critical tempera- tures of the substances of which the sun is com- posed. As a consequence, those substances should be in the gaseous state; but under the enormous pres- sure to which they are subjected their molecules are so close together that the properties of the gases must be similar to those of liquids, or even solids, as known from laboratory experiments. NO. 2551, VOL. 102] and: | | to maintain IN a paper presented to the Franklin Institute in March, which appears in the August issue of the Journal of the institute, Mr. F. W. Sperr, jun.,-chief chemist to the Koppers Co., of Pittsburgh, dealt with the relations between the principal characteristics of American cokes and the sources of the coal from which they are produced. In the course of his address he pointed out that more than one-half of the sixty million tons of coke produced per annum in America at the present time is made in_the old ‘beehive’ oven, which wastes the ammonia, benzene, naphthalene, toluene, and other by-products the modern oven con- serves, and, in addition, will only produce good coke for metallurgical purposes from a much more restricted range of coals than the modern oven. He’ estimates the annual loss to the country from this cause. to be 19,000,000l, Tue American Ceramic Society, which has been in existence -nearly twenty years, and has_ hitherto issued its Transactions in the form of annual volumes, has decided instead to publish a monthly journal, the first number of which has just come to hand. The official description of it as “a monthly journal devoted to the arts and sciences related to the silicate indus- tries" serves as a reminder that the authoritative definition of the term “ceramic”? in America covers a much wider range than is commonly accepted else- where. Possibly this more extensive field may supply at the same time a reason for publication at shorter intervals, and a sufficient amount of suitable matter the standard aimed at. ‘It is in- teresting to note that of the committees through which the U.S. National Research Council works, three are concerned with subjects ccming within the scope of the American Ceramic Society’s activi- ties. An appreciative notice of Prof. E. Orton, jun., who has been secretary of the society since its foundation, is included. Among the technical papers in this first number are :—‘ Special Pots for the Melting of Optical Glass,” by Bleininger ; “The Effect of Gravitation upon the Drying of Ceramic Ware,” by Washburn; and ‘‘Notes on the Hydration of Anhydrite and Dead-burned Gypsum,” by Gill. We wish the American Ceramic Society success in its new venture. READERS of NatTuRE may be weary of the itera- tion with which their attention has been directed to the extraordinarily liberal scale on which the: American Government subsidises the provision of agricultural education and research, but an article in the current Fortnightly Review contains some striking figures which deserve notice. For example, the ex- penditure of the United States Department of Agri- culture has risen from 234,o00l. in 1890 to upwards of 5,000,0001. in 1916—a figure which may be con- trasted with the 300,0001, odd expended by the Eng- lish Board of Agriculture in the latter year. Another striking figure is derived from the report of the Division of Publications. The asgregate printed matter issued in one year exceeded 25 million copies of nearly 2000 separate publications, all of which were issued at a nominal price. Another novel form of activity noticed is the employment of ‘‘agents in the field’? to supply advice gratuitously to the southern coloured agriculturists. Of these 450 were employed. Again, what are known as ‘corn clubs’”’ for boys have been started. The membership of these exceeds 46,000, and all have been specially instructed in the growing of maize. A sum of. 8o000l. was dis- tributed in prizes for good work. A further respect in which the U.S. Government is far ahead of the British is in relation to the control of food products, especially in respect of adulteration and preservatives, and of this department a characteristic feature is the 52 NATURE “Poison Squad,’ a band of young men who have volunteered to submit themselves to experiment with suspected foods. The writer of the Review article, however, carries his admiration of American adminis- tration too far, perhaps, when he says that ‘the American Government’s offices are staffed, not with dull, bureaucratic automatons, not with human dere- licts and petrifacts, but with keen, open-minded, and striving business men.’’ This is the same form of psychosis which led before the war to the adulation of German institutions and methods. There is, how- ever, another tribute paid to the American with which more complete agreement can be expressed. “America’s chief success,”’ says the writer, “is largely due to the fact that education is the chief industry of the nation.’ We agree; the American has an in- tense belief in the value of education and im an aristocracy of brains rather than of wealth. In this respect England has much to learn. Recalled to Life, a quarterly review devoted to all that is being done for the disabled sailor and soldier, now appears with a new name, Reveille, and a new editor, Mr. John Galsworthy in place of Lord Charn- wood (H.M.S.O., 2s. 6d. net). In the issue for August Col. Sir Robert Jones gives a graphic account of the work now being carried out by surgeons in the special military hospitals where disabled men are treated. Experience has shown that the principles which have to be applied in military orthopaedic cases are those which were successfully applied in peace- time to children who had suffered from infantile paralysis. Before the war very few surgeons saw more than occasional cases of wounded or divided nerves. Now every convoy from France _ brings many such cases. The technique of the suturing of nerves has become one of the important points in operative practice. Operations, such as the grafting of bone, the transplantation of tendons, and the plastic reformation of the face or of stumps, which were regarded as surgical curiosities in peace- time, have now become matters of everyday experi- ence. The chief lesson that the military surgeon has learned from recent experience is that the re-education of nerves, muscles, and joints which have been re- formed by operation is by far the most important and tedious part of successful treatment. ‘* Muscles,” says Sir Robert Jones, ‘‘can be made to learn to do things they never did before; bones can be arranged, and the cells will build them up to meet new emergencies; nerve-cells will learn to send messages to the muscles in their new work, and a new limb, as it were, will be created.’’ AccorDING to the Zeitschrift fiir angewandte Chemie for July 2 last, an association of German manufac- turers of finely ground dyes, recently formed in Berlin, has been joined by nearly all the firms interested. In addition to watching the economic interests of its members, the new association will act as a central medium for the distribution of raw materials both now and during the transition period. A LarGE deposit of graphite at Skaland, in Norway, and under the control of the Metallurgists A./S. of Bergen, has been prospected, and now proves to be sufficiently extensive to supply the Norwegian market for some years to come. Any desired quality of pro- duct can be made from the crudest material up to one of 97 per cent. purity. Electrostatic separation is adopted. According to U.S. Commercial Reports (May 23, 1918), it is proposed to erect a plant capable of meeting the home demand. \n engineer in Haugesund (Sweden) is at present engaged on an invention in connection with the smelt- ing of molybdenum at a large works near, at which NO. 2551, VOL. 102] [SEPTEMBER 19, 19 18 (according to Verdens Gang, June 30) it is hoped to refine fifty tons of molybdenum per annum. Dr. Heinrich TRAUN AND Sons, of Hamburg, have issued a four-page leaflet giving particulars of “ Faturan,’’ an insulating material manufactured by them. It is a condensation product of phenol and formaldehyde. It is non-hydroscopic, and scarcely affected by heat. A high insulation is maintained owing to the absence of surface sulphur. Its tensile strength is 25 to 3 kg. per mm.*, and its specific gravity 1-2 to 1-3 in normal qualities. Messrs. Henry FRowDE anp Hopper AND STOUGHTON have in the press for publication in the series of Oxford Medical Publications ‘“‘The Early Treatment of War Wounds,” by Col. H. M. W. Gray, illustrated, and ‘War Neuroses and Shell Shock,” by Brevet Lt.-Col. F. W. Mott, illustrated. They also announce a new edition of ‘‘Surgical Diseases of the Gall- ‘bladder, Bile Ducts, and Liver: Their Pathology, Diagnosis, and Treatment” (including _ Jacksonian prize essay), by H. J. Waring, illustrated. OUR ASTRONOMICAL COLUMN. AuGusST AND SEPTEMBER Merrrors.—Mr. Denning writes that between August 28 and September 12 he observed 153 meteors, and determined a number of radiant points of minor showers. The chief of these were as under :— 1918 Radiant No. of a f meteors August 28-September 8 o— 2 8 August 28-September 8 265+ 63 vi September 2-r2 m9 os. 318+48 To August 29-September 8 ss) 3204-75 6 August 28-September 12 332+ 5 8 August 30-September 8 cM Resist 9 August 31-Septemiber 12 ,.. 337—I10 vials August 29-September 1 352+ 76 8 The Cygnids, No. 3 on the list, were very definitely marked, and that radiant, like several of the others, remains visible during a long period. On September 8 two large fireballs were seen by Mrs. Wilson at Totteridge at 7h. 20m. and 1oh. 14m. G.M.T. The latter was estimated to be four times as brilliant as Wenus, and it broke into three pieces in the latter part of its flight. It had a long course of 170 miles, from 10 miles south of Dunkirk to the North Sea about 40 miles north- east of Cromer. Its height was from 64 to 29 miles, velocity 14 miles per second, and the radiant point was at 324°—25° in Capricornus.- Nova Monocerotis.—A detailed account of the spectrum of Nova Monocerotis, as observed on February 25 and March 1, 15, and 27, has been given by Dr. G. F. Paddock (Lick Obs. Bull., No. 313). The following bright lines were observed in addition to those of hydrogen :—4363, 4640, 4686, 4959, 5007, 5526+, 5677+, 5756+, all being described as faint except the first two and the fifth. As in other nove, the lines were broad and complex, and each emission band had a faint central absorption band. The bands of hydrogen and 4640 were nearly symmetrical, while the nebulium lines were brightest on the violet sides of the absorption bands. There were no narrow lines suitable for determinations of radial velocity, but the central absorption bands appear to have occupied nearly their normal positions. It is evident that the star had reached the nebular stage in the usual sequence of spectra when these observations were made. At the time of discovery by Wolf on February 4, the magnitude of the nova was 8-5, but previous photographs in the Harvard collection showed that the maximum had already been passed. : SEPTEMBER 19, 1918} NATURE 53 Tue Specrroscoric Binary Boss 46.—Following } pair of rats is capable of producing twenty million the discovery of the variable velocity of this star at Mount Wilson in 1914, Messrs. W. S. Adams and G. Stromberg have made extensive observations, and features of special interest have been revealed (Astrophys. Journ., vol. xlvii., p. 329). The star belongs to the class of spectroscopic binaries in which the calcium lines give values of the radial velocity differing widely from those indicated by other lines. The period is 3-5225 days, and the velocity shown by the hydrogen and helium lines has the remarkably large range of 450 km. per second. The calcium lines have been found to show a variation having the same period, but with the comparatively small range of 20 km. A velocity of —45 km. for the system is indicated by the lines of hydrogen and helium, and of —23-5 km. by the calcium lines. These results seem to favour the view that the vapour producing the calcium lines is not in the form of a detached cloud in space, but is involved in the binary system itself. The differing velocities for the system deduced from the two sets of lines are probably not to be wholly interpreted on the basis of velocity. The visual magni- tude of the star is 6-0, and the spectral type B3p. THE INVASION OF TRENCHES BY RATS. se P. CHAVIGNY has contributed to the Revue Générale des Sciences for July 15 and 30 two very interesting and useful articles on the invasion of trenches by rats. Soon after trench warfare began the trenches -were invaded by immense numbers of rats, which caused great damage and almost in- tolerable annoyance at night. Various measures, such as the use of poisons, infective virus, traps, terriers, etc., were taken to destroy the rats, but with very poor success; and it is shown that this was due to a lack of knowledge of the natural history and habits of the animals concerned. The rat which invades trenches is nearly always the ordinary brown or Norway rat (Mus decumanus), but in the case of dry trenches the black rat (M. rattus) may be present. These rats sleep in places of retreat or holes during the day; it is at night that they cause all the trouble. The intelligence which they display in overcoming obstacles and avoiding traps, poison, etc., is extraordinary; and it is evident that they possess some means of communicating their knowledge to one another, since any particular means of killing them soon becomes of little use. Prof. Chavigny lays special stress on the fact that they live on exactly the same food as man, and cooked in the same way. Of raw food they can make scarcely any use. For instance, they simply starve if given raw barley. They will gnaw and destroy almost any- thing that their teeth can penetrate, but what they actually live upon is simply the ordinary human food which they are able to reach, and particularly the remnants from meals. A rat consumes about 30 to 50 grams of food daily, and starvation kills it in about forty-eight hours. It neither lays up stores of food nor hibernates in winter. As ordinary brown and black rats will not breed in captivity, most of our knowledge as to their rate of reproduction is derived from observations on the albino variety, which breeds readily in captivity. The period of gestation is twenty-one days, and the minimum time between two litters from the same female is sixty-two days. She may have as many as five litters in a year. A litter consists of about ten. A female at the age of two and a half to three months is capable of producing a litter. The young are very efficiently tended, so that scarcely any die. A simple calculation gives the surprising result that a single NO. 2551, VOL. 102] descendants within three years. Reproduction ceases during cold weather, and rats cannot reproduce themselves at all in cold climates. In temperate climates reproduction is at a standstill during the winter. The most important factor limit- ing reproduction is, however, the supply of nutriment. A female receiving only sufficient food to keep her in good condition does not reproduce at all, whereas with superabundance of food reproduction proceeds at its maximum rate. In his second paper Prof. Chavigny describes and discusses the various methods used for destroying rats, and shows that the disappointing results obtained are due to neglect of the fact that multiplication of rats is simply the result of scattering human food within their reach. The essential step in controlling the rat invasions is to prevent the scattering about of remnants of food. For this purpose it is recommended that, where possible, all waste food should be collected and used for pigs. Where this is not possible the waste food should be thrown into pits and covered with earth before nightfall. Prof. Chavigny proposes also that placards should be posted up saying that ‘*he who sows fragments of food will reap a harvest of rats.” + THE PROPERTIES OF COPPER. HE U.S. Bureau of Standards has recently issued a circular (No. 73) entitled ‘‘Copper.’’ It appears that the Bureau is constantly in receipt of requests for detailed or general information concerning the proper- ties, statistics, etc., of metals and alloys. Such in- formation is. rarely to be found in systematic form. Generally the different sources of such information are difficult of access, and their accuracy is not always certain. Much information of this kind that is quoted is valueless, either for the reason that the data upon which it is based are incorrect or because they have not been properly interpreted in quoting. Accordingly, the Bureau is planning to issue from time to time circulars on individual metals or alloys with the idea of grouping in them all the most trustworthy information that is available, either from its own tests and investigations or from published records contained in the literature. These circulars are intended to deal primarily with the physical and mechanical properties of the metal or alloy; all other factors, except a few statistics of production, such as methods of manufacture, impuri- ties, etc., are discussed only in relation to these proper- ties. Copper has been chosen as the first metal for this treatment, partly because much of the accurate information regarding it has been obtained at the Bureau, and partly because our knowledge of its pro- perties is more complete than that of any other metal. Moreover, the commercial forms of copper are charac- terised by a high degree of purity, e.g. the electrolytic wire bar manufactured in the United States of America contains on an average 99-96 per cent. of this metal, and the Lake wire bar 9989 per cent. The highest quality brands of English (furnace-refined) copper con- tain about 99:75 per cent. Circular No. 73 contains the best established values of various physical and mechanical char- acteristics of pure and commercial grades of copper, principally at the ordinary temperature. Varia- tions of these properties with changes of temperature are also discussed. There is a useful technological section dealing with casting, deoxidation, working, welding, hardening, electro-deposition, and _heat- treatment, followed by another discussing the effects of impurities on the physical properties of the metal, and concluding with a brief account of its “diseases.” A complete bibliography and tvpical specifications are 54 included. The information is mainly put in the form of tables and curves, and the latter have been repro- duced in such dimensions that accurate interpolation of values on them is possible by the use of a rule sraduated in decimal parts of a centimetre. The prob- able degree of accuracy of data is indicated, or im- plied, by the number of significant figures in the values given. It is somewhat surprising to note that pure copper which has been cast and rolled and afterwards an- nealed at 500° C. to normalise it does not have its ultimate tensile strength stated more closely than 35,000+5000 Ib. per sq. in., when it is remembered | that after this treatment there is less variation be- _tween different samples than in any other condition. Such copper has no detectable elastic or proportional limit; i.e, annealed copper takes a permanent set with the slightest loads. On the other hand, when it is cold worked, rolled, or drawn, it does acquire a limit of proportionality, depending on the degree of work. Experiments at the Bureau have shown that modern hard-drawn copper wire is equally affected by drawing throughout the section, and that no hard or exterior skin exists. This has been corroborated by Peirce. The publication is a most useful one. H.C. H. C. INTERFEROMETER DETERMINATION OF REFRACTIVE INDICES. pecs CARL BARUS has recently developed and extended certain of the methods described by him in 1916 in connection with the spectroscopic resolu- tion of interferences obtained with interferometers of all classes from the simplest to the most complicated type.’ Cases of special interest arise in which the interfering spectra are reversed or inverted relatively to each cther. Obviousfy, such methods may have a number of valuable physical applications, and among several examples to which Prof. Barus has given attention is the possibility of the determination of refractivity irrespective of form by immersion methods. In the method developed for this measurement (chap. iv., part ii.) the interferences produced by white light in a slightly modified type of Michelson interferometer are viewed with a telescope and prism-grating. Ellip- tical interferences are seen in the spectrum, which may be moved relatively to spectral lines by a micro- metric change of path in one of the beams. A trough containing a liquid of adjustable refractive index, in which the solid under test may be immersed, is placed in this beam, and attempts are made to recognise equality in refractive index of solid and liquid by the fixity of fringes on immersion. Naturally, the fringes in the spectrum are distorted owing to unavoidable differences of dispersion, but it is disappointing that the method should have failed to give a sensitive indication of equality. It has, however, long been recognised that interference methods in most cases are inconvenient for direct refractometry; in reality, the recognition of the point of equality is the crux of the matter, for other more simple and direct methods are available for the measurement itself. In this con- nection an expedient used by the present writer in attacking the problem (Trans. Optical Soc., December, 1916)—that of varying refractive index in the liquid by differential evaporation while homogeneity is secured by mechanical stirring—might possibly lead to success. The fringes could then be observed con- tinuously and the necessity for separate steps avoided. The detection of vartations of refractive index in un- ectra.” By Carl Institution of “The Interferometry of Reversed and Non-reversec Barus. Parts i. and 11. (Publications of the Carr Washington, 1916 and 1917.) NO. 255i. sole LO? | NATURE [SEPTEMBER 19, 1918 worked glass is one of the most important problems for modern optics. These variations, which are due to irregularity of composition, frequently affect the fifth decimal place, but cannot at present be detected until optically worked surfaces have been given to a specimen. It seems possible that the difficulty may be overcome by an interferometer-immersion method. It is too often assumed, however, that interferometer methods are of great delicacy in comparison with “definition” tests or the Topler knife-edge test. Remembering Lord Rayleigh’s rule, that disturbances should meet in an image with not more than a quarter wave-length difference of phase, it may be realised that the formation of a well-defined image is a fairly severe test of the homogeneity of the media of the system, having granted sufficient freedom from aberrations due to the form of the surtaces. If, in addition, the direct image is screened so that only the effects of irregularity are perceived, the test may apparently be made as sensitive as is desired by increasing the intensity of the source of light. In conclusion, it may be remarked that the method. of spectral interferences, although appearing to be exceedingly useful, has not yet been studied so ex- haustively in this or other connections as to enable a final judgment to be passed upon it. LG. FERN NOTES FROM PRINCE BONA- PARTE’S HERBARIUM. NDER the title ‘* Notes Ptéridologiques "’! Prince Roland Bonaparte is issuing at irregular inter- vals fascicles of a publication dealing primarily with the fern collections in his private herbarium in Paris. The herbarium already contains about 300,000 speci- mens coming from all parts of the world. These have been derived partly by purchase or exchange from public or private herbaria or from individuals, and partly from Prince Bonaparte’s own correspondents or from collectors and travellers with whom he is in touch. Thus many of the collections are represented in other herbaria, and the publication of the names of specimens which have hitherto been undetermined will be of service to other workers in the field of pteridology, while a systematic account of new col- lections will add to our knowledge of the ferns and of their geographical distribution. Prince Bonaparte is also pleased to receive on loan collections for deter- mination, and will publish lists of the species. The general arrangement is geographical, and each collection is treated separately under the heading of the continent from which it has been derived. The systematic arrangement and nomenclature adopted are those of Christensen’s Index. A list of desiderata is printed at the beginning of each fascicle. In an introductory note the older practice of relying solely on external characters for the determination of genera and species is adversely criticised. In the future more use must be made of anatomical charac- ters; thus the scales and hairs, which are becoming increasingly important for systematic distinctions, may appear alike when viewed superficially, but on microscopic examination will reveal well-marked characters useful for specific delimitation. These characters, with those of nervation, will be found more trustworthy than those derived from the indusium, a transitory structure. These little brochures should prove of considerable value to botanists who are interested in the systematic study of the ferns. We note that the Prince does not follow the rule of giving a brief Latin diagnosis of the new species, though there is often a good description 1 Paris: Impr'mé pour |’auteur. SEPTEMBER 19, 1918] NATURE 515) in French. There is, however, nothing to be said in favour of publishing lists of new species with no description or reference to such, as is done, for example, in the case of a number of Spruce’s speci- mens from tropical South America. The fascicles are separately paged, and an index to each would facili- tate reference. SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND NATIONAL | PROSPERITY. ANY, no doubt, do not comprehend what func- tions the research chemist can exercise in South Africa, and what scope the country can offer for his labours. Following the United States principle of the best men in the best posts, where, they ask, can we place him so that the country may, through his instru- mentality, reap the greatest advantage? To answer such questions one needs, first of all, to consider how scientific research—and therefore, inferentially, chemi- cal research—may be distributed. As a matter of con- venience a threefold grouping is adopted—university research, industrial research, and national research. Adopting the definitions given by Mr. C. E. Skinner a few months ago at a meeting of the American In- stitute of Electrical Engineers, we may say that university research includes the pure scientific research, | which naturally finds its home in the university, and all other research done there for the purpose of train- ing men. Industrial research comprises all that done by or for industrial concerns with the purpose of ad- vancing industry. National research is that carried on by the Government for the purpose of benefiting the people as a whole. Now it is plain that between these three types of research there can be no sharp lines of demarcation, but university research is often ‘the stepping-stone to industrial advancement, while national research is repeatedly industrial in its objects. Mr. Skinner rightly holds that the primary function of the university in research should be the training of research men, and that universities should be equipped to turn out research men just as they are now equipped to turn out men with academic and en- gineering degrees. Prof. G. G. Henderson has laid down the principle that the training of the chemist, so far as that training can be given in a teaching institution, must be regarded as incomplete unless it includes some research work.* The demand for research in almost every field is growing with a rapidity wholly unprecedented, and to the universities alone can we look for men able and ready to take their places in the strenuous ‘effort that is bound to be put forth on every side. We have just inaugurated a triple university system: Prof. Crawford, in his presidential address to this asso- ciation at Maritzburg, asked, and sought to answer, what South Africa expects from its universities, and referred, in particular, to.the need of encouraging the study of science and of furthering research. In de- veloping this theme he asked us to remember that the highest form of research is not made to order, and that there is more in genius than industry and oppor- tunity. It would benefit us to bear this in mind and, in juxtaposition with Prof. Crawford’s words, to place a sentence from Mr. Skinner’s address :— “Tf it takes a genius to recognise a genius vet undeveloned, and properly to stimulate and direct that genius, how necessary it is that we place men of 1 From the presidential address delivered by Dr. C. F. Juritz before the South African Association for the Advancement of Science at Johannesburg on July 8 ~ Report British Association, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1916, p. 374. NO. 2551, VOL. 102] genius at the head of the research departments of our universities ! "’ It comes to this, then, that we should see to it that our universities are well equipped with scientific research workers, and it is pre-eminently desirable that a system of research professorships should be insti- tuted, the chairs to be occupied by men of enthusiasm, men who will inspire a like zeal and devotion amongst those of the younger generation whom they gather around them, men of personality and character, who will kindle in the breasts of the research students feelings of admiration and respect for them and their work, “In training research men,’’ says Mr. Skinner again, ‘‘the university will naturally become the cus- todian and the promoter of pure scientific research.’’ Here is the fountain-head whence we shall ultimately draw our men for industrial research and for national research; how important is it, then, that the source of all our supplies should be of crystal purity! What- ever more utilitarian form of research one may after- wards take up, research in pure science is invaluable in the earlier part of the research student’s career, for it will give him a zest and a stimulus that will remain with him throughout, enrich his scientific imagination, and adorn all his later work. At the same time, university research may lead to the most utilitarian results; some of the most impor- tant dyes, artificial alizarin, the phthaleins, indigo, and such drugs as phenacetin, antipyrin, and aspirin, were all discovered in university chemical laboratories. Now why have-we so few persons doing research work in South Africa? Is it in part because no re- search geniuses are born, or is it that we fail to recognise them, and neglect to provide them with the essential facilities ?—youths, maybe, on whose humble birth: fair Science frowned not, flowers born to blush unseen and waste their sweetness on the desert air, mute, inglorious Miltons whose genius remained latent because we took no trouble to draw it out? Dr. P. G. Nutting about a year ago said that some writers have spoken of the investigator as a rare indi- vidual, to be sifted out from educational institutions with great care for a particular line of work. My personal opinion is that a large percentage of the men students are fitted for research work if properly started along the right line. m What we in South Africa lack—next to the facilities for research—is not so much the research students as the men to start them on right lines. I think that Principal Beattie, at the inauguration of the University of Cape Town three months ago, sounded the correct note in-observing that the youth of South Africa did not lack enthusiasm or ability for research, but they lacked opportunity, and, he added, much depended on the men they had as professors. That is the secret of it all. In this dread war South Africans have more than once exhibited a physical courage and a pertinacity equal. to anything that Australia or New Zealand could show; why should not South Africa, then, pro- duce a Bragg or a Rutherford as well as Australia and New Zealand, seeing that intellectual courage and pertinacity are two indispensable qualities in a successful research worker? The position is analogous to that which war has developed in Europe and America: there the opportunity has made the man. An American chemist said that ‘the German General Staff has learned, if others have _ not, that German chemical achievement, which is great indeed, is no sign that equal ability does not exist elsewhere. The Allies and America improvised a munitions industry in two years to match their machine of forty years’ preparation”; and then he 6 orn to make a remark which we may well take co heart :—*' War could force us to do nothing we did not possess Cé ipacity for before.” ‘The potential research worker,’ says the editor of the United States Experiment Station Record, “is probably less born than made’; and Dr. Nutting thus clothes the same thought in iiteraut language :— ‘Fertility of mind is not so much an inborn quality of the mind itself as of the training and association which that mind has had.” * Hence it is our solemn duty as a young nation to provide abundant facilities at each of our three uni- versities for the making of our future research workers. We pass on to speak of industrial research, which always has some utilitarian end in view, whereas the purpose of pure scientific research is more exclusively philosophic—the discovery of truth. The investigator in pure science has been likened to the explorer who discovers new continents, or islands, or lands before unknown; the investigator in industrial research to the pioneer who. surveys the newly discovered land in order to locate its mineral resources, to determine its forest areas, and to ascertain the position of its arable land.* I quote these remarks with all cireumspection, for, after all, there are no sharp boundaries between re- search in pure science and in applied or industrial science, and Huxley was right when he wrote that “what people called ‘ applied’ science’ is nothine but the application of pure science to particular problems.” The fact is that applied science is impossible until a foundation of pure science has been laid to build it on. You cannot apply a science which is not there to apply, and, as Sir William Tinney has said, until men began to interrogate Nature for the sake of learn- ing her ways, and without concentrating their atten- tion on the expectation of useful applications of such knowledge, little or no progress was made. Industrial chemistry has been defined as that branch of chemical science which uses all the rest of chemis- try and much engineering for the furtherance of pro- duction of chemical substances, or the use of chemical means or methods for manufacturing any material of commerce; and hence industrial research for the most part differs widely from university research. True, there are instances to the contrary; thus Michigan University has at Ann Arbor a tank for testing ship resistance, and Tllinois University has a laboratory for investigations on a full-size locomotive engine; but industrial research is, for the most part, ‘impracticable for universities, and, as often as not, needs to be carried out under large- scale conditions, as it were in sit, and by persons already possessing practical experience in the various phases of the problem under went on investigation. At the same time there should be much closer co-operation between the university and indus- trial research. Industry should recognise that it must depend primarily upon the universities for its trained research men, and co-operate to the fullest possible extent to the end that properly trained men be turned out. Do you realise what this last sentence involves— you who are connected with the ‘big industries? It involves that industry should recognise that, from a purely selfish motive, if from no other, its interest lies in endowing research chairs at the universities, and in seeing that they are occupied by men of genius. The very nature. of industrial research implies that there must be a constant accession to the ranks of its workers of persons trained in pure scientific research. 3 Nature, vol. c., p. 157,:1017. 4 Col. (TI. J. Carty,: Presidential address, Engineers, vol. xxxv. [10]. P- 1415, 1976. NO. VOL. 102] Proc, Amer. Inst. Elec. 2551, NATURE [SEPTEMBER 19, 1918 ~ If such accession be intermitted, or if the increase of knowledge by means of pure ‘scientific research be hampered, in: Justrial research will inevitably be limited in corresponding degree. The Government has acted wjsely and well in en- deavouring to establish a system of industries in this country; do we want these industries to fizzle out, or to go through years of laborious struggling? If we wish to minimise preventable disadvantages of that kind, let us do without delay, whatever we can to foster research, so that the men to conduct it may become available as soon as they are needed. National research approaches more nearly to the industrial than to the university type. It is often undertaken for the advantage of industry in general, but its outlook is considerably broader than that above embraced within the scope of industrial research, restricted, as the latter is, to the requirements of individual industries. In South Africa the cry for industrial research has become more imperative of late, and the Industries Advisory Board, as well as the Scientific and Technical Committee appointed on the initiative of the Minister of Mines and Industries, has gone some distance both in educating the public to the need of this type of research and in giving an impetus in the required direction. Mainly, “however, the agencies used were of two classes: the labora- tories of the university colleges, and those of certain Government Departments, together with the respec- tive officers of those institutions. There are two fundamental principles on which T must now lay stress; they are expressed in the words co-operation and co-ordination—co-operation between workers in different branches of science, co-ordination amongst those who work in the same branch in order that the maximum of benefit may be attained. So interdependent, in fact, so interlaced are the three types of research to which I have briefly alluded that* it should be patent as the sun at noon that the closest co-operation between them all is essential. It is to be feared that this is not yet so clearly realised as it should be. The waste of time and energy that has risen from overlapping, which in turn has resulted from lack of collaboration, is incredibly great. It has stifled work of value in the past to an extent that is certainly not realised; it has thrown back for many years branches of investigation in which ere now incalculable progress might have been made and un- told pecuniary advantages reaped. Would that the dire necessity of this searching war could stir up the South African nation to a correct appreciation of the facts! About a year ago the president of the Society of Chemical Industry, in his address at Birmingham, insisted on the absolute necessity for the engineer and the chemist to ‘get into double harness as ‘quickly as possible’ and work sympathetically together for the progress of chemical industry. In South Africa, too, this necessity has been manifested, but I am glad to say that we have had more than manifestation; we have had realisation and we have had operation. For example, when, some months ago, the fertiliser scar- city arose, 1 was deputed to investigate the potentiali- ties of unutilised raw materials in the Union, and found, amongst other things, that there were several thousand tons of good material going to waste in various places in connection with such institutions as slaughterhouses and crayfish canneries for lack of by- products plant to deal with it. When IT had completed my tour of inspection and furnished my report, the engineers were charged to follow on, and set to werk to make good the deficiency in plant, with the result that a respectable quantity of fertilisers will naw be produced from the refuse that hitherto has been gcing to waste. —— << SEPTEMBER 19, 1918) May I just repeat here—because they are sull ap- plicable to-day—a few remarks which { made in my presidential address to the Cape Chemical Society six years ago ?— “As an industrial science chemistry never operates in isolation. When we concern ourselves with the chemistry of the country’s vegetable products it is the science of botany that has to afford additional aid; if it is general agriculture that we are dealing with, the chemist may also have to work in co-opera- tion with the zoologist, entomologist, or mycologist. Often, in connection with the investigation of the country’s mineral products and of its agricultural soils, consultation with the geologist is required. In any case, there is this one outstanding fact that these various scientific offices need to be im closest touch with each other in order to promote the smoothest working of the entire machine of investigation as an organised whole. “This close contact between science and science is of great importance, but it is still more important that contact between the various workers in one and the same science should be as intimate as proper co- ordination and organisation can make it. During its annual convention, towards the close of 1910, the American Society of Agronomy was very largely occupied with the standardising of methods for con- ducting experiments. It was then shown again and again that a large amount of experimental work done in the United States had led to results which could not be compared with each other, were difficult to interpret in a trustworthy way, and were liable to lead to wrong conclusions because there had been no agreement as to method amongst the various institu- tions involved in the work. We do not wish to have these mistakes repeated in South Africa; our desire is rather to profit by the experience of other lands, but unless we look well to our steps we stand to repeat some of those very mistakes in an aggravated form. Therefore, lest we should go on a wrong track with regard to this matter of investigation and research, two principles should remain deeply graven on our minds: these are co-ordination of effort and unity of plan.” Some of us have read what Mr. H. G. Wells describes as ideal in his ‘“ Modern Utopia” :— “In Utopia a great multitude of selected men, chosen volunteers, will be collaborating on this new step in man’s struggle with the elements. . . . Every university in the world will be urgently working for priority in this aspect of the problem or that. Reports of exneriments, as full and as prompt as the tele- graphic reports of cricket in our more sportive atmo- sphere, will go about the world.”’ Clearly, co-operation and_ co-ordination cannot become effective without efficient organisation. We were afforded a splendid illustration of what may thus be effected in the case of a private corporation on the occasion of the Stellenbosch meeting a year ago, when we visited the dynamite factory at Somerset West, and listened to the historical account given by thé general manager. Established at the beginning of the present century for the purpose of supplying dynamite to the Kimberley mines, the sphere of operations had so extended that during the twelve months imme- diately preceding our visit the works-had exported to the Commonwealth of Australia more than 100,000. worth of explosive manufactured in South Africa, in addition to supplying our own needs. From. that manufacture other industries developed one bv one, and the works now include plant for the manufacture of sulphuric, hydrochloric. and nitric acids and of copper sulphate and the nitrates of barium and lead, while others are under consideration. Farmers have been supplied with the sulphur which they need for ¢ NO. 2551, VOL. 102] NATURE 37 sheep-dipping and vine-spraying, while 20,000 gallons monthly of a lime-sulphur solution for sheep-dipping have been turned out. The works bid fair to develop into a general chemical factory after the war. Thus far the private concern ; what we need in the way of a Government establishment is an institute for re- search in pure and applied chemistry—such a national chemical laboratory as Prof. Henderson has been longing to see established in England, but England is not yet sufficiently responsive. ‘We don’t conduct research,” says Mr. H. G. Wells; ‘we simply let it happen.’ Ah, that is where England differs from South Africa; we don’t let it happen. Sometimes we make ourselves believe that we do, and then we let other things happen to interfere with it. Why, | have been pleading these twenty-four years for a properly organised system of chemical, physical, and biological research with respect to our agricultural soils, and it has not come vet. The way in which a nation can organise itself and its resources for war has impressed a world. Other nations are talking about organising them- selves for the commercial struggle that will ensue upon the termination of the present strife, but mere talking about reconstruction will not enable us to face the future serenely. “We all talk about the weather,’ said Mark Twain, ‘‘ but nothing is done!’ Why is it that England, France, Aus- tralia, New Zealand, and Canada are mobilising their scientific men for research? Dr. G. E. Hale, chairman of the Department of Science and Research of the United States Council of National Defence, says that it is because, “looking ahead, it was seen that the conclusion of peace would be followed by a trade war with Germany, in which no industry not perfected by scientific research could hope to succeed.” Can South Africa compete industrially with a country that has shown us what organisation can achieve, if we starve the very soul of industrial prosperity—pure and applied scientific research carried out in the laboratory ? Mr. W. C. Dampier Whetham, in his recently pub- lished bools on ‘‘ The War and the Nation,” devoted a section to the organisation of British industry and commerce, in regard to which a reviewer says that “three years of war have done more than a century of peace to impress upon the public mind the indis- pensability of scientific research to national prosperity.” The result has been that the Imperial Government has called into being a devartment for the express purpose of organising and directing research, and has placed considerable sums of money at this Depart- ment’s disposal. But perhaps the most important out- come is that ‘the leaders of British industries have begun to acquire the habit of working together in order to conduct associated researches.” ° Now let me emphasise the point that there is not one of these industries for which the chemist is not essential at one stage or another. An interesting address given some months ago by the president of the American Cyanamide Company® shows how uni- versal the need of the chemist is. Two thousand grades of glassware are required for a vast variety of purposes; for this the skilled glass-maker must work under chemical control. The iron and steel of our cutlery, the extraction of silver. gold, and. in fact, of all metals from the ores, need the chemist at even step: the clothing we wear. the dyes that colour it, and more particularly synthetic dyes, the host of other | uses to which cotton is put, the use of cellulose in the form of artificial silk as a new textile material, all are interwoven with the resources of the chemist. The 5 Journ. Roy. Soc. Arts, vol. Ixv., p- 755 1917+ 6 Chem. News, vol. cxvi., PP. 157-59; 1917+ 58 preparation and preservation of our foods, and the securing of their purity, both depend on chemical control. The manufacture of synthetic drugs, such as antipyrin, phenacetin, aetna veronal, novocaine, aspirin, and salvarsan; the introduction of synthetic perfumes like heliotropin; of synthetic flavours like vanillin; of synthetic rubber and synthetic camphor; the quality of the fuel we use; the efficiency of the fertilisers we put into the soil; the extraction and utilisation of the various animal and vegetable oils, and the conversion of some of them into solid fats by catalytic agency, and so into soaps or candles, with glycerin as a by-product; the production of liquid fuels—every one of these would be impossible without chemical aid. There are a few facts regarding the chemist which I want every South African, and particularly those in high positions, to realise. First of all, get rid of the idea that he is a druggist or pharmacist, any more than he is a baker or plumber, or belongs to any other avocation in which chemistry takes a share. And then grasp the fact that there is scarcely an avocation on the face of this earth into which chemistry does not enter, or wherein the chemist would not be of some use. One does not need to tell Johannesburg that it has to thank the chemist for its prosperity, for without him many of the mines would long have ceased to work. The other great industry of South Africa, agriculture, is at the mercy of the chemist in respect of the manufacture of fertilisers, and many agricultural products owe to him the processes em- ployed in their preparation. Chemical operations are fundamental to every branch of the dairy industry; the making of jam, the drying of fruit, the tinned’ vessels in which many of these articles are preserved, are all subservient to the chemist. Without him the economical production of metals of any kind could not take place; there would be no locomotive engines, no assurance that the water which these engines need will not corrode their boiler-tubes, no testing of the coal which converts that water into steam, no provi- sion of steel rails to run the locomotives on, or, to go further, no steel armour for our battleships, and no alloys for shrapnel, aeroplanes, or submarines. It is also the chemist’s worl: to control the driving-power of ships of war and merchandise alike, whether that driving-power be coal, oil, or electricity, for the materials employed by the electrician must all, in the first place, be scrutinised by the chemist. All explosives are essentially chemical in their make- up, and, in fact, the whole Army, as well as the Navy, is dependent on the chemist all along the line, inasmuch as he has to vouch for the purity of all their supplies of food and drink, even well-water; and. not only their natural purity, but also their freedom from fraudulent adulteration or deliberate poisoning. The various gases so much, used in the present war are all the productions of the chemist, and so are the means adopted to secure immunity from those gases. It is the chemist who controls the Army’s drugs, disin- fectants, and anesthetics. The colouring of the material used for clothing not only the military and naval Services, but the whole civil population as well, is subject to the careful scrutiny of the chemist. His functions also include the manufacture of the leather which provides an army with boots; without him that leather cannot be tanned, as the entire wattle and other tanning industries are conducted under his advice. The finished leather, too, is investigated by him lest fraudulent practices should have participated in its manufacture. Without the chemist there could be no books, for chemical processes are fundamental to the making of paper, of printing and writing ink, not to mention NO. 2551, VOL. 102] NATURE [SEPTEMBER 19, 1918 again the materials wherewith books are bound and the colouring of the binding. The production of illus- trations in those books, by whatever means, and also the whole art of photography, must stand or fall with the ability of chemistry to assist them. And then, as I have already said, there is the increasingly large subject of fine and synthetic chemicals, beginning with manufactures like those of starch, glucose, and dex- trin, the synthetic dyes which surpass natural pro- ducts in brilliance and permanence, the synthetic per- fumes which far transcend natural odours in potency, the synthetic drugs which have done much to afford relief to the suffering; artificial products—I do not say imitations, for they are often better suited to their applications than the natural products which they replace—artificial products in substitution of rubies, of bone, horn, and ivory, of resins, and of leather, are all the: result of chemical research. Again and again the chemist has shown us how to produce the most valuable commodities out of waste and refuse. The refuse of the Bessemer steel-works gave rise to one of our most efficient fertilisers; the refuse of the gas-works provided the world with dyes, drugs, and a marvellously long list of other useful articles; the waste of wool-washeries furnishes us with lanoline. Waste wood, if destructively distilled, and, amongst others, waste wattle-wood, of which large quantities are annually available in Natal, is capable of pro- ducing acetone, whereof enormous quantities are now being used for the manufacture of propellants. So we may rightly claim that the present age is the age of the chemist. The chemist has never before had such opportunity for the application of his know- ledge to the betterment of material conditions upon earth, and never has he more effectively applied it to the attainment of this aim. It is also sadly true that never before has he applied his knowledge with such damaging effect as during the present war, but when the war shall have run its course all the chemist’s resourcefulness, all his energy, all his persistence will be needed to repair the damage done, and to start exhausted nations upon new lines of industry. On the chemist, more than on anyone else, will this task devolve, and in South Africa in particular he will find abundant work awaiting him. Is he to be there to respond to the call? Then it is for us to educate and train him to the necessary standard; it is for us to provide the means whereby his purpose may be accom- plished; it is for us to accord him sympathetic treat- ment. Do not let us regard him as useful only so long as he is bound down to routine work, and as academic when he is occupied with investigations bevond our limited capacity to understand. We have heard much during the past four years of the difficulties under which the chemist has been labouring in Britain and America—of the apathetic attitude adopted towards him by Governments, public institutions, and industrial concerns; of the sparing hand wherewith the essentials for the pursuit of his investigations have been doled out to him. I have deemed it very desirable to place before you this even- ing some of the opinions which have been expressed on these topics north of the Equator, because IT am convinced that many of our administrators, politicians, educationists, and commercial men are wholly un- aware of the strong remonstrances which have grown to quite a literature during these four years, and are probably under the illusion that in South Africa the chemist has now the opportunity, if he cares to make use of it, to help the Union. with éclat to himself, safely through some of the difficulties resulting from the war. I have, in fact, heard such a view seriously expressed; the idea is, of course, perfectly absurd. At the same time it falls to the chemist in particular SEPTEMBER 19, 1918] to do all that in him lies to aid preduction during this time of crisis, and to assist those directly engaged in the work of production, whether it be the manu- factures or agriculture. And those who have it in their power to strengthen the chemist’s hands in such a work will themselves be not only aiding the State, but also assisting to bear up the lofty principles for the maintenance of which amongst men Britain and her Allies are contending. UNIVERSITY AND EDUCATIONAL INTELLIGENCE. Aw effort is being made by the New York University to raise a fund to meet the war emergency conditions. Part of the plan is to secure an endowment of 100,0001. for the engineering school in connection with a co-operative scheme of education between the industries and the University. So far the sum of 50,0001. has been received. THE new session of the Sir John Cass Technical _ Institute, Aldgate, London, commences on Septem- ber 23. The courses of instruction which have been arranged are directed especially to the technical train- ing of those engaged in trades connected with the chemical, metallurgical, and electrical industries. Full facilities are available for qualified persons who desire to undertake special investigations in connec- tion with these branches-of industry. Among the special courses of higher technological instruction which form a distinctive feature of the work of the institute may be mentioned analytical work in fuel and gas analysis, courses on brewing and malting and on the micro-biology of the fermentation industries, and, in the department of metallurgy, courses of an advanced character on gold, silver, and allied metals, on iron and steel, on metallography and pyrometry, and on the heat treatment and mechanical testing of metals and alloys. Detailed information concerning the work of the institute is given in the new syllabus, a copy of which may be obtained on application. THE summer school of civics and eugenics, which was organised conjointly by the Civic and Moral Education League and the Eugenics Education Society, and held at Oxford from August 10 to 31, was very successful, the programme being compre- hensive and attractive, and the courses and meetings well attended. A prominent feature of the school was a civics and eugenics exhibition. The exhibits showed on the civic side’ the possibilities of regional study with a view to civic service as a part of the school and college work, and on the eugenic side gave illustrations of recent work in heredity and the study of family histories. An exhibit from the National Council of Venereal Diseases was also shown. The following public lectures were delivered :—‘‘ The Principles of Co- education,’”’ Miss A. Woods; ‘‘The Three Voices of Nature,” Prof. J. Arthur Thomson; ‘The Socio- logical Bearing of Race-study,”’ Prof. H. J. Fleure; “The Influence of Finance on Social Reconstruction,” W. Schooling; ‘‘The Eugenic and Social Influence of the War,” Prof. Lindsay; ‘‘The Training College of the Future,” Dr. M. W. Keatinge; ‘Emigration and Eugenics,” C. S. Stock; ‘‘The Forward Outlook of Eugenics and Civics,’’ Major L. Darwin and A. Farquharson. Tue Indian Bureau of Education at. Delhi has issued the first two of a series of short pamphlets in which it proposes to give some account of developments in Indian education which may suggest themselves as worthy of notice. Both pamphlets deal in the main with the sphere of elementary education. The first NO. 2551, VOL. 102| NATURE a9 treats of drawing and manual instruction in Punjab | engagement can schools. It shows that the same movement is pro- ceeding in India as at home towards proyiding facili- ties for the young to learn by doing as by talking, listening, reading, and writing. The schemes of in- struction follow those adopted of recent date in this country, and several of our own early mistakes are being avoided. Tools and benches are of European pattern. The problem of training teachers is being attacked with some vigour. The second pamphlet is of more general interest. It tells of the humble beginnings of the education of factory children in India, and also children working in tea plantations and on the colliery estate of the East Indian Rail- way. Descriptions are given of the worl going on in all three classes of schcols, ranging from the créche to what in England is now called the junior technical school. Above the stage of the créche and the infant school the instruction is that of the part-timer, as a rule, but there are arrangements for evening con- tinuation schooling for older children and adolescents. The vernacular has, as it should have, a more im- portant place than the teaching of English, and the vital importance of manual instruction is recognised. The value of this enterprise can scarcely be exag- gerated, for, apart from the fact that the individual is given the opportunity of rising as clerk or, pre- ferably, as skilled workman, there is the likelihood of greater confidence between employer and employed when direct communication is possible, terms of be clearly understood, and rates of pay calculated. Difficulties abound, and one’s sym- pathy must go out to the pioneers in an uphill task. Millcowners in Madras, planters in Darjeeling, the railway company, who have actually introduced com- pulsory education, and officials deserve encouragement. A PAMPHLET (price 3d.) has been issued by the Asso- ciation for the Scientific Development of Industry, containing the terms of a remarkable address on “The Place and Importance of Science in Education,” de- livered before the society at Manchester on February 21 last by Mr. Edw. C. Reed. Mr. Reed alludes with satisfaction to the awakened interest of all classes towards science and scientific questions, largely in- duced, however, by the events of the war, and warmly pleads, with a variety of vivid illustrations, the claims of scientific knowledge and of scientific yethods of imparting it as a fundamental part of our educa- tional system. ‘The result of our neglect of science,” he states, ‘‘has revealed itself to us in waste, muddle, and inefficiency in practically every department of our national life,” whilst, on the other hand, ‘*‘ wherever we have resolutely endeavoured to make good our past deficiencies the effect has been wholly beneficial.” From these postulates he proceeds to argue power- fully for a new method and purpose in our educa- tional svstem. ‘For every national purpose brains are of more use than bodies,” and ‘‘the most mechanical job is the better for a, little intelligence.” But it is not merely on the ground that a training in science and in scientific methods would make the nation more effective in its industrial and commercial activities that the author pleads so powerfully for the inclusion of scientific aims and training in the cur- riculum of the schools from the earliest period 0 child-life, but from the much higher consideration that only in so far as this is done can the real, per- manent well-being of the nation, both material and spiritual, and of the individuals comprising it, be achieved, and the thesis is worked out with surprising eogency and supported by a wealth of apt allusion. The pamphlet is accompanied by a diagram showing the place of science in the service of man and its 1m- portance in industry. ee NATURE SOCIETIES AND ACADEMIES. Paris. Academy of Sciences, August 26.—M. Emile Roux in the chair.—-P, Appell: The integration of the simul- taneous differential equations verifying the Hermite polynomial U,,, »—G. Bigourdan; The astronomical station at the Petit Luxembourg. The co-ordinates of he stations of the Collége d’Harcourt.—G, Charpy and M, Godchot:~ The formation of coke. ——M. Plancherel: The unicity of the development of a function in a series of Legendre polynomials.—M. Auric: The calculation of the energy accumulated in the sun by contraction since its formation.—C. Raveau ; Is the principle of equivalence a consequence of Carnot’s principle? A criticism of a recent paper by Sir Joseph Larmor.—G, Reboul: The influence of the radius of curvature of a body on the formation of hoar- frost. Hoar-frost commences to deposit more rapidly on objects the smaller the radius of curvature.—M. Col- lignon ; The propagation of the sound of gunfire to great distances. Annual periodicity.—M. Chopin ; Apparatus for the measurement :of chimney losses and the elements constituting these losses. Starting with the approximate formula giving the heat carried away by flue-gases as directly proportional to the difference of temperature between the outside air and the flue, and inversely proportional to the percentage of carbon dioxide by volume, an apparatus is described which reads off directly the percentage of heat lost. The temperature difference is measured by a_ thermo- couple in the usual way. and for the other factor use is made of the change in electrical resistance of a solution of caustic soda caused by the absorption of carbon dioxide and the production of sodium carbonate. Each of the factors is thus reduced to a galvanometer reading, and the point of intersection of the two gal- vanometer needles is read off on a series of curves plotting the percentage heat loss. The apparatus in its present form is not automatic.—H. Colin and Mile. A. Chaudun; The law of action of sucrase: the hypothesis of an intermediate combination. results of six series of experiments are given, which it is shown that the theory of A. Brown, assumes a combination between the sugar and the enzyme, is justifiable-—F. Kerforne ; The iron minerals of Menez- Bel-Air (Cdtes- du-Nord).—C. Viola: The law of Curie. *Curie’s law is defined as follows : The normal increases of the faces of a crystal in stable equilibrium are directly proportional to their capillary constants, and some mathematical consequences are developed.— \. Piédallu ; The industrial application of the colouring matter of the glumes of the sugar sorghum. Details are given of the method of extracting the dye, and of its application with different mordants to dyeing wool, from which silk, and cotton.—M. Galippe: Researches on the re- sistance to heat of the living elements existing normally in animal and vegetable tissues.—P. Girard and R. Audubert: The electric charges of micro- surface tension.—R. Paucot: The measurement of arterial pressure in clinical practice. A criticism of current methods of measurement and suggestion of a new technique. September 2.—M. Paul Appell in the chair. Cartan: Varieties of three dimensions.—P. Straneo : The extension to physics of the principles of homo- organisms and their geneity and similitude, and a remarkable relation between the universal constants of a theory.—P. Weiss: The characteristic equation of fluids. . The equation proposed is of the form u ep (p+! Vio —a)=ert, Ty here R is the sas constant for perfect gases. This four constants, a, b, », VOL. 102] equation with ~\ iO. 255i The | represents \ [SEPTEMBER 19, 1918 with precision the properties of a fluid in one of the states corresponding with a family of isochores.—F, Dienert: The estimation of nitrites. The proposed method is based on the liberation and estimation of iodine from an acidified solution of potassium iodide by the nitrite in an atmosphere free from oxygen.— P. Gaubert : The artificial coloration of spherolites of helicoidal formation (tartrates and bimalates).—H. Hubert : The influence of the lithological nature of formations relatively to the distribution of the surface and underground waters north of the Senegal River.— L. Gentil: The geology of Andalusia. —M. Lecointre : Some recent fossil-bearing strata in the neighbourhood of Casablanca, Western Morocco.—F. Masmonteil :. The morphology of the antibrachial slkeleton.—P. Godin: The transformation into pedagogic indications of the data of anthropology on the individual nature of the child of both sexes.—A. Vernes: The colori- metric measurement of syphilitic infection.—S. Voronoft and Mme. Evelyn Bostwick: The intensive acceleration of the budding of wounds by the applica- tion of testicular pulp. BOOKS RECEIVED. Plants. By Dr. Blackie and Son, Herbs and Poisonous D. Ellis. Pp. xiit+180. (London : Ltd.) 2s. 6d. net. The New Science of the Fundamental By Dr. W. W. Strong. Pp. xii+108. burg, Pa.: S:I.E.M. Co:) 1.25 dollars. Present-day Applications of Psychology, with Special Reference to Industry, Education, and Nervous Breakdown. By Dr. C. S. Myers. Pp. 47. (London: Methuen and Co., Ltd.) 1s. net. z War Neuroses. By Dr. J. T. MacCurdy. Pp. ix+ 132. (Cambridge: At the University Press.) 7s. 6d. Medicinal Physics. (Mechanics- net. CONTENTS. PAGE Industrial Chemistry. II. By Dr. E. F. Armstrong 41 A Theorist’s Outlook : epee Aen tice Sly Mathematical BookspyBy BH. Hy > 92.) ee ee Our. Bookshelf. hpi ws bes fib el) A eae Ee ee Letters to the Editor:— A Shower of Sand-eels.—Prof. A. Meek . 46 The Water-Powers of the British ee By Dr. Brysson Cunningham .. . .. cr Physical and Chemical Constants SP PG meee) Biology and WV arse anew eo) iene rs. | oye 48 Notes . k SIM eee ss Our Astronomical Column :— August and September Meteors .......... 52 Nova Monocerotis. Pees (i i-, $4 : 52 The Spectroscopic Binary Boss 46 ate. ce. 1: ere The Invasion of Trenches by Rats . BP ty sck oh The Properties of Copper. By H. C. i ite 53 Interferometer Determination of Refractive Indices. ByL.C.M. .. BAAS A. Wer Notes from Prince Bonaparte’ s Herbarium . > Se Scientific Research and National Prone By Drie. Juritzoeee N 55 University and Educational Intelligence F Pls t's) Societies and Academies ... . é 3 ots MO) Books Received . : Ag; S ? 60 Editorial « and id Publishing Offices : MACMILLAN AND CO., Lrp.. ST. MARTIN’S STREET, LONDON, W.C.2. Advertisements and business letters to be addressed to the Publishers. Editorial Communications to the Editor. Telegraphic Address: Puusis, LONDON. Telephone Number : GERRARD 8830. A WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF SCIE Ac Ov g “To the solid ground Of Nature trusts.the mind. which builds for aye..—Worpsworth. INDEX NUMBER. a/ t USeU THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26. 1918 [PRICE eee NO. .25.52,.-VOL.- 102] __ Registered as a Newspaper’ at the General Post; Office.] . i Nn, {All Rights “Reserved ‘ THE SNOOK X RAY Interrupterless Machine IS THE BEST APPARATUS FOR RESEARCH WORK No Interrupter. No Inverse Current. Completely under control. Conditions can be absolutely reproduced from day to day. Sole Makers for the United Kingdom— NEWTON 6 WRIGHT, Ltd. 72 WIGMORE STREET, W. 1. DUROGLASS L”: 14 CROSS STREET, HATTON GARDEN, E.C. Manufacturers of Borosilicate Resistance Glassware. Beakers. Flasks, Ete. Soft Soda Tubing for Lamp Work. General Chemical and Scientific Glassware. Special Glass Apparatus Made to Order. DUROGLASS WORKS, WALTHAMSTOW. AGENTS: BAIRD & TATLOCK (LONDON) LTD. 14 CROSS ST., HATTON GARDEN, E.C. 1. | REYNOLDS & BRANSON, Ltd. Chemical and Physical Apparatus Makers to ae Majesty’s Government (Home and Overseas Dominions), Laboratory Outfitters, &c. Gold Medals at Allahabad and London. Grand Prix and Gold Medal at the International eS Turin. ‘APPARATUS for MACKENZIE and FORSTER’S THEORETICAL and PRACTICAL MECHANICS and PHYSICS as adopted by H.M. Government and many _ important Educational Authorities. Price Lists on application. VibE :— ** Theoretical and Practical Mechanics and Physics,” by A. H. Mac- KENZIE, M.A., B.Sc., and ‘aS > a A. ForsTER, B.Sc. SS Price - - Post Free 1/9. CATALOGUES POST FREE. Optical Lanterns and Lantern Slides ; Chemical and Physical eum att and Chemicals; British Made Laboratory Ware, including Glass, Porcelain, Nickel W. are, and Filter Papers; Chemicals of Guaranteed Purity 14 Commercial Street, wieade ANEMOMETRY. The Combined Anemo-Biagraph and Wind-Direction Recorder. NEGRETTI & ZAMERA, 38 HOLBORN VIADUCT, E.°. ! 45 CORNHILL }ENT ST. £.C. 3 LONDON. i22 | EG ‘Y XXVI IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, LONDON, S.W. 7. DEPARTMENT OF TECHNICAL OPTICS. Pr vv and Director ... F. J. Cugshire, C.B.E., A.R.C.S. ; oo ot }a E. Conrapy, A.R.C.S. : fi CC. Martin, D:LC., A:R.C.S3y rer re .. \ B.Sc. During Session 1918-19, and pending the establishment of full-time courses of study leading to one of the Diplomas awarded by the Governing Body, a series of courses of lectures will be given, with corresponding laboratory work, designed especially to meet the needs of part-time students engaged in the oprical industry ; but available also for students who wish to study Applied Optics with a view to entering the profession of optical designing and testing. For the present, and pending the establishment of full-time courses of study, the case of each student wishing to enter the Department for full- time work will be specially considered by the Director of the Department, who will determine the course of study to be followed. The Lecture Courses for the Autumn Term, 1918, are as follows :— “*GENERAL OPTICS.” * By Professor F. J. CHESHIRE. Beginning on Friday, October 4, 1918, at 2,20 p.m. *“OPTICAL DESIGNING AND COMPUTING.” * By Professor A. E. CONRADY. Beginning on Monday, October 7, 1918, at 2.30 p.m. for Beginners.) (Lectures suitab'e ** PRACTICAL OPTICAL COMPUTING.” * By Professor A. E. CONRADY. . Beginning on Tuesday, October 1, 1918, at 2.30 p.m. advanced students.) (Suitable for more *““WORKSHOP AND TESTING-ROOM METHODS.” * By Professor A. E. CONRADY. Beginning on Thursday, October 3, 1918, at 2.30 p m. “THE CONSTRUCTION, THEORY, AND USE OF OPTICAL MEASURING INSTRUMENTS.” * By Mr. L. C. MARTIN: Beginning on Wednesday, October 2, r918, at 2.30 p.m. “*“MICROSCOPES AND MICROSCOPIC VISION.” By Professor A. E. CONRADY. Beginning on Thursday, October 3, 1915, at 5 p.m. ‘These lectures are intended specially for users of the microscope, and will be as far as possible non-mathematical. * Each lecture will be followed by a Laboratory or Computing Class. All inquiries in respect of the alove should be addressed to— THE REGISTRAR OF THE IMPERIAL COLLEGE, Imperial Institute Road, South Kensington, S.W. 7. SOUTH-WESTERN POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, CHELSEA, S.W. 3. SESST \MMENCES SEPTEMBER 23, 1918. SPECIAL Ev: CoursEs, LECTURE AND PRACTICAL. BIO-PH\ Ss BIO-CHEMISTRY. BACTERI \ PLANT DISEASES. MINERA] FOR JEWELLERS. Syllabus on applicati retary (Roo n 44) DNEY SKINNER, M.A., Principal. Telephone : Western 8 _ RK, 2 rincipa KENT EDUCATION COMMITTEE. COUNTY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS, TUNBRIDGE WELLS. REQUIRED, in January, ror, a ‘ pecial qualifications in Physics for Advances \pply to the Heapmistress, County School for ¢ FE. SALTE! nber, 1918. ) IENCE MISTRESS, with Initial salary £220. Punbridge Wells. IES, f Education. NATURE [SEPTEMBER 26, 1918 NATIONAL UNION OF SCIENTIFIC WORKERS The first General Meeting of the Union, which will determine its constitution and place it on a permanent basis, will be held in London in the last week of October. Any persons who desire to be represented at the meeting, and have not yet joined branches of the Union, communicate at with the Secretary, NORMAN CAMPBELL, North Lodge, Queen’s Road, Teddington. should once | MANCHESTER MUNICIPAL COLLEGE ef TEGHNOLOGe (UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER) Principal: J. C. M. Garnett, M.A. (late Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridg~) Vice-Principal: E. M. Wrong, M.A, (Fellow of Magdalen College, Oxford) The Session tg18-1g will open on 3rd October. Matriculation and Entrance Examinations will be held in July and September. Matricolated students may enrol for 1g1819 from 1st August, 1918, and if under 18 years of age are eligible for membership of the Officers’ ‘Training Corps. DecrEE Courses IN TECHNOLOGY The Prospectus, forwarded free on application, gives particulars of the courses leading. to the Manchester University degrees (B.Sc. Tech. and M.Sc. Tech.) in the Faculty of Technology in the following Departments : MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, SANITARY ENGINEERING (including Municipal Engineering), THE CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES (including General Chemical Technology, Bleaching, Dyeing and Dyestuff Manufacture, Print- ing, Papermaking, Fermentation Industries, Metallurgy, Fuels), TEXTILE INDUSTRIES, MINING, ARCHITECTURE, PRINTING AND PHOTOGRAPHIC TECHNOLOGY, ADVANCED StuDY AND RESEARCH The College possesses extensive laboratories and workshops, with full-sized modern machinery and apparatus, including specially constructed for demonstration and original research. equipped machines PROSPECTUSES OF WILL BE UNIVERSITY COURSES OR OF PART*TIME COURSES FORWARDED FREE ON APPLICATION TO THE REGISTRAR. THE UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD COURSES are held and DEGREES are awarded in the following Faculties :—Arts (including Architecture), Pure Science, Medicine, Law, Engineering (including Mining), and Metallurgy. DIPLOMAS are awarded in Modern Language Teaching, Education, gArohitecture, Domestic Science (for this Diploma a two years’ course has been arranged in conjunction with the Sheffield Training College of Domestic Science), Mining, Glass Technology. ASSOCIATESHIPS are awarded in Engineering, Iron and Steel Metal- lurgy, and Non-Ferrous Metallurgy. There is a University Hall of Residence for Women Students. It stands in six acres of grounds, and affords all the advantages of collegiate life. Entrance and Post-Graduate Scholarships are awarded each year. Prospectuses giving full information may be obtained from W. M. GIBBONS, Rezsistrar. NATURE one o called positive when o@ THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 10918. APPLIED OPTIGS: Applied Optics: The Computation of Optical Systems. Being the ‘Handbuch der ange- wandten Optik’’ of Dr. Dr. Ernest Voit. Translated and edited by J. Weir French, Vol. i. Pp. xvii+170. (London: Blackie and Son, Ltd., 1918.) Price 12s. 6d. net. HE first volume of Steinheil’s handbook appeared twenty-eight years ago, and the promised second and third volumes of the work never materialised, probably owing to the first meeting with insufficient appreciation. The book before us is a translation of the first half of Stein- heil’s first volume, and the fact that a prominent member of one of our foremost optical firms (Barr and Stroud) considered it worthy of this labour is eloquent proof of the truth of a statement by the late Prof. Silvanus P. Thompson in a noted outburst :-— “The simple reason of the badness of almost all recent British text-books of optics is that... they are written, not to teach the reader real optics, but to enable him to pass examinations set by non-optical examiners. The examination- curse lies over them all.”’ Steinheil’s book certainly does not belong to this category; it is severely practical and almost crude in its empiricism. Scarcely any of the numerous formule given in the book are proved; the reader must either accept them and mechani- cally follow the scheme of the numerous numerical examples, or he must discover the proofs by his own effort. In the case of the complicated Seidel- formule for rays not proceeding’ in a plane con- taining the optical axis, a student unfamiliar with modern spherical trigonometry is not likely to succeed in this, and the proof of these formule, together with a clear explanation of the adopted method of astronomical computation with angles up to 360°, should certainly have been included in this first volume of the translation instead of being relegated to the promised second volume. The Steinheil system of symbols is safe, but cumbersome, on account of the multitude of suf- fixes; the use of precisely the same symbols for paraxial and for marginal rays is, however, likely to cause confusion. The sign-conventions agree in all ordinary cases with those almost universally adopted by practical computers; the only defect in them is that all the signs are made to depend on the direction in which the light travels through the system; hence if the latter includes reflecting surfaces—a case expressly and necessarily included in the scheme—the signs of all the angles and intersection-lengths must be reversed before pro- ceeding to the following surface. This complica- tion is entirely avoided if the direction of the light is ignored and axial intercepts are given the sign usual in analytical geometry, and if the acute Adolph Steinheil and angles between the optical axis and the ray are | NO. 2552, VOL. I02| | dition is merely -implied—and_ only : Gyr ésponding with a a wise turn. He. The worst feature of\the Sky to ibe Fount n the definitions of the Varié#is, aberrations, whjch are not only loose, but also haan on iene incorrect. Thus on p. 45 the -impartant-sthe-con- in the form which it takes for systems applied to infinitely distant objects. The condition is correctly stated in its general form on p. 57, but the statement is immediately vitiated by the assertion that it is fulfilled ““when the system has the same true focal length for any portion of the whole aperture ’’—. i.e. when it is fulfilled for infinitely distant objects. With rare exceptions, in the case of certain systems having great thickness or wide separa- tions, the exact contrary is true: A system fulfil- ling the sine-condition for objects at infinity does not fulfil it for objects at finite distances. The worst confusion of this kind occurs in the case of distortion. On p. 44 this is correctly, although loosely, defined in its accepted meaning. Throughout the rest of the book the term is used for the defect universally known as coma, simply because the latter, by diffusing the rays over a certain area, necessarily causes most of them to fall away from the position of the ideal image- point. Steinheil thus ignores the fact that true distortion may exist in an otherwise perfect image, and that it causes a linear displacement of any image-point which is proportional to the third power of its distance from the optical axis, whilst the coma-displacement is proportional directly to the distance of an image-point from the optical axis, and also to the square of the aperture of the image-forming cone—which latter has no effect at all on true distortion. On p. 56 coma is described as “spherical aberration out of the axis,’’ which, again, is wrong; true spherical aberration may exist in oblique pencils independently of that on the optical axis, but it is a fifth-order aberration which has nothing to do with coma. There are many other cases of a type similar to - the above examples. The book is beautifully printed on paper of extraordinary thickness, and the translator and editor may be congratulated on the excellence of his part of the work. AVE B/G. THE MEGALITHIC CULTURE OF INDONESIA. The Megalithic Culture of Indonesia. Perry. Pp. xiii+198. (Manchester: At the Uni- versity Press; London: Longmans, Green, and Co., 1918.) Price 12s. 6d. net. ie his presidential address to Section H Nature, vol. Ixxxvii., p. 356),-at the meeting By W. J. (see of the British Association at Portsmouth in rort, Dr. Rivers explained how he had been led to reject the popular dogma of “spontaneous generation ”’ in ethnology, which is wrongly claimed to, be ‘“evolution,’’ and to realise the vast importance E 62 in the development of civilisation of the influence exerted by the contact of peoples and the diffusion of culture. \Vhen he recognised that the germs of the megalithic culture of Melanesia had been troduced from the west it was clear that the immediate problem for investigation was to deter- mine whether the Malay Archipelago, the scattered islands of which convert the great waterway link- ing the Indian and Pacific Oceans into a sort of sieve, had preserved any records of the earliest of the cultural streams which must have been filter- ing through it for twenty-five centuries. He therefore recommended Mr. W. J. Perry (who had been sent by Dr. A. C. Haddon to seek his advice as to the choice of a subject for investigation in ethnology) to learn the Dutch language and to search the voluminous, though scattered, literature of Indonesian ethnology for any evidence of the easterly diffusion of megalithic culture. The book before us is the first substantial instal- ment of the results of this investigation; and it is certain to become a landmark in the history of ethnology. For it represents a noteworthy ad- vance in the process of introducing the true methods of exact science into a domain of know- ledge which for fifty years has been rendered increasingly chaotic by the misuse of biological terms and the misunderstanding of psychology. An incursion into this maze of confusion by a man fresh from the severe discipline of the Mathe- matical Tripos might be expected to produce str- prising results—and this expectation is fully justi- fied in Mr. Perry’s book. For he has impartially collected all the available facts, and based his ex- planation of them on the evidence they provide, without attempting to force them into any ready- made scheme, such as Waitz, Bastian, and Tylor have constructed, or to evade the issues so raised by taking refuge behind the blessed phrases “animism,’’ ‘* totemism,’’ ‘‘ intertribal barter,” ““ sympathetic magic,” “similarity of the working of the human mind,” or any of the other catch- words that the modern ethnologist has been taught to use as substitutes for inquiring into the real meaning of things. Mr. Perry was able not only to realise Dr. Rivers’s expectations by finding the megalithic culture-complex in Indonesia, but he has also made wholly unexpected discoveries of far-reach- ing importance to the student of human nature and for the interpretation of the history of civil- isation of the whole world. With quite exceptional skill and insight he has been able to discover a pathway through the amaz- ing jungle of Indonesian customs and beliefs, and to arrive at certain general conclusions which are of fundamental importance. The most striking of these generalisations is the recognition of the fact that the irregular distribu- tion of megalithic monuments is explained by their association with the localities where ancient gold- mines or pearl beds are found. This discovery made it plain that it was the search for special forms of wealth which attracted ancient miners 1 pearl-divers to certain places, and not to ). 255 2amotesT ©, | NATURE | SEPTEMBER 26, 1918 others, in Indonesia (and throughout the world). These immigrants introduced a distinctive group of customs and beliefs wherever they settled—not merely peculiar methods of burial, but also ter- raced cultivation and irrigation, a system of chief- tainship and a priesthood, the belief in a sky- heaven, habits of warfare and head-hunting, and a host of other peculiar practices which will enable the investigator to determine whence the wan- derers came ana the dates of the diffusions of cul- ture of which they were the bearers. But the magnitude of Mr. Perry’s achievement is not to be measured merely by his demonstra- tion of the motives which prompted the spreading abroad of the elements of civilisation twenty-five centuries ago and his explanation of the geo- graphical distribution of certain phases of culture. The searching analysis in his book reveals the fact that before the coming of. the stone-using people the indigenous population of Indonesia was lead- ing an unexpectedly simple and idyllic life of peace and contentment singularly free from any display of inventiveness. It sheds a new light upon the factors which determine material and_intellect- ual progress and upon the meaning of civil- isation. The work of Dr. Rivers and Mr. Perry is trans- forming ethnology from an incoherent jumble of fairy tales into a real science. G. Exiiot Smiru. WAR WORK OF THE BRITISH MEDICAL SERVICES. British Medicine in the War, 1914-17. Being Essays on Problems of Medicine, Surgery, and Pathology arising among the British Armed Forces engaged in this War, and the Manner of their Solution. Collected out of the British Medical Journal, April—-October, 1917. (Lon- don: British Medical Association, 1917.) Price 2s. 6d. j Ss reprint of collected papers from the British Medical Journal is of very great interest, demonstrating as it does the rapid pro- gress made in the medical services of the Navy and Army during the war. Although the articles were published at various dates between April and October, 1917, the methods described in some in- stances prove less than a year later to be only of historical interest: conditions and disease pro- blems are discussed which are no longer confront- ing the armies in the field. The editor’s preface eloquently directs the reader’s attention to these points, so that we never lose sight of the view that medicine and surgery in this war are not, and cannot be allowed to become, stationary. Used as a guide and handbook of practice in the field, this collection af articles would soon be found out of date, but, carefully read, one can trace clearly the landmarks on the road that has been traversed. The medical departments of the Navy and Army have, fortunately, been characterised by broad- minded elasticity. Innovations have been wel- SEPTEMBER 26, 1918] NATURE 63 comed and powers of adaptation displayed | surgery,’’ properly so-called, is being forgotten by the authorities which had scarcely been | without regrets. te anticipated. This volume contains many articles Chap. xiii. (“The Part Played by British which demonstrate the encouragement given to new ideas and new methods. A public which was shocked by the revelations from Mesopotamia will turn with relief and satisfaction to this story of constant improvements in treating wounds and dealing with disease. Perhaps barely sufficient justice is done to the administrative officers of the medical services, upon whom falls the ultimate burden of almost daily reorganisation in order to give effect to improvements and discoveries brought under their notice. The remodelling of casualty clearing stations - into first-rate surgical units is an outstanding example of the revolutions necessary and possible during the war. An admirable description of this development is given in chap. vi. (“The Develop- | ment of British Surgery at the Front’’) by Major- Gens. Sir A. Bowlby and C. Wallace. In chap. v. graphic accounts are given of how the sick and wounded are handled in the Navy. The illustra- tions in this chapter are particularly good, and help the reader to appreciate a side of the war which few have seen. Fleet-Surgeon R. C. Munday, R.N., has contributed a most readable paper on hygiene, dealing, inter alia, with that most difficult problem, the ventilation of warships. Chap. iv. (“ Bio-chemistry and War Problems ’’) lifts for us a corner of the curtain, revealing a wonderland of science and infinite fields of experi- ment and research beyond. Dr. H. D. Dakin can only touch on the fringe of his subject, but on all sides it is admitted that through bio-chemistry lies the road to further progress. In no branch of warfare have chemists, physicists, and physiolo- gists played a more valuable part than in that connected with poisonous gases. At present, for obvious reasons, ‘‘Gas Warfare’’ cannot be dis- cussed in detail. Hence the very high grade of ‘scientific work that is being done in this direction must of necessity be almost unknown to the public. Chap. viii. (“Military Orthopedic Hospitals ’’), by Dr. W. Colin Mackenzie, reminds us of one of the principal needs of the wounded soldier. Brilliant operations at the front which save lives and limbs are invested with a glamour of their own. There is, however, an immense branch of surgery carried on out of the limelight which is worthy of the increasing attention it is now receiving. ‘ The namé “orthopedic ’’ is unfortunate in itself. Few medical readers and fewer still amongst non- medical readers realise all that the term implies. Briefly, “orthopedic surgery’’ includes every possible operative and other device which is designed to restore function in injured parts. This chapter is well worth reading, none the less so because the history of orthopedic surgery is the history of a branch of surgery entirely British in its origin. The importance of ‘orthopaedics ”’ will continue long after the war, when “war- NO. 2552, VOL. 102] ’ (‘Medicine and the Sea Affair’’) | Medical Women in the War’’) may be remarkable to some readers who have not had the opportunity of witnessing at first hand the increasing import- ance of women in medicine and surgery. Gradu- ally, as it becomes obvious that a man’s proper place is in the fighting line, the anomaly of a woman taking charge of the sick and wounded is, in fact, less striking than the anomaly of a man occupied thus instead of in fighting. The chapter on the R.A.M.C. and its work (including a short paper on the Canadian Army Medical Service) is graphically written and well illustrated. With the increase in air activity, and especially since the bombing of medical units and hospitals seems to have become an integral part in the German ari of war, the illustrations and descriptions already require modification in many details. . One outstanding omission there is in this volume—namely, the dental services. The dental services of the C.A.M.C. are shortly described, and their immense value in saving sick wastage rightly insisted upon. Is all mention of the R.A.M.C. dental services omitted because they have not been developed and their potentialities recognised ? OUR BOOKSHELF. Wireless Telegraphy and Telephony: book of Formulae, Data, and Information. Dr. W. H. Eccles. Second edition, revised and enlarged. Pp. xxiv+514. (London: Benn Bros., Ltd., 1918.) Price 22s. Tuts book is written mainly for the technical expert, but the amateur who dips into it will find much to interest him. The theories hitherto ad- vanced to explain the transmission of “wireless ” signals are by no means complete, and some of A Hand- By them are very far from convincing. It is satis- factory, therefore, to notice that the author adopts generally a neutral attitude. In few industries is there greater scope for theoretical speculation, or a more crying need for it. The operator listening to the mysterious sounds sometimes heard in the telephone of his receiving apparatus, due often to cosmical influences, has every incitement to find out their causes. ; In the second edition of his book the author has made some interesting additions. We have noticed descriptions of Heyland’s alternator, of the oscil- lion telephone and telegraph transmitter for aero- planes, and of the Darien system of the United States Navy. The author acknowledges his debt to the Proceedings of the American Institute of Radio Engineers, to which society practically every wireless expert belongs. We have noticed an interesting account of the upper sphere. A useful glossary of technical terms is included. We learn, for example, that ‘“ radio- phare” is a radio-telegraphic lighthouse which aids navigation by emitting characteristic signals. By estimating the bearings of two charted radio- 1 aiso atmo- O4 phares the navigator can readily determine the position of his ship. As a heraldic device for his book, or possibly for radio-telegraphy in general, the author had the happy inspiration to choose the graph of two superposed electric waves of different frequencies with the axis vertical. The effect is not altogether unlike that of the rod of Mercury with its inter- twined serpents. There are not many misprints. On p. 54, however, the formula for the capacity of an ellipsoid is still given incorrectly—possibly because no one uses it. The wu? should be u. Sir William Ramsay as a Scientist and Man. Prof. T. C. Chaudhuri. by Prof. P. Neogi. Pp. ix+66. London: Butterworth and Co., 1918.) 1.8 rupees net. Tuts little book opens with a short but apprecia- tive account,of Sir William Ramsay’s early life, education, and career, special attention being directed to his earnest efforts to impress on the Government the importance of scientific education and research and the necessity for co-operation between the Government and the scientific societies in connection with the war. After a brief-reference to Ramsay’s early work on organic chemistry, and to his researches on physical and inorganic chemistry, there is a fuller account of the discovery of the inert gases. The last three chapters are devoted to radio- activity, modern views on electrons and elements, and the question of the transmutation of elements, with especial reference to Ramsay’s researches and views. Readers will obtain a clear idea of the great part played by Sir William Ramsay in the develop- ment of chemistry, but the portrait is not well reproduced, and there are a few inaccuracies. Seve By With an Introduction (Calcutta and Price The Practice of Soft Cheesemaking. Fourth revi- sion. By C. W.: Walker-Tisdale and T. R. Robinson. Pp. 106. (London: John North, 1918.) Price 3s. net. ‘Tue revised edition of this small volume appears at an opportune time, as there is a considerable demand for information as to the best means of utilising small quantities of milk. Full working details concerning the manufacture of soft cheeses are given along with chapters upon the production of clean milk, the preparation of cream, and the packing and marketing of the soft cheese. Those unacquainted with the terms used in dairying will find the explanations given in one of the sections of great help, whilst the regulations of the Board of Agriculture will be found useful for reference purposes. This handbook can be strongly recommended to anybody who proposes to make soft cheese; and whilst some practical instruction is desirable, the directions are given so clearly and concisely that a beginner need not fear to make a start. -The authors also give instructions how to make soft ese from goats’ milk. S VOL: 102 | to 10. 255 NATURE | looting and destruction into a devilish art. [SEPTEMBER 26, 1918 LETTERS’ TO \THE EDITOR. [The Editor does not hold himself responsible for Opinions expressed by his correspondents. Neither can he undertake to return, or to correspond with the writers of, rejected manuscripts intended for this or any other part of Nature. No notice is taken of anonymous communications.]| 1 Substitutes for Platinum. L*INFORMATION donnée dans Metall und Erz, et qui est reproduite dans votre numéro du 15 aout, souftre dune insuflisance de documentation qu’il me parait utile de relever. L’alljage nommé “platinite,’ employé dans les lampes a incandescence, n'est pas né de la guerre; sa découverte a fait partie de l’ensemble des recherches que j’ai effectuées au Bureau international des Poids et Mesures, 4 partir de l’année 1896, et pour l’exécu- tion desquelles j’ai recu l’aide la plus dévouée de la Société de Commentry-Fourchambault et Decazeville. Le platinite est entré dans l’usage courant de certaines usines frangaises dés l’année igoo, et s’est répandu peu a peu dans les autres pays. Le détail de cet emploi est donné dans mon ouvrage, ‘‘ Les applica- tions des aciers au nickel,” paru en 1904; je ne crois pas exagérer en disant que l’économie de platine réalisée jusqu’ici grace au platinite dépasse cinquante millions de francs. C’est également la Société de Commentry-Four- chambault et Decazeville qui a réalisé pour la premiére fois, dans ses aciéries d’Imphy, les alliages de nickel a fortes additions de chrome; leurs pro- priétés sont décrites dans l’ouvrage de M. L. Dumas, “Recherches sur les aciers au nickel 4 haute teneur” (1902); d’intéressantes applications en ont été faites. Les métallurgistes américains de leur cété fabriquent, depuis quelques années, sur la méme donnée, |l’alliage “ nichrome,” dont l’usage s’est beau- coup répandu pour la chauffe électrique des appareils de laboratoire. Cu.-Ep. ‘GUILLAUME. Pavillon de Breteuil, Sevres (S.-&-O.), 10 septembre 1918. Future Treatment of German Scientific Men. I Have just read Lord Walsingham’s excellent letter in Nature of September 5, and agree with all he says as to what should be our line of action towards the scientific men of Germany. It is impossible we can meet them just as if nothing had happened since 1914. I quote this sentence (how true it is!) :—‘‘It is impossible to dissociate the mental attitude of the population of that country, by no means excepting the highly educated and scientific classes, from the world- conquering aspirations of their rulers, or from the barbarous atrocities committed by them in pursuit of that national ideal.’’ I have not heard of a single letter from the large number of the above scientific classes in Ger- many to acquaintances in this country in which such acts have been denounced, nor have I seen any pro- test or condemnation of German methods coming from the Germans in our midst, of whom there are many who have enjoyed in this country friendship, hos- pitality, and even protection, such as no British sub- ject could hope to receive in Germany. Any expres- sions of this kind would be well known, quoted, and notorious. I think I should have heard of them, although I now lead a very retired country life. Instead of protecting objects of science and art by leaving them intact for the benefit of other nations and the world in general, the German has raised Soldiers very SEPTEMBER 26, 1918] NATURE 65 are trained, and even the officers led by them, to commit useless destruction, combined with every con- ceivable atrocity on man, woman, and child. It is lamentable to think of the geological and natural- history collections which have been destroyed in Bel- gium alone—a country famous for its scientific men, the work of their lives gone for ever. I trust all this will not be forgotten when the war is fought out to a proper issue, and that all Lord Walsingham sug- gests will come about and just punishment be thus meted out. The German scientific man has been spoilt by suc- cess in the past; he was first in the field in many countries, particularly our own. I knew him in days gone by in India, when he filled the best appoint- ments in the Geological Survey, the Forestry Depart- ment, etc. Many were friends of my own. In those days they were quite different men in every way from those of to-day. so complete a change has come over the whole German population. It is sincerely to be hoped they will never be employed again in any capacity. H. H. Gopwin-Avusten. Nore, Godalming, September 17. The South Georgia Whale Fishery. A Nore on p. 470 of Narure for August 15 con- tains the statement that scientific experts have, until now, not been consulted in the matter of the South Georgia whale fishery, which has been administered entirely by the Colonial Office. There is at present a considerable tendency to criticise Government Departments for failing to make use of scientific opinion, but I feel sure that you will allow me to point out that this particular criticism is not justi- fiable. The Colonial Office has for some years been fully alive to the fact that the regulation of sub- Antarctic whaling is a scientific problem, and since 1g10 it has been in constant communication on the subject with the Natural History Museum. Under arrangements thus made the museum receives detailed statistics from the companies operating at South Georgia, each individual whale caught being separately recorded. Similar statistics are beginning to come in from the South Shetlands (a district almost as im- portant as South secre) and from some of the African companies; while promises of returns from other whaling centres have also been received. In addition to this, the Colonial Office furnishes half- yearly and other reports on the whaling operations at the districts under its jurisdiction, and it has received many reports from the museum commenting on the facts thus recorded, and offering advice on the various questions raised. In the course of 1913 the Colonial Office proposed that a biologist should be sent to South Georgia to make investigations which might contribute towards the solution of the whaling’ problem. In consultation with the museum, the work was offered to Major G. E. H. Barrett-Hamilton, who accepted the task, and reached South Georgia in November, 1913. News of his untimely death, on January 17, 1914, while strenuously occupied with his observations on whales, was shortly afterwards received in London. The manuscript notes which he left behind show that the investigation had been placed in most competent hands, and they have formed the basis of an important report, which is at present under consideration at the Colonial Office. The appointment of Major Barrett- Hamilton had been made as an initial step in a much larger scheme for the investigation of the problems connected with whaling by means of a scientific station to be established for several years on the Ant- arctic continent. The preparations for carrying out this idea were interrupted by the war. : NO. 2552, VOL. 102] That the urgency of the question was recognised by Government Departments, and that the need for obtain- ing scientific opinion was felt, was further shown by the appointment of an Inter-Departmental Committee on Whaling and the Protection of Whales. In August, 1913, the Colonial Office wrote to the Natural History Museum asking for information with regard to the | scientific aspects of whaling for the use of this Com- mittee, and a memorandum on the subject was. sub- mitted by the museum in due course. The Committee was engaged in hearing evidence during the first half out- of 1914, but its labours were discontinued on the break of war. Early in the present year a new Committee appointed to facilitate prompt action at the conci of the war in regard to the preservation of the wha industry in the Dependencies of the Falkland Isla: This Committee, on which the Natural Histo Museum is represented, is actively engaged in collect- ‘ ing information, under the auspices of the Colonial Office. It is sometimes assumed that expert scientific advice is capable of settling any difficult question which may arise within its own province. The solution of the problem of protecting whales is, however, no easy matter; and I doubt whether there is at present unanimity on the subject among scientific experts. The trustees of the British Museum have for some years been convinced of its importance and urgency, and they have welcomed the opportunities afforded them by the Colonial Office of expressing their views and tendering their advice, based on the study which has been given to the subject in the museum. Assist- ance from those competent to give it would be cordially received, and I am glad to have this opportunity of inviting scientific experts to communicate their views on the protection of whales to the Natural History Museum, and thus to assist in a matter which is not only of great zoological interest, but also one which may be described without exaggeration as of supreme national importance. Sipney F. HaArMErR. British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell Road, S.W.7. Vitality of Gorse-seed. ASSERTIONS regarding the length of vitality of cer- tain seeds are frequently made, but these, when in- vestigated, often lack proof. Hence it may be worth while to put on record a clear case of the seeds of the gorse (Ulex europaeus) retaining their germinating power for twenty-five years. Some forty acres of gorse- and heather-covered land situated near my home in the plain of Cumberland were drained, cleaned, and ploughed out in 1893. This area was kept in arable rotation for a number of years; then part of it was laid down in grass in 1904, and the remainder in 1906. It soon became evident that this new pasture would rapidly revert to a gorse- | covered common unless drastic measures were taken ground of thé numerous gorse seedlings, which had sprung up from the seeds brought to the surface by the last ploughing. ‘These were stubbed out, and in two or three years’ time the ground was entirely free of gorse plants, and has continued so for the ten or more years it has been allowed to remain in permanent pasture. Last winter this land was again brought under the plough by order of the local War Agricultural Com- mittee, and was sown with oats. The crop has now been reaped, and gorse seedlings, 6 in. or more in height, are to be seen scattered over the stubble, being especially abundant where originally the gorse grew strongest. Evidently, then, the last ploughing has to rid the 66 sap brought to the surface a fresh lot of seed which, though having lain buried in the soil for a quarter has retained its germinating capacity. Joun Parkin. yf a century, Che Gill, Brayton, Cumberiand, September 9. Rock-disintegration by Salts. ‘Tue reference in Nature for September 19, p- 59, to Mr. J. T. Jutson’s paper dealing with the influence of the crystallisation of soluble salts in promoting the weathering of rocks reminds me of IH Fungo, an isolated mushroom-shaped _ rock opposite Lacco Almeno, on the north shore of Ischia. Formed of porous volcanic tuff. the sea-water rapidly ascends by capillarity, and, being evaporated, large crystals of salt are produced on the face of the rock. As these natural processes are most active over an area about midway between the sea and the summit, the sides there are being hollowed out very rapidly, large flakes of rock constantly falling. In 1892 the late Dr. Johnston-Lavis gave me a photo- graph of, and much valuable information respecting, this rock. C. Carus-WILson. September 20. GERMAN INDUSTRY AND THE WAR. I RECENT issue of the Bulletin de la Société d’Encouragement pour |’Industrie Nationale! the French counterpart of our Journal of the Society of Arts—contains two interesting and important articles on the present’ and future influence of the war on German in- dustry, written by. MM. Jaureguy, Froment, and Stephen, which make known a_ number of facts concerning the means by which Germany has attempted, with more or less success, to evade efforts to isolate her during the war. In spite of the rigour of the blockade to which she has been subjected, there can be little doubt that, thanks to the knowledge, skill, and ingenuity of her chemists and. engineers, encouraged and aided financially by the State, she has hitherto managed to provide herself with the means of carrying on the war—not only as regards munitions, in which she has been eminently successful, but also in re- card to the alimentation of her people, in which, of course, owing to the complexity of the problem and to natural conditions beyond her control, her success has been less conspicuous. The new in- dustries which have been created, and the great developmen: of those already in existence, would, apparently, enable Germany to prosecute the war almost indefinitely, The getermining factors will be the exhaustion of her man-power and _ the gradual weakening of her moral. Both these causes are beginning to tell, and it is abundantly evident from a varicty of signs that the Higher Command is realising that the rot has set in. Junkerdom is now fighting only for its existence. The steady and persistent pressure of the Allies will accelerate the advent of the inevitable débdcle. The end will come when the remnants of the Ger- man armies are driven back to the Rhine. Bulletin de la Société d’Encouragement povr |! (Paris, 1913.) 2552, VOL. ustrie Nationale, 102 NATURE [SEPTEMBER 26, 1918 In the meantime it is instructive to note what Germany is doing in her efforts to stave off the disaster which assuredly awaits her. It is always wise to learn from your enemies when you can, and Germany*has much to teach us concerning the manner in which Science may be made subser- vient to War and to the conditions which war produces. We have already dwelt, on former occasions, on the importance of the nitrogen problem in the war, and have given some account, in the light of such information as was available, of the methods by which Germany has attempted to solve it. The communication before us contains a number of statistical statements respecting the development and present position of the several synthetic pro- cesses of utilising atmospheric nitrogen which are of interest at this present juncture. It appears that the Birkeland-Eyde process, which in 1913 furnished Germany with some 5000 tons of cal- cium nitrate from the Norwegian factories, is still worked to a limited extent in Saxony, where a manufactory was established before the war at Muldenstein, employing lignite as a source of power. Ostwald’s process of oxidising ammonia catalytically—or rather the Frank-Caro modifica- tion of it—is in operation at Spandau, Héchst, Griesheim, and at works belonging to the Badische Aniline Company. Kayser, at Spandau, employs apparatus capable of oxidising 370 kilos. of ammonia in twenty-four hours with a_ yield of from go to 95 percent. The Badische Company makes use of plant constructed by the Berlin-Anhaltische Maschinenbau, oxidis- ing about 750 kilos. of ammonia in twenty-four hours. The heat furnished by the reaction suffices to maintain the catalyser at a constant temperature of 700° C. The main cata- lytic agent is said to be one of the oxides of the iron group containing bismuth or one of its salts. During 1915 some thirty installations of this sys- tem were erected, each capable of oxidising more than, 12 million kilos. of ammonia annually. In the more recent forms of the apparatus the yield has been increased to 17 million kilos. Before the war the main source of supply of ammonia was from eoke-ovens and from the gasworks, which in the aggregate furnished about 500,000 tons of sulphate of ammonia, of which agricul- ture absorbed 450,000 tons. The Haber process of combining nitrogen, ob- tained by the fractional distillation of liquid air, with hydrogen procured by the electrolysis of water, as worked out by Bosch and Mittasch, chemists of the Badische Company, was already in operation before the war, but has now been greatly extended. The factory at Oppau has been much enlarged at the Government expense, and other factories have been erected. The capi- tal of the Badische Company has been increased from 14 to go million marks. The firms of Bayer, Meister Lucius, Casella, Weiler-Ter- meer, Kalle, and the Griesheim-Elektron Company have also augmented their capital, and are work- SEPTEMBER 26, 1918] - ing in a consortium representing a capital of up- wards of 1 milliard of marks. In addition to the Haber process, ammonia is being produced by the cyanamide method. The factories employing this process are mainly erected in the neighbourhood of lignite deposits, in local- ities furnishing supplies of natural gas, or where hydraulic power is available. Before the war the principal factoriey were the Bayerische Stick- | stofiwerke at Trostberg, the A.G, fir Stickstoff- diinger at Knapsack, and the Mitteldeutsche Stickstoffwerke at Gross-Kayna (Geiseltal). | The development of the cyanamide industry is encour- aged by the Government. The Bavarian Com- pany received a subsidy of 40 million marks and undertook the erection of two large factories in proximity to deposits of coal and lignite. | These were completed towards the end of November, 1915. The net profits of the Bayerische Stick- stoffwerke in 1914-15 were 653,185 ‘marks; in 1916-17 they were 1,547,261 marks. In 1915 the company at Knapsack raised its capital from 3 to 8 million marks. In 1916 the total pro- duction of cyanamide had increased to 400,000 tons, practically a hundred times greater than it was in 1913. There is no doubt that it has since been: considerably augmented. Such are the means by which Germany has meanwhile rendered herself independent of Chile saltpetre, or, indeed, of any outside source of nitric acid or ammonia, and has provided herself with one of the essential munitions of war. So absolutely necessary is the production of nitric acid that, in its absence, no army could hold to- gether for a week under modern conditions. This enormous development of the synthetic produc- tion of ammonia and nitric acid is of great econo- mic interest, and is bound to have a profound effect on industry after the war. The economic aspect of the matter, however, does not now con- cern us. We may return to its consideration on another oceasion. Searcely less important, in view of the war, is the problem of sulphtr and sulphuric acid, to which we have already directed attention. Our blockade practically suppressed all German im- portation of pyrites, of which in time of peace she received upwards of 1o million quintals, 84 millions coming from Spain. Germany was thus restricted to her own poor deposits in Thuringia, in the Lahn basin, at Tessenberg in Bavaria, and at Meggen in Westphalia. The important deposits of cupreous pyrites of Styria and Hungary were at once exploited, as were those of sulphur in Anatolia. The roasting of blende at Vieille-Mon- tagne and in Silesia had already furnished con- siderable quantities of sulphuric acid before the war: by intensive working the yield was consider- ably increased. Processes like those of Schaffner and Helbig and of Chance and Claus were worked on a large scale. The Badische Company utilised the method of Walther Feld, in which crude coal- gas is made to yield its ammonia and sulphur in the form of ammonium sulphate. This is effected by agitating the gas with a solution of ammonium NO. 2552, VOL. 102 | NATURE 67 (Sain iodate, which absorbs’ the hydrogen sul- phide and ammonia, giving ammonium sulphate, hyposulphite, and free sulphur. By boiling the am- monium tetrathionate with th typos am- monium sulphate, sulphurous acid, and sulphur are obtained. By making the two last-named sub- stances react upon the hyposulphite arising from the purification, the tetrathionate is regener- ated. The Badische Company has also attempted | to prepare sulphuric acid from gypsum or anhy- drite, of which Germany has considerable deposits, by roasting the gypsum either alone or mixed with sul- the coke, whereby it is transformed into calcium phide, which can then be treated by any o established sulphur-recovery processes, or con- verted into lime or sulphurous acid, to be either utilised in the manufacture of wood-pulp for paper- making or transformed into oil of vitriol. So important is sulphuric acid for the purposes of war that its production is controlled by a War Committee, and the Society for the Production of War Chemicals has created a_ special -section known as the Department of the Administration of Sulphur. As in the case of other chemical pro- ducts, the manufacture and sale are regulated, and fixed prices have been legalised. In a subsequent article we propose to show how Germany has dealt with the problems of combus- tibles, metals, alcohol, oils, fats, soap and gly- cerin, textiles, wood and wood- pulp, caoutchouc, turpentine and lubricants, food, fodder and manures—all of which are more or less essential to her, and of which she has been largely deprived by her own action in embarking upon a-war which will prove her ruin. . MEDICAL EDUCATION IN ENGLAND. HE issue of the modestly named paper before us marks a new stage in the relation of the State to English education. In no merely official style, but with the breadth and freshness of out- look proper to a prophet of reform, Sir George Newman reviews the “undone vast ’’ in the train- ing of medical practitioners for national service. He gives due credit to the great achievements of English medicine, as they have been wrought out by private enterprise, for until comparatively late years the schools of medical craftsmanship. were in their essence proprietary, and their system was but a modified apprenticeship. In Scotland doctors were trained at the universities and caught something of the university spirit. The last generation has seen a change, in_ provincial England at least: London is still in the stage of painful emergence. When grants to the medical schools were first made by the Board of Education in 1908, the State necessarily assumed the duty of watching their application to productive uses A universities braneh of the Board was formed, and Sir George Newman became its medical 1 “Seme Notes on Medical Education in England. \ Memorandum addressed to the President of the Board of Education George an, K.C.B., Chief Medical Officer, Principal Assistant Secretary of the Board of Education, etc. Presented to both Hon of Parliament by command of His Majesty. (Cd. gt2q.) (London: Sratic Office, 1918. Price 9d. ner) 68 - assessor. His admirable contribution to “ Recon- struction ’’ is the fruit of his official surveys of the present state and future needs of the English schools. The relation of the community to the doctor has altered. The latter is no longer merely a private craftsman dealing with private clients. Before the war called the main body of practi- tioners into war service, the State as such claimed the whole-time or part-time service of some 20,000 of them, and imposed heavy civic responsi- bilities upon the rest. The doctors were called to a wider ministry than heretofore; the State by - implication must needs concern itself with the question of seeing that they were fitted to serve it. In the words of the paper, ‘medicine has become a quasi-public profession; . . . the citizen, as legislator and as taxpayer no less than as patient, is interested in the maintenance of a high standard of medical education. . . . The common- wealth does not require two standards of medical man. .. . All medical education should be funda- mentally one and the same in regard to basis, technique, and spirit.’’ Sir George Newman with- out hesitation pronounces that there is only one education which will meet the requirements®of the nation; “in a word, it is a university education in medicine. And the foundation of such an education is science.”’ He is well aware that the present five years’ curriculum ‘is overloaded; but it can be lightened to some extent when all secondary schools teach science efficiently. The student would not, as now, begin his medical course ignorant of the essential propedeutic of chemistry, physics, and biology. If the elements of these were already familiar to him, the university professors of the first-year stage might limit themselves to senior courses on the medical bearings of these subjects. Anatomy and physiology, sow taught to an ever- increasing degree in the true scientific spirit, should be more closely related with clinical medi- cine and surgery. The laboratory and _ the demonstration-lecture must displace the “syste- matic’’ lecture. | Pharmacology, from which ‘materia medica’’ and pharmacy may now be severed, should link up physiology with clinical therapeutics, and have its laboratories and special staffs. Therapeutics should constitute a distinct department, in direct relation with the hospital ward and out-patient.room. Pathology, which has of late ‘‘come to its own,’’ must all over the country have its hospital “‘institute,’’ under its own professor and assistants, and be worked as an indispensable .ctor in ward-work, and planned on the basis of ‘ rather than “‘specimens.’’ It is in the clinical subjects and in preventive medicine that English schools are most defective. The English system treats medicine too much as an art, too little as a It gives small chance for the study of prophylaxis or of incipient disease ; its ward-cases are too often the “finished "cases S¢ i€ nce. irticle.’’ It is ill organised, for its professors are nly part-time men, whose bread-winning work is - private practice, not their teaching. As an 2552, MOrs: LO2 | NATURE [SEPTEMBER 26, 1918 eminent physician has said: “ Harley Street is the » grave of the clinical teacher.’’ “A man cannot serve two masters,’’ says Sir George Newman. “That is the predicament of the clinical teacher in England. And there is only one solution. He must be paid as a teacher.’’ This means, as has been pointed out authoritatively by many who have a right to speak, the establishment and en- dowment of whole-time professors of the “final ’’ subjects, medicine, surgery, and obstetrics, each with his “unit” of wards, laboratories, and staff, co-ordinated, freed from the compulsion of outside practice, bound to devote him- self not only to teaching, but also to re- search. “The need of English medicine above all others at the present time is the opportunity for the cultivation of the laboratory method and the scientific spirit.” For preventive medicine the like is required; the ordinary practitioner need not be a professional or specialist medical officer of health, but he must know enough to articulate his own work with the State services that touch it at innumerable points; and he must interfuse prevention with all his. curing. Hence, in his training, it is the interest of the nation to ensure that the purpose and spirit of preventive medicine should pervade the entire curriculum—for all the branches and departments of the latter need its inspiration. | The General Medical Council last May took the first step along this path of pro- gress. “The Place of Research in Medical Schools ”’ is the subject of a moving chapter, in which the verdict of the London University Commission (1913) is cited as an aphorism: “It is a necessary condition of the work of university teachers that they should be systematically engaged in original work,’’ with the pithy comment that “he only is the great teacher who is inspired by the spirit of discovery.”’ The urgent need for organised and efficient “post-graduate ’’ instruction, to enable the prac- titioner to supplement his general knowledge by specialities, and to keep himself abreast, by peri- odic study at the fountain-heads, of modern ad- vances, is eloquently expounded, not for the first time. But it has been brought home with new insistence by the pressure of recent experience. The men of the medical services—Army, Navy, Indian, Colonial—clamour for such opportunities ; graduates from the Overseas Dominions, from the United States, and from the Allied countries, are asking for the chance to study in Britain rather than in Germany or Austria. Are we ready for them in London, in. England? Sir George Newman sets forth what is still lacking in our equipment, and the list of shortcomings is not small. The cost in money will be considerable : we have the men; we require the organisation. But the President of the Board of Education and “both Houses of Parliament ’’ are told frankly that “it would handsomely repay the State to encourage and to -aid’’ a regular system of post- graduate study, “so rapid and profound are the advances. in medicine.”’ SEPTEMBER 26, 1918] In his conclusions the author finds that, for remedial action, two fundamental necessities exist. There is the need for further financial assistance ; there is the need for guidance and direction. The first implies substantial aid from the State; for the second, trust is placed in ‘the predominant authority of the university . as against the claim of proprietary interest,’’ the State assuming | only the functions of supervision and advice, “with due regard to the freedom of the university.” How far such ‘‘due regard ’’ can persist side by side with subvention and supervision it is not easy to say. But if departments and officials were endowed with Sir George Newman’s knowledge, and imbued with his temper of sweet reasonable- ness, a way would be found of reconciling the bureaucratic and the academic points of view. That a way must be found for advance, along the lines of his vividly clear and deeply wise survey, is certain, unless England is, in the Reconstruction, to fose her opportunity and miss the lessons of her time of trial and testing. THE DYNAMICS OF CYCLONIC DEPRESSIONS.* yl Mate publication in 1906 of Shaw and Lemp- fert’s “Life-History of Surface Air- Currents’ marked the passing of a milestone in the progress of our knowledge concerning the mechanism of travelling cyclonic depressions, and it is a matter of surprise that so little further advance along the same lines has been made since that time. This lack of progress obviously could not continue for ever, and two recenf publications by Sir Napier Shaw suggest that the next mile- stone has now been passed. In the earlier of the two papers® a travelling rotating disc of air was considered in which all the air particles had the same relative tangential velocity around the centre. This hypothesis led to valuable conclusions concerning the “secon- daries’’ which so frequently form upon _ the southern side of the centre, but did not throw much light upon the cyclone as a whole. On con- sideration it became evident that the mathematics would be much more manageable if the disc of air were assumed to have uniform vorticity ¢, so that the relative velocity v=(.r, and, working on this assumption, valuable results have been obtained. This hypothesis implies a disc of air revolving about its centre as a solid like a cartwheel, and the “normal cyclone ’’ considered in the present paper has within itself a circulation of this type. The air particles will trace out trochoids formed by the rolling of the disc of relative motion along the line of motion of the instantaneous centre, and, if sufficiently extended in all directions, the mass will possess intrinsically two centres, (1) a centre .of instantaneous motion, or kinematic centre, about which the resultant winds shown upon the 1 “ The Travel of Circular Depressions and Tornadoes and the Relation of Pressure to Wind for Circular Isobars.” By Sir Napier Shaw. Meteoro- logical Office. Geophysical Memoirs, No. 12, 1918. = “Revolving Fluid in the Atmosphere.” Proc. Roy. Soc., A, vol. xciv., P- 34, 19%7- NO. 2552, VOL. 102] NATURE 69 map at any instant will be revolving (surface in- curvature being neglected), and (2) a centre of revolving fluid or tornado centre—that is, the centre of the “cartwheel ’—which is found at a distance V’/¢ on the right-hand side of the path of the instantaneous centre, where |’ is the velocity | of travel of the depression as a whole. The ‘‘normal cyclone ’’ has, however, yet a third centre. If upon the pressure field of a stationary circular depression a uniform pressure gradient from N. (high) to S. (low) be superposed, it is shown that every air particle will commence to follow its appropriate trochoid curve, and the effect will be that the depression will advance across the map from W. to E. with a speed V’, while at the same time the system of isobars will be displaced a distance V//(2w. sing +) to the south from the centre of instantaneous motion (w equals angular velocity of the earth, ¢ equals latitude). This centre of isobars is termed the dynamic centre, and forms the third centre of the travelling de- pression. As a numerical example, if the rotation of the disc be such that a velocity of 20 m./sec. (gale force) is found 200 km. from the centre of instantaneous motion, and if the eastward speed of progression of the depression be 10 m./sec. in our latitude, the tornado centre will be 100 km., and the dynamic centre 45 km., to the south of the instantaneous or kinematic centre. Viewed in another way, the pressure system may be taken to be compounded of a set of circular isobars round the tornado or “cartwheel’’ centre, and a uniform pressure gradient from S. to N., when the rate of advance V of the depression will equal the geostrophic wind corresponding with this field. Since this superposed field may reason- ably be taken to be the same as the general field surrounding an isolated cyclonic depression, the conclusion is reached that the speed of progression of such a depression will depend directly upon the strength of the surrounding field, and in certain examples shown this is satisfactorily con- firmed. One of the most interesting results reached is undoubtedly that the winds shown on a map for an eastward moving depression will circulate, not about the isobaric centre, but about a point to the north which may be of the order of 50 km. distant. Practical examples of this are also adduced. Other conclusions of importance, such as the probability of secondaries developing at the tornado centre, cannot be more than alluded to in a short notice like the present. The demonstration of the fact that a normal travelling cyélonic depression has three distinct “centres ”’ is the outstanding feature of the paper. To the reader the treatment appears a little dis- jointed and to lack mathematical sequence, but the author has forestalled criticism on this point by explaining that he considered it better to set . out the matter in the order in which it was developed, since this method would bring directly under review the various aspects of the subject that are presented to the student of weather maps. A straightforward theoretical discussion would lack this advantage. Js Se FO NOTES. j id to be able to announce that Stonehenge ha n ollcred to the nation, and accepted on behalf the ¢ rnment by the First Commissioner of vi ; The. munificent donor is Mr. C. H. E. (hubb, of Salisbury, who bought Stonehenge in 1915. I he duration of the war the income of the pro- perty is to be handed to the British Red Cross Society. fue following Food Council to consider general questions of policy affecting the administration of the Ministry of Food has been constituted :—The Rt. Hon. J. R. Clynes (Food Controller), chairman ; Major the Hon. Waldorf Astor (Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food), deputy-chairman; Sir Alan Ander- son, K.B.E., vice-chairman; Sir J]. F. Beale, K.B.E. (First Secretary to the Ministry of Food); Mr. W. H. Beveridge (Second Secretary to the Ministry of Food); Mr. W. H. Peat; Capt. S. G. Tallents; and’ Mr. E. F. Wise. Mr. F. L. Turner will act as secretary. The following special Boards in connection with the Council are being constituted :—Imports Board, Home Supplies Board. and Joint Finance Board. Notice has been given that summe: time will cease and normal time be restored at 3 a.m. (summer time) in the morning of Monday next, September 30, when the clock will be put back to 2. a.m. The hour 2-3 a.m. summer time will thus be followed by the hour 2-3 a.m. Greenwich time. Dr. W. W. Campseit, the director of the Licl< Observatory, of the University of California, has been elected a correspondant of the Institute of France in the section of astronomy. THe Montyon prize of the Paris Académie des Sciences, of the value of tool., has been awarded to Drs. H. Guillemard and A. Labat for their researches on asphyxiating gases THE annual Thomas Hawksley lecture of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers will be delivered in the hall of the Institution of Civil Engineers on Friday, October 4, by Dr. W. C. Unwin, who will take as his subject ‘The Experimental Study of the Mechanical Properties of Materials.” Aw address on ‘“‘Commerce and Industry after the War" will be given, under the auspices of the Indus- trial Reconstruction Council, by Sir Albert Stanley, President of the Board of Trade, on Wednesday, October 2, at 4.30, in the Saddlers’ Hall, Cheapside, Uickets of admission to which can be obtained from nd 4 Tudor Street, E.C.4. At the recent annual of the Council the following new members were elected to the executive committee :—Sir C. McLeod, Miss L. Dawson, Mr. G. Selby, Mr. J. Baker, Mr. T. O. Jacobsen, Miss M. F. Peake, Mr. meetins E. W. Mundy, and Lieut. H. V. Roe. THE Meteorological Office has given notice that it will not issue further copies of the Daily Weather Report, the Weekly Weather Report, and the Monthly Weather Report during the war. Subscribers and others are notified that, by arrangement with the director, copies can be retained for them and delivered after the war. Observations will be made as hitherto. and doubtless all the reports will be promptly prepared and printed, but they are no longer available except for public service, where all meteorological information is at present of the highest va! ted to Oswaldo -in a sitting iption :-—* A \ MONUMENT in bronze has been « » at Rio de Janeiro. It represents ‘ e, and bears the following ins 2552, VOL. 102 NO NATURE tik 4 z . Oswaldo Cruz, Homenagem do pessoal da Directoria | | | day, September 12. | Wager delivered a popular address on fungi. [SEPTEMBER 26, 1918 Geral de Saude Publica, 23-I11-1903-—19-VI11-1g09,” the dates marking the period of his most productive work, the eradication of yellow fever from Rio. IN accordance with the decision arrived at at the extraordinary general meeting of the Institute of Chemistry held on April 27, local sections are now being formed in various important centres. The inaugural meeting of the Liverpool and North- Western section of the institute was held on Thurs- The registrar, who was in attend- ance by the direction of the council, referred to the objects to be attained by the establishment of local sections. It is anticipated that local sections will be inaugurated during the coming session at Man- chester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Gretna, and probably other centres. Tne twenty-second annual autumn foray of the British Mycological Society was held, in conjunction with the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union, at Selby from September 9 to 14, under the presidency of the Very Rey. Dr. David Paul. On September 9 Dr. Harold On September 11 Dr. Paul gave his presidential address on ‘The Earlier Study of Fungi in Britain,’ dealing with mycological work up to the time of Berkeley. Other papers contributed during the week were two by Dr. Wager on ‘Spore Coloration in the Fungi” and on ‘‘A Fluorescent Colouring Matter from Lep- tonia incana’’; ‘‘New or Rare British Parasitic Fungi,” by Mr. A. D. Cotton; and ** Observations on some Sand-dune Fungi,” by Mr. H. J. Wheldon. At the general business meeting the officers for the ensuing vear were elected as follows :—President, Dr. Harold Wager; vice-president, Miss G. Lister; general secretary and editor, Mr. C. Rea; secretary and recorder, Miss E. M. Wakefield: treasurer and foray secretary, Mr. A. A. Pearson. These, with the following elected members, Mr. W. N. Cheesman, | Dr. B. Elliot, Prof. M. ‘C. Potter, and Miss A. Lorrain Smith, will form a council for the general management of the society. We learn from Science that news has been received by Prof. R. F. Grigss, director of the Katmai expedi- tions of the U.S. National Geographic Society, an- nouncing the termination and giving particulars’ of the work of this vear’s field party, composed of Messrs. J. Sayre and P. R. Hagelbarger, in the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. The topographic survey begun last year was extended to the shore of the Bering Sea, adding some 1500 square miles to the map, and_com- pleting a section across the base of the Alaska Penin- sula from Katmai Bay to Naknek. This survey will furnish the data for the construction of a topographic map on the scale of 1/250,000 of the same standard of accuracy as the work of the United States Geo- | logical Survey on maps of this scale. A BI-MONTHLY periodical entitled the Journal of General Physiology is about to be started by the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research, New Yorl. Tt will be edited by Dr. Jacques Loeb and Pref. W. J. V. Osterhout. Its aim is to serve aS an organ of publication for papers devoted to the investigation of life-processes from a physico-chemical viewpoint. Ir has been decided to found a medical journal in - Mexico for the publication of contributions by Mexican aes I : , : 3 physicians and surgeons and information concerning | the progress of the medical sciences in other parts of the world. Dr. F. Bello, of Puebla, has been ap- | pointed editor. SEPTEMBER 26, 1918] We note with regret that the name of Capt. H. A. Renwick has been added to the growing list of young men who have sacrificed their lives in the development of experimental aerodynamics. Capt. Renwick was killed in a flying accident on August 19. After having been a student of Pembroke, and taking Seconds in the Mechanical Science Tripos, he entered Messrs. Yarrow’s as an apprentice. In the first month of the war Capt. Renwick was gazetted to a pioneer battalion of the South Wales Borderers, and served for some time in France. Having been severely wounded, he was, early in 1916, attached to the Royal Aireraft Factory. Here he found a congenial opening for his scientific powers, and was soon placed in charge of the instruments and apparatus used in experimental flights. Then, as chief of the corps of observers engaged in aero-dynamical experiments in the air, he was closely associated with all the full-scale work carried out at Farnborough, and made valuable contributions to this rapidly developing science. He learned to fly, and made a number of solo experimental flights. Capt. Renwick was a keen and enthusiastic observer, and his incidental observa- tions of physical and meteorological conditions in the air constitute additions of permanent value to the data now being collected towards a fuller knowledge of the physics of the atmosphere. AN appreciative obituary notice of the late Prof. G. Archibald Clarke, who died on April 27 last, appears in Science for August 30. We are glad to see that full justice has been done to his memory in regard to his work as secretary of the International Fur Seal Commission, the findings and policy of which he profoundly influenced. Prof. Clarke was a man who possessed the faculty to an unusual degree of seizing upon essentials and of taking wide views. Hence, as a consequence of his numerous visits to the Pribilofis on the work of the Commission, he brought together an immense store of facts in regard to the life-history of the fur seal which will form a lasting monument to his memory. Careful of the smallest detail ‘in regard to every aspect of this subject, he ever kept before him the fact that his observations were also to be used by those who had a purely commercial interest in these herds and their preservation. During 1912-13 he carried on investigations designed to extend over a period of four or five years for the purpose of arriving at data as to the rate of increase of such herds, then apparently rapidly diminishing. But, un- fortunately, changes in method and personnel since 1913 have made this ideal well-nigh hopeless. Fortunately, Prof. Clarke has left a fine record of his many-sided studies of the fur seal problem in numerous memoirs and articles published in Sctence and other scientific and popular magazines. In his capacity as academic secretary to Stanford University he displayed business talent of a high order; hence his services to the Uni- versity during its early years of existence cannot be éverestimated. Tue March part of the Museum Journal of the University of Philadelphia (vol. ix., No. 1, 1918) is entirely devoted to the study of American art, the native production untouched by outside influences. We know little about the mythology of the Mayas repre- sented in their painting, sculpture, and other decorative arts, but a faint notion of some of its traits, if not of its contents, may be gathered from the follx tales still current in remote districts of Central America. As leading examples of this indigenous art, Mr. G. B. Gordon describes a remarkable piece of sculp- ture entitled ““A King in all his glory,” from the ancient city of Copan, in Honduras, and one of ‘* The Captives,” found a few years ago on the Usumacinta River. While in motif and method these carvings will NO. 2552, VOL. 102] ve NATURE ce look strange to artists trained under European tradi- tions, they display a remarkable power of charac- terisation and execution, which are well illustrated by Mr. Gordon’s interpretation. Other noteworthy speci- mens of local American art described in this pamphlet are a fine Maya vase, a pair of fine totem-poles, and beautiful examples of Huron guill-work and of the decorative arts of the Indians of the Amazon. Tue report for the year 1917 of the Museums of the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences contains some striking figures in regard to the attendance of children, for whom, as in all the American museums, special rooms and collections are set apart. During the year 6226 school-children, with 239 teachers, visited the museum for special instruction. © One thousand four hundred and fifty-six boys and girls of high-school age consulted scientific and literary bowls and periodicals, and prepared for debates.’ Thi juvenile visitors and students are catered for by «a special staff, and there can be no doubt that extremely valuable educational work is achieved by this branch of the museum’s activities. Tue Corporation of Hull has formed a_ special museum for the illustration of the shipping and fishing industries. An interesting part of the collection is a series of coins and tokens illustrating the evolution of shipping. Typical examples of medieval ships are shown on the seals of Scarborough, Hedon, and many other places. The seventeenth-century tokens, which are so eagerly sought for, show many repre- sentations of ships, anchors, etc. The token of Earl Howe (1705) bears on the reverse, ‘“*The Wooden Walls of Old England,” with a typical example of a fighting ship with tall masts. The collection is described by Mr. T. Sheppard in vol. ii., part 2, of the Transactions of the Yorkshire Numismatic Society. Att who are interested in the anatomy of the Cetacea will welcome a memoir on the skull of Cuvier’s whale (Ziphius cavirostris) which appears in the Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History (vol. xxxviii., p. 349). The author bases his study on two skulls—one of a young adult female, the other of a ripe foetus which had been disarticulated. These he describes in detail, and his descriptions will prove of great value to future workers, as well as to those who desire to use his results in comparative work. In the course of his memoir he advances some interesting speculations as to the factors which have brought about the very remarkable changes which have taken place in the morphology of the cetacean skull, and these are worthy of careful consideration. In Sudan Notes and Records (vol.i., No. 3, July, 1918) a plea is made on behalf of the white ant, which has naturally acquired a bad reputation among European residents. The characteristic feature of the climate of the Sudan is the rapid growth of vegetation pro- moted by seasonal rains or artificial irrigation, fol- lowed by a period of drought and desiccation. The white ant attack; vegetation only when it is weakened by drought or disease, and in that case the sooner it is destroyed the better. But for the activity of the white ant the whole of the fertile parts of the Sudan would, in a very few years, be covered with an im- penetrable layer of dead vegetation; and the on! alternative method to clear it off would be by the agency of fire, the dangers of which are obvious A sEcOND edition of vol. v. of ‘Special Reports on the Mineral Resources of Great Britain,’ dealing with potash-felspar, phosphate of lime, alum Shales, plum- bago or graphite, molybdenite, chromite, tale and 72 steatite (soapstone, soap-rock, and potstone), and diato- mite, has just been issued by the Ordnance Survey Office, Southampton, and in London by Messrs. T. Fisher Unwin, Ltd. It is mainly a reprint of the first edition, but gives additional information respect- ing potash-felspars, steatite, and diatomite. Tue National Geographic Magazine for June last contains a very fine series of instantaneous photo- graphs illustrating the processes of coastal erosion and accumulation. We do not think that anything is gained by the comparisons with military operations, made by Mr. La Gorce in a series of journalistic titles and descriptions. These tend, indeed, to divert atten- tion from the interesting records that he has brought together. Stitt further exactitude is given to our knowledge of the minerals of the silica series by Messrs. J. B. Ferguson and H. E. Merwin (Amer. Journ. Sci., vol. xlvi., 1918, p. 417). The melting-point of tridy- mite has now been determined for the first time, and is given as 1670°+10°, while that of cristobalite proves to be 1710°+10°, thus justifying Bowen’s comments on previous results in 1914. THE’ occurrence of copper at certain stratigraphical horizons has been attributed to the accumulation of salts of the metal in the blood of organisms, and Mr. A. H. Phillips, of Princeton, now. advances a similar suggestion for vanadium (Amer. Journ. Sci., vol. xlvi., 1918, p. 473). This element has been found in certain ascidians and holothurians. Although it may be de- tected in almost all igneous rocks, its commercial sources are sedimentary rocks or coals. THE conclusion that two distinct epochs of drift- deposition are well marked in Jowa is still further strengthened by Messrs. W. C. Alden and M. M. Leighton in the annual report of the Iowa Geo- logical Survey for 1915, p. 49. The strong clay or ““sumbo”’ produced by prolonged weathering of the underlying Kansan drift is overlain by the drift of the Iowan epoch. We must now be prepared for the perpetuation of the quaint term ‘‘ gumbo,” as well as G. F. Kay’s ‘‘ gumbotil,” in glacial geology. Tue bulletins of several seismological observatories have reached us recently. The most complete are naturally those published in neutral countries, such as those of the Dutch station of De Bilt, near Utrecht, for the years 1914 and 1915 (Konink. Nederl. Meteor. Inst., No. 108), and of Zi-ka-wei (China) for February to May of the present year. Instead of the annual volume of ‘* Notizie sui terremoti osservati in Italia,” the Central Geodynamic Office at Rome has issued a list of Italian earthquakes felt during the year 1916 (Boll. Soc. Sismol. Ital., vols xx., for 1916, pp. 228-45). The bulletin of the seismological station at George- town, U. (Georgetown University Publication, Bull. of the Seismog. Station, No. 2, 1918), contains the records the year 1917, and also a list of earthquakes du newspaper notices the same year compiled from d from materials communicated from the Italian « ratory of Rocca di Papa. The incompleteness of list, due to war conditions, is evident from the fact that 90 per cent. of the earth- quakes noticed occurred in Italy and the United States. A report of the Meteorological Committee for the year ended March, 1918, the sixty-third year of the Meteorological Office, has been submitted to the Lords Commissioners of his Majesty’s Treasury. The report is in a very condensed form. No change has securred during the period in the membership of the nmittee, Sir Napier Shaw continuing as director, bu 1 large number of changes have talen place 2552, VOL. 102] NATURE ‘ [SEPTEMBER 26, 1918 in the office staff,” many being due to the exigencies of the time. Greatly increased demands are made upon the Office by the Naval, Military, and Air Ser- vices, which immensely outweigh the claims of the general public prior to the war. The demand for meteorological instruments, for instance, has risen from 30001. a year to 12,0001. The chief feature men- tioned is ‘‘the great development of pressing demands for expert meteorological assistance, and the prospect of still larger demands in the future.” A Naval Meteorological Service is now attached to the Hydro- graphic Office of the Admiralty, and there has been a large extension of the Meteorological Section of the Royal Engineers, as well as in the Royal Air Force. Post-war problems have involved correspondence with the Ministry of Reconstruction. A knowledge of the weather is stated to be necessary now, not only at the earth’s surface in many parts of the globe, but also at elevations. It is stated that among the immediate requirements of the science is the compilation in a reference form of ‘the information that is at present scattered in scientific journals, and of which the exist- ence is only known to a few experienced meteoro- logists."" The investigation of atmospheric pollution is another branch of work now allied to the Meteoro- logical Office, and there are also the numerous observatories scattered over different parts of the British Isles, all doing admirable and useful work. Symons’s Meteorological Magazine for September seems meagre to those accustomed to the remarkably complete statistical details and the useful and interest- ing map of the rainfall in the Thames Valley. The magazine has now been issued for fifty-two years, and this is the first time that it has ‘failed to contain statistical data of the preceding month.” The diffi- culties arising from the war are referred to, and mention is made of the increased labour and strain. “The last difficulty, however, springs from one of those conditions against which ‘the gods themselves fight in vain,’ and we have to submit. doubt, overcome this difficulty also, and when it does so the tables and maps missing will be forwarded to all subscribers.” In the current number an article is given on ‘‘ The Water-power of the British Empire,” based on the Preliminary Report of the Water-power Committee. Speaking for the editors of Symons’s Meteorological Magazine, the article claims that ‘‘in the Geographical Journal for April, 1896, ‘more than twenty years ago, we elaborated a scheme for the complete geographical description of the British Isles, with special reference to the survey of natural re-' sources, and the time estimated for the completion of the work was twenty years. Had the scheme, which perished in a general chorus of praise of its promise, been carried out, the Ministry of Reconstruc- tion would now have before it a mass of elaborated data, the like of which cannot now be obtained in time to guide the after-war development of the country.” The correspondence on ‘‘Ashdown Forest Climato- logy,” suggested by a walk of two meteorologists, is interesting, dealing with rain and mist formation, and it calls to mind meteorological work in the neighbour- hood by Prince, of Crowborough. IN an interesting article on ‘Pure Science and the Humanities’? (Queen’s Quarterly, vol. xxvi., 1918, pp. 54-65) Mr. J. K. Robertson acts as a daysman between two disciplines which ought never to have been at variance. The student of the humanities has chiefly to do with man and his activities, intellectual, literary, artistic, social, and political, in the past and the present. But he uses scientific methods; he can- not abstract man. from his cosmic stage and_ its scenery; and he knows how scientific discoveries affect human thought and life. Therefore, when he is wise, Time will, no_ SEPTEMBER 26, 1918] NATURE 73 o he looks on science as in natural alliance, not in hostility. The student of science has, in the main, todo with the order of Nature. But he cannot exclude main and his works, not even his dreams; he has to study the history of his science, which often shows itself as a social phenomenon; he has his ‘formal disci- pline’’ as rigorous as that of the classics; his every- day work stirs the imagination, and is often rich in zesthetic stimulus; and he knows that his science may contribute, not only to the glory of the Creator, but also to the relief of man’s estate, as Bacon put it. Moreover, both kinds of discipline require the same qualities of intellectual conscience—accuracy, veracity, patience, and courage. There is no sense in trying to make things that are different seem the same, but the author shows that what should be looked for, in the name of common sense, is sympathetic co-opera- tion. For the two disciplines are complementary, equally natural and equally necessary. Tue U.S. Bureau of Standards will supply on request Technologic Paper No. 113, which contains a description of the Bureau’s method of determining the permeability of balloon fabrics, together with a discussion of the effect of various experimental condi- tions on the results obtained. The method is essen- tially an elaboration of Frenzel’s modification of the N.P.L. method. The fabric is in Contact on one side with a stream of hydrogen; over the other side air is passed at a measured rate, the concentration of hydrogen in it being determined by a one-meter Ray- leigh-Zeiss gas interferometer. By reducing — the depth of the gas- and air-chambers of the permeability cell to 2 mm. and 4 mm. respectively, the period re- quired for the attainment of equilibrium conditions is shortened to about thirty minutes; the results are accurate to about 5 per cent. Curves are given for the effect of temperature and of hydrogen excess pres- sure on the permeability. The standard temperature adopted is 25° C.; the permeability at 15° C. is about 65 per cent. of that at 25° C. The influence of aqueous vapour is noted, dried gases giving an ob- served permeability about 5 per cent. greater than when they are two-thirds saturated. Vapours of rubber solvent may affect the readings; if necessary, a cor- rection is applied from blank tests. The permeability of balloon fabric bv air is found, by a suitable Varia- tion of the interferometer method, to be on the average 1/3-8 of the permeability by hydrogen. Tue column of smoke usually emitted by a steamer is a vital factor in betraying her presence to an enemy. Thus a tramp steamer with the usual type of funnel emits a column of smoke to a height of 150 ft., which is visible to an observer whose eye is 15 ft. above sea- level and 17-4 nautical miles from the steamer. The danger is reduced considerably by a smoke system developed by Messrs. Yarrow and Co., Ltd., and described in the Engineer for September 13. The device consists of two smoke-ducts leading from the funnel to each side of the ship, the exit-mouths of the ducts being inclined downwards towards the sur- face of the sea. A damper in the funnel and other dampers in the ducts permit the funnel to be closed and the ducts opened. Each duct has an internal water-spray, which delivers a conical spray arranged just to touch the exit edges of the ducts. The effect of this spray is to cool the hot gases so as to cause them to fall to sea-level, and to absorb a large pro- portion of the solid particles of carbon in the smoke, thus reducing its blackness, and therefore its visibility. In actual use, the smoke never rises above the level of the bridge, and its appearance is similar to that emitted by a locomotive, which is black only for a minute or two after the furnace-fires have been stoked NO. 2552, VOL. 102] afresh. The control of the air supply to the furnaces is also improved by the device. Tue successful testing last month of the new Quebec Bridge marks the completion of a great work which has claimed the attention of engineers for many years past. An interesting article will be found in Engineer- ing for September 13, which includes many excellent illustrations from photographs, showing the construc- tion of the bridge and the methods en red i tion. \ pe resting on two piers, 1800 ft. centre to centre; the two canti- lever arms are each 580 ft., and the span is com- pleted by a central suspended girder of 640 ft. span, under which there is a free headway at high water of 150 ft. The two anchor-arm spans are each 515 ft., and the total length of the whole struciure. including approach spans, is 3239 ft. There are tw railway tracks, and outside these two footpaths. The collapse of the first bridge during erection in August, 1907, has undoubtedly influenced American bridge design for the good. A contributory cause to the accident was the ridiculously small sum set aside for professional advice, which made the provision of an adequate scientific staff impossible. This lesson was taken to heart in the design of the new bridge; the preparation of the plans for the official design of the new structure is said to have cost 100,000l., and a board of engineers was constituted to supervise the plans and erection. Numerous tests were made on models of the lower chord compression members (which were the cause of the disaster to the first bridge), and it is of interest to note that some of these ‘““models"’ exceeded in size the principals of most bridges. A_NEw series of monographs on experimental biology and general, physiology is announced by the J. B. Lippincott Co. The general editors will be Dr. J. Loeb, Prof. T. H. Morgan, and Prof. W. J. V. Osterhout. Among the volumes arranged for are “The Chromosome Theory of Heredity,” Prof. T. H. Morgan; “‘In-breeding and Out-breeding,’ E. M. East and D. F. Jones; ‘ Localisation of Morphogenic Substances in the Egg,” Prof. E, G. Conklin; ‘ Tissue Culture,” R. G. Harrison; ‘‘ Permeability and Elec- trical Conductivity of Living Tissue,” Prof. W. J. V. Osterhout; “The Equilibrium between Acids and Bases in Organism and Environment,” L. J. Hender- son; ‘Chemical Basis of Growth,’ Prof. T. B. Robertson; ‘‘Primitive Nervous System,’ Prof. G, H. Parker; and ‘‘Co-ordination in Locomotion,” A. R. Moore. Mr. Edward Arnold announces .‘ Petrol and Petroleum Spirits,” by Capt. W. E. Guttentag, with a preface by Sir John Cadman; Messrs. Longmans and Co.’s list includes a new and enlarged edition of “ Liguid Steel: Its Manufacture and Cost,’’ by Col. D. Carnegie and S. C. Gladwin; Messrs. Crosby Lockwood and Son promise “The Aircraft Identifica- tion Book for 1918: A Concise Guide to the Recogni- tion of Different Types and Makes of all Kinds of Aeroplanes and Airships,’ by R. B. Matthews and G. T. Clarkson, and a new edition of the ‘t Naval Architect’s, Shipbuilder’s, and Marine Engineer’s Pocket Book,’ by C. Mackrow and L. Woollard ; Messrs. G. Routledge and Sons, Ltd., have in pre paration for their New Industrial Efficiency Boolxs series a translation by E. Butterworth of ‘‘ The Human Motor and the Scientific Foundations of Labour,” by Dr. J. Amar, ‘‘The Science of Labour and its Organisation,” by Dr. J. Ioteyko, and “The Taylor System in Franklin Management,” by Major G. D. Babcock. 74 OUR ASTRONOMICAL COLUMN. rY-POUR-HOUR IME IN THE ARMy.—.An Army Order issued last weel states that from October 1 the system of iwenty-four-hour time reckoning, starting from midnight, will be adopted throughout the British Army. This system is already in general use at sea, and we hope that its introduction into the Army is a step towards its adoption by the general public. Attempts were made in this direction thirty years ago; Sir W. Christie had the gate-clock at Greenwich arranged to show this time, and it was suggested that astronomers should change the commencement of their day from noon to midnight, so as to have a single system for all purposes. Both proposals col- lapsed at that time owing to insufficient driving-power, but they are now being revived with better prospects of success. There is a great probability that the various astronomical ephemerides will from the year 1g25 use the day commencing at midnight; the neces- sity of preparing these ephemerides many years in advance males an earlier change impracticable. But there is no reason why the general use of twenty- four-hour reckoning should not begin sooner. If the railway companies could be induced to use it in their time-tables it would prevent all confusion between a.m. and p.m., and would also accustem the public to the system. The Army Order states that four figures are always to be used*for hours and minutes; for example, 4.7 a.m. will be written as 0407. This is a convention already familiar to American astronomers. Wotr’s Comer.—The following ephemeris for Green- wich midnight is by M. Kamensky (AStr. Journ., No. 738): A [wer Date R.A. N. Decl Log » Log a } ha CE 2 Och a1 20 12 33 3) ns 0:2416 0-0242 5 AO) tly] AS) Tr 46 0:2375 0:0267 9 20 22 6 IO 22 00-2336 0:0299 13 20 27 51 8 59 0:2298 0:0337 17 20 34 10 7 30 0-2262 0-0380 21 20 41 8 6 22 0:2228 00430 25 20 48 35 aes) 02196 0-0485 29 20 56 34 350 0-2166 0:0544 The theoretical brightness is greatest on October 12, but the physical brightness is likely to increase up to the time of perihelion. BorreELLy’s Comer.—The following ephemeris for Greenwich midnight is by L. v. Tolnay (Astr. Nach., No. 4955 Date R.A. S. Deel. Log x Log A h. m. s. ne ee eta 5 38 8 9 35 01733 9g 9614 5 § 455% 8 440 16399-9424 9 Be pens GF 42 0- 1648 9-922 I 6 0 39 6 32 o-1010 9:9029 17 6 7 42 5 13 0:157 98825 21 6 14 29 3 42 O-1545 g 8616 25 6 21:40 1 58 O-1518 98403 29 ez) ae ous) 01496 98189 The comet is lilxel the end of October to be an easy telescopic object at and in November. Tue New Svar in \oviLs.—Preliminary accounts of photographs of the spectrum of Nova Aquila obtained at the Lick and Mount \Vilson observatories have been given by Dr. G. F. Paddock and by Messrs. W. S. Adams and A. H. Joy (Pub. Ast. Soe. Pac.; vol. xxx., No. 176). Observati were commenced at Mount Hamilton on June to, a: Mount Wilson June 8, and in each the plates include the ial as well as the photographic part of the spectrum. lescriptions of the spectra are in general accord . 2552, Vou, 102) case NATURE [SEPTEMBER 26, 1918 with previous accounts, and show that the nova fol- lowed the usual spectral transformation, Among other details Dr. Paddock refers to the extraordinary changes in position and intensity which took place in a pair of absorption lines at wave-lengths 4058 and 4064. The green nebular line was first recorded on June 23, and the line 4363 on June 22. A table of bands measured on a plate taken on June 21 includes lines in the red at 6299, 6367, 6467, besides Ha, and lines in the yellow at 5876 (D;), 5753, and 5675. The Mount Wilson observers classify the earliest spectrum of the nova as of type A, with very broad hazy bands of hydrogen, displaced about 20A to the violet. The magnesium line 4481 was also present, and displaced by the same amount. Of special interest is the observation that a large number of the absorption lines on June 11 could be identified with lines in a Cygni, when allow- ance was made for a displacement of the nova spec- trum amounting to 20A at Hy, and directly propor- tional to the wave-length in the case of other lines. The nebular bands at 4363 and 5007 were indicated as early as June 20, and the latter had become well marked by June 23. Numerous observations of the nova are summarised in Circular No. 208 of the Harvard College Observa- tory. The first record at Harvard was on May 22, 1888, when the photographic magnitude of the star was 10:5, and from that date to June 3, 1918, as shown on 405 plates, the brightness was subject to small but undoubted changes. On June 7 the star was of the 6th magnitude, and on the following night brighter than rst magnitude. Subsequent observations are tabulated to July 22, and show that after the star began to fade the light Auctuated by half a magnitude at intervals of about ten days. The oscillations were accompanied by marked changes in a line at 4059 in the spectrum of the nova. A large number of estimates of the brightness of the nova are also included in an interesting article by M. Flammarion which appears in the August issue of L’Astronomte. THE METALLOGRAPHY SPEELS. MAY investigations of tungsten steels have been made, but there has, as yet, been no sys- OF TUNGSTEN tematic study of them, and their structural constitu- tion is almost unknown. The steels themselves have long been important in an industrial sense, in that tungsten is an essential constituent of many magnet and rapid-cutting tool steels. The remarkable ‘act that the initial temperature from which they are cooled and the rate of cooling determine the position of the critical points has long been familiar to metal- lurgists, but hitherto there has been no completely satisfactory explanation of it. The publication of a systematic study of the magnetic qualities and metallography, not only of the tungsten steels, but also of carbonless iron-tungsten alloys, by Honda and Murakami in the recently issued science report (vol. vi., No. 5) of the Tohoku University is therefore to he welcomed. The authors have constructed a preliminary equili- brium diagram of the iron-tungsten system, from which it appears that only one compound, Fe,W, as put forward by Arnold and Read, exists. At ordinary temperatures iron dissolves this tungstide up to a con- centration corresponding with 9 per cent. of tungsten. In steels which contain tungsten above this concentra- tion the tungstide appears as small globules scattered through the crystals, which were formerly considered to be a double carbide of iron and tungsten. In tungsten steéls the tungsten exists either as the SEPTEMBER 26, 1918] carbide, WC, or the tungstide, Fe,W, or in both forms according to the percentage of tungsten and carbon. In the normal state the tungsten carbide and iron carbide exist as a double carbide, 4Fe,C.\VC, which has its critical point at 400° C. as compared with 725° C, for pure iron carbide. Above the Ac, point this double carbide dissociates into its com- ponents, but if the maximum temperature is not very high these recombine during cooling, and are deposited from solid solution at 400° C., forming a eutectoid with the ferrite. Above 1100° C. the following re- action occurs, WC+5Fe=Fe,C+ Fe,W, and during cooling the lowering of the transformation points occurs in consequence of the dissolved tung- stide in austenite. The greater the carbon concen- tration in the system, however, the less does the above reaction proceed. The lowering of the Ar, transformation due to heating increases with maximum temperature, and this depends on the tungsten, but not on the carbon content. Above g per cent. of tungsten, however, corresponding with the maximum solubility of this metal in iron, the lowered Ar, point is constant at about 440° C. If, now, a specimen which has a lowered Ar, point be reheated just beyond the Ac, point (about go0° C.), and then cooled, the trans- formation takes place at the normal point. This is due to the fact that tungsten carbide is formed in the Ac, range according to the reaction, Fe,C+ Fe,W=WC+5Fe, and during cooling the recombination of the tungsten carbide with the remaining iron carbide occurs. The authors are to be congratulated on their careful mag- netic and metallographic analyses, which have enabled them to present a clear and yery plausible conception of the chemical, structural, and phase changes which occur in tungsten steels both on heating and cooling. Be Ge bt.) GC, FUEL ECONOMY. HE economical use of coal has been referred to frequently in these columns, but with all the various proposals for its more efficient application for power production the possibilities of effecting marked economies with existing boiler-plants have not been fully appreciated. In the columns of Engineering (July 12 and 19) Mr. D. Brownlie gives data of the examination of 250 boiler-plants, comprising 1000 boilers and using annually more than two million tons of coal. Seventy-six per cent. of the plants were hand-fired, the average net efficiency being 57-8 per cent.; the remainder, mechanically fired, show an efficiency of only 61-4 per cent. Only g6 per cent. of the plants show a higher efficiency than 7o per cent. Certainly these figures indicate very bad practice, for a net working efficiency of 75 per cent. may well be aimed at. Reorganisation of the plants examined to reach this figure would alone entail a saving of 430,000 tons of coal annually; throughout the country it would possibly lead to a saving of 15,000,000 to 20,000,000 tons. As Mr. Brownlie points out, the question of the economical generation of steam will always be a very important part of the greater national scheme of coal economy, even if all the power of the country is generated by gas-engines and the by- products of the distillation of coal.’’ As a large part of the power will undoubtedly be steam-generated in existing plants for many years to come, the improve- ment of the efficiency of these plants is urgently called for during the period which must elapse before the general reorganisation of the whole system of power preduction can be carried out. NO. 2552, VOL. 102] NATURE 3? 75 Further evidence on fuel economy is contained in Bulletin No. 31, Circular 7, of the University of Illinois Engineering Experiment Station. This bulletin deals with the operation of hand-fired power plants, and the matter is presented in a manner readily understood by those who are not experienced engineers. About 6,000,000 tons of coal are consumed annually in Illinois in operating hand-fired power plants, and it is be- lieved to be within the limits af practical attainment to effect a saving of from 12 to 15 per cent. of this fuel. Descriptions and drawings are given of simple appliances and the methods of using them explained, whereby the men who fire the coal may obtain precise information regarding the best working conditions for given steam consumptions. With proper attention these appliances enable the cor- rect working conditions to be reproduced at any time, and also give evidence which leads to ‘h detection of defects in the plant.which would not other- wise be suspected. The section dealing with th« storage of coal is of interest, and contains a very sug- gestive statement :—‘‘Do not undertake to store coal until you are sure you know how -to do it properly and safely... The circular has been compiled by a committee of the University authorities, aided by an advisory committee including several well-known names, and can be commended to the notice of all who desire to introduce scientific control in their boiler plants. SALARIES IN SECONDARY. AND TECHNICAL, SCHOOLS, ErC2 HE chief duty of this Committee, as defined in the terms of reference, was “to inquire into the principles which should determine the fixing of salaries for teachers in secondary and_ technical schools, schools of art, training colleges, and other institutions for higher education (other than uni- versity institutions). They were specifically asked not “to consider the question of the amounts. by which existing salaries should be improved.” : Progress in the higher education of the nation depends, in the first instance, upon attracting and retaining, by means of adequate salaries and suitable salary scales, the services of the most capable and highly qualified teachers. The present rates of pay- ment fail to secure this. The report states (p. 52) that the average salary of 3350 full-time assistant masters in 404 grant-aided boys’ secondary schools in England and Wales on January 31, 1917, was only 187l. per annum. The average salary of 4294 assistant mistresses in similar schools was 130l. per annum. Out of 1050 secondary schools in England and Wales receiving grants from the Board of Educa- tion, in only 460 of these schools were salaries 1egu- lated by definite scales in January, 1917. Salary scales were, in general, only short scales covering a period of five or six years, the average maximum ‘for graduates (men) being only 1961. 7s. The informa- tion in the report respecting salaries in technical schools, polytechnics, ete., is much less detailed and precise (p. 41). It would appear, however, that on March 31, 1914, the average salary of heads of departments and assistant teachers in these institutions was about 18ol. per annum. In view of the inadequate salaries just mention especially with the higher cost of living, increased taxation, and the more generous remuneration now offered by commerce, industry, and the State services, it is no wonder, even allowing for certain recent im- provements, notably in London, that the Committee 1 Report of the Departmental Committee on Salaries in Secondary Schools, Technical Schools, etc. (Cd. 9140.) (H.M. Stationery Office. ) Price 6c. net. / reports :——‘‘ We have no doubt that a very great in- crease of salaries is necessary... it has been brought home to us that the teaching services are experiencing increasing difficulties in attracting a reasonable share of the young men and women who sive evidence .of outstanding ability.” This is felt more particularly in the technical schools, where the leakage from the profession and the difficulty of obtaining new teachers, due to the low salaries, the absence of salary scales, and the higher payment offered in industry, is raising serious obstacles to the development of technical education. The principal recommendations of the Committee are as follows :— (a) Secondary Schools (p. 25).—A minimum initial salary for (graduate) teachers in all secondary schools in receipt of public money should be fixed by the Central Authority, and a minimum amount prescribed at a later stage in the teacher’s career: Salaries of assistant teachers should be regulated by scales. They should be such that teachers receive a substantial salary at the age of thirty-two or thirty-three, with increments continuing up to the age of about forty- two or forty-three. Normally, increments should be annual and automatic (subject to reasonable condi- tions as to efficiency). Equality of pay for the two sexes would, in existing circumstances, lead to one being underpaid and the other overpaid. No differ- ences in salary should be made upon the basis of the subject taught or the size of the school. The pos- session of a high degree or other special qualification of a scholastic character may be recognised by placing its holder at a point on the scale above that which he would otherwise occupy. Heads of departments and assistants performing special duties should. be remunerated by additions to their salary. (b) Technical Schools.—Full-time assistant teachers of senior and advanced students, who are graduates or have qualifications equivalent to graduation, should be paid by scale at as high a rate at least as is paid in secondary schools, higher remuneration being given in exceptional cases where a_teacher’s qualification consists of long works experience and high technical knowledge. The salary may be deter- mined by what will induce him to leave his occupa- tion, otherwise the scale should be similar to that of the secondary-school teacher. The salaries of artisan teachers will be settled in the main by competition with industry. The above recommendations respecting salaries in technical schools, bringing the payment of the full- time assistant lecturer up to that of the secondary- school teacher, would mean a great advance if carried into practice. Thus in London the assistant lecturer in a technical school or polytechnic rarely rises above 25o0l., whereas the secondary-school teacher may rise to aool., or 4sol. in special cases. The Committee deals also with salary scales in schools of art, training colleges, etc., in a similar manner to its proposals relating to secondary and technical schoo! An important general recommenda- tion respecting the application of new scales to exist- ing teachers states that this should not be too long drawn out, and there should be no avoidable delay in giving to every teacher some immediate and sub- stantial instalment of any intended advance. The proposals of the Committee, if carried into effect, would go far to remove one of the chief obstacles to the improvement of the higher education of the nation. There still remains, however, as -egards salaries, the not unimportant laries of assistant lecturers in university colleges and imilar institutions. Despite much criticism and a in amount of agitation, these salaries still remain 0. 2552, VOL. 102| "6 NATURE question of the | [SEPTEMBER 26, 1918 in a most unsatisfactory condition, even when com- pared with the new maximum salary of the L.C.C. elementary-school class-teacher (240l. or 300l.), or that of the London secondary-school assistant teacher (300l. non-graduate, 4ool. or 450l. graduate). J. WiLson. HIGH-TEMPERATURE PROCESSES AND PRODUCTS | ee comparing workshop processes at present in use with those employed twenty years ago, many striking changes may be noted, all tending to cheaper and more rapid production. It will be found, on examination, that some of the most important of these changes are due to the utilisation of high-temperature processes, or to appliances in which new materials produced at high temperatures are employed. At the present time, when the economic generation of electricity in this country by the aid of large, central power-stations is under consideration, the present and future importance of high-temperature processes and products cannot be too strongly emphasised. In any scheme that may be evolved, provision should be made for electric-furnace work on the large scale, as otherwise we shall remain, as _ heretofore, dependent upon other countries for many essential materials. One of the most recent applications of the oxy- hydrogen flame is to the spraying of metals on to cold surfaces. In what is known as the Schoop pro- cess the metal, in the form of wire, is fed into the interior of the flame, where it is melted and then blown by compressed air, in a state of very fine divi- sion, on to the surface to be coated. The arrange- ment is such that when the size of the flame is increased or decreased, the feed of wire is changed simultaneously, so that the rate of deposit per unit area is constant. The finely divided metal fills all the interstices of the surface upon which it impinges, and becomes firmly attached: and by continuing the process any desired thickness may be deposited. The thermit reaction has also been applied to the production of pure metals, and has proved of great value in cases where it is necessary to secure a pro- duct free from carbon. In the manufacture of special classes of steel in which manganese or chromium is used, it is desirable that these elements should be free from carbon, in order that the final carbon content may be regulated to any desir2d amount in the, finished product. As prepared by furnace methods, these metals always contain carbon to a greater or less extent, and hence for high-class steel the carbon-free metals produced by the thermit method are preferable, although more costly. Before the war the thermit industry was in German hands, and it is a matter for congratulation that the present British proprietors have been able to reproduce practically all the compositions which previously were imported. This is an excellent example of the value of research in applied science. The rapid increase in the output of electric steel is due to several causes, chief amongst which are (1) the superior properties of the product, (2) the possibility of producing steels according to a given formula without difficulty, (3) the greatly reduced loss from oxidation of light steel scrap fed into the mix- ture, and (4), which applies specially to Britain, the possibility of obtaining a cheap supply of energy in certain localities. When all these factors are taken into account, high-grade steel can be produced more 1 Abridged from Cantor Lectures delivered before the Royal Society o Arts in-January and February, 1918, by Mr. C. R. Darling. SEPTEMBER 26, 1918] economically by the electric furnace than by the aid of fuel. . Furnaces of thirty tons capacity have been con- structed, and this is considered by some authorities to be the upper limit of economic size. One of the chief drawbacks at present is the rapid deterioration of the refractory lining; but this trouble will no doubt be overcome by the production of durable refractories by electric-furnace methods. In the event of one or more of the super-power stations proposed by the Coal Con- servation Committee being erected near London, it is quite possible that the metropolis may become an im- portant centre of the steel-refining industry. Direct oxidation of the nitrogen in the atmosphere may be effected by the electric arc, and several types of furnace have been designed for the production of nitric acid by this means. Two other chief methods of nitrogen fixation, in- volving high-temperature processes, have been intro- duced ; the Serpek process, in which aluminium nitride is first formed, and from which ammonia is obtained by treatment with water; and the cyanamide process, in which nitrogen is passed over heated calcium car- bide, yielding the compound CaCN,, from which am- monia may be obtained by treatment with steam. In each case the ammonia produced may be converted by catalytic means into nitric acid. , The pre-war consumption of carbide in this country was about 30,000 tons, of which all but about 2000 tons was imported. The small quantity made at home came from the works of the British Carbide Products, Ltd., at Thornhill, where power was obtained from the Yorkshire Power Co. The demand for carbide for various purposes has greatly increased during the war, and the works of the company named have now been removed to Clayton, near Manchester, where furnaces have been installed capable of turning out 15,000 tons per annum, power being taken from the Manchester Corporation. Whether the manufacture of carbide in Britain will become a large and profitable industry depends upon the success or otherwise of schemes for producing cheap electrical power. ; The history of carborundum furnishes one of the romances of science, and. shows how a small laboratory experiment may result in the establishment of a large and prosperous industry. The main reaction in the production of carborundum is shown by the equation SiO,+3C=SiC+2CO. Carborundum is therefore chemically silicon carbide. In the manufacture on the large scale a mixture of sand, coke, and a quantity of common salt is placed in the electric furnace round a core of granular carbon, through which the current passes. The portion of the mixture adjacent to the core is converted into carborun- dum to a certain depth, beyond which a partial con- version only takes place, forming what is known as “ fire-sand.”” The chief sources of carborundum are the electric furnaces of the Carborundum Co. at Niagara, and of the Norton Co., Chippewa, Ontario, the product of the latter company being designated by the trade name * Crystolon.” Abrasive articles of carborundum are now manufac- tured in this country by the Carborundum Co., Ltd., at Manchester, the raw material being obtained from Niagara. Carborundum grindstones are now used in most engineering works, and in the small form are employed largely by dentists. Carborundum sand, the outer zone product, is used for lining brass furnaces, silicate of soda being used as bond. It is also used, mixed with fireclay, as a furnace lining, as a moulding sand for aluminium, and for many refractory purposes. By using a smaller quantity of carbon, the element NO. 2552, VOL. 102] NATURE -would cause fused silica to devitrify. 77 silicon may be prepared in large quantities in the elec- tric furnace, the reacuon bemg 3iO,+2C=S1+2CO. ‘tne tormation of silicon was urst noted in the car- borundum turnace, in which small quantities may be found; and tnis led to the production ot silicon as the primary substance, wien desired, by reducing the pro- portion of carbon as shown. he clement siucon thus became available in bullk, whereas previously it was more or less a laboratory curiosity. Silicon does not oxidise below 1200° C., and is useful as a resistance material for electricity, particularly when strong cur- rents are used which make the resister very hot. Its specific resistance is about three times that of carbon. The fusion of the mineral bauxite, an impure form of oxide of aluminium, results in the production of a crystalline material inferior in hardness to carborun-» dum, but superior in strength. In grinding steel, or materials of high tensile strength, an abrasive material is needed which will not break under the pressure which must be applied, and in such cases it is found that grindstones made from fused bauxite are quite satisfactory, whilst carborundum wears away too quickly owing to the breaking of the crystals. Fused bauxite is manufactured into grindstones by the Norton Co. in America under the name of ‘‘ Alundum,” and a similar product is marketed by the Carborundum Co. of Manchester, which is termed ‘ Aloxite.” As an abrasive for steel, fused bauxite is unrivalled, and, together with carborundum, has made possible the introduction of grinding machinery which for many purposes is preferable to steel cutting-tools, producing a better finish in a shorter time. Whilst used primarily as an abrasive, fused bauxite may be made into an excellent refractory, and the alundum ware produced by the Norton Co, is exten- sively used for the tubes of small resistance furnaces, crucibles, pyrometer sheaths, etc. In making articles of this kind the powdered alundum is mixed with a suitable bond, and the object moulded from the mix- ture and afterwards fired. The product so obtained has a low coefficient of expansion, and. withstands sudden changes of temperature far better than porce- lain, but not so well as silica. It is relatively a good conductor of heat, which property fits it for the pur- poses ‘named; and its high melting-point—2050° C.— renders it suitable for work at temperatures which It -has the further advantage of being inert towards platinum at high temperatures, and is, therefore, suitable for platinum-wound resistances furnaces. Ordinary alun- dum is porous, and this property has been put to use for filtration purposes in laboratories, the liquid to be filtered being poured into a crucible, in the pores of which the finest particles of precipitate are retained. As the alundum is unattacked by most acids, solutions may be filtered which would destroy filter-papers. In the form of various articles alundum has now become firmly established as a useful laboratory material. Moissan was one of the first to notice that ordinary amorphous carbon could be converted into graphite by the aid of intense heat; but the commercial produc- tion of artificial graphite was due to Dr. E. G. Acheson. The process of manufacture consists in passing a powerful electric current through coke, anthracite coal, or carbon obtained from petroleum residues, producing a temperature of 3700° C., which suffices to conver ordinary carbon into graphite. The materials placed in a loose-walled furnace, which can easily dismantled to remove the products; and at the tem- perature employed most of the impurities volatilise < escape as vapours through vents in the walls. Artificial graphite possesses the advantage over the natural variety that it may be produced in large, homogeneous masses, and does not require any bind- —- are 78 NATURE ing materials. It may be machined with ease by ordinary workshop tools; thus it may be turned in the lathe to any desired shape or size, and may be filed, drilled, and threaded. Ordinary carbon, however pre- pared, is much more troublesome to work, and soon destroys the tool-edge. In the electrolysis of solutions such as common salt, in which nascent chlorine is liberated, anodes of artificial graphite are superior to others, not being attacked by chlorine, In other cases in which corrosive Substances are liberated by the electrolysis, such as the recovery of copper and nickel from residues, the same superiority is shown, and consequently artificial graphite is extensively used in such cases. The superior conductivity of graphite renders it more suitable for filling the space between the two plates of a dry cell than carbon. A further advantage is its greater purity, so that it is not liable to cause local action. Special grades of graphite powder are made for this purpose, and find a wide application in cells for flashlights, telephones, and numerous military " purposes. Artificial graphite-has found a certain application as a lubricant in the forms of ‘‘oildag’ and ‘“ aqua- dag,’ both of which were introduced by Dr. Acheson. The graphite used in these cases is first ground down to a powder which will pass through a sieve of 40,000 meshes to the square inch, and afterwards treated chemically so that it forms a colloidal suspension in oil or water. Graphite of this character is said to be * defloceulated.”” and when suspended in a liquid- will pass readily through a filter-paper. When added to oil the lubricant “oildag” is formed, and its use on a bearing results in the production of a thin layer of graphite on the rubbing surfaces, which, when formed, enables efficient lubrication to be carried on with a greatly diminished feed of lubricant. When rock-crystal or sand is heated to fusion and allowed to cool, it remains in a vitreous condition, and then possesses properties resembling those of glass. y In making tubes a current of sufficient power is passed through a graphite core surrounded by sand, which is fused to a depth determined by the time the current passes. Care must be exercised not to exceed a temperature of 2000° C., as otherwise there would - be a danger of the carbon and silica reacting to form carborundum. The core is then withdrawn, and the mlastic mass pulled out into tubes of the required dimensions. By arranging the shave of the core, pieces with closed ends can be made, and afterwards blown in moulds to any desired shape by means of compressed air. A weight of 200 Ib. of fused silica can now be produced and manipulated, thus rendering it possible to manufacture articles for commercial pro- \ similar method is now followed in making cesses transparent siliea from pure quartz. In the best modern plant for the manufacture of nitric acid from saltpetre, the product is condensed in silica-pipes, which may be water-cooled without danger of crackin: and in concentrating sulphuric acid silica basins are now used. The production of the enormous quantities of these acids needed for the manufacture of n much facilitated by the use of explosives has silica apparatus; and. in addition, the output of vessels and pipes of various kinds has proved of advantage to chemical industries Senerally. in all cases where acid- and heat-resisting propertics are of importance. It will be recognised by all who have studied the matter closely that the future industrial success of anv country will largely depend upon the extent to which it develops high-temperature pr« : One of the first essentials will be a abundant sunplv of electricity, and I not only the sixteen super-po NO. 2552, VOL. 102] cheap and to be hoped stations pro- [SEPTEMBER 26, 1918 posed by the Coal Conservation. Committee, but also many others, will be erected, entirely apart from con- siderations of economy in coal. ; It is now possible to purchase electric power as cheaply at Newcastle as at Niagara, the great centre for electric-furnace products; and there appears, there- fore, to be no economic reason why carborundum and graphite, for example, should not be manufactured in England. The development of cheap-power schemes should lead to the establishment of many new indus- tries in this country, provided the necessary enterprise and capital be forthcoming. One effect of the war has been to create a general appreciation of the value of research in connection with industry, and efforts have been made in many direc- tions to make good our previous negligence in this respect. So far as high-temperature processes are concerned, our record is not one of which we may be proud, as, with the exception of silica ware and aluminium, we are dependent on other countries for materials which have now become indispensable. The chief reason for this has, no doubt, been the absence of cheap elec- tricity; but now that this is to be remedied, no time should be lost in commencing high-temperature re- search on various lines. Amongst problems awaiting solution may be mentioned the smelting of tungsten and other metals of very high melting-points, and the formation of alloys of these metals; the preduction of Suitable refractories for use in electric furnaces generally ; and the marufacture of the diamond on the large scale for abrasive purposes. Apart from these obvious lines of research, the production of new com- pounds as the result of high-temperature reactions offers a boundless field for investigation, and should lead to important industrial developments. It is only necessary to consider the results which have accrued from the heating of coal and lime, coal and sand, and carbon alone, in the electric furnace, to realise the possibilities in this direction, and the imperative need for research on the lines indicated. A good electric furnace, capable of taking charges which would enable commercial possibilities to be deduced, should be installed at all the leading centres of scientific instruction. One or more such furnaces, devoted to general research, should be established in London; and, speaking from personal knowledge. there would immediately be many firms desirous of submitting problems the solution of which would be an aid to the industries in which thev are engaged. It is to be hoped that before long high-temperature research will be flourishing in this country as it has been for some years in America. The factories at Niagara, with their enormous output of various materials, are the outcome of this research, and given adequate facilities in this country for investigation, there is no doubt that we should reap our full share of the future developments which are certain to arise in this field of work UNIVERSITY AND EDUCATIONAL INTELLIGENCE. University or Lonpon.—The sum of toool. has been given to the University by the National Bank of South Africa for the promotion of Dutch studies. A course of three lectures on ‘ Scientific Factory Management” will be given by Dr. A. D. Denning at the London School of Economics and Political Science on Mondays, beginning on October 28. Ar the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, Mr. W. H. Ashmore has been appointed professor . of materia medica, in succession to Dr. M. SEPTEMBER 26, 1918] ae es Thomson, resigned, and Mr. H. Norminton professor of practical chemistry. AccoRDING to Science, the College of PhySicians and Surgeons of San Francisco has discontinued the teaching of medicine, but for the next three years it will grant diplomas to such students as shall complete their work satisfactorily in other medical schools. Ar the opening of the new session of the London (Royal Free Hospital) School of Medicine for Women, the inaugural address will be given by Miss A. Maude Royden at 3.30 on Tuesday, October 1. The subject of the address will be ‘ Revolutionary Thought.” Tue opening of the winter session of the medical school of the Middlesex Hospital will take place on Tuesday next, October 1, at 3 o’clock, when Lt.-Gen. T. H: J. C. Goodwin, Director-General, Army Medical Service, will occupy the chair. The prizes will be distributed by the Dowager Countess Brassey, and Dr. Browning, the director of the hospital's pathological laboratories, will deliver an address. All who are interested in the hospital and its medical school are invited to be present. Tue technical colleges and schools throughout the country are now assembling for the winter session, and the prospectuses which reach us provide good evidence of their continued healthy activity. The Birkbeck College, London, opens on September 30, and has arranged day and evening courses of study for the University of London examinations in the subjects of the faculties of arts, science, laws, and economics. The West of Scotland Agricultural Col- lege, Glasgow, opens on October 10. It has arranged comprehensive courses in preparation for diplomas and degrees in agriculture, dairying, forestry, horti- culture, poultry-keeping, and bee-keeping. SOCIETIES AND ACADEMIES. Paris. Academy of Sciences, September 9..-M. P. Painlevé in the chair.—.\. Denjoy : Demonstration of the funda- mental property of the curves of M. Jordan.—C. Viola: The laws of Curie and Hoiiy. The law of simple rational indices, Hotiy’s law, can be deduced from Curie’s law.—A. Guébhard: Remarks on the ferrisphere.—M. Lecointre: The marine Pleistocene of Chaouia (Western Morocco).—L. Léger: Geo- graphical distribution of the anophelic zones in the south-east of France: method of study.—R. Leriche and A. Policard: The mechanism and pathogenic réle of premature osseous rarefaction in the genesis of pseudo-arthroses. September 16.—M. P. Painlevé in the chair.— EE. Picard: Some remarks on the decomposition into primary factors and the prolongation of. analytical functions.—P. Appell: Simultaneous linear partial differential equations and cases of reduction of hyper- geometric functions of two variables.—C. Richet, P. Brodin, G. Noizet, and F. Saint-Girons ; Ohmhemo- meter for measuring the electrical resistance of the blood. Application to clinical practice. The resistance of a drop of blood is measured in a capillary tube by Kohlrausch’s method. A close relation was estab- lished between the electrical resistivity, density, and number of red corpuscles.—Ch. Depéret : Attempt at a general chronological co-ordination of Quaternary times.—M. Balland ; Some coffee preparations proposed for the Army. Analyses are given of coffee extracts, tabloids, and some coffee substitutes.—E. Cartan : | times.—O. E, Glenn: Invariants which are NO. 2552, VOL. 102] - NATURE oa Developable varieties in three dimensions.—P. Hum- bert; Electrospherical functions in the form of deter- minants.—\. Guilliermond : The mitochondrial origin of plastides.—G. Truffaut: The partial sterilisation of soil. Large-scale experiments, in which carbon bi- sulphide, calcium sulphide, and tar-oils were used for the purpose of partial sterilisation of the soil, gave results generally favourable, the work of E. J. Russell and Miége.+ confi ‘ming ’ Wasnincton, D.C. National Academy of Sciences (Proceedings, vol. iv., No. 4), April, 1918.—W. J. V. Osterhout and \. R. C. Haas: Dynamical aspects of photosynthesis. Ulva, which has been kept in the dark, begins photosynthesis as soon as it is exposed to sunlight. The rate of photo- synthesis steadily increases until a constant speed is attained. This may be explained by assuming tha sunlight decomposes a substance the products of which catalyse photosynthesis or enter directly into the re- action. Quantitative theories are developed to account for the facts.—Kia-Lok Yen: Mobilities of ions in air, hydrogen, and nitrogen. Extensive experiments, the results of which are in perfect accord with the ** small- ion” shypothesis, as contrasted with the * cluster” hypothesis.—E. H. Hall: Thermo-electric action with dual conduction of electricity. A continuation of previous papers. The hypothesis of progressive motion by the ‘*free” electrons only has been extended to the case of dual electric conduction.—C. G. Abbot: Terrestrial temperature and atmospheric absorption. The earth’s surface sends out 0-50 calorie per cm.* per minute on the average, and of this only a small part escapes to space. Hence the atmosphere is the main radiating source, furnishing three-fourths of the output of radiation of the earth as a planet.—Kia-Lok Yen: Mobilities of ions in vapours. A continuation of the study of thé vapours SO,, C.H,O, C;H,O, C;Hi2, etc., with the conclusion that the small-ion théory is further | corroborated.—J. P. Iddings and E. W. Morley: A contribution to the petrography of the South Sea Islands. Thirty detailed chemical analyses of lava from the South Pacific Islands are given, with a dis- cussion of the results.—J. Loeb: The law controlling the quantity and rate of regeneration. The quantity of regeneration in an isolated piece of an organism Is under equal conditions determined by the mass of material necessary for growth circulating in the sap (or blood) of the piece. The mystifying phenomenon of an isolated piece restoring its lost organs thus turns out to be the result of two plain chemical factors: the law of mass-action, and the production and giving off of inhibitory substances in the growing regions of the organism. _ (Proceedings, vol. iv., No. 5), May, 1918.—W. S. Adams and A. H. Joy: Some spectral characteristics of Cepheid variables. | The hydrogen lines are abnormally strong in Cepheid spectra, which are classified, first, on a basis of the hvdrogen lines, and, secondly, on the more general features of the spectra—C. Barus: Types of achromatic fringes.—C. Barus: |nter- ference of pencils which constitute the remote divergences from a slit.—E. Doolittle :-A study of the motions of forty-eight double stars. A classification of the stars is set up for the purpose of determininc those pairs upon which observations are most urgent! needed.__H. Bateman; The structure of an electro magnetic field. All electrical charges are supposed ‘o travel along rectilinear paths with the velocity of light. \When electricity appears to move with a sin } er ve lo- citv, it is made up of different entities lifferent functions 80 NATURE [SEPTEMBER 26, 1918 » of parameters of the transformation. A general dis- cussion of a systematic theory and interpretation of invariantive functions which contain the parameters of the linear transformations which leave invariant a binary quadratic form, including the invariants of relativ ity. (Proceedings, vol. iv., No. 6), June, G. Benedict and P. Roth: Effects of a prolonged pra: in diet on twenty-five men. I. Influence cn basal meta- bolism and nitrogen excretion.—W. R. Miles: Effect of 2 prolonged reduction in diet on twenty-five men. Bearing on neuro-muscular processes and mental coimenes —H.M. Smith: Effects of a prolonged re- duction. in diet on twenty-five men. III. Influence on efficiency during muscular work.—C. E. McClung : Possible action of the sex-determining mechanism.— E. Blackwelder; The study of the sediments as an aid to the earth historian.—G. H. Parker: The growth of the Alaskan fur seal herd between 1912 and 1917. Since 1912 the steady increase in the number of pups born and of harem bulls, and the decrease since 1913 of the average harem, are most favourable signs in the growth of the herd. The one unfavourable feature during this period is the considerable increase in idle bulls in 1915, 1916, and especially in 1917. This increase, which can be eventually checked, show’ that active commercial killing should have been restored some years ago.—W. N. Berg and R. A. Kelser: The destruction of tetanus antitoxin by chemical agents. The results indicate that tetanus antitoxin is a sub- stance of non-protein nature, but the stability of the antitoxin is so dependent upon that of the protein to which it is attached that whenever the protein molecule is split, the antitoxin splits with it.—G. P. Merrill: Tests for fluorine and tin in meteorites, with notes on maskelynite and the effect of dry heat on meteoric stones.—F. W. Clarke: Notes on isotopic lead. Investigations on the atomic weight of various forms of lead, and radio-active estimates of the age of minerals, are analysed for the purpose of throwing light upon isotopes and the structure of chemical elements. (Proceedings, vol. iv., No. 7), July, 1918.—G. H. Hardy: The representation of a number as_ the sum of any number of squares, and in_ par- ticular of five or seven.—A, St. John: The crystal structure of ice. Ice is properly assigned to the hexagonal system, and consists of four inter-penetrating triangular lattices, of which the fundamental spacings have been obtained.—W. M. Davis: Fringing reefs of the Philippine Islands. An interpretation of recently published large-scale charts of the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey.— \V. S. Halstead: Dilation of the great arteries distal to partially occluding bands. The relative amount of consti ction required to give the most pronounced results has been determined, so that the author is able in < a ost every instance to produce the dilation, and a large amount of material thereby accumulated is analysed...\. A. Michelson: The correction optical surfa: BOOKS RECEIVED. The Neo-Platonist A. Study in the History of Hellenism. By T. \Whittaker. Second edition, with a Supplement on the Commentaries of Proclus. Pp. xv +318. (Cambridge: At the University Press.) 2s. net. Petroleum Refining. By \. mpbell.. Pp. xvi+ 297. (London: C. 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IR: Second edition. Pp. xvi+195+frontis- plates. (London: C. Griffin and Co., 5S. CONTENTS. Applied Optics. By A. E. C. The Megalithic Culture of Indonesia. Elliot Smith, F.R.S. War Work of the British Medical Services . sees Our Bookshelf SSeS 5 pekish ho OS) Letters to the Editor:— PAGE 61 By Prof. G. Substitutes for Platinum.—Dr. Ch.-Ed. Guillaume. 64 Future Treatment of German Scientific Men.—Lt. -Col, H. H. Godwin-Austen, F.R.S. . 64 The South Georgia Whale Fishery. —Dr. ‘Sidney F. Harmer, F. RIS: ..-. ; oG5 Vitality of Gorse-seed. —John Parkin . . eos Rock-disintegration by Salts. —C. Carus- Wilson. . 66 German Industry andthe War. I. ..... 6 66 Medical Education in England : / The Dynamics of Cyclonic Depressions. Be jJ.S.D. 69 Notes . : : ax ieee Our Astronomical Column : —_— Twenty-four-hour Time in the Army . af te Bott 74 Wralf’s' Comet tera! - re name OO) 1 74 Borrelly’s Comet . Price cree) oS SS 74 The New Star in Aquila 74 The Metallography of Tungsten ‘Steels. By H. 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DGAR ALLEN SCHOLARSHIPS. The foll NCE Zoo pera for three years, are offered :— (a2) TWO {IPS open to men and women who will not hav their twentieth year at the beginning of the Unive which they enter the University. (4) TWO SCHO HIPS restricted to the ‘‘sons of workmen earning dai ly es, and foremen of workmen and managers “- An EXAMINATION Scholarships will be held i An EXA\ ATIO olarships will be held in DECEMBER NEXT, an sent.to the REGISTRAR by October 31. Full particulars of these Scholar obtained free from the undersigned. \ GIBBONS, Registrar. EAST LONDON COLLEGE. (UNIVERSITY OF LONDON \THEMATICAL LECTURER required at capable of * to Honours Students. Salary about £500. Apply to PRINCIPAL, 1 College, Mile End Road, E. 1. SCHOLARSHIPS, each of the value of [OcroBER 17, 1918 BIRKBECK COLLEGE, BREAMS BUILDINGS, CHANCERY LANE, E.C. 4 COURSES OF STUDY (Day and Evening) for Degrees of the UNIVERSITY OF LONDON in the FACULTIES OF SCIENCE & ARTS (PASS AND HONOURS) Under RECOGNISED TEACHERS of the University. SCIENCE.—Chemistry, Physies, Mathematies (Pure and Applied), Botany, Zoology, Geology. ARTS.—Latin, Greek, English, Freneh, German, Italian, History, Geography, Logie, Economies, Mathematies (Pure and Applied). Evening Courses for the Degrees in Economies and Laws. Geography Diploma and Matriculation. POST-GRADUATE AND RESEARCH WORK, “ ~< { Day: Science, £17 10s.; Arts, £10 10s. SESSIONAL FEES { Evening: Science, Arts, or Economics, £5 5s. Prospectus post fice, Calendar 6¢. (by post 8d.), from the Secretary. SOUTH-WESTERN POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, CHELSEA, S.W. 3. Day and Evening Courses in Science and Engineering. Technical Courses in Analytical and Manufacturing Chemistry. Pharmacy, Dispensing, and Food and Drug Courses. Metallurgy, Assaying, and Foundry work. Botany, Geolcgy, and Zoology Courses. Three years’ college course in Physical Education. SIDNEY SKINNER, M.A., Principal. Telephone : Western 899. UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN. PROFESSOR OF PHYSICS. Applications are hereby invited for the position of PROFESSOR OF PHYSICS at the University of Caps Town, South Africa. The salary is £800 p.a. Any pension agreed upon would be not less than 4300 p.a. upon the retirement of the Professor by reason of attaining the age of 60 years. Should the successful applicant be engaged upon military service or work of national importance, the post would be kept open until he is free to take up his duties. The Professor is expected to carry on research work. Appointments are generally restricted to candidates under 35 years of age. Applications, together with testimonials, should reach the Hicn Com- MISSIONER FOR THE Union or Souru AFRICA, Victoria Street, London, S.W. x (from whom further particulars may be obtained), not later than January 1, 1919. 32 UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF SOUTH WALES AND MONMOUTHSHIRE. (Coleg Prifathrofaol Deheudir Cymru a Mynwy.) The Council of the College invites applications from both men and women for the post of TEMPORARY A>5SIStIANT LECTURER and DEMONSTRATOR in CHEMISTRY. The salary and other emoluments will be £160 per annum. Further particula s may be obtained from the undersigned, by whom applications, with testimonials (which need mt be printed), must be received on or before Saturday, October 26, 1918. D. J. A. BROWN, Registrar. Univer-ity College Cathays Park, Cardiff. October 14, 1918. SWINDON EDUCATION COMMITTEE. Swindon and North Wilts Secondary School and Technical Institution. Principal—Mr. G. H. Burkuarpt, M.Sc. Immediate application is invited from qualified Teachers fur the following posts :— (1) TEACHER of PHYSICS, CHEMISTRY, and MATHEMATICS. (2) MANUAL INSTRUCTOR in WOOD and META! WORK. Present Salary in each case £250 p-r annum. Scale under consideration. Applications 10 be sent before Saturday, October 19, to the PRINCIPAL, from whom further particulars and form of application may be obtained. Education Office Town Hall October W. SEATON, Secretary. windon. » 1918. HIGH SCHOOL, MONMOUTH. (HABERDASHERS’ SCHOOL.) WANTED, in January, 1919, ASSISTANT MISTRESS to teach Mathematics, Physics, Botany. Apply to the HEADMISTKESS. NATURE the case of a series of real functions and that of a THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1018. THE SALVAGE OF NINETEENTH- CENTURY SCIENCE. Theory of Functions of a Complex Variable. By Prof. A. R. Forsyth. Third edition. Pp. xxiv + 855- (Cambridge: At the University Press, 1918.) Price 30s. net. (First edition, 1893, pp. Xxii+ 682; second edition, 1900, pp. xxiv + 782.) O anyone interested in the progress of British science the appearance of a third edition of this spacious volume, well-nigh two hundred pages longer than the first edition, must be a very wel- come event. All those who -know the con- spicuous services which the author has rendered to mathematical learning will wish to congratulate him. And those who have known the stimulus of personal contact with him, who can recognise, beneath the happy diction with which the book is everywhere written, the sympathetic teacher, always able and willing to realise the. learner’s point of view, but eager to inform with a wealth of detail that is truly wonderful, will remember and be grateful. For the book stands between a time when, largely by the exigencies of a certain examination, a proof was soundest if it involved a considerable piece of algebra, and a time when the youngest student can prove any- thing by a judicious arrangement of arrow-heads. And the multiplicity of its content, who shall describe? Nor is it possible to say that it is too long if it be remarked that the index contains, for example, neither the entry “aggregate’’ nor the entry ‘‘enumerable.”’ It is easy, of course, for a reviewer, taking sections of the subject over which he happens to have pondered more intently than wisely, maybe, to explain how much better the book’ could have been, or to exemplify—what mathematical students do not usually know—the number of amendments necessary to the finished form of a mathematical theorem. And some indications may be given of how the present reviewer would discharge this traditional ungrateful duty if he were compelled to it. But they may be brief, and limited to the earlier parts of the book. As regards nomen- clature, there was an opportunity for rendering the use of the words analytic and monogenic more uniform. The French use (Cauchy, Picard, Goursat, etc.) differs from the best German use. Compare Weierstrass’s statement in regard to a construct (“Werke,’”’ iv., p. 13; or iii., p. ror): “und bezeichne dasselbe als ein monogenes weil es in seinem ganzen Umfange durch irgend eins seiner Elemente vollstiaindig bestimmt ist.’’ As regards uniform convergence there is some change in the present edition, the remarks on p. g2- (cf. the theorem, p. 156) differing from the statement on pp. 83, 84 of the second edition, and_ still more from those on p. 127 of the first edition, where the phrase “fiir jedes dem Bereiche angehérige Werth- system’ is untranslated. The difference between NO. 2555, VOL. 102] I21 series of functions of a complex variable might use- fully be remarked. In regard to the definition of a function of a complex variable there is no sub- stantial change; there is no reference to the ques- tion whether the derivatives of the function need be assumed continuous; and a holomorphic fune- tion is both monogenic and continuous. And in regard to the fundamental question of the inte- gration of a function of the complex variable there still remains what is surely a very substantial in- completeness. If it be held that the curve of inte- gration need not be rectifiable, and the continuity of the function need not be uniform, it should surely be so stated. As examples of complaints that may be put forward for later pages, we select only three. The statement on p. 248, that the integral can be made to assume any value, is incorrect. The proof on p. 245, for any three periods of a doubly periodic function, does not seem to carry Corollary II. without further ampli- fication. The footnote on p. 344 might now be supplemented by reference to Painlevé, “Acta Math.,” xxvii. (1903), and Camb. Phil. Proc., xi. (1903), Pp. 235. j : But all this class of criticism seems impertinent to such a corpus of learning. There are two other reflections which are suggested by its perusal. When one turns over its brilliant pages and in- quires of the history, one has sorrowfully to con- fess that not any substantial or path-breaking_ development has been made by British thinkers. All this illuminating theory, so important for the history of human thought, we owe to Frenchmen or Germans, or others. The great names are’ Cauchy, Abel, Riemann, Weierstrass, and Poin- caré. It is a very interesting question: Why is this so? In the second place, nearly all this matter is the work of the nineteenth century. When the present war shall finally cease, how long will it be before mankind will be able again to turn from the inevitable necessity for the production of commodities to putting together such another body of clarifying thought? Well indeed is it that such a summary as this volume constitutes has been made, and very grateful should we be to the author—for such work remains among the im- perishable records of human endeavour, a real joy for ever—but will a similar, or even a more pro- ductive, salvage be possible in 2018? A TEXT-BOOK OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY. Plant Physiology. By Prof. V. I. Pailadin. Authorised English edition. Edited by Prof. B. E. Livingston. Pp. xxv+320. (Phila- delphia: P. Blakiston’s Son and Co., Price 3 dollars net. 1918.) T has been a matter for surprise to those who were familiar, through the German edition, with Prof. Palladin’s text-book of plant physio- logy that it had not hitherto been available in English. The German edition, which was based on the sixth Russian edition, appeared in rgrt, so that we have had to wait unduly long for the H _ ho to : NATURE [OcToBER 17, 1918 present translation, which appears under the editorship of Prof. Livingston, of the Johns Hop- kins University. The present work is based on the German edition, but it has been collated with the seventh Russian edition, which appeared in 1914, and any alterations have been included in the English text. Hitherto there has been avail- able to students no text-book of plant physiology of small compass which could serve as an intro- duction to the larger works of Pfeffer and Jost. This book admirably fills the gap. On p. 2 of the Introduction we find a list of the heats of combustion of hydrogen, carbon, starch, glucose, etc., and on p. 3 a discussion of the cata- lytic action of enzymes. It is thus clear from the outset that the author views the plant from the physico-chemical point of view, and keeps well to the front the dynamical aspects of the chemical processes occurring. Associated with this we find that—in the words of the editor—“ Palladin’s writing is more free from teleological misinter- pretation of the relation between conditions and results than is that in most of the text-books hitherto available.’’ The book may thus safely be put into the hands of students without the risk of the acquirement of a slovenly and unprogressive habit of thought. The editor has provided footnotes—the author- ship of which is clearly indicated—where the matter required bringing up to date or the _author’s treatment of a subject seemed to require elucidation or correction. These additions very greatly increase the value of the book, and many of them, as readers of Prof. Livingston’s papers might expect, are models of what critical notes should be. These notes are most numerous in connection with photosynthesis, osmotic pressure, and water movement. The book naturally brings to the front the work of Russian botanists, and renders available some results which the barrier of language has hitherto kept almost unknown. The treatment of fer- mentation and respiration, subjects to which valu- able contributions have been made by Palladin and his pupils, is particularly good, but Kidd’s ork on the effect of carbon dioxide on both aerobic and anaerobic respiration should have been noted. The relation of oxygen to fermenta- tion by yeast, which is imperfectly or erroneously treate: most text-books, is well brought out, though rence might have been made to the work of Horace Brown on the “occlusion’’ of oxygen by yeast-cells. larly glad to have on the respirati Readers will be particu- an account of Palladin’s work 1 of dead plants and of his chro- mogen theory of respiration. In dealing with transpiration both the part played by the stomata and the physical factors controlling the rate of diffusion of water-vapour from the plant might have been dealt with more fully. Mention might also have been made of the fact that both Gaidukov’s observations on the reaction of Oscillaria to light of different colours, and those of Czapek on the relation of homogentisic acid to geotropic »onse, have been called in question. The treat- NO. 2555, VOL. 102] : ment of growth, movement, and reproduction im part ii. is very much slighter than that of meta- bolism, and the subject of heredity is not dealt with at all. All the citations of literature have been verified and the form of reference has been rendered uni- form; special attention has also been paid to the transliteration of Russian names. Botanists will be interested to learn that, on his own authority, the author’s name should be pronounced “ Pal- lad/-din.”’ V. HB: FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF CHEMISTRY. Stoichiometry. By Prof. edition. Pp. xiv + 363. Green, and Co., 1918.) S. Young. Second (London: Longmans,,. Price 12s. 6d. net. S was explained in the notice which appeared on the issue of the first edition (NaTuRE,. vol, Ixxvili., 1908, p. 98), this book, which forms one of the well-known series of text-books of physical chemistry edited by the late Sir William Ramsay, deals with the fundamental principles of chemistry. The present notice is devoted primarily to a consideration of the new matter which has been introduced into the book in order to give some account of the results arising from the numerous. investigations carried on during the last decade. Of these results, none, perhaps, have had a greater influence on our fundamental conceptions than those which have been arrived at as a consequence of the investigation of radio-active substances. We have become familiar with the idea of non-separ- able, or isotopic, elements, which may, or may not, have the same atomic weight. Prof. Young adopts the recommendations of Paneth as giving, perhaps, the best definition of the term “ele- ment”; according to this suggestion, isotopes. are to be regarded, not as different elements, but as varieties of the same element, so~ that an “element ”» may be pure or mixed according to whether it contains only one kind of atom or differ- ent varieties of isotopie atems. The recent deter- minations of the atomic weight of lead derived from different sources, which have a bearing on the same subject, are referred to, while in the chapter dealing with the periodic law, after ex-. plainine the modern conception of an atom, the author gives a short résumé of the conclusions: drawn by Soddy,. Russell, and Fajans regarding the positions taken up in the periodic table by the products of the disintegration of atoms. No refer- ence is made in this chapter to the difficulty which has been experienced in including the rare earth elements in the table, while a still more surprising omission is the absence of any allusion to the exceedingly valuable work of Moseley on the X- ray spectra of the elements, which has provided us with a method for the determination of atomic numbers and has led to results of the highest importance. : : The numerous investigations relating to osmotic pressure which have been carried on in England OCTOBER 17, 1918} and America are described and discussed, while the section dealing with adsorption has been ex- tended so as to include an account of recent work in this field. A description is also given of several new prac- tical methods. Amongst these may be mentioned Morgan’s method for determining the molecular weights of liquids from the weight of falling drops, and the methods suggested by Smith and Menzies for the determination of the boiling points and vapour pressures of substances. From the examples which have been given, it will be evident that, with one or two exceptions, the book has been brought thoroughly up to date, and can be confidently recommended to anyone desirous of having a clear and comprehensive ac- count of modern views relating to such subjects as the properties of atoms and molecules, and the general properties of gases, liquids, and solids. TE LANE OPTICS- IN EUCLID’S TIME. L’Ottica di Euclide. By Prof. G. Ovio. (‘‘ Manuali Hoepli.”) Pp. xx+415. (Milano: Ulrico Hoepli, 1918.) Price 7.50 lire. T need scarcely be pointed out here that the greater portion of what we now call “optics,” dealing as it does with applications of the laws of refraction, was unknown in-the days of the Greek geometer. In this small volume Prof. Giuseppe Ovio, of Genoa, has condensed an ex- position of the contents of two volumes known as “Optics”? and ‘“‘Catoptrics,” of which the first is believed certainly to be due to Euclid, while his authorship of the second is regarded as rather more doubtful. In preparing this book Prof. Ovio has mainly based his work on the editions of Pena, Danti, and Heiberg, but has also consulted those of Gregory, Zamberto, and Freart. “Optics Properly So-called,’’ which forms the title of the first portion, is practically equivalent to our perspective geometry. It deals with the apparent dimensions of objects seen at different distances and in different directions. It thus con- sists of a collection of propositions really purely geometrical in character. For example, one pro- position proves that an eye situated near a sphere sees less of it than one further off, but the visible portion appears larger. There are some theorems, on the other hand, of which the purport and mean- ing are rather vague, and Prof. Ovio’s comments on these will be found useful. “Catoptrics ” deals with reflection at curved surfaces. The proposi- tions include proofs that a plane mirror produces an inverted image of the same size as the object, that rays after reflection at a concave surface sometimes converge and at other times diverge, and a large number of other properties, of which these may be regarded as typical representatives. According to Euclid, visual rays emanated from the eye and went to the objects. Now that the younger generation no longer acquires its geometrical ideas from Euclid’s elements, an interesting variation on our over- NO. 2555, VOL. 102] NATURE 123 stereotyped school curricula might very well be introduced by occasionally teaching the subject- matter of this volume. Many of the proofs afford quite interesting lessons in deductive methods, and could very well be accompanied by excellent exercises in constructive geometry. But, unfor- tunately, the subject in its present form does not fall within the syllabus of school examinations. G. HSS OUR BOOKSHELF. Descriptive Catalogue of} the British Scientific Products Exhibition, with Articles on Recent, Developments. Pp. xxiv+268. (London, ig9 Piccadilly : British Science Guild, 1918.) Price 2s. Gd. net. Tue record of industrial achievement during the period of the war shown at the recent British Scientific Products Exhibition organised by the British Science Guild was much enhanced by the publication of a comprehensive descriptive cata- Icgue. Whilst the contained details of the ex- hibits and their technical applications added in- terest to their examination and form a valuable record for reference, the inclusion Of a series of articles on recent industrial developments should do much to drive home and explain what has been ‘accomplished during the past four years by the successful co-operation of science and industry, and what is needed for that fuller and more per- manent effort which is required to secure industrial progress and efficiency. The story has been told in many forms, but every repetition that can extend an appreciation of the problem is to be welcomed. The catalogue of exhibits contains concrete ex- amples of recent developments which form the basis for the story, and their direct association with a series of twenty concise and well-written articles by authorities whose names are a guarantee of first-hand knowledge provides a helpful correlation between the results obtained in works and labora- tories and the objects and methods which have secured their realisation. Mathematical Papers for Admission into the Royal Military Academy and the Royal Military Col- lege, and Papers in Elementary Engineering for Naval Cadetships, November, 1917, and March, 1918. Pp. 40. Hlementary Engineering Papers for Naval Cadetships (Special Entry) for the Years 1913-1917. Pp. 33. Both’edited by R. M. Milne. (London: Maemillan and Co., Ltd., 1918.) Price of each rs. 3d. net. A vo_ume of mathematical papers set to candi- dates for admission to the Military Academy and College was reviewed in a recent issue of Natur The first of the present publications is a further set of such papers. The other book contains the papers in elementary engineering set recent examinations for Naval Cadetships. The questions in this collection cover the ground of the elementary theory of steam- and gas-engines, link motions, lathes, etc., and also presuppose some knowledge of the theory of hydrostatics, heat, and 124 graphical statics. They are well devised and very clearly put to the candidates. The wording is often such as to act persuasively on the examinees. That the questions are also up to date is indicated by the presence of some on aeroplanes and kites. Answers are given by the editor in the case of questions of amathematical or arithmetical nature. There is a misprint on p. 11 of the “ Mathematical Papers,’’ line 6 from the bottom. Shesh A Short Hand-book of Oil Analysis: By Dr. A. H. Gill. Revised eighth edition. Pp. 209. (Philadelphia and London: :J. B. Lippincott Co., 1918.) Price 1os. 6d. net. Tuis is a handy little book for a student of oil chemistry to commence his technical practice with. It is intended as an introduction to larger works such as that of Lewkowitsch, and deals with the chief animal and vegetable oils, petroleum pro- ducts, and the various greases used as lubricants. It gives the essential information briefly but clearly, and includes a good number of references to original sources of information. The volume is written from the American point of view, and some of the apparatus mentioned is more familiar in American laboratories than in this country. Some of the books quoted, also, are not readily accessible here. The British reader, however, will have no difficulty with the greater part of the’ work, and he will find it a very useful guide. The first. paragraph on p. 175 wants revision: it appears to have suffered in the press. e LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. [The Editor does not hold himself responsible for opinions expressed by his correspondents. Neither can he undertake to return, or to correspond with the writers of, rejected manuscripts intended for this or any other part of Nature. No notice is taken of anonymous communications. | The Percention of Sound. THE recent publication of Sir Thomas Wrightson’s aluable and extensive investigations on the functions of the various parts of the auditory mechanism has brought into prominence a fundamental divergence of inion as to the place where analysis of the complex d vibrations occurs and as to the mode of vibra- the basilar membrane. The view of Helm- - holtz may be said to be that most generally accepted at pres As is well known, this theory states that the basilar membrane responds by resonance in different paris to the component waves of the com- plex, and that each of these components gives rise to its Own sensation on arriving at the brain. The analysis talces place in the cochlea. Sir Thomas Wright- son’s theory, which has received the powerful support of Prof. Keith, states that the basilar membrane as a whole follows in its wave form that of the complex, that the form of this complete compound wave is transferred to the nerve-fibres, and that no analvsis talkes place until the brain is reached. ; Careful consideration of the evidence brought for- ward in support of this view has aroused several difficulties in my mind require explanation. In the first place, there are certain physiological facts which make it extremely difficult to accept any NO. 2555, VOL. 102] which, I venture to thinlx, NATURE [OcToBER 17, 1918 sort of transmission of a complex wave form through a nerve-fibre. The worl: of Keith Lucas and his col- leagues has shown that the process set going in a nerve-fibre has a definite time-course and magnitude, whatever be the way in which it is produced. If a sound-wave be enabled to stimulate a nerve-fibre by some appropriate receptor organ, the nerve process will be the same, however different the form of the wave. If this be true, it implies the necessity for a peripheral analysis, if there be any analysis at all. A similar difficulty arises in connection with the perception of notes of high pitch. If. )Sir Thomas Wrightson’s theory is correct, the number of impulses passing along the nerve must be the same as the number of vibrations in the note, or possibly two or four times the number. The frog’s nerve is incapable of responding to a second stimulus if it arrives less than 2/1oooths of a second after a previous one. It would, therefore, record all rates above 500 per second as identical. Doubtless this ‘“‘refractory period’’ is shorter in the warm-blooded animal, but it is scarcely likely to be short enough to enable responses to 40,000 per second to be transmitted in their exact form. It will be noticed by the physiological reader that Miller’s law, which appears to have been first put forward by Sir Charles Bell, is involved here. It has been found that the sensation evoked from any nerve of special sense is identical, whatever the kind of stimulus applied. The peculiar quality of touch, taste, light, and so on, is due to the way the fibres end in the brain. Further than this in the way of explana- tion is at present impossible. But are we to suppose that the auditory nerve is the only exception to this law? What we should naturally expect would be that activity in one particular fibre, or, perhaps, set of fibres, in this nerve would be associated with the per- ception of one single definite tone, and that the form of the stimulus would be a matter of indifference. The theory of Helmholtz presents no obstacles in this respect. In the second place, there is a physical question about which there seems some confusion. Many physio- logists would be grateful to Lord Rayleigh if he would put us right heres There is no dispute as to the impression by the stapes on the liquid of the scala vestibuli of a series of impulses, corresponding in wave form with those air vibrations received by the membrana tympani. But, with the exception of the fact that the pressure is intensified, I am unable to see how these vibrations, when they arrive in the liquid, differ from those which would be present in the liquid if it were conducting sound in the ordinary way. It appears to be forgotten sometimes that liquids could not conduct sound unless they were both elastic and compressible. But the latter quality is, of course. extremely small, so that the amplitude of the vibrations is very minute. The actual movement in space of the column of liquid as a whole, contem- plated by the Wrightson theory, is quite different, and, so far as I can see, the inertia of the mass would make it impossible for the force available to effect such movements at the rate of several thousand per second. There is another point involved here which I con- fess to an inability to understand. When the stapes pushes in the membrane of the fenestra ovalis, the movement of the liauid shows itself simultaneously by a protrusion of the fenestra rotunda. Now the basilar membrane forms vart of a partition between the two columns of liauid in the scala vestibuli and the scala tvmpani. If these columns were not con- nected at the anex of the cochlea, it is clear that the pushing in of the staves must cause a bulging of the a OcToBER 17, 1918] ee membrane into the scala tympani. It may be due to some oversight on my part, but I cannot see how there is a difference of pressure on the two sides when the column of liquid is a continuous one. This is a fundamental question in the Wrightson theory. It may further be pointed out that if the vibrations in the liquid to which the basilar membrane responds are the same as those of sound, there is naturally no difficulty with regard to hearing through the bone when the stapes has become fixed. In the third place, objections made to the possibility of the basilar membrane acting as a series of resona- tors seem to me to have forgotten some facts pointed out by Helmholtz himself. The rate of vibration of a string is related, not only to its length, but also to its. tension, and there is no reason why the range of the basilar membrane should not be increased by being more tightly stretched at its narrower end. So far from it being necessary to have a series of separate strings, Helmholtz demands only that a membrane of the shape of that of the basilar membrane should be more tightly stretched transversely than longitudinally, and in an appendix to the ‘ Tonempfindungen ” he gives a complete mathematical analysis of the vibration of such a membrane. I regret that this is beyond, my mathematical capacity, but we may surely accept it. Prof. McKendrick has shown experimentally that resonance is possible in membranes immersed in water, as would be expected from theory. On the other side, Held has stated that a single fibre of the cochlear nerve may supply a compara- tively long stretch of the basilar membrane—un- doubtedly a difficulty in the Helmholtz view. But the statement requires confirmation, ang it must be a matter of great difficulty to decide The explanation of the way in ‘which the move- ments of the basilar membrane are altered in direc- tion so as to stimulate the hair-cells is given very clearly by Sir Thomas Wrightson, and I have ‘no objections to male to it. On the other hand, it is not clear why there are so many Corti arches and nerve-fibres present. .One would have thought that a few would suffice to transmit the vibration if it oeceurs throughout the membrane at the same time and in the same form, no analysis taking place. Sir Thomas W rightson does not refer in his book to the interesting experiments of Yoshii, who found localised lesions in the organ of Corti as a result of prolonged exposure to a musical note. Prof. Keith describes in great detail the minute structure of the organ of Corti, and states that various structures conform more to what is demanded by the Wrightson theory than to that of Helmholtz. TI would demur somewhat to his view that every structure must have its function, although with deference to Prof. Keith’s wide knowledge of the question. It must be admitted that there are objections to be brought to both theories; but, on the whole, it seems to me that there are no vital ones to that of Helm- holtz, whereas there are some to that of Sir Thomas Wrightson unless a satisfactory answer is forthcoming to those pointed out above. W. M. Baytiss. University College, London. Rainbow Brightness. Ir would, I suppose, be very difficult to compute theoretically the brightness of any selected part of a rainbow in terms of the sun’s actual brightness. But it occurred to me that we might compute the relative brightnesses of two selected portions of the primary and the secondary bow, simultaneously presented and situated along a common radius. The luminosities would be due to the same sun, and to raindrops of practically the same size, so that any NO. 2555, VOL. 102] NATURE | aurecéames would arise .so that the relative 125 from the fact that for the primary bow there is one internal reflection, but for the secondary there are two, and from the fact that the angular constants differ. This difference in the angles will affect both the polarisation and the intensi- ties of the light reaching the eye, and will “also increase the bres idth of the second: aie bow to about t-61 of that of the primary, thus further reducing the brightness of the secondary. But by restricting attention to portions of the red in each bow, situated along a common radius, | think we may leave out of account the influence of the increase in breadth. Let P, S denote the brightnesses of the two portions selected (along a common radius) from the red of the primary and of the secondary bow. Then, using Fresnel’s formula, with u=4/3, I get pai *_ 22°40 where k is an unknown factor. Thus P/S=2-33) for the relative brightness of the red of the primary to that of the secondary, as viewed by the naked eye. Now the light of both bows is very considerably polarised in the planes of reflection, which are radial and pass through the sun, the eye, and the element of are observed. For the primary, 9669 per cent. is polarised in, and only 3-31 per cent. polarised per- pendicular to, the reflection plane. For the secondary, the corresponding quantities are 90-64 per cent. and 936 per cent. Through a Nicol prism, placed first so as to trans- mit the “in” light, and next so as to transmit the “perpendicular” light, we get for the primary bow : EB (in) =29'20 P (perp.) me Similarly, for the secondary bow : x (in) 4 =9'69. (perp.) ee Thus for the two fee of the Nicol the primary bow is reduced about twenty-nine times, and the secondary nearly ten times. I have often experimented on the primary bow, and the element of are practically disappears for the second position of the Nicol. I hope to experiment similarly on an element of are of the secondary bow, which, though losing a smaller fraction of its light, is originally fainter than the primary, and so may also be expected to disappear, though for the “ per- pendicular”’.azimuth of the Nicol the remnant left of the secondary bow is a trifle (1-21 times) brighter than that of the primary. Finally, we can compare the brightnesses of the bows, first with the Nicol in, and next with the Nicol perpendicular to, the polarisation plane: P (in) S (in brightness with the Nicol slightly when the Nicol = 2°49, exceeds 2-33, that to the nalsed eye, transmits its maximum of each. 7 Next, : (perp) _ 6-83, so that the primary bow, as already: stated, is slightly fainter than the secondary, when each is reduced by the Nicol to its minimum value. It would be of interest to test these cases by observation. For the red light I gave 2-33 as the ratio of P to S for the naked eye. But to me the primary bow, viewed generally, appears brighter than this in com- parison “with the ,secondary. It is very difficult to make any true comparison on account of the varied It we may assume that the secondary bow, .« ecleurs. . 126 NATURE owing to its greater breadth, is additionally weakened by the factor 1-61, we obtain P/S=3-75 for a rough estimate of the relative brightness without restriction to any particular colour. So far I have not met with any published estimates of the relative brightness of the bows or of the pre- cise character of their polarisation, so that these figures may be of interest. Cuas. T. WHITMELL. Invermay, Hyde Park, Leeds, October 4. An ‘! Arbor Day.”’ Ar the meeting of the conference of delegates from provincial scientific societies to the British Association, held on July 4, a resolution was passed establishing October 21 as an “Arbor Day,” and all the delegates present pledged themselves each to plant a tree if possible on that day, and to endeavour to induce members of all their societies and others to do the same. The time is now approaching for this to be carried into effect, and this letter is intended as a reminder. By the wholesale cutting down of trees in this country during the last few years the scenery of our few woodland areas is losing its beauty, and we are greatly entrenching upon our very small reserve of timber. Although it is only by State action that the re- afforestation of our country can be adequately effected, it is hoped that by the carrying out of this resolution some little benefit may be derived, and that year by year our ** Arbor Day’? may remind us of the paramount necessity of augmenting our home supply of timber. JoHN Hopkinson. Weetwood, Watford, October 14. Students’ Microscopes on Loan. We are conducting science classes on the lines of communication in France, and it has been suggested to us that some of your readers might care to loan students’ microscopes for use in this work. If any who possess such instruments care to help us in this way, I shall be glad to hear from them. It will be understood that the instruments will be carefully kept and returned intact when finished with. Ricnarp WILSON, The Librarian, Red Triangle Library. Wimborne House, Arlington Street, S.W.1 THE FUTURE OF THE COAL TRADE. TS Coal Conservation Committee of the Ministry of Reconstruction has recently issued its final report, which forms, it need scarcely be said, a document of first-rate importance. Its form is decidedly curious, inasmuch as the report in itself is confined to a bare statement of the action taken by the Committee in appointing sub- committees, and the general adoption of the reports of these sub-committees, which are printed as appendices to the report; these reports are by the Power Generation and Transmission Sub-Com- mittee, the Geological waren es the Mining Sub-Committee, and the Carbonisation Sub-Com- mittee. Of these the final report of the Mining Sub-Committee is undoubtedly the most interest- ing, and the most valuable in so far as it con- tains a number of recommendations of great technical and economic importance. Indeed, the refe erence to this sub-committee, which instructs ‘to consider and advise what improve ments can e effected in the present methods of mining coal NO. 2555, VOL: 102] } |OcTOBER 17, 1918 with a view to prevent loss of coal in working and to minimise cost of production,” covers a subject of most vital importance to the entire nation. British industrial supremacy is built up essentially upon a cheap and abundant coal supply, and when- ever that supply becomes either less than sufficient for British industrial requirements, or more ex- pensive than that of competing nations, Britain will cease to be a first-class Power. The safety and welfare of the nation thus depend so absolutely upon the coal supply that the recommendations of the Committee charged with its consideration assume a character of wide national interest. The two principal subjects discussed are the loss and waste of coal and the cost of production. The former is subdivided into waste at the pit- head and loss underground. Waste at the pit- head is essentially confined to the excessive amount of coal used for colliery consumption. Relatively complete returns, representing 97 per cent. of the coal output of the country, have been obtained, so that tolerably trustworthy data are available, though it may be readily granted that the collieries that have failed to make returns are those at which the consumption is unduly high. The average colliery consumption for the kingdom is given as 68 per cent. of the output, or 18,400,000 tons of coal; in one of the other reports an estimate is given of the power em- ployed in the mines and quarries of the United Kingdom, which is stated as 4ooo million h.p.- hours. Taking this figure as due to the collieries alone, it would appear that our collieries consume no fewer than 10°3 Ib. of coal per h.p.-hour, so that there is obviously room for much improve- ment. The report makes no reference to another source of waste, namely, the “‘free coal ’’ which is allowed to coal-miners in some districts. Everyone who has had experience of these dis- tricts knows that the collier uses his free coal most extravagantly, and that quite considerable economies might be effected in this item without causing the slightest hardship, or even inconveni- ence, to the men concerned. Loss of coal under- ground is considered as arising from various causes, each of which-is duly investigated. The Committee considers that there has been a substantial improvement in respect of the small coal cast back into the goaf within the last ten years, and estimates the loss due to this cause as o’gr per cent. of the output in 1915. It is obvi- ously difficult to obtain accurate figures on this point, the collieries that are the worst offenders being, of course, those which furnish no returns, so that it is safe to say that the figures published by the Committee are below the actual wastage. The only recommendation made is that a greater demand for small coal should be created—for example, by extending the market for briquettes. The present moment, when pitch is unusually cheap and the demand for household coal acute, is peculiarly suited to the generalisation of this convenient form of fuel, which has never come into public favour in this country, although it is deservedly popular on the Continent. This a OcToBER 17, 1918] NATURE no7 is surely a case where the Ministry of Reconstruc- tion might do some real good if it would resort to deeds instead of mere words. Having regard to the scarcity of coal with which we are threatened during the coming winter, there is every reason why the Government should establish or assist in establishing briquetting plants in all centres where small coal is being wasted to-day, and thus usefully supplement the national coal resources. An interesting and much-debated question is that of the loss of coal left in barriers underground ; the Committee holds that a considerable propor- tion of barrier-coal might be worked if a central authority, such as a Ministry of Mines and Minerals, which the Committee wisely suggests should be created, had statutory authority to com- pel any barriers to be worked which could be worked safely, but it also points out that a large propor- tion of this barrier-coal could not be worked out without incurring risks which the Committee evi- dently finds to be unwarrantable. Under the head of coal left for support, the Committee discusses the effect of the well-known decision of the House of Lords in the Howley Park v. L. & N.W. Rail- way case (1912), and shows that it has operated adversely to the public interest, and is, more- over, probably opposed to the real intentions of the Legislature. The remedy proposed is that the prescribed distance within which a railway com- pany has to pay compensation for coal left un- wrought should be made to vary with the depth of the coal-seam, the distance suggested being equal to one-half of the depth of the seam beneath the surface. This would imply an angle of draw of 264°, whereas in practice a draw of 20° is about the maximum, so that most engineers will agree that the Committee has erred on the side of excessive caution. On the question of wayleaves the Committee has merely repeated the conclusion of the 1883 Royalties Commission, to the effect that mineral owners unfairly debarred from a means of access ought net to be left without remedy. This con- clusion has been inoperative for thirty-five years, and is likely to remain so; what is really required is something more definite and much stronger. At present wayleave rates are determined by the needs and means of those working the minerals, and not by the injury done to the landlord. What is really required is a statutory enactment that wayleaves shall in all cases be assessed by an independent tribunal, the measure of the payment to be made therefor being the damage suffered by the I®sor granting the wayleave. The all-important question of the cost of pro- duction receives but little assistance from the labours of the Committee; the very serious posi- tion is revealed that, whereas ten years ago the output of coal per worker employed was greater in this country than in Germany, to-day the re- verse is the case, and the German miner is actually producing more coal per head than the miner in ‘this country. The Committee is necessarily powerless in this matter, which depends essen- tially upon the coal-miner himself and his trade- NO. 2555, VOL. 102] unions, but the conclusion of the Committee on this subject deserves unqualified endorsement :— “It is only by increased production per head of the persons employed that our trade position can be maintained, and that improved conditions of employment can be secured, and this ought to be recognised by workmen as well as by employers.” One of the most interesting documents in the report is a letter from Mr. Robert Smillie, presi- dent of the Miners’ Federation of Great Britain. The Committee strongly recommends the formation of a Ministry of Mines, a recommendation in which the majority of those interested in the mining industry will heartily agree; and Mr. Smillie wants not only such a Ministry, but further wants ‘the State to have the ownership and full control of the mines, not only on the productive side, but on the commercial side also.” No doubt it would be a fine thing for a brief while for the coal-miners and their trade-unions if the State worked the col- lieries, and a compact and powerful body of voters like the coal-miners could no doubt dictate its own terms of employment; but this could not be except at the expense of the nation as a whole, and could last only until the increasing cost of coal involved the whole nation, and with it the miners and.the mining industry, in universal ruin. The classical example of a State-worked coalfield is Saarbriicken, and everyone knows that the working of this field has cost the Prussian Treasury vast sums of money, operations having been carried on at a heavy loss, whilst the privately worked Westphalian coalfields made huge profits, and yet conditions of employment were better in the latter coalfield, and the price of coal to the general public was actually lower ! It is grossly unfair to suggest that British col- liery proprietors have been unmindful of the safety of mine-workers. Every real improvement in the safety of coal-mining—e.g. the safety lamp, safety explosives, stone-dusting, prevention of gob-fires— has in every single case been due directly to re- searches undertaken at the instance, and paid for out of the pockets, of the colliery proprietors, whilst the State has done nothing at all. It is doubtful whether any one of these life-saving dis- coveries and inventions would be in existence to- day had collieries been. worked by a_ red-tape Government Department instead of by enterpris- ing individuals. Mr. Smillie does not suggest how the State is to obtain the ownership of the mining industry; he is far too shrewd to suppose that it could be done in any other than a perfectly equitable fashion, for he knows that our national credit, the most valuable asset we possess, is based essentially upon our reputat®n for fair dealing, and any action tending to tarnish ever so slightly our fair name would be a serious national calamity. It is, however, very clear that the nation cannot afford to purchase and work the coal-mines of the country; our financial position to-day is not so strong that we can venture to take upon ourselves further burdens, particularly when there is nothing whatever to be gained thereby. H. Louis. 128 SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH, N July 23, 1915, a scheme for the organisa- tion and development of scientific and in- dustrial research was presented to Parliament by the Board of Education, and we now have before us the third annual report.‘ The scheme involved the formation of a Committee of the Privy Council with an Advisory Council composed of eminent scientific men and men actually engaged in industries dependent on scientific research. Of the first Advisory Council three valuable members, namely, Prof. Meldola, Mr. \W. Duddell, and Prof. Bertram Hopkinson, have been removed by death, and their places have been taken by Sir Maurice Fitzmaurice, the Hon. Sir Charles Parsons, and Prof. Jocelyn F. Thorpe. We are. reminded by this report of the great extent of the field which the Committee has under consideration, and Appendix IV. shows the constitution of various Boards and Committees of Research. Of these the first and most important is the Committee of the National Physical Laboratory, and the others are occupied with fuel, food investigation, industrial fatigue, tin and tungsten, while Committees have charge of questions relating to glass and optical design, mine-rescue apparatus, building materials, lubricants, copper and zinc, engineering in its various departments, and the chemistry of food and cooking. The establishment of a fuel research station is a matter of great national importance, and some questions relating to coal and coal- mining have already received preliminary con- sideration elsewhere. The large-scale experiments on coal-dust explosions initiated at Altofts some years ago have led to important results which will presumably be recognised by the Committee. The inquiry into the Irish peat question will also claim further consideration. An interesting feature of the report is an account of the progress made in the establishment of in- dustrial research associations of manufacturers under the Companies Acts, working without dis- tribution of profits and limited by a nominal guarantee. Parliament has voted a sum of one million in aid of researches approved during~ the next five years, and the Department of Scientific and incase Research has already guaranteed to the British Scientific Instrument Research Asso- ciation an expenditure of 36,oool. within that period. A grant of 15001. a year has been assigned to the British Photographic Research Association, and a yearly contribution of pound for pound to the forthcoming British Cotton Industry Association has been promised. Similar terms are offered to the proposed British Research Association for the Woollen and Worsted Industry on condition that the subscriptions from the firms reach in each case an annual sum of at least 5oool. Altogether some thirty industries are already engaged in pre- liminary work for the establishment of research associations. 1 Report of the Commitee of the Privy Council for Scientific and Indus- trial Research for the Year 1917-18. (Cd. 9144.) (Lon : H.M., Stationery fice.) Price ad. net. NO. 2555, VOL. 102] NATURE [OcroBER 17, 1918 The lron Marufacturers’ Research Association, founded by the British iron-puddlers, has set the good example of determining to investigate its own problems at its own expense, and by avoid- ing any claim on direct Government assistance in its finance it avoids that measure of regula- tion which is inseparable from the enjoyment of Parliamentary funds. It is not unlikely, and it is to be hoped, as the Advisory Council remarks in the report, that this example will be followed by other industries. Ultimately no doubt the great majority of research associations will become independent of direct State aid. An important part of the work undertaken by the Advisory Council is the consideration of the problem how best to assist and encourage research workers and students. Grants have been made during the academic year 1917—18 to fifty-eight persons described as student's, research assistants, or research workers, and the Council expresses satisfaction with the work done. It refrains from adopting any formal scheme until further experience has been gained, but in connection with provision for the future attention is again directed to the recently issued report * of Sir J. J. Thom- son’s Committee, and in particular to the fourth section, which deals with the supply of trained scientific workers for industrial and other pur- poses. The deficiency of recruits for the scientific professions and industries is so ereat that nothing short of far-reaching educational reform will pro- vide a remedy. More time must [be given to fundamental scientific subjects in the schools, especially the secondary and high schools; more help must be given to promising ~ pupils, and atten- tion may again be directed to the fact that there is nothing in scientific studies, theoretical or prac- tical, which should deter girls from following such pursuits with a view to a professional career. But it must be understood that the pursuit of physical or natural science with practical ends in view is little, if any, less arduous than the training neces- sary for the medical profession. This, however, the last fifty years of experience have led women fully to recognise. The report under notice is full of encouragement. British manufacturers are beginning seriously to believe in the association of science with industry, and we may look forward hopefully to the day when they will pursue their respective:lines of re- search independently of the artificial stimulus de- rived from Governmental suggestion and support. In the meantime, it is to be hoped that pure_science will not suffer neglect. The naturally Yhspired worker will generally be found to prefer freedom from official control, but he will coatinue to need in many cases precuniary assistance, which has been derived in the past from the several research funds administered by special societies. Among these the Government grant distributed by the ‘Royal Society is the most important, but the meagre 400ol. a year for the whole circle of the sciences ought soon to be substantially increased. 2 See Nature for April 18, 1918, p. 135 OcToBER 17, 1918} NOTES. WE notice with much regret that among the victims of the sinking of the Irish mail-boat Leinster, which was torpedoed by a German submarine on October 10, was Sir W. H. Thompson, K.B.E., King’s professor of Institutes of Medicine, Trinity College, Dublin, and scientific adviser to the Ministry of- Food. Dr. Raymonp Peart has resigned his position of biologist of the Maine Agricultural Experiment Station, Orono, Maine, having been appointed pro- fessor of biometry and vital statistics in the school of hygiene and public health, Johns Hopkins Uni- versity. A srancn of the National Union of Scientific Workers was formally constituted at Liverpool at a meeting held at the University on October 10. The branch resolved to give general support to any schemes of federation of existing organisations of workers in science and technology, and decided on representation at the general meeting of the union. 7 Pror. W. A. Bone, with the coneurrence of the authorities of the Imperial College of Science and Technology, has asked to be relieved of his duties as consultant to the Fuel Research Board on October 22, in order to be free during the coming winter to devote his attention to plans now under consideration for the post-war development of the department of chemical technology at the college. Tue American Academy of Medicine is offering a prize to be awarded in 1921 for an essay from a fund raised in honour of Dr. C. McIntire, who for the period of twenty-five years was secretary of the academy. The subject of the essay is, ‘What Effect has Child-labour on the Growth of the Body?’ and the competition is open to all. The essays must-reach the Secretary of the American \cademy of Medicine by, at latest, January 1, 192t. Tue Tin and Tungsten Research Board of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research invites proposals from firms and individuals in a posi- tion to undertake research work with the view of increasing the extraction of tin and tungsten from Cornish ores by the introduction of improved processes. Letters in connection with the announcement should be addressed to the Secretary of the Tin and Tungsten at Board, 15 Great George Street, Westminster, -W.1. WE regret to note that the death of Mr. John Paul Wilson is announced in Engineering for October 11. Mr. Wilson was the late general manager of Palmer's Shipbuilding and Iron Co., Jarrow-on-Tyne, and was seventy-two years of age at the time of his death, which took place on October 4. He had a long and varied experience in shipbuilding on the Clyde, at Barrow, and on the Tyne, and for a time was ship- building director of the Anglo-Spanish yard at Bilbao, which yard he designed and laid out to build 7ooo-ton armoured cruisers in an unprecedentedly short time. By an Order of the Minister of Munitions, dated October 11, on and after October 21 no clinical thermo- meter can be sold which does not bear the approval mark of the National Physical Laboratory. Up to one month from the date of the Order the laboratory will approve thermometers which show no error ex- ceeding o4° F. over the scale below 100° F., and after that date such as show no error exceeding 02° F. over that range. The charge for testing the thermometers will be 3d., and for a small additional NO. 2555, VOL. 102] NATURE 129 charge a-certificate giving details of the results of the test of an instrument will be issued. SEVERAL letters have reached us referring to Lord Walsingham ’s suggestion (NarurE, September 5, p. 4) that species proposed in the German language should not be regarded as valid. We do not think any useful purpose would be served by a general ciscussion of this subject, or by anticipating the confusion in nomen- clature which, Dr. W. E. Hoyle points out, would result in the future if it be carried into effect. In the interests of scientific system, Dr. Hoyle suggests that before it is acted upon the proposal should be sub- mitted to the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature, which was specially established to deal with such question. Tue death is announced, in his sixty-ninth year, of Dr. William Kent, who from 1903 to 1908 was Dean of the College of Applied Science at Syracuse Uni- versity, U.S.A. From 1877 to 1879 Dr. Kent was editor of the American Manufacturer and Iron World, from 1895 to 1903 associate editor of Engineering News, and from 1910 to 1914 editor of Industrial Engineering. He was vice-president of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers from 1885 to 1590, and in 1905 was presidént of the American Society of Heating and Ventilating Engineers. His publications included ‘‘The Strength of Materials,” ‘Strength of Wrought-iron and Chain Cables,” and “The Mechani. cal Engineer’s Pocket-book.” ~ AccorDING to the Times, news has reached Vard6 that Capt. Roald Amundsen’s Polar expedition in the Maud passed Yugor Strait on August 28 and entered the Kara Sea. As was anticipated from previous ex- perience, September proved to be a good month for crossing the Kara Sea. The Maud met with no diffi- culties, and was last heard of by. wireless telegraph from Dickson Island at the mouth of the River Yenisei, where she took on board a quantity of petrol and sailed eastward. The expedition has now left the last outpost of civilisation, and, unless news is received from wandering natives in the Taimir peninsula or around the Lena delta, nothing will be heard of the Maud for several years. Tue Commonwealth Government has now published the official report by Capt. J. K. Davis on the Aurora relief expedition to the Antarctic. It will be remem- bered that the Aurora was sent to the Ross Sea_to rescue the ten members of the Shackleton expedition left at Cape Evans. The task was accomplished with Capt. Davis’s usual skill in handling his ship in diffi- cult ice conditions. Unfortunately, three members cf the expedition had lost their lives during the previous winter—Capt. Mackintosh and Messrs. A. P. Spencer- Smith and V. G. Hayward. The Aurora left Port Chalmers, N.Z., on December 20, 1916, and returned to Wellington on February 9, 1917, thus making a record voyage to the Antarctic and back. The voyage was, on the whole, uneventful, and no new discoveries were made. A track-chart of the journey accompanies the report. Tue first of three Chadwick public lectures on © Th Story of a New Disease” was delivered by Dr. F. G. Crookshank on October 10. The subject is the Ieine- Medin disease or infantile paralysis, which may assume various forms. The recent cases of so-called botulism (see Nature, vol. ci., pp. 170 and 209) are probably examples of a cerebral form of it. Dr. Crookshank reviewed the history of various mysterious outbreaks of sickness with nervous symptoms re- corded since the fifteenth century, and sug- 130 NATURE [OcToBER 17, 1918 gested that the key to the understanding of these diverse nervous epidemics is to be found in the deserip- tion by Willis in 1661 of an ‘‘epidemical feavour, chiefly infestous to the brain and nervous stoclk.”’ This is to be considered in the next lecture on Thurs- day, October 17, at 5 p.m. (11 Chandos Street, W.1, admission free). A Committre has been appointed by Mr. Walter Long -to investigate the available sources of supply of alcohol, with particular reference to its manufacture from materials other than those which can be used for food purposes, the method and cost of such manu- facture, and the manner in which alcohol should be used for power purposes. The members of the Com- mittee are as follows :—Sir Boverton Redwood, Bart. (chairman); Major Aston Cooper-Key, C.B. (Home Office); Mr. Arnold Philip, Admiralty chemist (Ad- miralty); Mr. H. F. Carlill (Industrial Power and Transport Department, Board of Trade); Prof. C. Crowther (Board of Agriculture and Fisheries); Dr. J. H. Hinchcliff (Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction, Ireland) (Irish Office); Sir Frederick Nathan (Ministry of Munitions); Mr. H. W. Garrod (Ministry of Reconstruction); Sir H. Frank Heath, K.C.B. (Scientific and Industrial Research Department); Sir Frederick W. Black, K.C.B.; Prof. Harold B. Dixon, F.R.S.; Brig.-Gen. Sir Capel Holden, K.C:B., F.R.S.; Dr. W. R. Ormandy; Mr. E. S: Shrapnell-Smith, C.B.E. (Deputy Director of Technical Investigations in H.M. Petroleum Execu- tive); and Mr. Horace Wyatt (Imperial Motor Transport Council). Mr. Shrapnell-Smith will act as secretary to the Committee, and all communications should be addressed to him at the office of H.M. Petroleum Executive, 12 Berkeley Street, W.1. WE regret to notice the announcement of the death in France of Lieut. P. M. Chadwick, R.E. Lieut. Chadwick was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ellis Chad- wick, of Parkstone, Dorset, and after a successful career at the City of London School and the Imperial College of Science and Technology, graduated B.Sc. in engineering. He then became in succession an articled pupil of Mr. Bailey Denton, assistant to the chief engineer of the new docks at Southampton, a lecturer at the City and Guilds Technical College, Finsbury, and finally a lecturer in civil engineering in Birmingham University. At Bir- mingham, under the direction of Prof. Ff. C. Lea, he made a critical examination of experimental data on the action of centrifugal pumps, and in a paper (pub- lished in Engineering) he attempted to express the results in the form of a characteristic equation. This fained for him the James Forrest medal and the orize of the Institution of Civil Engineers and ver medal of the Birmingham Society of En- Iie then proceeded to an original experi- mental investigation of the pressures in centrifugal pumps with the object of testing the theory, embody- ing the results in a thesis for which he was awarded the degree of M.Sc. in Birmingham University. At the outbreak of war he joined the Birmingham Uni- versity O.T.C., and in 1915 was given-a commission in the East Anglian Divisional Engineers. He saw service with the 54th Division in Gallipoli, and later in France. Tue Tokyo Society of Naval Architects has recently (July, 1918) published the second part of Mr. Shinji Nishimura’s “Study of the Ancient Ships of Japan.” It deals with the Hisago-Bune or “ gourd ship.” From a comparative study of Japanese and Korean myths nd legends, and of the survival of the use of the fish for by certain women who ‘‘ ear-shells ”’ NO. 2555, VOL. 102] on the coasts of Korea, Japan, and Chyoi-jyn Island, Mr. Nishimura arrives at the conclusion that in ancient times gourds were used as floats by swimmers and for rendering rafts buoyant. He insists upon the essential identity’ of these practices with the customs which still persist upon certain of the rivers of India and Mesopotamia, and suggests that the Japanese and Korean ‘‘ gourd ship” is the Far Eastern modification of a device originally invented upon the banks of the Tigris and Euphrates. The influence of Indian and Egyptian methods of shipbuilding in eastern Asia has long been recognised; and it is of special interest to note that Babylonia has added a definite contribu- tion to this easterly drift of sea-borne culture. A “RADIOLOGICAL aeroplane”? was described by Drs. Nemirowski and Tilmant before the Academy of Medicine of Paris at a meeting on September 3. It contains three places for the pilot, surgeon, and radio- grapher, and is provided with a generator for R6ntgen- rays, one operating-table for operations performed with the aid of the rays, surgical instruments, and medicaments. ©The ‘ Aerochir,’’ as it is called, is intended to fly over the lines of action, ready to alight and render first aid to the wounded. The invention should be invaluable, provided, however, that it is not regarded by the enemy as a target for his fire. In continuation of his ‘ Studies in Paleopathology,” Prof. Roy L. Moodie cites numerous cases in which the condition known medically as opisthotonos appears to have set in at the time of death of fossil verte- brates (American. Naturalist, vol. lii., p. 384, 1918). Some very familiar specimens, such as the Berlin Archeopteryx and the one complete example of Compsognathus, are included. The tetanic spasm has given ‘‘a peculiar curve to the backwardly bent neck” in these and other cases. The whole attitude of Osborn’s Struthiomimus altus in the American Museum, including the contracted toes, provides a powerful example of this contention. The author urges that while some cases may merely represent the final struggle before the moment of death, others strongly suggest a cerebro-spinal or other intra- cranial infection. It is well known that the late Prof. Adam Sedgwick held somewhat unusual views with regard to what is commonly known as the “cell theory,” and that these views were largely derived from his own investigation of the early development of Peripatus capensis. He maintained that in the young embryo the cell- boundaries were not properly defined—in fact, that the embryo formed a kind of syncytium with embedded nuclei. The precise knowledge which we already pos- sessed of the segmentation of the egg and the forma- tion of the germinal layers in other animals, even at the time he-wrote, rendered it highly improbable that Peripatus formed an exception to the general rule; and Miss Edith H. Glen has rendered good service in demonstrating that Sedgwick’s observations were inaccurate, and that, by appropriate methods, cell-boundaries can be demonstrated in the early embryo of Peripatus capensis as in other cases. Miss Glen’s paper, published in the Quarterly Journal of Microscopical Science (vol. \xiii., part 2), also refutes Sedgwick’s views as to the nature of the nephridia in Peripatus, and confirms the statement of Kennel that, as in the Annelids, they are of ectodermal origin. In vol. Ixvii. of the Archives Italiennes de Biologie Major Gemelli, director of the psycho-physiological laboratory at Padua, gives an interesting account of the methods employed by the Italian authorities in the selection of aviators. As regards the psycho- — OcropER 17, 1918] NATURE logical aspect, these are more elaborate than those employed in this country. In addition to the deter- mination of reflex times to visual, auditory, and cutaneous stimuli by the usual methods, a method is employed by which the subject must perform appro- priate movements according to the nature of the stimulus given. Graphic records of ‘emotive re- actions” are also taken by means of the pneumo- graph. In addition, the power of attention, judg- ment, and observation are tested. Results are also given of observations upon the pulse-rate, arterial pressure, and respiratory rate. These results are generally in accordance with those noted by other observers. As regards the pulse-rate, this is found to accelerate with increasing altitude, but to remain approximately constant while at a certain height. During descent there is at first a slight augmentation of rate, followed by a gradual diminution, but on landing there is always an increased rate compared with that at the beginning of the ascent. In regard to the arterial pressure, it is found during ascent that the systolic pressure first falls slightly and then rises, while the diastolic pressure gradually falls; during descent the systolic pressure falls, while the diastolic pressure again rises. After a flight there is always a hypotension. In rate, respiration follows the pulse, but to a less degree. The author has also made investigations in regard to the composition of the blood “of aviators. He has observed an augmentation of the hawmoglobin index and of the number of red corpuscles in most pilots of long ex- perience. As resards the rather vexed question as to whether this is due to a concentration of the blood or to the new formation of red corpuscles, the author inclines to the latter view. An abnormal change of air-temperature at Tokyo and Sinagawa on March 20 last is dealt with in the Journal of the Meteorological Society of Japan for August, 1918, by Késaku Sigetomi. At Tokyo the thermograph showed a rise of temperature amounting to 6-1° F. in twenty minutes, followed immediately by a sudden fall of 3-8° F. in the next ten minutes, and at the same time at Sinagawa, about 5% miles south of Tokyo, the air-temperature rose 14° F. in fifty minutes, Such an abrupt change of temperature in so short a time is said to be rare, and on December tg, 1g12, the amplitude is said to have been 17-6° F. in about twenty minutes, but it is not noted whether the change was a rise or fall. A weather-chart is given for 2 a.m. March 20 to explain the change of temperature, and it is attributed to the presence of a cyclonic disturbance over the Japan Sea and to the passage of secondary disturbances in the south- western quadrant of the parent disturbance. A diagram is also given showing the records of the thermographs at several stations, with the wind direc- tions at each hour, which shows very different results for stations in the north and in the south of Japan. The movements of cyclonic disturbances in Japan are similar to those followed in the British Isles, and sub- sidiary cyclonic disturbances are clearly subject to the same laws. In March the normal winds are northerly, with a high barometric pressure over Asia and a low pressure in the North Pacific. Charts for the period dealt with have not yet been received in this country, so that the details given cannot be easily followed or criticised. The occurrence is somewhat similar to the changes of temperature not unusually experienced in parts of the British Isles when a ‘‘ V-shaped depression or a line-squall is passing over the country. AccoRDING: to a Press dispatch from Amsterdam (quoted in Engineering and Mining Journal, August 10), the discovery that Germany does not hold NO. 2555, VOL. 102| 131 a world-monopoly of potash comes as a great blow to those economists who thought that Germany could impose her own terms for the supply after the war. The Government has just presented a report to the Reichstag pointing out that Spain has unexpectedly entered the market as a large producer of potash, and urging the German mineowners to organise their fortes to meet the new situation. - THE Austrian Treasury (according to a report in the Zeitschrift des O0esterreichischen Ingenieur- und Architekten-Vereines, July 26) has decided to continue the investigations on a large scale into the occurrence of mineral oil and natural gas in Hungary, as the experiments recently made with the Ejétvés torsion pendulum have given encouraging results. E>E——————— OcTOBER 17, 1918 | burning in its relation to stock-diseases. Weld changes resulting from burning may so alter the whole ration- selections of the grazing animals that they may com- mence browsing on widely differing plants, formerly avoided, and often of an inimical character. In Section D, Dr. Annie Porter read a paper on the occurrence of leuctogregarines in South Africa; two such occurrences—one in a dog and one in a rabbit—had been observed. Prof. Fantham recorded the presence of various parasitic protozoa in South African fishes and amphibians; and Dr. F. G. Cawston gave an account of the cercariz which attack South African snails. The Rev. H. A. Junod described before Section: E the customs of the Baronga in relation to smallpox. They had practised inoculation with the virus for many decades, using the serous fluid invariably from children or from old people, i.e. from those who might be called asexuate. The Hon. Mr. Justice Jackson read a paper on the medicine-man in Natal and Zululand. Unqualified men are allowed to practise on payment of a fee, and more than 1400 of these men have taken out licences. Dr. J. B. McCord also contributed a paper on Zulu witch-doctors and medicine-men, and described some startling surgical operations performed by these*with no better instrument than a piece of broken glass. The Rey. J. R. L. Kingon spoke on unrealised factors in economic native development. He showed what profound changes had come about as a direct result of the use of certain implements, both of peace and war: the poisoned arrow and the assegai, the plough and the wagon, the primitive sledge contrasted with the railway, had each*in turn exercised important effects in tribal life, and an axe had been the cause of a war. Mr. J. D. Marwick dealt with the important subject of the natives in the large towns. He uttered a warning regarding the growing tendency of the younger natives to form bands for the practice of crime and vice. Dr. C. T. Loram offered some practical suggestions for better provision for the medical needs of the natives; and two very interesting contributions were made by Mr. J. McLaren, one on Xosa arts and crafts, and the other on Xosa religious beliefs and superstitions. Of absorbing and unique interest was an account given by Dr. C. Pyper of the engraved (cup- and ring- marked) stones of the Lydenburg district in the North- Eastern Transvaal. Mr. W. Hammond Tooke dis- cussed the problem of the Rhodesian ruins, and entered the lists against the views expressed on a former occasion by the Rev. S. S. Dornan. The latter gentleman also contributed a paper on the killing of the divine. king in South Africa; the prac- tice is founded on the belief that the potentate, in order to retain his divinity, must die a violent death as soon as senile decay sets in, lest the divine spirit should likewise suffer decay. . Before Section F, Mr. R. T. A. Innes initiated a discussion on the desirability of giving direct repre- sentation in the Upper House of the Union Legisla- ture to education, agriculture, manufacture, mining, law, health, commerce, and finance. Purpose in education was discussed by Mr. H. C. .Reeve; its ultimate aim should approximate towards the definite ideal of happiness for all. The demand for vocational training, so insistent of late, consequent on over- emphasising production, has revealed a lack of clear thinking, and the first need is, therefore, for leaders of thought to acquire definite views regarding educa- tion’s ultimate aim. On the first evening of the session, after the con- clusion of the president’s address in the Selborne Hall (see Nature of September 19), Dr. Juritz presented to Mr. R. T. A. Innes, Unian Astronomer, a cheque NO. 2555, VOL. 102] . NATURE 135 for 5ol. and the South Africa medal annually awarded in recognition of achievement and promise in con- nection with scientific research in South Africa. The 1919 session of the association will be held at Kingwilliamstown, with the Rev. Dr. W. Flint as president. REPORT OF THE SURVEY OF HE report issued by Col. Sir S. G. Burrard, the Surveyor-General of India, for the year 1916-17 includes a most satisfactory record of work accomplished in spite of a depleted staff and the diffi- culties involved by war exigencies. It is gratifying to observe how this Department has responded to the call of the war; the list of honours awarded to its members for distinguished service in the field is one of which any department might well be proud. Survey detachments have been sent to Mesopotamia, INDIA, Western Persia (with the Russian forces), Persia (generally), Salonika, Waziristan (with the Field Force), and to the Makran border. mission. Not a word is said about the worl accomplished by these military parties, but quite enough is known, inde- pendently of the report, to justify the statement that they have well maintained the reputation of Indian surveyors in the field of. military action. We. shall hear all about them in time, though probably not from India. The normal worl: of the Department has been well sustained, especially in the topographical branches, where good progress towards the completion of the 1915 scheme is recorded. Broadly, this scheme embraced a re-survey of India (of which the topo- graphy was then nearly complete, but much out of date) on the scale of 1 in. per mile, with a subsequent very wise reservation in favour of 3 in. per mile for certain extensive but unimportant areas of wilder- ness and jungle. The whole output for the year amounts to about 33,000 square miles (still leaving 1,350,000 to be completed) at an approximate cost of 31.4 rupees per square mile (say 2/.), Certain small areas of forest on scales of 3 in. and 4 in. per mile are in- cluded, so that this output of the twelve small parties employed must be considered very satisfactory. The geodetic operations include (besides direct triangulation and the magnetic surveys) pendulum, tidal, and level- ling observations of great scientific value. More. than one million maps have been turned out in the map department, including topographical, geographical, and general maps, amongst which are twelve sheets of the ‘‘one millionth’? map of the world, which are now reduced to uniform style so as to take their place with similar sheets of the series published by the Royal Geographical Society and elsewhere. The colour system adopted by the Survey of India for defining differential altitudes in planes of different tints is not bevond criticism. The highest altitudes (next the regions of perpetual snow) are coloured a blood-red. The result when applied to Tibet is almost comic in its blazing determination to secure due recognition for the ‘‘ Roof of the World.” Apel 315 be IN RELATION TO NATIONAL LIFE.} BOUT one hundred years ago—in the year 1505— Dr. Thomas Young, one of the greatest of English physicists, published his “ Lectures on Natural Philosophy.” -They had been delivered a short time 1 From a lecture delivered.on April 27 by Sir Richard Glazebrook, C.B., F.R.S., in a course on ‘Science and the Nation,” arranged for science, teachers by the London County Council Educat on Committees PHYSICS ee 136 previously at the Royal Institution, and are a store- house of physical science as it was then known. In his introduction he says :—‘* The dissemination of the knowledge of natural philosophy and chemistry be- comes a very essential part of the design of the Royal Institution, and this department must in the natural order and arrangement be anterior to the application of the sciences to practical uses. To exclude all knowledge but that which has already been applied to immediate utility would be to reduce our faculties to a State of servitude and to frustrate the very purposes which we are labouring to accomplish. No discovery, however remote in its nature from the subjects of daily observation, can with reason be declared wholly inapplicable to the benefits of mankind.” The lectures cover the whole range of physics as it was then known, and in the last, the sixtieth, the author concludes :—‘‘ When we reflect on the state of the sciences in general at the beginning of the seventeenth century and compare it with the progress which has been made since then in all of them, we shall be convinced that the last two hundred years have done much more for the promotion of knowledge than the two thousand which preceded them, and we shall be still more encouraged by the consideration that perhaps the greater part of these acquisitions have been made within fifty or sixty years only. We have, therefore, the satisfaction of viewing the knowledge of Nature, not only in a state of advancement, but even advancing with increasing rapidity.” Dr. Young lived one hundred years ago, and if then these words were true, how much more true are they to-day! The rate of growth of our knowledge of inanimate Nature in the past twenty years or so has far surpassed anything he ever contemplated, and the benefits that growth has brought mankind far exceed all he ever dreamed of. Not that they are all benefits ; the terrors of war, the sufferings of the innocent, the poison-gas shell, the bomb that kills women and children, and the nameless horrors Science has put it into the power of human fiends to deal around forbid that comforting dream. Still, there is no doubt which way the balance turns. Conteniplate modern life without physics— the science of energy; think of it with our knowledge of electricity, what it was even when Young wrote, with the steam-engire almost*a toy, with ships de- pendent. still upon the wind and. tides, with the engineer compelled to use human labour, assisted only by the simpler mechanical devices, such as the inclined plane or some elementary arrangement of pulleys for his buildings and bridges. -hysics suides us in directing the national stores of useful to man; it is to this into channels energy power that man owes his supremacy over the brute creation, and. it is to the discovery of those natural laws which are the subject of study of the physicist that this power This statement of our subject is sufficient to indicate its extent. Clearly, to treat in turn of all its branches and indicate their connection with our national life is a hopeless task for an hour’s lecture. There is not time to deal’ completely even with one, and yet I think some appreciation of what we owe to physical science may be gained if I attempt a very brief review of our knowledge of electricity one hundred years ago and of its progress since that date. The age was a fertile one. Cavendish was still working, and had discovered many of the laws of statical electricity; he had shown how to combine is due. oxygen and hydrogen to form water, and had_ used +} electric are to produce nitrogen from the air. NO. 2555, VOL. 102] NATURE | | result, [OcroBer 17, 1918 On the Continent Coulomb had verified experimentally the inverse square law for electricity by the use of the torsion balance, and had investigated its distribu- tion on conductors of various forms. Laplace and Poisson were active in applying mathematical cal- culations to problems in electrostatics, and somewhat later (1828) George Green, the self-taught mathe- matician—he was a Nottingham shoemaker who, after the publication of the paper referred to, entered at Caius College, Cambridge, became fourth Wrangler in 1837, and died in 184r—made by far the most im- portant advance up to that date in electrical theory. The Leyden jar had long been invented, and some experiments had been made on currents produced by discharging a series of condensers (Leyden jars) through long wires or obtained through statical elec- trical machines; little was known of the properties of the current, because no means of producing continuous currents existed. — 4 The science of magnetism was in a similar ele- mentary condition. Gilbert, of Colchester, physician to Queen Elizabeth, in his treatise ‘‘De Magnete,” published in 1600, had described the fundamental facts of the subject, and Coulomb had applied the torsion balance to prove the inverse square law for magnetism; there was a vague idea that there must be some connection between electricity and magnetism, but of electro-magnetism and all the vast possibilities it im- plied there was no conception. With the new century came a change, though even then progress, which to’ Young, writing in 1808, seemed rapid, to us ‘seems slow. In 1800 Volta invented the voltaic pile, a pile of discs of zinc and copper, alternately separated by flannel washers moistened with dilute acid; a con- siderable e.m.f., depending, of course, on the number of couples, is produced between the extreme dises, and a small current can be drawn from the apparatus. Then came his ‘‘crown of cups,” the primitive form of battery, a plate of zinc and copper dipping into a vessel (a cup) filled with dilute acid, and connected by a wire outside the vessel; a number of these ar- ranged in series formed the crown. Twenty vears later (in 1820) came Oersted’s great discovery, described in his ‘* Experimenta arca effectum conflictus electrici in acum magneticum,” in which he described for the first time the action of a current on a magnet; the ordinary method of measuring a current by the deflection of a magnet was a natural and Schweigger invented the galvanometer, while Ampére with wonderful rapidity established ele- mentary laws which regulate the action of one current on another, and laid the foundation of electro- dynamics. In the same year Arago, followed in 1821 by Sir Humphry Davy, discovered independently the power of a current to magnetise steel. Arago’s further discovery. in 1824 of the: rotation of a magnet when suspended freely over a.rotating copper disc led ulti- mately to results of the very greatest importance, which culminated in 1831 in Faraday’s discovery of the induction of electric currents and the elucidation of their laws. The child*was born whose birth was soon to be of such immense consequences to mankind, but probably no one, not even Faraday himself, realised all that was to follow. In 1827 Ohm stated the law now universally known by his name, and its statem*nt led to much important work with a view to its complete verification. The fundamental laws of electrolysis were enunciated by Faraday in 1833, and for long there was an ardent controversy as to the source of the electromotive force in a galvanic cell. i | - began its labours. OcToOBER 17, 1918) By the middle of the century the foundations of the science were well and truly laid; its influence on national life had until then been but small, but the ground was secured on which to build safely the struc- ture of the practical applications of electricity. In the last seventy years theory has advanced no less than practice; indeed, as we shall see later, some of the most important recent practical advances are the outcome of very recent theory; but the fact remains that for real progress the practical ap- plication of a science must rest upon a secure basis of theory; only then will its progress be rapid and uninterrupted. Ampére’s experiments and Faraday’s researches had indicated various methods by which motion could be produced owing to electro-magnetic action, or con- versely, by which currents could be generated in con- ductors moving in magnetic fields, and as a result numerous inventors produced magneto machines. Faraday himself used one made by Pixie. In Saxton’s machine, employed frequently towards the middle of last century, two coils wound round a soft iron armature rotate in front of the poles of a strong per- manent magnet somewhat as is done in the spark magneto of the present day. 3 Werner Siemens in 1857 invented the Siemens arma- ture; the next step was to replace the permanent magnets by electromagnets excited by a separate small machine. Wilde’s machine (1867) was of this class, and in the same year Wheatstone and Werner Siemens enunciated ‘the_ principle of the modern sélf-exciting dynamo, in which the remanent magnetism of the field coils is utilised to start a feeble current in the rotating armature; this current is led round the field coils, thus reinforcing their magnetism, and in this manner the powerful currents generated by modern machines are built up. So far, the fundamental principles established by Faraday had been the basis of the work done. Various distinguished men contributed to advance the theory and to improve practice. About this time the Elec- trical Standards Committee of the British Association Appointed at the instance of Lord Kelvin (Sir William Thomson) in 1861, during the period 1862-7o it made a series of reports which have been of fundamental importance in the theory and praetice of electricity. It was re-appointed in 1881 at the sugges- tion of Prof. Ayrton, and continued to do useful worl: until 1913, when it was felt that the Nati8nal Physical Laboratory was carrying out the duties for which it had been organised. Lord Kelvin, in his work connected with the Atlantic telegraph, had realised very fully the need for a con- sistent system of units of measurement. Such a system had been proposed by Weber, and the com- mittee in the end was led to adopt as fundamental the C.G.S. (centimetre-gram-second) system of units, and base on it the practical system of electric units—the ohm, the ampere, and the volt—now in use everywhere. It is impossible to overestimate the prac- tical effects of this action. In the first place, elec- tricians throughout the world spealk a common lan- guage, and the results of researches are intelligible to all alike; in the second, that language is a consistent and logical one, electrical quantities are connected together and linked with tlie fundamental concep- tion of energy in the simplest manner possible, and in a way which permits of accurate numerical cal- culation. As a result of the labours of the distinguished men who formed the committee and their colleagues at home and abroad, we had the means of measuring with high accuracy current, electromotive force, and NO. 2555, VOL. 102] . NATUR 137 resistance, together with a number of other dependent electrical quantities. Another step was needed to complete the theory of the dynamo: to permit the manufacturer to design on scientific principles a machine which for a given speed of rotation would transform mechanical into electrical energy at any required rate in the form of a given current at a known voltage. The laws of magnetic induction in iron and steel were known but very imperfectly. As has. already been stated, Arago and Davy had discovered in 1820 that iron was magnetised by a current; Poisson and others had given theories of this induced magnetism; Kelvin in his earlier papers had done much to clear up ambiguities and to give definiteness to the terms used. Rowland, in America, carried out numerous experiments of great value, but it is to Ewing and Hopkinson that we owe our first real knowledge of the importance of the magnetisation curve, the mean- ing of the property known as hysteresis, which had a short time previously been investigated by Warbury, and the part this plays in the action of electrical machinery. The experiments of Oersted and Ampére had taught us that an electric current circulating in a coil of wire produces a field of magnetic force linked with that coil, and, as Faraday proved, the inductive «fects produced in any neighbouring circuit depend on the manner in which that circuit is also linked with the magnetic lines. John HopkinSon in 1879 had shown how the pro- perties of a dynamo could be deduced from its charac- teristic curve, the curve connecting the e.m.f. in the armature with the exciting current in the field coils; and in a joint paper with his brother Edward, read before the Royal Society in 1886, he described how the form of this curve could be obtained graphically for a dynamo of known design and dimensions from the ordinary laws of electro-magnetism and the known properties of iron which Ewing had shown how to determine. The theory of the dynamo was com- plete in its main outlines. Since then progress has been rapid. Theory has indicated the direction in which improvements were to be sought; the skill of the metallurgist, the engineer, and the designer has been called in to put those improvements into prac- tice. The result you know. Conceive the world without electric power—London without its tubes and rail- ways, its electric light, telephones, telegraphs, and wireless services—and you will realise to seme degree what is due to the labours of the physicists under whose skilled guidance all this system has grown up in the last twenty-five or thirty years out of the small seed sown by Faraday and his contemporaries. It is not easv to obtain figures which give with accuracy the extent to which electrical power is used at present. In the Electrical Trades Directory for 1917 it is stated that more than 500,000,0001. has already been sunk in the industry; and there is every prospect of that sum being largely increased. I have endeavoured to indicate in brief outline the process by which this stupendous result has been achieved. In the first place, we have the disinterested labours of the man of science impelled by the desire to know; then have followed the mathematician and the physicist, whose work has reduced the early ob- servations of the experimenter to the rul: of law, and when that law has been established it has become possible for the electrical engineer to grasp the problem and apply the teaching of the physicist to the needs of national life. Illustrations of the process, proofs of the debt due 138 to physics, could be taken from many other branches of science did time permit. The development of the um-engine did not at first depend to any large extent on exact measurement and physical rese arch. Progress was comparatively slow until Rankin and Kelvin developed the thermodynamics of steam— worl continued in our own time by many well-known names, and turned to practical use of the highest importance by Parsons in the development of the turbine. When the story of the past four eventful years can be fully written, the nation will realise to an extent it has never done before the importance of physics to our national life. What conclusions can we who do realise this draw from the facts I have imperfectly put forward? What lessons are there for the time that is to come, that reconstruction period, which, if rightly used, will mean so much to England? We must, to begin with, give the man of science a. freer hand, a better chance to develop his discoveries; and, in the second, with this object we must educate the ‘people to appreciate more fully the importance of science. Men who can make great discoveries are few number; increase when found, develop them. stez in and encourage all that may help to Such a man may come from any ranlk of life. Mr. Seaton, in an interesting paper on the importance of research in marine engineering read recently before the Institution of Navalr Architects, in directing attention to the fact that many inventions of importance to engineers have been made by men who were not engineers, writes thus :—‘* Bramah, one of the first to suggest the screw propeller, was a blacksmith and lock: smith ; George Stephenson a fire- man; ‘ Screw-propeller ”* Smith, who Ss a good w arable propeiler, was a farmer, The inventor who exhibited an internal- combustion engine at Cam- bridge a hundred years ago was a parson; so also was Ramus, the inventor of the hydroplane ship. James Watt was an optical-instrument maker; the inventor of the chronometer was a gardener. *Increasing-pitch” Woodcroft was a librarian, Bessemer an artist, Armstrong a lawyer.’ Though in these days of increasing specialisation the task of the amateur discoverer grows daily more severe, the importance, in the first place, of the educa- tional ladder to give any boy of real talents his chance, and, in the second, of providing’ for the man who has proved he can advance knowledge and may make a real discovery, is paramount. No doubt the chances of success are small. Many will set foot on the ladder and climb to a greater or less height, but few will reach the top. No doubt also the selection of those who should be encouraged is difficult; examina- lion success is by no means always the surest test, vet it is ‘asy to frame another. But then the discoveries of the men of science are rarely in a form to be assimilated directly by industry and to become available for the national advantage. It was a long step from Faraday’s researches to the dynamo and motor of to-day; or from the Faraday dark space and Hittorf’s experiments with cathode ravs, and RGntgen’s discover f the X-rays, to the Coolidge tube and the X-ray outfit of the modern Army hos- pital; or, again, from Kelvin’s paper on electrical oscillations in 1855, or Helmholtz’s first suggestion of the same in 1847, to the modern developments of wireless telegraphy. What action can we take to bridge the gulf, to render scientific discovery more readily available and spread more widely knowledge which itmost service to the manufacturer ? YO. 2555, VOL. 102] may be of This T take NATURE the opportunities for their worl: > |OcroBER 17, 1918 to be the work of laboratories of industrial research, which I hope to see grow up in the various great centres of industry. In such a laboratory the staff are studying continuously to bring scientific know- ledge as it ‘advances to bear on industrial problems. They must be skilled experimenters with a sound know ledge of recent discoveries, a real zeal for the work they have undertaken, and a deep-seated belief in its pubortance to the nation. The laboratory must be equipped in a complete manner with plant and apparatus such as would be found in works, prepared to carry out the investigations necessary before a new process or idea, the outcome of some laboratory in- vestigation, can be applied on a works scale. For such work special laboratories and condi- tions are essential. The National Physical Laboratory should be one such; in time, a cen- tral institution for this task, correlating the work of the various local institutions, carrying out work which might be common to a number, and serving as a centre from which information is disseminated, and to which manufacturers will come for suggestions and guidance. All this, however, will be of little avail unless the nation as a whole learns to appreciate its importance. What is to be done to evoke a more intelligent interest in physics among men at large; to induce our legislators to realise the necessity for large expendi- ture and generous support; to evoke a general faith in the efficacy of scientific method which would go so far to hearten and encourage the patient Worker? I am speaking mainly to teachers; let me, in con- clusion, address a few words to you specially as such. If I have convinced you of the importance of my subject—many needed no convincing, | am sure—may I remind you that it is your great task to arouse this faith; to lead the rising generation to look on physical science, not as something outside and apart from their daily life, but as a source of strength and progress; to educate them so that they may ‘realise more fully what they owe to the great men of the past who have sowed the seeds of England’s power, and what they must do to preserve the heritage these men have handed down to them? But how? The question is a difficult one to answer. There is a loud call for a more generous recognition of science in our schools, for curricula in which it has a larger share in the time-table, for more recognition for its teachers and more prizes and scholarships for its students. While this is most desirable, it is not enough; alone it will do little. -Lord Bryce in a recent article Wwrites:—*No man can. be deemed educated who has not some knowledge of the relation of the sciences to one another and a just conception of the methods by which they respectively advance.” Will the student gain this education merely by trans- ferring him for so many hours a week from the literary side to the scientific side of the school? 1 fear not. Reform is needed in our methods of science teaching. I speals as one responsible in part for those methods with a consciousness of some fault. Forty years ago it was my privilege to organise, along with my colle sague, Sir Napier Shaw. the teachings of prac- tical physics at the Cavendish Laboratory. We were dealing, under difficulties, with young university students preparing to take a degree in science or medi- cine, men proposing to specialise. We had learnt the necessity for exact measurement in all research, the importance of a personal acquaintance with the methods by which our knowledge had been advanced ; } we were not then concerned with the general educa- tion of the vast mass of boys and girls throushout the country, and so we devised and extended the OcrToBER 17, 1918] methods of practical physics. We made each student verify Ohm’s law, measure the specific capacity for heat of copper, or the wave-length of sodium light; and that method, devised for a special purpose for which I still think it the most useful, lent itself to the examiner and the teacher as a method by which the mass of pupils could be instructed and examined. It has been extended and developed by many able and enthusiastic men; too often it is elaborated so far as to be littlke more than press the button and note what happens. You have then proved that the pressure of a gas at constant volume is proportional to its temperature. In the case of the ordinary boy and girl the results have little more influence on their lives than the lists of the kings of Israel or the emperors of Rome, or the exceptions to some abstruse rule of grammar. They have been forced to learn by heart in order to train their memory. Sir Napier Shaw has recently written thus:—‘*‘When we come to consider such provision as there is for science in general education as represented by the opportunities actually offered to boys and girls at school, it is for me impossible to avoid the conclusion that what the exponents of physical science have evolved as the elements of scientific education is quite unworthy of the subjects we wish to expound.’’ If this be so, how then are we to remedy it? The question is one too‘ difficult to answer at the end of a long lecture. I think a remedy is possible. The teacher ought, I feel sure, to be able to arouse an interest in the principles of his subject without a wearisome attention to details; to give to a class the general idea of what is involved in the ordinary laws of Nature; of what we mean by energy or momentum, the conservation of energy or the mechanical equiva- lent of heat; of the connection between electricity and magnetism and the historical development of the various laws about which he has been speaking—in fine, to give the pupil some knowledge of the relation of the sciences to one another and a just conception of the means by which they advance. UNIVERSITY AND EDUCATIONAL INTELLIGENCE. A CONFERENCE on women in industry will be held under the auspices of the Industrial Reconstruction Council on Tuesday, October 22, at 6 p.m., in the hall of the Institute of Journalists, 2 and 4 Tudor Street, E.C.4. The subject will be introduced by Miss Lilian Dawson, after which the discussion will be open. No tickets are necessary. A course of three public lectures on “ France’s Share in the Progress of Science’ will be delivered at Uni- versity College on Tuesdays, October 22 and 29 and November 5, at 5 p-m., by M. Henri L. Joly, pro- fesseur de sciences physiques et naturelles au Lycée Frangais (Institut Francais du Royaume Uni). The chair Will be taken at the first lecture by Prof. J. Norman Collie. A leaflet containing a full syllabus of the lectures may be obtained by sending a stamped addressed envelope to the Publications Secretary, Uni- versity College, London (Gower Street, W.C.1). The Armstrong College (Newcastle-upon-Tyne) calendar will not be published for the current session, but the prospectus of day classes, a copy of which has reached us, contains the essential particulars respect- ing the courses of work in pure and applied science which have been arranged for the academic vear NO. 2555, VOL. 102| NATURE Sai) 1918-19. Students of pure or technical science in the college may proceed to the degrees in science of the University of Durham, of which the college is a part, and, according to the number of years of study, may present themselves for graduation as bachelor, master, or doctor of science, or as doctor of philosophy. For the degrees of master and doctor great import- ance is attached to success in research. We have received also the current calendar of the Royal (Diclx), | Veterinary College, Edinburgh, which was founded in 1823 by the late Prof. Dick, and endowed by him, his sister, and Mr. A. I. MacCullum. The college prepares its students for the diploma of membership: of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and degrees in veterinary science in the Unive of Edinburgh, and also offers facilities for post-graduate work. SOCIETIES AND- ACADEMIES. MsLBOURNE. Royal Society of Victoria, July 11.—Mr. J. A. Kershaw, president, in the chair.—C. Fenner : The physiography of the Werribee River.—Prof. T. H. Laby and E. O. Hercus: The thermo-conductivity of air. SYDNEY. Linnean Society of New South Wales, March 27.— Prof. H. G. Chapman, president, in the chair.—Dr. A. B. Walkom: The geology of the Lower Mesozoic rocks of Queensland, with special reference to their distribution and fossil flora, and their correlation with. the Lower Mesozoic rocks of other parts of Australia. The Lower Mesozoic rocks of Queensland comprise three divisions—the Ipswich, Bundamba, and Walloon series. The Ipswich and Bundamba series are of com- paratively limited distribution, and are confined to the south-eastern portion of the State. The Walloon | series has a maich greater extent; in addition to oc- association with the Ipswich and Bundamba series, it outcrops in a belt along the western slope of the Main Divide from the New South Wales border to Cape York, dipping westerly beneath the marine Cretaceous. It probably underlies the Cretaceous strata over the greater part of western Queensland. In eastern Queensland there are -a number of small isolated occurrences of the Walloon series. The thicknesses of the three series are, approximately: Ipswich series, 2000-2500 ft.; Bundamba series, 3000-5000 ft/; and Walloon series, up to 10,000 At. comparison of the Queensland Lower Mesozoic strata with other occur- rences in Australia of similar age seems to show (1) that the Narrabeen and Hawkesbury Sandstone stages in New South Wales are older than the Ipswich series; (2) that the Wianamatta stage of the Hawkes- burv series in New: South Wales, and also possibly part of the Lower Mesozoic strata of Tasmania, are of the same age as the Ipswich series; and (3) that the following series in the other States are of the same age as the Walloon series: The Artesian series, Clarence series, and Talbragar beds in New South Wales: the Jurassic strata of the South Gippsland, curring in south-eastern Queensland, in Cape Otway, and Wannon areas of, Victoria; the Leigh’s Creek beds in South Australia; part of the Lower Mesozoic strata of Tasmania, and the marine€ Jurassic series in Western Australia— Dr Rial Tillyard : (1) Studies in Australian Neuropierg: No. 5: The structure of the cubitus in the wings of Mvrmeleontide. An examination of the pupal tracheation of the fore-wing of Nantholeon helmst, 140 Tillyard, reveals the presence of the original archaic Cu, close to the base of the wing, where it fuses with 1A. The veins hitherto called Cu, and Cu, respec- tively are shown to be, in reality, Cu,, and Cu). As a result, the position of the tribe Creagrini within the subfamily Dendroleontina has to be revised, the genera included in it being shown to be much more highly specialised than has hitherto been thought possible. The phylogenetic stages by which the condi- tion of Cu in the fore-wing fof Myrmeleontidz has been reached are shown to be still existent in some ancient types of. Hemerobiida. (2) The affinities of two interesting fossil insects from the Upper Car- boniferous of Commentry, France. The paper dis- cusses the affinities of Megagnatha odonatiformis, Bolton, and Sycopteron symmetrica, Bolton, described from the types in the ‘Mark Stirrup” collection, Manchester Museum. ‘The former is assigned by Bolton to the Perlaria, with possible relationship to the Sialida. These affinities are disproved, and the suggestion is made that, the insect is, in reality, an ancient representative of the Embioptera. 1Au kights Reserved. — OPTICAL LANTERNS for Educational, Welfare, Scientific, and other WORK of NATIONAL IMPORTANCE 1 NEWTON & CO., Makers of Optical Projection Apparatus of every description (ESTABLISHED OVER zoo YEARS), 72 WIGMORE STREET, LONDON, W.1. DUROGLASS L®: 14 GROSS STREET, HATTON CARDEN, E.C. Manufacturers of Borosilicate Resistance Glassware. Beakers. Flasks, Etc. Soft Soda Tubing for Lamp Work. General Chemical and Scientific Glassware. Special Glass Apparatus Made to Order. DUROCLASS WORKS, WALTHAMSTOW. AGENTS: BAIRD & TATLOCK (LONDON) LTD. 14 CROSS ST., HATTON GARDEN, E.C. 1. REYNOLDS & BRANSON, Ltd., Chemical and Scientific Instrument Makers to His Majesty's Government (Home and Overseas Dominions). LABORATORY FURNISHERS and MANUFACTURING CHEMISTS. WORKS AND OTHER LABORATORIES equipped with Benches, Fume * Chambers, Apparatus and Chemicals. Designs and quotations submitted on application BRITISH-MADE Glass, Porcelain, Nickel Ware, and Filter Papers. Apparatus in Glass, Metal, or Wood made to customers’ own Designs. CATALOGUES POST FREE. Enquiries for Technical Chemicals in quantity solicited. 14 COMMERCIAL STREET, LEEDS. ACCURATE RELIABLE THERMOMETERS. Send a note of your requirements to any of our addresses, and we will offer you the best types we have in stock. NEGRETTI & ZAMBRA, 38 HOLBORN VIADUCT, E.C.1 2 REGENT ST. 5 said Weak ST. LONDON. 12 aE aa Our City Branch is at 5 Leader ull Street, EC. 3 Iviii NOTICE. In consequence of the greatly increased cost of production it has been found necessary to raise the price of NATURE to 9d. The alteration takes effect from to-day, and the Subscription rates are now as follow:— For residents in the British Isles. Yearly A oh om co ee 200 Half-yearly a aS so OL aS Quarterly... a Sei ai 13 For residents Abroad, Yearly Bb nol ~ =. £2 579 Half-yearly sis - ao OSS Quarterly... AG Se Pee 12 0 ST. MARTIN’S STREET, LONDON, W.C. 2. PS A SS SS * rn LEEDS COCKBURN HIGH SCHOOL. Wanted at once :-— (2) SCIENCE MASTER with Honours degree in Chemi-try or Physics. Commencing salary £250 to £300.a year according to qualifications and experience. ; (6) SCIENCE MISTRESS gualifi-d to teach Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics. Salary according to qualifications and experience Forms of application may be had from the undersigned, to whom they should be returned at once. 7 JAMES GRAHAM, Education Department, Director of Education. Calverley Street, Leeds. -_-__ree HECKMONDWIKE SCHOOL, YORKS. WANTED for the above Secondary School, a TEACHER for PHYSICS (Master or Mistres<), to commence in January next. Salary 70, with extra payment for advanced work. Evening work in the | School can be taken at the option of the Teacher appo‘nted, for the usual rates of payment will be made. me Application to be made on forms which can be obtained from the Head- hoo! . A. H. REDFEARN, Clerk to the Governors. SOUTHLANDS TRAINING COLLEGE (WESLEYAN), BATTERSEA.: WANTED, in January, LECTURERS (Women) in:— (i.) FRENCH and ENGLISH Gi.) BOTANY 4 knowledge f me idation. The salary in both ca i gardening ‘would be a recom- : ; 50, rising to £180, resident: Previous experience will be taken into ideration in fixing the initial salary. For form apply Rev. Enocir S; ey Horseferry Road (third floor), Westminster, S. W. 1. ——. MERCHANT VENTURERS’ TECHNICAL COLLEGE, BRISTOL. SUPERINTENDENT OF EVENING CLASSES. For particulars and form of application send st lope to the REGISIRAR £300-25-400,— amped addressed foolscap NATURE : [OcroBER 24, 1918 UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN. PROFESSOR OF PHYSICS. Applications are hereby invited for the position of PROFESSOR OF PHYSICS at the University of Caps Town, South Africa. The salary is £800 p.a. Any pension agreed upon would be not less than 4300 p.a. upon the retirement of the Professor by reason of attaining the age of 60 years. - Should the successful applicant be engaged upon miliary service or work of national importance, the post would be kept open until he is free to take up his duties. The Professor is expected to carry on research work. Appointments are generally restricted to candidates under 35 years of age. Applications, together with testimonials, should reach the High Com- MISSIONER FOR THE Union or SourH AFRICA, 32 Victoria Street, London, S.W. 1 (from whom further particulars may be obtained), not later than January 1, 1919. KENT EDUCATION COMMITTEE. ERITH COUNTY SCHOOL, BELVEDERE. WANTED immediately, an ASSISTANT TEACHER for an advanced course in Science. Must bea Graduate with Honours in Physics. Initial salary (man) £250 to £300, (woman) £2co to £250, according to qualifica- tions and experience. Applications, with references and testimonials, should be sent to the HEADMASTER af once. E. SALTER DAVIES. October, 1918. UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, NOTTINGHAM. DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY. Head of Department—Professor F. S. KipprnG, Ph.D., DSc, Pal G.eRS; LECTURER and DEMONSTRATOR in CHEMISTRY required, to commence duties in January, 1919. Commencing salary, £250 per annum.—Forms of application may be obtained from the ReGisTRAR, to whom they must be returned not later than November 22. NORTHERN POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, HOLLOWAY, LONDON, N.7. WANTED immediately :-— (2) A FULL-TIME LECTURER IN CHEMISTRY. Salary from 4250 per annum upwards, according to qualifications and experience, (4) SCIENCE MASTER (PHYSICS) for Music Trades School. Commencing salary £180 to £220, according to qualifications. Particulars and forms of application to be obtained from the SECRETARY. UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, GALWAY. A Constituent College of the National University of Ireland. THE PROFESSORSHIP OF CHEMISTRY. App'ications for the foregoing Pro‘essorship are hereby invited. Infor- mation in regard thereto can be obtained on application to the St CRETARY. RESEARCH CHEMIST AND ANALYST with excellent laboratory facilities in City close to Patent Office Library, having just terminated a contract, is open to undertake researches on the manufacture of chemicals, dyes, etc., Analyses, or the turning up of cheinical literature and patents. “LABORATORY,” care of Quick anv Co., 20 Peckford 3rixton, S.W. MEN GRADUATES IN METALLURGY, ENGINEERING, and PHYSICS required for work in the Metallurgical Laboratory of the Researca Department, Woo!wich. Salary commences £225 per annum, rising to £250 after 6 months, Place, » andto £275 alter r2 months. Apply, with full particulars of training and experience, to SUPERINTENDENT OF ResEaRCH, Royal Arsenal, Woolwich LADY ASSISTANT CHEMIST required (for analytical and research work) by a Controlled Firm in the Midlands. Must have had a sound training in theoretical and practical inorganic chemi-try. Good salary offered to suitable applicant. State age, qualifications, and exp-rience to Box No. 151, c/o NATURE Office. WANTED, by Controlled Firm in Midlands, JUNIOR, with goo training in physical testing and preferably some experience in photometric work. Commencing salary £3 to £4 per week, Permanency and excellent prospects for the future. Dox 152, c/o Nature Office. CHEMIST, excellent qualifications and research experience, requires immediate employment in laboratory or works. Box 24, NaTuRE Office. NATURE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1918. WASTE AND WEALTH. Wealth from Waste: Elimination of Waste. A World Problem. By Prof. H. J. Spooner. With a Foreword by the Rt. Hon. Lord Leverhulme. Pp. xvi+316. (London: G. Routledge and Sons, Ltd., 1918.) Price 7s. 6d. net, fa spite of its limitations, and notwithstanding certain faults of style and taste, this book is caleulated to serve a useful purpose, and it makes its appearance at an opportune time. Thrift is not a national characteristic of the southern half of Great Britain, whatever it may be of the other half. The Potter in the author quotes a remark of Archdeacon made at an economy meeting at Mitford early part of 1916 as evidence of a fact which, unfortunately, cannot be controverted: “I have travelled all over the world, and I have never known any nation or people so wilfully wasteful as the people of our own country. In no other country do people so absolutely fling away God’s goods as they do in England.”’ In proof of this statement Prof. Spooner, in the course of some 300 pages, piles Ossa on Pelion. His book is an attempt to show that in practically every department of our national life and activity “wicked waste is occurring everywhere, far and wide: waste of money, waste of food, waste of materials, labour, fuel, energy, and time, waste of human strength and thought, waste of health, and waste of life itself.’’ This is a sweeping generalisation, which, by its over-emphasis, is calculated to prejudice the main conclusion the author seeks to establish, which is that this waste is avoidable, and ought, therefore, to be pre- vented. ‘If the argument were stated more tem- perately it would carry greater conviction. Some waste, as the whole scheme of Nature testifies, pace Lord Leverhulme, is inevitable. The author implicitly admits this when he allows that there are justifiable wastes and dangerous economies. What he terms “absolute waste,;’’ due to cor- rosion and wear, is, in many cases, unavoidable. Exaggeration never strengthens a case in the eyes of a well-informed reader, and it is the well- informed reader that counts in the. long run. Still, when every allowance is made for the author’s somewhat too zealous efforts to prove his main contention, enough remains to show that much may be done in the direction of greater economy | and in the reduction of waste—a conclusion which nobody will gainsay. In a series of chapters the author seeks to enforce the lessons of the war. He makes an urgent appeal for better municipal organisation ; he shows how time is wasted in factories and in commercial matters; how the public time is wasted in Parliament and in judicial procedure; he directs attention to the waste due to traditional and con- servative methods in works management, and to the mischievous policy of restricting output; he NO. 2556, VOL. 102 | | preventable accidents ; | from bad household 141 shows how much waste is due to human fatigue ; what wastage there is of life, limb, and health, and what is its economic effect; the waste due to infant mortality, child-labour exploitation, and the waste of food arising management and lack of knowledge; waste due to adulteration; the waste of coal owing to our partial and imperfect attempts to treat the coal question scientifically ; how indefensible is the sliding-scale contract system, and what is its effect on “public prices.” He treats of fuel economies in the house, the smoke nuisance, electrical supply, and the creation of central power stations. He deals with what he styles the coming agricultural revolution, the home-grown food question, the technical educa- tion of the farmer, labour-saving machinery for the increase of tillage, demobilisation and farm work, the utilisation of waste land, intensive cul- ture, reclamation schemes, waste due to the neglect of afforestation, the timber problem, etc. In a special section of the work Prof. Spooner shows what has been done in the past to utilise waste substances, and how the waste of perishable things has been prevented. This portion, which he entitles ‘‘The Romance of Waste,’’ is put to- gether pour encourager les autres, and to prove that there is the potentiality of wealth in waste, as illustrated by the time-honoured examples of alpaca, shoddy, mungo, imitation sealskin, pop- lin, paraffin oil, linoleum, glycerin, etc. Another section is devoted to household wastes and economies, whilst a third deals with trade and industrial wastes, daylight saving, the waste due to derelict waterways, etc. It will be seen, therefore, that the ioe covers a very large amount of ground. The author is certainly to be congratulated on the industry he has employed in its compilation and for the amount of information he has succeeded in com- pressing into a limited space. The work is simply and unaffectedly written, and appeals rather to the man in the street than to the expert. The author’s knowledge of scientific facts is occasion- ally at fault, and his narratives of certain his- torical matters are now and again open to correc- tion. “E. C. Stafford’’ (p. 267) should read “E. C. C. Stanford,’’ and “carbon disulphite ’’ (p. 87) should be changed to “carbon disulphide.” The statement concerning dust in the vicinity /of a Bunsen flame (p. 61) would seem to imply that the dust is a product of the | flame, and the account of reclaimed rubber reads as if the process were something in the nature of adulteration, which is surely con- trary to the lesson which it is the whole object of the book to enforce. Such a statement as “leather frequently adulterated with glucose, solubl« salts, and barytes, whilst treated tripe and com- pressed paper are known to be used as poor and fraudulent substitutes for leather’’ (p. 116), is calculated to convey an entirely false impression, and it is a gross exaggeration to say that “a great part of the wines of France and Germany has ceased to be the juice of the grape ’’ (p. 112). I is re ae NATURE [OcroBer 24, 1918 Lord Leverhulme, with a sense of humour, which is in strong contrast with the author’s ex parte emphasis, makes the point that his fore- word is ‘an apt illustration of that kind of ‘waste ’ which is the saddest type of all wastes— a wasted opportunity.’’ Here we join issue with his lordship. So far from neglecting it, he seizes the opportunity to state that in his opinion “the greatest wasters are those who concentrate their whole time on mere efforts for immediate and direct money-making.’’ Such a preachment from so great a captain of industry serves to point a moral for which we share Prof. Spooners grati- tude. MENTAL DISORDERS AND THEIR TREAT- MENT, (1) The Modern Treatment of Mental and Nervous Disorders. A Lecture delivered at the Univer- sity of Manchester, on March 25, 1918, by Dr. B. Hart. Pp. 28. (Manchester: At the University Press; London: Longmans, Green, and Co:, 19182)!" Price 1s. inet: (2) The Re-education of the Adult: 1. The Neuras- thenic in War and Peace. By Capt. A. J. Brock. (London: Headley Bros.) 6d. (1) TN this lecture Dr. Hart discusses modern conceptions of the nature and treatment of mental and nervous disorders. He points out that, though the “physiological conception ’—~ the belief that mental and nervous disorders are due to deranged bodily processes, and in parti- cular to diseases of the brain—still holds its place, its sway is no longer undisputed, for there has now arisen the ‘‘ psychological conception,’ which holds that some at least cf these phenomena are due to mental causes, capable of determination by psychological investigation, and of removal by psychological methods of treatment. The con- spicuous success of this latter treatment has been amply demonstrated in our military hospitals for “shell shock ’’ and similar disorders. Dr. Hart insists upon the present imperative necessity of provision for civilian patients, both men and women, in those incipient phases of mental and nervous disorder when treatment promises the best results, and urges the desirability of institu- tions in which physiologist, chemist, and psycho- logist can attack, together and from every side, the many problems that await solution. In em- phasising the recessity for the close association of treatment with organised investigation and with teaching, he points out that these three functions have their natural home in the universities and medical schools, and it is from them that we shall confidently expect the developments that are so urgently needed. (2) This essay forms part of No. 4 of the second series of “Papers for the Present.’’ Describing the “shell shock ’’ hospital as ‘a microcosm of the modern world, showing the salient features of our society (and especially its weaknesses) in- NO. 2556, VOL. 102| tensified, and on a narrower stage,’’ the author describes some of the re-educative methods which, having proved successful, may be commended to the attention of the educationist and those de- voting themselves to the general problems of social reconstruction. Underlying all the symp- toms of neurasthenia is found the element cf separatism or dissociation—a significant fact for social psychology. Some of the current psycho- logical methods of dealing with neurasthenia are placed by the writer into three groups, which, he says, are steps in a progressive series : (1) Psycho- analysis; (2) therapeutic conversations ; (3) “ergo- therapy.’’ In methods belonging to the first group the mental condition is analysed, in the second the patient is ‘“‘encouraged to look sensibly and squarely at things,” while in the last he is “Drompted to follow up his thoughts by action— by real functioning in relation to his environment.” INORGANIC CHEMISTRY FOR STUDENTS. (1) Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry.- By Prof. A. Smith. Third edition. Pp. xiv+g925. (London: G. Bell and Sons, Ltd., 1918.) Price 8s. 6d. net. (2) Experimental Inorganic Chemistry. By Prof. A. Smith. Sixth edition. Pp. vii+i71- (London: G. Bell and Sons, Ltd., 1918.) Price 3s. 6d. net. (3) 4 Laboratory Outline of College Chemistry. By Prof. A. Smith. Pp. v+206. (London: G. Bell and Sons, Ltd., 1918.)° Price 3s. net. (1) MONG the _ text-books of chemistry of the newer which the attempt is made to descriptive material so far as_ possible in connection with underlying theoretical — prin- ciples, Prof. Alexander Smith’s “Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry " is one the merits of which have gained wide recognition, and that a third edition of this work has become necessary will occasion no surprise. A comparison of the present with the previous edition shows’ that some alterations have been made in the arrangement of the subject-matter and that a considerable amount of additional in- formation has been inserted, corresponding with the advances of the past decade where these have come within the scope of an introductory text- book. Thus the account of the radio-active ele- ments has been greatly extended, and there are new sections on colloidal solutions, the atomic numbers, and other subjects of a_ theoretical character. A number of paragraphs have also been inserted on some of the more recent technical applications of chemistry, such as the manufacture of nitric acid from the atmo- sphere, synthetical ammonia, the oxyacetylene flame, the application of tungsten, the use of per- mutite for water-softening, and so forth. By these additions the usefulness of the book is fully maintained, and it continues to give a scientific inorganic type, in present the OcToBER 24, 1918] and attractive outline of the present state of chemical knowledge of a standard suitable for the highest forms of schools or for university students who are beginning the study of chemistry. There is, however, one passage in an introductory dis- cussion of the transformations of energy which cannot be allowed to pass unnoticed. It is stated (p. 32): “So, with a conductor like the filament in the lamp, unless it offers resistance to the cur- rent and destroys a sufficient amount of electricity ”’ {the italics are ours) “it gives out neither light nor heat.” It is to be hoped that this will be amended in a later edition. (2) “ Experimental Inorganic Chemistry” is a laboratory companion to the text-book discussed above. It contains directions for carrying out a large number of experiments of various types, including illustrations of chemical laws, the preparation of substances and examination of their properties, some qualitative analyses, and simple experiments in physical chemistry. The instructions are very clear and _ precise and seem well designed to lead students to work thoughtfully. In a few cases, however, the methods given for carrying out the experiments appear a little crude for the class of students that would be capable of using the companion text- book intelligently. (3) ‘ Laboratory Outline of College Chemistry” is almost identical, word for word, with the last- mentioned work (2). There are, however, differences of arrangement, and in the order in which subjects are treated, which _ render it more suitable for use with the author’s “General Chemistry for Colleges.’’ It con- tains a short chapter, which is not included in “Experimental Inorganic Chemistry,’’ on Bunsen’s film and match tests. This is a welcome feature, for it is to be wished that these tests, on account of their elegance and of the training in manipulation which they afford, were taught more frequently than is at present the case. W. H. M. OUR BOOKSHELF. Homeland: A Year of Country Days. By Percy W. D. Izzard. With illustrations by Florence L. Izzard and W. Gordon Mein. Pp. 383. (London: John Richmond, n.d.) Price 7s. 6d. net. Tuts book consists of a series of sketches—mostly impressionist—of the march of the seasons in the Eastern Counties of England. There is one for each day in the year, and the author shows his good sense by beginning with March 21 and end- ing with March 20. “So we set out in the thrill of the year’s morning songs and climb with the sun to the high noon of summer; then go down the hill of autumn and traverse the valley of winter, and so arrive again before the portals of spring. Thus hope is with us first and last.’’ And delight as well, we may say, for Mr. Izzard’s NO. 2556, VOL. 102 | NATURE 143 pictures—many of them just vignettes—have a delicate touch, awakening old joys. On reading them we feel that the author is one who would sincerely say with Stevenson : To make this earth our hermitage, A cheerful and a changeful page, God’s bright and intricate device Of days and seasons doth suffice. Let us mention a few titles: ‘“Laggard Spring,” “Snow and Kingfishers,’’ ‘““The Elms in Bloom,” “Wine of Spring,’’ “Bluebells,’’ “The Top of the Morning,”’ “The Honey Way,”’ “ Bees in the Broom,” “A Yellow Wagtail,’’ “A Summer Shower,’’ “ Scented Night,’’ “Grass of the Dunes,”’ “Ageing Leaves,’’ “Spider-Craft,’’ “Rain on the Wheat,”’ “Autumn Colour,’? “A Pimpernel Morning,’’ “Winter Sleeps.’’ These are not in- formative essays, be it understood, but dainty bits of impressionism, pleasant to read for a few minutes in the morning, and rejoicing the heart. The book has some beautiful black-and-white illustrations by Florence L. Izzard and W. Gordon Mein, and it is very pleasantly printed with a page for each day. We recommend it heartily to those who have “a love of the country.” The Portal of Evolution: Being a Glance through the Open Portal of Evolution at Some of the Mysteries of Nature. By a Fellow of the Geo- logical and Zoological Societies. Pp. 295 +i. (London: Heath, Cranton, Ltd., 1918.) Price 16s. net. Tue author of this book begins chap. i. with the words: “My aim in writing this treatise has been to avoid making it in any way a scientific work.” We are bound to say that he has succeeded. For what we opened with the eager hope of getting some fresh light on the factual problems of evolu- tion turns out to be a sheer eccentricity. It is a serious but futile elaboration of extravagant hypo- theses about the intermarrying of the diverse attri- butes of the Trinity. It is a preposterous attempt to illumine facts by fictions and to talk two lan- guages at once. Of the author’s scientific incom- petence a glimpse is given in a statement in the first chapter : “ Embryology has established beyond dispute that in the early stages of our conception within our mother’s womb we again assume the types of worms, fishes, animals, and in some cases of plants that did their part in evolving our present existence.’’ But a glimpse of something worse is given in the fundamental statement : “The inter- marrying of the attributes of God’s personalities has indeed placed in my hands a key that would, in time, with thought and study, enable mankind to unlock the door and enter the portal of Evolu- tion, and ultimately to be able to understand divine revelations. . . .’’ We do not wish to be too hard upon a treatise so obviously serious and well-intentioned, especially as we are assured that “it is only during the last one hundred years that the property of understanding has dawned upon man,’’ but we cannot help feeling that there has been a sad waste of paper here. 144 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. [The Editor does not hold himself responsible for opinions ex- pressed by his_co: respondents. Neither can he undertake to return, or to correspond with the writers of, rejected manu- scripts intended for this or any other part of NATURE. No notice is taken of anonymous communications. | The Organisation of Scientific Workers. Tur Whitley Report on Industrial Councils raises several questions of peculiar interest to scientific workers. It is proposed that a predominant part of the control of any industry shall be based on the recommendations of industrial councils, bodies com- posed of representatives of the employers’ associations and trade unions concerned. Among the subjects with which these bodies will deal are conditions of em- ployment, technical education, and industrial research (para. 16), which are of special interest to the scientific staff. Owing, however, to the lack of organisation among scientific men, there is no method of obtaining their representation on these councils, and if this is not done these matters will be decided by the other bodies involved, without reference to those whom they particularly concern, ‘The.need for such organisation is urgent, for it is made clear (Appendix, question 3) that only trade unions and employers’ associations are to be represented, and that any body formed later than the council can be admitted only with the approval of its predecessors. The interests of the scientific workers in any industry, therefore, demand that they should form themselves into trade unions. This statement is not so alarming as it at first sight appears, for legally a trade union is merely any body among the objects of which is the regulation of condi- tions of employment ; so that any organisation formed to represent its members on the councils would be auto- matically a trade union. technically trade unions. The other methods of obtaining its aims are determined by itself, and, naturally, no course of action repugnant to the majority of scientific men could be taken by a body that they themselves govern. For very similar reasons it seems desirable that workers in pure science should form a trade union among themselves. The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research is likely to extend its influence very much in the near future, and pure research will be aided by the establishment of many fellowships and studentships, the workers appointed being in the posi- tion of employees of the Department. Here, again, there is no machinery for ascertaining the opinion of the employee on matters. that concern kim; and it seems at least as desirable to consult the opinions of research workers in their own affairs as those of ordinary workmen, as will be.done when the Whitley report is carried out. That the success of the scheme promoted by the Department depends largely on the satisfaction of the employees with their position is admitted repeatedly in its latest report (pp. 21, 43), and a means of expressing their yiews is needed; this can be afforded only by a general organisation of research workers on a democratic basis and working in close touch with the Department. At the same time such a body must deal with conditions of re- search in general. and would come within the legal definition of a trade union. The only body at present in process of formation that aims at attainins these obiects is the National Union of Scientific Workers. Tts inclusion of both pure and apovlied science within its scone corresponds with the policy of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. and seems highly desirable from the point of view of the co-ordination of science and industry. C, SHEarFR. FRANKLIN Kipp. HAROLD JEFFREYS. NO. 2556, VOL.. 102] NATURE Employers’ associations are’ [OcToBER 24, 1918 SCIENCE AND PARLIAMENTARY REPRESENTATION. HE discussion which has followed the meeting of the medical profession held at Steinway Hall on October 1, “having for its object the securing of a more adequate representation of the medical profession in Parliament,’’ has served to show that its restricted objective is hazardous and inadequate. But at least it made prominent one of the essential conditions of successful emergence from the earthquake of the world war, viz. the instant and judicious application of competent knowledge to every branch of national and’ pro- vincial administration. Those who think this must accompany schemes of national development will thank the conveners of the recent meeting, recognise the value of the discussion it induced, . and proceed to ponder how fitting use may be made of the. opportunity described by Dr. Addison, the Minister of Reconstruction. It has been made clear that, in the opinion of many entrusted with the executive power of the State, the time has come when those who possess trained knowledge have special opportunities to which as patriots they ought to respond. These opportuni- ties have not come to medicine alone; they have come to every branch of science and technology. It may be well, therefore, to review very briefly the circumstances in which the contributions of trained knowledge to national development may now be made continuously effective. Most of the factors of use or abuse are common to the pro- fessions, and if medicine is chiefly referred to in illustrating, it will be as a tribute to its splendid services to-day and to its Steinway Hall initiative. : Nothing can be satisfactorily attempted in Par- liament ‘or politics generally unless goals are so clearly stated that willing players of the game can see them. At the recent meeting, where one goal Was assumed to be sought, two were set. There was, first, the goal of the “representation of the medical profession’’ in Parliament, to quote some of the speakers, the Times leading article, and some later letter-writers. There was, secondly, the goal of making possible to the community and Parliament ‘the considered experience and help of medical men as representative of the public in- terest and aiders of their constituencies *’ (Dr. Addison). Now the two may stand in the same field, but they are different. They may not be wholly incompatible, but they are diverse; twins, perhaps, but of very different temperaments. Despite some obscurities, Dr. Addison’s address suggests that he prefers the second. In letters to the medical and general Press some powerful critics have made it clear that they agree with him. So de we. It is the more catholic, practical, and promising; and for this reason: whatever the professions apart from _ polities surmise, the political instincts of a_ politically matured people are not likely to err. It may be hoped, therefore, that these will promote, not the representation of particular interests in Parlia- ment, but the selettion of leading men from all OcTOBER 24, 1918] spheres of intellectual and industrial activity to assist in the control of national affairs. That knowledgeable candidates with expert capacity must first be citizens of a free country before they are expert consultant members of its Parliament is essential to the future of knowledge as a political instrument and to the success of those who thus use it. This is especially true to-day from causes that aré not yet sufficiently realised. In many departments of commercial, professional, and class effort class interests have had to be emphasised beyond prudence to get any type of organisation accepted by disunited in- dividual units. Much organisation of a roughly hewn type has been accepted, therefore, and in industry, as in war, generalship has had to be improvised, with like disastrous results sometimes. The price which has inevitably to be paid for in- efficient organisation, for organisation, that is, which permits the machine to run the man, is troubling the counsels of parties and groups, and threatening grave evil to the country—in its execu- tive action itself a bad culprit. It is to inadequate knowledge at the top of professional and class organisations that most of the prevalent functional disorders are due. The tool is not just now esteemed. It is highly probable that the good sense of the community, dimly con- scious of class. dangers, will assert itself on suit- able oceasions against class demands and all exten- sions of class representation. Moreover, the future is not with this method, as trade-unions and capitalistic organisations are finding out. That way lies death. A virile race uses organisations, but is not mastered by them or dictated to by them. Surely it will be most unfortunate, futile as well as unfortunate, for the as yet unmobilised scouts of knowledge to handicap themselves by following an example seen to be reactionary and dangerous. Theirs the better prospect of appealing directly to the happier instincts of a free and growing race, of demonstrating that in seeking to serve their country in the hour of its greatest need they wish to place its interests before any other interest, personal, professional, or, for that matter, partisan. They stand as citizens to serve as citi- zens: that is the path of honour and of leader- ship. It is the path also of success. The work to be done has to be done in. Parlia- ment, we are told, and through Parliament. This implies ability to understand and to participate in the general work of Parliament, whence all their opportunities will arise. Important as is the physician’s experience and mental equipment in diagnosis, when he has his patient before him the prime factors are the patient himself and his potential response to any treatment. So, if the professional man, the expert, is to hold his own in a Chamber sufficiently filled with the representa- tives of commerce and labour, however true to his own professional responsibilities he may be, he | must first look at the work to be done from the point of view of the national interest so far as his special gift can further it, in order that the object of the Bill which takes time may be worthy of NO. 2556, VOL. 102] NATURE 145 | Time. He must be able to establish and to main- | tain touch with his parliamentary colleagues, to adjust that which he knows to the medium in which it has to be applied—no light task— and thus to make effective the special contribution he has to bring. His most valuable aid may some- times consist in preventing gross mistakes being perpetrated in ignorance, but to pull up any machine in full motion demands exact knowledge of its mechanism. No Member of Parliament who knows his own special business, his business as a legislator, and the routine of the House, would fail | to get a hearing; what a power he might become! He cannot understand his business as a legislator unless he makes that his first and chief object. If this is true of the House of Commons, how much more true is it in the constituencies. The closest contact of knowledgeable candidates with the electorate is necessary to-day if electors are to learn their duty, choose and support educated and efficient administrators, and discountenance inefficient administrators. Can the electorate be adequately served if selected constituencies are to be offered eminent experts in science and techno- logy with specialist limitations, whose presence in Parliament is desired that they may attend the consulting-rooms of State Departments, sit on ‘Special Committees, or voice, occasionally, some sectional interest? Surely these services can be commanded at any time without imposing a pre- liminary qualification which would in itself then -be but a pretence. And what of the influence of such practice on the men themselves and on the repute of the intellectual ministry for which they stand? It may well %e that some of the most useful men of one category would also be avail- able in another; as was said, the two goals are not wholly incompatible. The consultant might be the man who, before his constituents, could interest them in knowledge, reveal the folly of some section in a contested Bill, or, later, show how a clause, vital to the success of a new Act, might at once be made locally operative. If so, both needs would be met in the same man. But ‘even then it is on the citizen plane that true representation has to be sought. Both in the Commons and in the constituencies this is the type of service which is alive: it grows. Knowledge is not static; it is dynamic. It per- fects itself in practice amid ever-changing atmo- spheres, and owes most of its efficacy at any time to perceptions and extensions gained in perform- ance of function. In free nations the demands of each parliamentary session will give professional counsel its chance and chiefly determine its useful- The limitations of Parliament as a patient ness. are gross and grave. But it is the only patient here on view. Knowledge has its work there- with, and knowledge must do it: it can only be done on the basis of approved citizenship. The nation should get nothing meaner. wn To sum up. The coming General Election will make a special demand on the men best equipped to serve the country, and in many respects that demand has never been easier to meet. During 146 no previous epoch has the country depended more for its preservation on competent and ascertained knowledge, and never have we had with us a larger number of available men skilled in some branch of knowledge and already familiar with the administrative and functional routine through which that can best be applied to national work. Men of affairs, themselves prominent in the ranks of men of science, are neither few in number nor unknown to constituencies. Something has been said in medicine about the exact constitution and responsibilities of the committee which should select suitable candidates for whom seats could be found. It does © not matter very much what method of selection is taken so that the right goal is clearly set up, and there are those ready to be true to the test of the time. A very small sum of money—small as sums go to-day—in the hands of a few administrators acquainted with the problems and with the per- sonnel of the scientific world would permit them at once to consult the party Whips and arrange for the candidature of an experimental group such as competent State chiefs would gladly welcome to the House and constituencies live to be thankful they ever sent there. J. J. Ropinson. EPIDEMIC INFLUENZA. ‘ ” HE name “influenza ’’ is of Italian origin, and is derived from the Latin influxio, which signifies a humour or catarrh. the following account of its introduction into the English language :— “It was in 1743 that the Italian name ‘ influ- enza’ first came to England, the rumour of a great epidemic, so called, at Rome and elsewhere in Italy having reached London a month or two before the disease itself. The epidemic of 1743 was soon over, and the Italian name forgotten, so that when the same malady became common in 1762 someone with a good memory or a turn for history remarked that it resembled ‘the disease called influenza’ nearly twenty years before. After the epidemic of 1782 the Italian name came into more general use, and from the beginning of the present century [7.e. 1801] it became at once popular and vague. The great epidemics of it in 1833 and 1847 fixed its associations so closely with catarrh that an ‘influenza cold’ became an admitted synonym for coryza or any common cold attended with sharp fever.’’ The last-named usage has lingered in common parlance to the present day, and such “running ’’ colds are frequently contagious. The series of epidemics from 1889 to 1893 effectually dispelled the idea of the neces- sary association of epidemic influenza with catarrh. It has also been customary since 1893 to term “influenza ’’ any brief febrile affection associated with more or less headache and muscular pain. The nature of such attacks is little known, but the majority are certainly not true influenza. Epidemic influenza is a malady which has probably ! ““ History of Epidemics in Britain,” vol NO. 2556, VOL. 102] iil, ph sont NATURE Creighton! gives, [OcToBER 24, 1918 existed from the earliest times. Creighton traces allusions to it in the medieval Latin writers, and in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries strange epidemics are recorded from time to time under such names as “new disease,’’ ‘hot ague,’’ “sweating sickness,’’ and others which seem un- doubtedly to have been manifestations of it, and the disease has recurred again and again with an interval of a few years. In the nineteenth century, after an outbreak in 1855, more than a generation passed with little or no mention of epidemic influenza in this country, when in the early weeks of the winter of 1889 reports began to be published on the reappearance of influenza in Moscow, Petrograd, Berlin, and other foreign capitals. This epidemic wave, like many that preceded it, had an obvious course from Asiatic and European Russia towards Western Europe, and eventually reached London, and in January, 1890, had a decided effect upon the bills of mortality of the city. It spread all over England, Scotland, and Ireland, but by the spring of that year had almost disappeared. The features of the disease at this time were a sharp and sudden attack of fever, accompanied with headache, pain at the back of the eyes, pains in the limbs, and severe back-ache, with prostra- tion and a general feeling of misery. Catarrhal symptoms were by no means prominent, but in the elderly the disease was frequently complicated by -brorichitis, pneumonia, and heart failure, and convalescence was often prolonged. The pro- nounced back-ache and absence of catarrh at first suggested that the malady might be dengue fever, but it was soon recognised that the epidemic was one of genuine influenza. The disease recurred -in 1891, 1891-92, and 1893-94, and then waned and almost disappeared. The worst period was in January, 1891; in the week ending January 23 the death-rate in London rose to 46 per 1000 living (a month previously it had been 21°9), and 506 deaths from influenza were registered, as well as a very high mortality from bronchitis and pneu- monia. After a period of quiescence lasting for three- and-twenty years, influenza in epidemic form once more made its appearance towards the middle of the present year. In May and June it ravaged Madrid and other parts of Spain, afterwards attack- ing the British and German forces on the Western front, and travelling to this country, Holland, and Scandinavia. London experienced a sharp attack in July, and some 1600 deaths are attri- buted to it. On the whole, however, this outbreak was a mild one, except among the debilitated and the aged. The usual course pursued by the disease was a sudden onset of sharp fever lasting about three days, with headache and muscular pain, but little catarrh, followed by rapid convalescence. By the end of August the epidemic was practically at an end. During the present month another out- break has occurred and is in progress, and this time the disease is assuming a more serious character, and many deaths from pneumonia and bronchitis complicating it have been reported, particularly OcToBER 24, 1918] NATURE 147 among young and presumably strong and healthy adults. South Africa and Tangier are also ex- periencing severe epidemics. While in previous epidemics the general pro- gress of influenza has been westwards from Asiatic and European Russia, the epidemic this year was first reported in Spain and travelled northward. It is to be noted, however, that the war has fundamentally changed the general direction of European traffic—that from East to West being suspended, while the North and South traffic has been greatly augmented. It has to be remem- bered, too, that Chinese and other Eastern coolies have furnished Labour battalions behind the lines on the Western front, and it may be quite likely, therefore, that the disease has been imported from the East in this manner. With regard to the nature of epidemic influenza, it is undoubtedly a fever of a highly infectious or contagious character, and, therefore, caused by some micro-organism. In the epidemic of the ‘nineties Pfeiffer discovered a minute bacillus,, difficult to grow except on certain specially pre- pared culture media, and even then yielding only very delicate growths, and unstained by the Gram method of staining. This is the influenza bacillus which has ever since been regarded as the causa- tive microbe of epidemic influenza. In the epi- demic of this year, however, Spanish, British, and German investigators have failed to find the influ- enza bacillus except in quite a minority of cases. The principal bacteriological findings reported are microbes belonging to the coccus class, either Gram-negative or Gram-positive cocci, and in some of the fatal cases streptococci have been present in the blood. The difference in the bacteriological findings between the ‘ninety and the present epidemics suggests that epidemic influenza, so-called, is not a single disease. We have a parallel to this in the case of typhoid and paratyphoid fevers, which in symptoms closely resemble each other, but which are due to distinct microbial agents. There are also certain differences in the symptoms present in different influenza epidemics which point to the same conclusion. The principal factor influencing the spread of influenza seems to be close aggregation of in- dividuals. It is the crowded office, workshop, barrack, or camp that suffers most from the ravages of influenza. Dilution with plenty of air mitigates the infectious properties, and free ven- tilation is therefore important. In the July out- break favourable reports were given of the value of systematic spraying of the air of offices and workshops with an atomiser spray, using some volatile disinfectant, such as bacterol, in largely preventing the spread of infection. Fatigue and debility are always conducing factors to infection, and the young and the old are generally more prone to contract the disease. Whether any drug has really any power to prevent infection is ques- tionable, but in the ’ninety epidemics there was a general impression that systematic daily doses of quinine were of some use. R. T. HEWLETT. NO. 2556, VOL. 102] THE SALTERS’ INSTITUTE OF INDUS- TRIAL CHEMISTRY. HE Salters’ Company has during many years given evidence of its interest in the promo- tion of scientific education and research by the provision of fellowships tenable by post-graduate workers. It has now taken a further very import- ant step in announcing a scheme for the establish- ment of an institute to be called ‘The Salters’ Institute of Industrial Chemistry.’’ The offices of the institute will be for the present at the Salters’ Hall, and the scheme will be administered. by a director, who will be selected on the ground of qualifications based on a distinguished academic career in chemistry coupled with extensive tech- nical experience. An Advisory Board composed of representatives of the Salters’ Company, the universities, and the Association of British Chemical Manufacturers is also under considera- tion. The Company proposes to establish two types of fellowship, for which post-graduate students of British nationality will be eligible whether graduates of a British university or of a university in the United States or elsewhere. There are to be (1) fellowships to enable post-graduate students to continue their studies at an approved university or other institution under the general supervision of the director of the institute, and (2) industrial fellowships to enable suitably equipped chemists to carry on research for any manufacturer under an agreement entered into jointly by the institute, the manufacturer, and the fellow. It will be observed that the Company does not at present contemplate the erection of any building or the equipment of any laboratory. Its aim is, therefore, somewhat different from that of the founders of such establishments as the Davy- Faraday Laboratory attached to the Royal Insti- tution in London, or the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute opened in 1912 near Berlin. ‘The intention is to add to the number of first-rate chemical techno- logists available for the service of industry in this country, a class of men which at present scarcely exists and is sorely needed. It is hoped to offer such attractions to some of the best students that on completing their university course they will seek to apply their knowledge to manufacture and industry generally, and that employers will recog- nise promptly the necessity for such assistance so that openings for such men with suitable remune- ration will be provided concurrently with the supply.. Hitherto almost the only career available for the honours graduate in chemistry has been in connection with the teaching profession. Prob- ably in future such men will be divided into two classes according to their personal predilections, some going to the works, while others will prefer teaching. In both directions the opportunities provided have been insufficient in number and inadequate in remuneration, so that many cases have occurred in which a man with distinct scientific gifts has been forced by circumstances t 148 NATURE to seek employment in other directions, and science has been consequently the poorer. The fundamental idea which has inspired the Salters’ Company may be illustrated by one or two examples. Suppose a man to have taken his degree with distinction in chemistry, and in physiology as a second subject. Elected to a Salters’ fellowship, he may undertake a research on some subject of a biochemical nature. may be carried on at his own university or at any other possessing a special school for this class of work in England or some other country. In due time arrangements may be made by the director for the fellow to take a course of chemical engi- neering, perhaps in America, and afterwards to obtain technical and industrial experience. In a very short time a man so trained and experienced will be in a position to demand, and will certainly be worth, a very high salary. It would be easy to provide a similar course with the necessary modi- fications adapted to the case of a man whose original bent is m the direction of physical chemistry or pure organic or metallurgical chem- istry. The printed scheme issued by the Salters’ Company gives no information as to the pecuniary value of the proposed fellowships. .In estimating the annual amount which should be assigned to each fellowship, it must be remembered that the holder, while required .to live simply and carefully, must be free from difficulties about books, travel- ling expenses, and laboratory outlay. Probably 30ol. a year under present conditions and for some time to come will not be found too much, though perhaps expenses will depend to some extent on whether the student remains at home.or is required to reside at a foreign university or centre. When operations are to commence at the institute will depend on the discovery of the right man for the office of director, and doubtless he will have a good deal to say about working details. The two classes of fellowship referred to in the scheme have been in principle anticipated. For the former, which provides for post-graduate study without at first direct reference to technical appli- cations, the Ramsay Memorial, which has been before the public for the greater part of the last two years, has adopted essentially the same plan, and is only waiting for funds to carry it into effect. With ‘regard to the institution of industrial fellowships, nothing of the kind has yet been attempted in this country. But the Kennedy Dunean scheme in connection with the Universities of Kansas and Pittsburgh has been in operation for some few years, and is reported to have been satisfactory and successful. Mention of_ these facts, however, is not intended to disparage in any way the wise forethought and liberal inten- tions of the Salters’ Company, which, by the action now contemplated, is rendering a very important service to national interests, both by the example thus set and by the generous application of its funds. One other point may here be mentioned. The scheme under consideration seems to avoid the difficulty which has always been associated with NO. 2556, VOL. 102] c This | [OcToBER 24, 1918 other schemes for the encouragement of post- graduate work—namely, that the career of the student after the first few years was indeterminate, and often ended in disappointment. The scheme, once talked of, for providing valuable fellowships with the object of tempting a few specially en- dowed researchers to devote the rest of their lives to research seems to have been lost sight of, or, after consideration, to have been given up. It is, however, to be hoped that nothing in the plans proposed for associating science with in- dustry will result in discouragement to scientific genius. Researches undertaken with specific objects, especially with a view to improvements in manufacturing processes or to the invention of new ones, and in the investigation of properties of materials and products, will probably not lead to the discovery of new fundamental principles. In the past these have almost always been the fruit of labours undertaken under the stimulus of that kind of curiosity concerning Nature, her laws, purposes, and operations, which is sufficient to satisfy the ambition of a Davy or a Faraday. Whatever Ramsay might have done had he devoted his working life to researches designed to assist industry, the results of his studies concerning the source and properties of the inert gases, them- selves of no use in human affairs, are of greater permanent interest and importance by reason of the new light thrown on the nature of the elements and the constitution of matter. After all, a know- ledge of the materials and powers in which life is immersed, and of which it is a part, is in the long run more useful than the applications which may be made to the purposes of mankind. The student of Nature is concerned only about the means of carrying on his work without anxiety as to the future of himself or his family. His discoveries cannot immediately become the sub- jects of sale or pecuniary reward, and as a rule he does not look for anything of the sort. It will, however, not be forgotten that for the few there are the Nobel prizes. THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE FISHING. INDUSTRY. T is no secret that a most vigorous propaganda for the reconstruction of the entire fabric of fishery control is now being carried on by those engaged in the industry, and that this movement gathers force as the end of the war- appears to come nearer. The English propaganda takes the form of proposals for the unification of fishery control by the creation of a Ministry having LON33i a5 Go. Sagcere. 19) (ONAOFS. 4 P 24 8 45, The hollow in the belt seems to have been certainly visible on Jupiter since Schwabe figured it on Sep- tember 5, 1831, while the red spot appears to have been first seen and drawn by Dawes on November 27, 1857. , The ‘‘ great south tropical disturbance,’ which is a very extensive dusky spot in the same latitude as the red spot, has been visible since February, r1go1. It is now distended over about 185 degrees of longitude from 265° to 90°. Moving at a swifter rate than the red spot, it has had the effect of considerably accelerating the speed of the latter in late years. Tue Rate or STELLAR Evoiution.—On the sup- position that Cepheid variation is due to some kind of pulsation having the period of light variation, Prof. A. S. Eddington has pointed out that the variations of period indicated by theory may. provide a means of estimating the rate of progress of stellar evolution (The Observa- tory, vol. xli., p. 379). The periods of similar globes of fluid pulsating under their own gravitation would be inversely proportional to the square roots of the densities, and the changes of density in a particular star might therefore be deduced from the change of period. Adopting Chandler’s estimate that the period of SCephei (5-366 days) is decreasing 0:05 sec. an- nually, the star would double its density in rather more than three million years, and would take about ten million years to pass from type G to tvpe F. This rate of change is much slower than that derived from the assumption that contraction is the source of the star’s heat. The time-scale would, in fact, be enlarged a thousandfold, and would become more con- sistent with present views as to the age of terrestrial rocks, the development of the earth-moon system, and geological change. Observations of the change of period in Cepheid variables would therefore seem to be of possibly great importance, and it is fortunate that they can usually be determined with great accuracy. OcTOBER 31, 1918) NATURE THE INFLUENCE OF PROGRESSI VE COLD | per sq. in. From. B to E the rate diminishes to 0, and WORK ON PURE COPPER. Tre hardening effect of the various forms of cold work on metals and alloys has long been known and utilised in the arts, and in recent years various theories have been put forward to explam the pheno- mena observed. Few attempts, however, have been made to test whether any quantitative relationship exists between the amount of cold work done upon a metal and the magnitude of the change in its pro- perties. A serious and well-planned attempt to obtain information of this kind has been made by Mr. Alkins, who presented a paper at the September meeting of the Institute of Metals on the change in the tensile strength of copper-wire as it is progres- sively hardened by cold-drawing in the ordinary way. Copper was chosen as the experimental material for the following reasons :— (1) The wire used in the arts is of a high degree of purity, and seldom contains 1 part of impurity in 1000. (2) It shows the hardening by plastic deformation very strikingly, inasmuch as its tensile strength may be doubled by cold-drawing without any indication that it is actually overdrawn. (3) It has hitherto been accepted as a metal which does not possess any allotropic transformation between its freezing-point and o° C. [Prof. Cohen, however, holds that there is evidence of an allotropic trans- formation at 71° C.] In Mr. Alkins’s experiments a billet of copper was cast and hot-rolled to a mean diameter of 0-553 in. in the ordinary way. The rolled billet was then an- nealed for four hours at about 600° C. in order to remove stresses completely, and was allowed to. cool. After “pickling” in sulphuric acid to remove the seale it was cold-drawn by light drafts (twenty-five in all) down to o-04 in. without any further annealing. From the billet after ‘‘ pickling,” and from the wire after each draft, a few feet were scrapped from the end, and three 2-ft. lengths cut for testing. The tensile strength of the wires was determined on a 5-ton Buckton machine. Five determinations were made on each sample of wire, and the readings were found to be concordant within 1 per cent. The mean of the five was taken as the actual breaking load. The results of the tests are shown in the accompanying graph, in which the co-ordinates are tensile strength in tons per sq. in. and sectional area in sq. in. It will. be seen that the tensile strength is raised progressively from 15-49 tons in the original billet to 30-80 tons in the wire of the smallest sectional area. It will also be seen that the curve showing the variation of tenacity with sectional area consists of two rectilinear portions AB, CD, connected by a smooth curve BEC with a point of inflection at E. Mr. Alkins’s analysis of the curve is as follows :— The portion AB corresponds with the equation T=31-6—67 A, where T=tensile Strength in tons per sq. in., and A=cross-sectional area in sq. in. The curved por- tion BEC agrees closely with the expression T=23-2— YA—o-107, and the upper rectilinear branch CD corresponds with the eauation T=30-83—82-66 A. According to these equations, then, from A to B the tensile strength increases at the ae of 67 tons per sq. in. for a reduction in area of 1 sq. in., while from C to D the rate of increase is 82-66 fone per sq. in. NO. 2557, VOL. 102] '0:10927 tO 0:095507 sq. 175 increases again from E to C. This curve shows no discontinuity, and at no stage is there a simultaneous diminution in sectional area and in the tensile strength. There is, however, one stage in the drawing at which a reduction of area et almost to per cent, (from M:)jpis unaccompanied by any change in the tensile Strength, This corresponds with the Par E, where the tenacity equals about 23-2 tons per sq. It appears, then, that Oa this particular range a enicdan in area by cold work is not accom- panied by any change in ‘the tensile strensth. Of this phenomenon the amorphous phase theory of plastic deformation does not appear to offer any ex- planation. Assuming, as Mr. Alkins does in the absence of quantitative data, that the amount of cold work actually performed on a metal during drawing is measured by the decrease in cross-sectional area, h is forced to the conclusion that two distinct changes occur in the hard drawing of copper, one of them along the branch AE and the other along the branch fensile Strength in Tons per Square Inch. ~ © ~ & PSL, | Z 0 02 04 06 08 -1O /2 -/4 16 18 20 22.24 26 -Sectiona) Area in Square Inchee. ED. He states that he investigated several other physical properties of the metal as it was drawn down—for instance, density, elongation (both general and at fracture), and s scleroscope hardness—and that all these were found to change in a similar way to the tensile strength. A full account of this and of further work is promised. Meantime, as a tentative explanation of the results recorded, he suggests that when copper is subjected to cold work by drawing through dies, the first change which occurs is allo- tropic in nature, and, after this is complete, a second change sets in which may be either allotropic explicable on the lines of the amorphous theory. Another set of experiments is quoted, in which w were drawn down from the billet by heavy instead of light drafting, the reduction in area being accom- plished in thirteen operations, as against twenty-five in the previous set. Here also the results yield a curve of the same type. It was found that over the range AE the values were identical with those ob- tained in the previous set of experiments, which res 176 appears to show that the transformation occurring after. this range is constant is independent of the manner in which the cold worl is applied. Beyond E, how- ever, the new curve does not coincide with ED, but rises more steeply, the tensile strength corresponding with the o-o4o0 in. diameter wire, being nearly 33 tons persq.in. Itwould appear, then, that the change taking place along ED is different in type from that occurring along AE. It is stated that wires of such a diameter that they fall within the range AE are stable at the ordinary temperatures. At any rate, they do not change in a year’s time. On the other hand, wires corresponding with the points on the branch ED are unstable at atmospheric temperatures, their tensile strength being gradually diminished. - Finally, Mr. Alkins records that, if fully annealed wire of any diameter is taken and drawn down, a stage is always reached, when its area has been reduced about 50 per cent., where, over a limited range, further drawing causes no corresponding alteration in the properties. He finds that the physical properties corresponding with this constant range are always the same—e.g. den- sity =8-889, tensile strength=23-2 tons per sq. in., and so on. He concludes, therefore, that the point E corresponds with a definite physical state of the metal. The facts thus brought forward by Mr. Allsins are of definite practical importance and distinct scientific interest. Considering the importance of the point E, it would have strengthened his case if he could have shown rather more observations in its immediate neighbourhood. This, of course, would have involved the preparation of a new set of rolls, by which very slight differences in area could be effected. Such work cannot, of course, be undertaken under war condi- tions. Further, he would have been well advised to determine the percentage of copper-cuprous oxide eutectic in his wire, which he did not do. This omis- sion can, of course, be remedied, and until it is, and the influence of oxide specifically determined, no one can say how far his results are due to copper itself. If and when these omissions can be remedied, Mr. Alkins will improve a paper which already does him very great credit. H. C. H. Carpenter. e THE RAT PEST. EFERRING to Prof. P. Chavigny’s report on»rats in the trenches (NATURE, September 19, p. 53), Mr. C. B. Moffat, Enniscorthy, points out that the descendants of a-pair of rats must in three years far exceed the twenty millions stated. At the end of the first year there should be 50 offspring, 500 grand off- spring, 1000 great-grand offspring, 1250 great-great- grand offspring—28oo in all. Half of this number, sup- posing females equal males, multiplied by 2800, gives 3,920,000 at the end of the second year. At the end of the third year the number should be far more than five thousand millions. It has to be borne in mind, however, that female rats probably reach their limit or menopause long before three years. The most secure data known to us are those of Helen Dean King (Anat. Record, vol. xi., 1916, pp. 269-87) on 76 females derived from a cross between the wild Norway rat and the domesticated white rat. The average number in a litter was 6-7 (Prof. Chavigny speaks of 10); the average total number of litters fora female was 7-7; there is a sharp decline in fertility after the female is a vear old, and the menopause The sex ratio for 3955 females. We do reached the figure appears at eighteen months. individuals was 106-1 males to 10% not know how Prof. Chavigny twenty millions, but. as Mr. Moffat recognises, there are various biological considerations which make the ymputation not so simple as it seems at first. NO. 2557, VOL. 102] NATURE [OcToBER 31, 1918 _ Without doubt the most thorough and informa- tive summary of the menace which faces us from the hordes of rats and mice in our midst has just been issued by the Trustees of the British Museum (Natural History), forming No. 8 of the Economic Series issued by that institution. The author, Mr. M. A. C. Hinton, one of the @reatest living authorities on this subject, has marshalled his facts with extraordinary skill; so much so that he has contrived, within the space of some sixty pages, to pass in review, not only the life- history of these pests in a state of nature, their relation to public health, and their amazing destruc- tiveness in the matter of our food supplies, but also the various preventive measures which afford us means of relief. On this head he has much to say in con- demnation of the destruction of so-called ‘‘ vermin,” which, until now, has been so persistently and stupidly followed. Finally, he adds a most valuable chapter on the classification of the Muridze, and a table show- ing the assumed rate of increase in the annual erat population, which, even while postulating a mortality which is purposely exaggerated, shows clearly enough that none but the most determined efforts can hope to lessen the seriousness of the situation, which has come about owing to the withdrawal of all labour hitherto devoted to the destruction of rats, either by the needs of the Army or by the allurement of the high wages paid for other kinds of work more or less directly arising out of the war. 'A number of well- chosen and beautifully executed illustrations, showing , the dental and cranial characters by which our native ' species of Muridze may be distinguished, add_ still further to the value of these pages. But the figures of the black and common rat and of the hduse-mouse, to say the least, leave much to be desired. This pamphlet should be carefully studied, not only by the agriculturist, the merchant, and those responsible for the preparation of food in restaurants, but also by the housekeeper; for it is only by the concerted efforts of us all that we can hope for success in this cam- paign, which is now to be commenced against a condition of affairs which is fraught with real peril. THE RALEIGH TERCENTENARY. HE tercentenary of Sir Walter Raleigh’s death was celebrated on Sunday, October 27, by a special service at St. Margaret’s Church, Westminster. The service was arranged by the Tercentenary Com- mittee, of which the King is patron, Mr. Balfour one of the honorary presidents, and Prof. Gollancz hon. secretary. Two wreaths in memory of Sir Walter Raleigh were laid before the service at the foot of the Communion-table, where the body is said to have been buried. One was from the Tercen- tenary Committee; the other, of laurels, was from the Royal Geographical Society, and was inscribed: *“*To the memory of Sir Walter Raleigh on the tercentenary of his-death.””. It was borne by Sir Thomas Holdich, K.C.M.G., and Mr. Arthur R. Hinks, secretary of the society. The address was delivered by the rector of St. Margaret’s, Canon Carnegie.. Memorial ser- vices were also held at the Temple Church and at Woolwich Parish Church. The work of Raleigh in exploration and colonisation was also commemorated elsewhere. At the Mansion House meeting Sir Charles Wakefield (hon. treasurer of’ the Tercentenary Com- mittee) offered for the acceptance of the Lieutenant of the Tower a copy of Raleigh’s ‘“‘ History of the World,” which he hoped would find a place in the room | Where the history was written. He offered to the | British Academy as the nucleus of a Raleigh Fund for History the sum of 5ool. a vear for at least the next | on Tuesday by meetings at the Mansion House and: OcToBER 31, 1918} five years, in the hope. that it might not only advance historical learning among our fellow-citizens, but also help forward intellectual co-operation between Ameri- ean and British scholars. He would only stipulate that at least one public lecture be delivered annually, ‘to be named after Raleigh. At the Devon celebration of the tercentenary held at Exeter, Lord Fortescue, president of the organising committee, announced that he had received from Mr. Walter Peacock, Secretary to the Duchy of Cornwall, a letter to the effect that he was sure the proposal to celebrate the tercentenary would commend itself to the Prince of Wales and his Council, and suggesting that the proposed new University of the South-West should be styled the Raleigh University as a monu- ment worthy of the man. Resolutions were carried that funds should be invited to this end, and a widely representative committee was appointed to co-operate with the existing committee for the furtherance of university education in the South-West. Born of Devon parentage about the. year 1552, Raleigh was the half-brother of Sir Humphrey Gilbert, another famous adventurer. In early life he served as a soldier in Ireland, but soon conceived plans for form- ing settlements in America, animated largely by hos- tility towards the Spaniards. An expedition: sent) by Raleigh to Newfoundland in 1583 resulted in the death of Sir Humphrey Gilbert. Raleigh then received from Queen Elizabeth the patent granted five years before to Gilbert to take possession ‘‘of any remote bar- barous and heathen Jands not possessed by any Chris- tian prince or people.’ Quick to take advantage of his opportunity, he sent an expedition to America the same year. This expedition made a landfall in Florida and followed the coast northward to Pamlico Sound in North Carolina. A large tract of country which he did not reach Raleigh named Virginia in honour of Queen Elizabeth. In 1585 colonists were sent to Roanoke Island, but they soon had difficulties . with the Indians, and the settlement proved a failure. Later attempts, in 1586 and 1587, met with no better success, and in 1589 Raleigh sold his rights in Vir- ginia. Raleigh’s next voyage of exploration was to South America in 1595, where, fired by stories of El Dorado, he hoped to find gold-mines. His ‘‘ Discoverie of Guiana” gave an account of this expedition. Sol- diering occupied Raleigh for some years, and, though high in Court favour, he was disliked in England for his arrogance and reputed greed. Soon after the acces- sion of James I. he was accused of conspiracy and sent to the Tower. Many years later he was liberated in order to make a voyage to Guiana on the promise that the discovery of gold would obtain his freedom. The expeditian achieved little, and Raleigh returned home and was beheaded in 1618. Gain and the hope of plunder were largely Raleigh’s motives in his colonising enterprises, for he was in reality a pirate adventurer, but his work was of great importance in preparing the way for others and in helping to lay the foundations of Britain bevond the seas. In connection with the tercentenary. celebrations it is natural that some allusion should be made to the services Raleigh is commonly believed to have rendered to his country by introducing the potato. In the aggregate the literature of this plant would form a long series of volumes, and that dealing with its intro- duction into Europe and the British Isles is so copious that only the patient and leisured would care to study it thoroughly. This copiousness arises, no doubt, from the fact that, in spite of the reiterated statement that Raleigh brought the potato from Virginia, there is ample ground for controversy, and controversy there has been, leaving us very much shaken in our faith in the generally accepted account of its introduction NO. 2557, VOL. 102] NATURE 177 by him. The appearance of the potato in the British Isles is supposed to date from 1586, and the tercen- tenary of its introduction was celebrated in 1886. But the first evidence we possess to show that the tuber was in cultivation in this country is that afforded’ by the catalogue of the plants in Gerard’s garden in Holborn, published in 1596. Gerard, in his ‘* Herball”’ of 1597, describes and figures it under the names of “Batatas Virginiana sive Virginianorum & Pap- pus, Potatoes of Virginia,” and tells us that ‘it groweth naturally in America, where it was first dis- covered, as reporteth C. Clusius, since which time I have received rootes hereof from Virginia.”’ We learn from Clusius that the.potato was culti- vated in Italy in or about the year 1585, having probably been obtained from some Spanish source. It was taken to Belgium in 1586, and some tubers came into the hands of Philippe de Sivry, the prefect of Mons, who cultivated them, and sent, early in 1588, two tubers to Clusius at Vienna. It is thought that Gerard did not obtain the potato from Clusius, but, if the former may be trusted, it was obtained direct by him from Virginia. Gerard, however, is known to have handled the truth at least carelessly, and if he did’: not deliberately make a misstatement with regard to the origin of the plant, he was indifferent about it, and possibly wilfully suppressed information that would have elucidated the point. Introducers of plants of commercial value in later days have not always been. quite candid as to their source. Gerard was probably proud of his possession of the potato, for his portrait, published in the ‘‘ Herball,’ represents him as holding a flowering branch of the plant in his hand, and, for some reason obscure to us, may not have been disposed to divulge its origin. The late Sir James Murray, with his usual thoroughness, in- vestigated the question of the introduction of the potato in connection with his article on the word in the New Oxford Dictionary. He says that Gerard ‘‘ was in error in his statement that he obtained it from Vir- ginia. Im 1693 its introduction into Ireland was attri- buted to Sir Walter Raleigh after his return from Virginia (where he never was); but no contemporary statement associating Raleigh’s name with the potato has been found.” It appears probable that the potato first reached this country as a result of one of Drake’s expeditions to the New World, and it may have been brought on the vessel which, in 1586, conveyed to Plymouth the sur- vivors of the ill-fated British colony in Virginia, and: in the course of the voyage was probably taken with other booty from some Spanish ship. Drake as the introducer of the potato is so far accepted that a. monument to him in commemoration of this was erected at Offenburg, in Germany, in 1854. It is extremely doubtful whether Raleigh had really any direct part in the introduction of the plant, but, according to Dr. Brushfield’s painstaking researches, published in the Transactions of the Devonshire Asso- ‘ciation for the Advancement of Science (vol. xxx., pp- 158-97, 1898), it would appear that he was instru- mental in extending its cultivation in this ,country and in popularising the tuber as a valuable food. He even says: “That Ralegh was the direct cause of the potato being brought to this land of ours can now scarcely be gainsaid; and to him must certainly be attributed the honour of promoting its cultivation in Ireland. from whence it was subsequently transmitted to England.” ° An interesting and able article on the subject, written by Dr. B. Daydon Jackson, appeared in the Gardeners” Chronicle in 1900 (vol. xxvii., pp. 161-62 and 178-80). It is certainly as a populariser of the practice of smoking, and not as the introducer of the plant, that [Ocroper 31,1978) / , 178 | NATURE Raleigh should be remembered with reference to tobacco, Its introduction was accomplished by Sir john Hawkins in 1565, and Raleigh early acquired the habit of smoking, which he succeeded in intro- ducing to Court circles. Dr. Brushfield writes: “There can be no hesitation in affirming that Ralegh not only introduced it [tobacco] into general use in this country, but... was the first that brought it into fashion.” A BRITISH INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL ART. T the Royal Society of Arts on October 28 the Right Hon. H. A. L. Fisher, President of the Board of Education, presided over a meeting called to consider a scheme for the promotion of a British Institute of Industrial Art. Mr. Fisher, in his intro- ductory address, referred to the past history of indus- trial art in Great Britain, remarking that people in this country are apt to depreciate the national ability in artistic directions. What is needed is a centre to promote a closer relation between art and industry, ‘and this the proposed scheme, which will involve the co-operation of the Board of Trade, the Board of Education, and the Royal Society of Arts, aims at providing. The chief feature of the scheme is a permanent exhibition to be held at the Victoria and Albert Museum, where representative works illus- trating a high standard of British artistic craftsman- ship will be shown. The exhibition should in time become self-supporting, and the nation would purchase annually a selected number of exhibits to form a per- manent nucleus. The scheme also provides for a central fund to enable grants to be awarded for re- search and experimental work, institute scholar- ships, and initiate propaganda. Co-operation with the British School of Rome, with the view of enabling students to study Roman art, was proposed. Lord Leverhulme, who opened the discussion, em- phasised the importance of a shorter working day, combined with the more efficient use of machinery, in order to provide more leisure for study and artistic effort. Sir William McCormick remarked that the movement would be on parallel lines to the work of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, and mentioned several instances of processes—for example, the manufacture of fine porcelain—where scientific investigation and artistic effort could work in combination. Mr. Gordon Selfridge urged that a steady educational effort was needed before the public would sufficiently appreciate beautiful things to justify manufacturers in producing them. For the time being the scheme is to be administered by a representative executive committee, and it is hoped that ultimately sub-committees will be’ established to deal with the needs of individual industries requiring artistic talent. CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY ADT THE IMPERIAL COLLEGE. N order to meet what seem to be the requirements of the post-war situation on a scale commensurate with Imperial needs, it is proposed to organise the future Department of Chemical Technology of the Imperial College of Science and Technology, South Kensington, so as to include the following four prin- cipal sections, namely : 1.—Fuel Technology and Chemistry Refractory Materials. (a) General fuel technology, and the constitution of peats, lignites, and coals; (b) the carbonisation of NO. 2557, WOL. 102 | of Gases, with coal and wood distillation; (c) the chemistry of coal- tar, ammonia, and the manufacture of intermediate products from coal-tar; (d) the chemistry of gases and technical gas catalysis, with special reference to the new developments in the manufacture of ammonia, nitric acid, sulphuric anhydride, etc., resulting from the war; (e) refractory materials, clays, earths, and sands, used in furnace construction and the manufac- ture of ceramics, glass, and cements; and (f) technical analysis connected with the foregoing. The arrangements contemplated under (e) would in- clude some provision for investigating the materials used in the manufacture of optical glass, which it is hoped will be a useful adjunct to the new Department of Technical Optics; those under (b) meet the need, already felt in many quarters, of an adequate pro- vision being made in this country for the scientific study of wood distillation, etc., in the interests of India and the Empire generally; and those under (a) will provide for an extension of the important inves- tigations on lignites which have already been in- stituted in the Department during the war in the interests of the Dominions. II.—Chemical Engineering. Advanced study and investigations upon (a) the materials and principles involved in the design, con- struction, and use of plant for such general factory operations as the transportation of solids, liquids, and gases; filtration, desiccation, extraction, distillation, evaporation, crystallisation, etc.; condensing plant; the cooling, cleaning, and scrubbing of gases; the refining of solids, the concentration of acids; auto- claves and pressure plant, etc.; (b) the design and construction of foundations, flues, chimneys, etc. ; and (c) factory economics and organisation. The under- lying idea of this section of the Department’s work is that students shall be trained in the working out of designs of commercial plant from their own notes and experimental work, including the drawing up of plans and specifications, and the organisation of fac- tories in which the above-mentioned operations are carried out. III.—Electro-Chemistry. This section is to be developed so as to include broadly the principal applications of electricity in chemical industry, and especially to the many processes which are dependent upon! the electrolytic or ionising actions of currents. These include, inter alia, the manufacture of caustic alkalis, chlorine, hypochlorites, etc.; ‘‘peroxidised” products such as persulphates, perchlorites, permanganates, etc.; also white lead, and such metals as sodium, magnesium, aluminium, calcium, etc. Also many organic substances are nowadays made by electrolytic ‘‘reduction” or “oxidation ’? processes. The value to this country of such processes has been emphasised by the experience of the war, and it is more than ever important for the well-being of our chemical industries that no time should be lost in developing at this college a sub-department in chemical technology for the special study of them. IV.—Technology of Carbohydrates, Fats, Oils, and , Rubber. The selection of ‘the subjects to be included under this section has been largely influenced by two con- siderations, namely :-— First, the already large provision (a) in Manchester, Leeds, and Huddersfield for advanced study and re- search upon dyes and tinctorial chemistry, as applied to the great textile industries of the country; (b) in Leeds and in London in connection with the leather OcToBER 31, 1918) industries; and (c) in Birmingham in respect of the fermentation industries; and, secondly, the lack of any really adequate provision in this country for the needs of equally important branches of industry which depend upon the extraction and refining of certain well-defined groups of natural (and chiefly vegetable) raw materials. The technology of the following groups of natural products has been selected because of their increasing economic importance, and of their close relationships with the work already developed in the botany depart- ment. It can scarcely be doubted that the study and investigation of their chemical properties, treatment, and uses in the Department of Chemical Technology will constitute an important link, not only with the work of the botany department, but also with the economic development of the vegetable resources of the Empire, on which grounds their adoption by the college may be urged as specially appropriate. The products in question are as follows :—(i) Celluloses, sugars, starches, gums, dextrins, and_ resins; (ii) animal and vegetable oils and fats, and_ the manufacture of glycerine, soap, and food products (e.g. margarine) therefrom; and (iii) rubber and similar materials. Industrial Connection. In the development of the foregoing scheme as a whole, emphasis is to be laid upon the importance of everything possible being done, both now and in the future, by way of establishing and extending con- ne¢tion between the various sections of the Depart- ment and the industries which they are severally designed to serve. The Department will also keep in close touch with the various organised efforts that are now being made to solve general industrial and economic problems by co-operative investigation and research. © The additional financial requirements for the im. portant developments outlined above are estimated -at too,oool. for buildings and equipment, and not less than to,o00ol. a year for maintenance and working expenses. UNIVERSITY AND EDUCATIONAL INTELLIGENCE. Lonpon.—The following doctorate has been con- ferred by the Senate :—D.Sc. (Engineering): Mr. Miles Walker, an external student, for a_ thesis entitled “Supply of Single-phase Power from Three- phase Systems.” Teacuers have hitherto exercised but little influence on the public educational systems of this country. But if the public authorities that control this educa- tion are to exercise their growing power to the best advantage, they can scarcely do so without the in- creasing help of the teaching profession. The Teachers’ Registration Council—‘ representative of the teaching profession ’’—was established in 1912. During its short life it has rendered valuable service to English education by preparing a register of teachers and by providing a teachers’ parliament. But if the teaching profession is to take an effective part in directing a new national system of education, it can best do so by co-operating with the existing authorities on the lines indicated by the Whitley report. The initiative will probably have to come from the teachers. The Teachers’ Registration Council can provide their side of the ‘Joint Indus- trial Council,” but provincial councils of teachers are needed to provide their side of the “district councils.” Accordingly a new step has been taken by the forma- tion, at a meeting held in Manchester on October 26, NO. 2557, VOL. 102] NATURE AS] of the first provincial council, representative of the teaching profession in Lancashire and Cheshire. The council consists of two representatives of each of the Universities—Manchester and Liverpool—and of the teachers’ associations in these counties. It is antici- pated that other provincial councils will quickly be set up elsewhere. Their establishment throughout the length and breadth of England will not only enable the teachers to exercise a profoundly beneficial influence upon the organisation of local education, but also be the means of securing a greater measure of life and liberty for the teaching profession. SOCIETIES AND ACADEMIES. LONDON. Optical Society, October 10.—Prof. Cheshire, presi- dent, in the chair.—T. Y. Baker: Sources and magni- tude of centring errors in a sextant. A centring erro ! in a sextant is ordinarily due to the sextant being placed eccentrically on the dividing engine. In order to comply with the National Physical Laboratory’s “A” class certificate, it is necessary that this eccen- tricity should not be such as to produce errors in the reading exceeding 4o seconds. This condition is satisfied provided the scale-centre lies within a certain ellipse the centre of which is the mechanical centre of the instrument,, and the axes of which lie one along and the other at right angles to the line of the middle reading. The semi-axes of this ellipse for a 7-in. sex- tant reading up to 120 are 5:2 mils and o-7 mil respectively, but the former figure needs reduction to about 3 mils in order to allow of the vernier not reading “long” at the two ends of the scale. The customary practice of sextant-makers has been to re- adjust the position of the mechanical centre after the instrument has had the scale engraved. The work- shop method of testing whether such readjustment is necessary is customarily the method of trying the length of the vernier against the scale at different points along the arc. The author showed that this method is not a sufficiently delicate test for the pur- pose of complying with the ‘‘A”’ certificate. An alter- native method was described, in which the .correct- ness or otherwise of the centre is determined by the tracing of a mark engraved upon the vernier against a circular are cut from the same centre and at the same time as the marking of the scale. This method is being adopted by the Admiralty, and is already embodied in their specification for cadets’ sextants.— T. Chaundy: Astigmatism: interchangeability of stop and object. For an object at O and a stop at S on the axis of an optical instrument, the astigmatism (7.e. astigmatic separation divided by the square of the height of the object) is to least order ; p(1—FO.FS/f?)/p’.SO, together with a quantity symmetrical in O and S. The planes of stop and object may thus be inter- | changed without change in value of the astigmatism if FO.FS=f2. In this case, .with like end-media, F’, S’, O’ (the images of F, S, O in the instrument) are symmetrically placed with respect to F, O, S. In particular, an object at one focus and a stop at the other are interchangeable. The astigmatism in this case is unaltered by reversal of the instrument; its consequent convenience in calculation is pointed out. In particular, all the primary aberrations may be deter- mined by differentiation of its expression in terms of the powers and separations of the system. Royal Microscopical Society, October 16.—]. E. Barnard: A new illuminant for, microscopical work. Note on the reports of the Medical Research Com- mittee on the standardisation of pathological methods. 180 NATURE (OcroBeR 31, 1918 SYDNEY. Royal Society of New South Wales, August 7.—Mr. | \W. S. Dun, president, in the chair.—R. T. Baker: The technology and anatomy of some ‘silky oak” timbers. This. Paper covers an investigation into the technology and anatomy of five species of timber- vielding trees belonging to the natural order Protaeceae, and all vernacularly known as members of the “ silley oak” family. Two belong to the same genus, viz. Grevillea robusta and G. hilliana, the others being Orites excelsa, Cardwelli sublimis, and Embothrium wickhami. Their economic applications are enumerated, and the suitability of some of them for flving machines adds a new timber to those valuable arms of the Empire—the Navy and Army. Breaking strains, specific gravities, and weights of each are given._R. H. Cambage; Vertical growth of trees. From tests made for several. years on very young trees it appears that after the branches are thrown out the trunk does not increase in length to any appreciable extent below such branches, but the pro- longation comes from the terminal shoot or growing point at the summit. Nails which were driven into very young acacias, cinnamomums, and eucalypts at 4 ft. and 5 ft. from the base were not carried upwards during several years or while the little tree-stems grew to double their length. BOOKS RECEIVED. The Physical Society of London. Report on the Relativity Theory of Gravitation. By Prof. A. S. Eddington. Pp. vii+or. (London: The Fleetway Press, Ltd.) 6s. net 4 Jungle Peace. By W. Beebe. Pp. 297. (New York: H. Holt and Co.) i; ; What is War? and Two Other Essays. 7H. 'B. Cowen. Pp. 38. (London: The Cursitor Publishing Co.) od. Psychological _ Principles. By Prof. J. Ward. Pp. xiv+47: 27s. net. On the Nature of Things. 248. (Bristol : net. The Life and Letters of Joseph Black, M. D. By Sir W. Ramsay. ‘With an introduction dealing with (Cambridge: At the University Press.) By H. Woods. Pp. v+ John Wright and Sons, Ltd. ) tos. 6d. the life and work of Sir William Ramsay by Prof. F. G. Donnan. Pp. xix+148. (London: Constable and Co., Ltd.) 6s. 6d. net. The Ontario High School Laboratory Chemistry. By ‘Prof. G. A. Cornish, Manual in assisted by A. Smith. Pp. vii+135. (Toronto: The Macmillian Co. of Canada, Ltd.) 25 cents. The Ontario High School Chemistry. By Prof. G. A. Cornish, assisted by A. Smith. Pp. vii+297. (Toronto: The Macmillan €o. of Canada, Ltd.) 50 cents. Far Away and Long Ago. By W. H. Hudson. Pp. xii+332. (London: J. M. Dent and Sons, Ltd.) 15s. net. Interpolation Tables or Multiplication Tables of Decimal Fractions. By Dr. H. B. Hedrick. Pp. ix4 139. (Washington: The Carnegie Institution of Washington.) Dictionary and Gramn i ir of the Language of Sa‘a and Ulawa, Solomon Islands, with Apvendices. By W. G. Ivens. (Pp. ar 249+ 11 plates. (Washing- ton: The Carnegie Institution of Washington.) Papers from the Department of Marine Biology of the Carnegie Institution. of Washington. Vol. ix. Pp. 362+ 105 plates. (Washington: The Carnegie Institution of Washington.) NO. 2557,eVOb., 102] DIARY OF SOCIETIES. MONDAY, November 4. ARISTOTELIAN Socrery, at 8.—Dr, G. E. Moore: Presidential Address, Some Judgments of Perception. Socrery oF ENGINEERS, at 5.30.—Sir Richard Cooper, Bart. : to Post-war Trade. TUESDAY, Biotesess Ut} Mineratocicat Society, at 5-30. Anniversary Meeting.—Dr. G. F. Herbert Smith and Dr. G. ‘P. Prior: A Plagionite-like Mineral from Dumfriesshire. —Lt. Arthur age The Chromite Deposits in the Island of Unst, Shetlands.—Dr. T. Prior: The Nickeliferous Iron of the Meteorites of Bluff, Sheviete pay Chateau Renard, Cynthiana, Dhurm- sala, Eli Elwah, Gnadenfrei, Kahowa, Lundsgird, New Concord, Shel- burne, and Shytal. RGNTGEN Sociery, at §.15.—Dr. G. B. Batten : Presidential Address. InstiruTION oF Civit. ENGINEERS, at 5.30.—Sir John A. F. Aspinall: Inaugural Address, and Presentation of the Medals recently Awarded by the Council. ZOOLOGICAL SOcreTy, at 5.30.—Prof. H. M. Lefroy: The Sydney Zoo- logical Gardens.—Dr. R. T. Leiper: (1) Diagnosis of Helminth In- “fections from the Character of the Eggs in the Feces; (2), Demonstration of the ‘‘ New" Rabbit Disease.—J. F. Gemmuill; Ciliary Action in the Internal Cavities of the Ctenophore, Pleurodrachia pileus, Fabr. WEDNESDAY, Novemnrr 6. Socrety or Pustic ANALYsrTs, at 5.—H. Droop Richmon« : Obstacles Note on the Graduation of Gerber Butyrometers.—B. G. McLellan and A. W. Knapp: The Estimation of Cacao Shell. Gro.ocicat Society, at 5.30-—Major Sir Douglas Mawson introduces Discussion on the Antarctic Ice-sheet and its Borders. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOcIETY, at 8. THURSDAY, Novemser 7- Roya. Society, at 4. En —Probable Papers: Prof. G. E. Hale: The Nature of Sun-spots.—E. O. Hercus and T. H. Laby: The Thermal Conductivity of Air. Oe Chinmayanandam : Haidinger’s Rings in Mica. CHEMICAL Society, at *8. INSTITUTION OF ELECTRICAL eae at 6:—Tenth Kelvin Lecture— L. B. Atkinson: The Dynamical Theory of Electric Engines, FRIDAY, NovemsBer 8. Roya ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY, at 5. MALACOLOGICAL SociETY, at 7.—The Rev. Dr. A. H. Cooke: The Radula of Thais, Drupa, Concholepas, Cronia, Rapana, and the Allied Genera.— W. T. Webster: Notes on the Life-history of Planordis corneas and other Freshwater Mollusca. 4 CONTENTS. PAGE A History of Chemistry. By W. A. T. PoeAr ea: ee Electrical) Books fonStudents: oo rc. = ceria ee Electro-physiology. Bee 1D PRT Ie coer eee ache) Our Bookshelf .. . MrT eet uc, 5) Letters to the Editor:— .The Perception of Sound.—Prof. A, Keith, F.R.S. ‘164 Epidemic Influenza.—Chas. Harding . 242) TMS, Supplies of Amoeba proteus for Laboratories. —Prof. . Graham Kerr, F.R.S. . ._. A Ee. pate LOG Alcohol i in Industry. . . Sate ts ee ee aL Epidemic Catarrhs and Feifliienza’ fil. ues | RE 167 Dyestuffs and the Textile Industry . 168 The Right Hon. Sir Edward Fry, G.C. Eh F.R. 's. 169 Sir W. H. Thompson, K.B.E. ... se so enego Motes = cB Lo 8 NYS Sea Our Astronomical Column :— The Planet Jupiter 3 S\iel se Vane ene: The Rate of Stellar Evolution. 174 The Influence of Progressive Cold Work ‘on Pure Copper. (Mith Diagram.) By Prof. H. C. H. Carpenter, F.R.S. . . Sy cai?) eke 175 Mhe.Rat.Pestia eee tenes a ss ae The Raleigh Tercentenary ale */anSit otal eee A British Institute of Industrial Art 3 « - 178 Chemical Technology at the Imperial College . Peay University and Educational Intelligence . Pee ey) Societies and ‘Academres: > .\)) 2. ae Baw g) Books Received : iis se | 1) Cee me? +2) Diary: of :Societieeh Game. tle eee ee 180 “Editorial and Publishing Offices : MACMILLAN AND CoO., Etp., ST. MARTIN’S STREET, LONDON, W.C.z2. Advertisements and business letters to be addressed to the Publishers. Editorial Communications to the Editor. Telegraphic Address : Telephone Number Puusis, Lonpon. GERRARD 8830. A WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF SCIENCE. “To the solid ground Of Nature trusts the mind which builds for aye.-—WoRDSWORTH. No. 2558, VOL. 102] OPTICAL LANTERNS for ' Educational, Welfare, Scientific, and other WORK of NATIONAL IMPORTANCE NEWTON & CO., Makers of Optical Projection Apparatus of every description (ESTABLISHED OVER 200 YE ARS), 72 WIGMORE STREET, LONDON, W.1. DUROGLASS L®: 14 GROSS STREET, HATTON GARDEN, E.C. Manufacturers of Borosilicate Resistance Glassware. Beakers. Flasks, Ete. Soft Soda Tubing for Lamp Work. General Chemical and Scientific Glassware. Special Glass Apparatus Made to Order. DUROCLASS WORKS, WALTHAMSTOW. AGENTS: BAIRD & TATLOCK (LONDON) LTD. 14 CROSS ST., HATTON GARDEN, E.C. 1. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7. Registered as a Newspaper at the General Post Office] aa [Price NINEPENCE. [All Rights Reserved. 1918 BASINS, BEAKERS, BOATS, CAPSULES, CONDENSERS, CRUCIBLES, FLASKS, RETORTS, TRIANGLES, specialise in the manu- facture of apparatus to cus- tomers’ own designs. List and sample free on application to THE SILICA SYNDICATE, Ltd., 28 VICTORIA STREET, WESTMINSTER, S.W.1 Telephone: Holborn 6380. *.* Note New Address. ACCURATE RELIABLE THERMOMETERS. Send a note of your requirements to any of our addresses, and we will offer you the best types we have in stock. NEGRETTI & ZAMBRA, 38 HOLBORN VIADUCT, E.C. 1 s LEADENHALL ST. J QNDON. '” REGENT ST. S@- Our City Branch is at 5 Leadenhall Street, EC. 3 lxxiv NOTICE. In consequence of the greatly increased cost of production it has been found necessary to raise the price of NATURE to 9d. The Subscription rates are now as follow:— For residents in the British Isles, Yearly ee Fe aes a. 22°20 Half-yearly oe x0 Rye es wD Quarterly... ..—... * 11 3 For residents Abroad, Yearly... 504 obs 4 2 WOLD) Half-yearly ¥ ore Sa Sores Quarterly... ee ae as 12 0 ST. MARTIN’S STREET, LONDON, W.C. 2. INSTITUTE OF CHEMISTRY OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND. FOUNDED 1877. INCORPORATED BY Roya CHARTER, 1885. QUALIFICATIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL CHEMISTS. The Institute of Chemistry was founded in October, 1877, and incor- porated by Royal Charter in June, 1885, to provide qualifying diplomas (F.1.C. and A.1.C.) for professional analytical, consulting, and technological chemists. Regulations for the Admission of Students, Associates, and Fellows, Gratis. Examination Papers—Annual Sets, 6d. each (by post, 7d.). History of the Institute: 1877-1914, 5s. APPOINTMENTS Recister.—A Register of Fellows and Associates of the Institute of Chemistry who are available for appointments is kept at the Office of the Institute. A Register of Chemists whose services are available for Government industrial work is maintained at the Office of the Institute. This register is not restricted to Fellows, Associates, and Registered Students of the Institute. All communications to be addressed to THE ReEGisrRar, The Institute of Chemistry, 30 Russell Square, London, W.C. 1. BATTERSEA POLYTECHNIC, BATTERSEA PARK ROAD, S.W.11. Principal—F. H. Newman, M.A., Ph.D. Head of Chemical Department—J. Witson, M.Sc., F.1.C. Chemical Engineering—H. Grirritus, B.Sc., A.R.C.S. A course of 25 Lectures and Laboratory Classes will be held on Monday evenings, commencing Monday, November 18 Fee 15s. Additional practical work on other evenings (except Thursday) if desired. Fee 105. Lectures, 7 to 8; Laboratory, 8 to 9.30. The Lectures will deal with the principles involved in the design, erection, and working of modern chemical plant, and the economic aspect of chemical manufacture. The practical work will deal with the testing of materials, the determin- ation of Chemical Engineering data, &c, For further details apply to the Secrerary. BATTERSEA POLYTECHNIC, LONDON, S.W.11. The Governing Body invite applications for the post of full-time ASSISTANT LECTURER in the Hygiene and Physiology Department for January. Candidates should possess an Honours Degree in Physiology. Salary £200 to £230. Particulars on application to the SECRETARY. NATURE [NovEMBER 7, 1918 COUNTY BORGUGH OF WIGAN. EDUCATION COMMITTEE. GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL. Headmistress—Miss C. S. BANKS. WANTED, in January, TEACHER with special qualifications in English Literature. Honours Degree. Experience in good Secondary School desirable. Commencing salary up to £200. Applications, giving all necessary particulars, and accompanied by copies of not more than three recent testimonials, should be sent to the undersigned not later than November 18. F Canvassing will disqualify. GEORGE H. MOCKLER, Education Offices, Director of Education. King Street, Wigan, October 31, 1918. CITY AND COUNTY BOROUGH OF BELFAST. The LIBRARY and TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION COMMITTEE invite APPLICATIONS for the position of LECTURER and DEMON- SVRATOR in PURE and APPLIED CHEMISIURKY at the MUNICIPAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, BELFAS?Y. Salary £200 per annum, with -onus of 440 per annum. Particulars of the duties and conditions of appointment, together with form of application, may be obtained from the undersigned, with whom applications, on the special form provided for the purpose, must be lodged not Jater than NOON on TUESDAY, November 19, 1918. Applications shonld be accompanied by copies of three recent testimonials (original testimonials must #o¢ be sent). Canvassing is strictly forbidden and will disqualify. FRAS. C. FORTH, Principal. Municipal Technical Institute, Belfast. SOUTH METROPOLITAN GAS COMPANY. The South Metropolitan Gas Company, in order to complete the replace- ment of losses due to the war in its Engineering, Chemical, and Commercial Staff, is prepared to consider applications from persons who are, or who have been, in His Majesty's Forces. Every application must state the nature of the services given to the Nation, and be addressed to the SECRETARY, 709 Old Kent Road, S.E. 15. November 5, 1918. STAFFORDSHIRE EDUCATION COMMITTEE. The Committee propose to appoint a JUNIOR ASSISTANT SECRE- TARY for Hi'GHER EDUCATION (man or woman). Salary, £400 a year and travelling expenses. Further particulars and form of application from Cc. F. MOTT, County Education Offices, Acting Director of Higher Education, Stafford. November, 1918. KENT EDUCATION COMMITTEE. COUNTY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS, DARTFORD. WANTED, immediately, at the County School for Girls, Dartford, SCIENCE MISTRESS for Middle School. Initial salary, £120 to £150, according to qualifications and experience. Forms cf application may be obtained from the Heap MisTREss, to whom they should be returned without delay. E. SALTER DAVIES, Director of Education. CITY OF BIRMINGHAM EDUCATION COMMITTEE. An ASSISTANT MASTER is required for the Council Central Secondary School, for Engineering subjects. Salary according to Scale, present maximum £250 p.a. plus 465 War Allowance. Applications, on forms to be obtained from the undersigned, should be sent in immediately. JNO. ARTHUR PALMER, Secretary of Education. November, 1918. Council House, Margaret Street, Birmingham. WELL- EDUCATED WOMAN desires post as LABORATORY ASSISTANT in London. Has knowledge of practical and theoretical inorgauic chemistry. London School Board and School Mines Certificates. Opportunity for further study chief consideration.—Box 156, c/o NaTuRe Office. GEOLOGISTS WANTED. TWO FIRST-CLASS GEOLOGISTS required for work in North and South America. Men of University education, age preferably between 25 and 35. Salary £700 to £1,000 a year according to experience and ability. —Apply Dr. T. O. Boswortn, Imperial Oil Company, Toronto. NATURE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1918. RECONSTRUCTION. National Reconstruction: A Study in Practical Politics and Statesmanship. By J. J. Robinson. Pp. x+155. (London: Hurst and Blackett, Ltd., 1918.) Price 2s. 6d. net. os oo) UC like Mesopotamia, is a blessed word, and already there exists a considerable literature to expound its illimitable possibilities. The value of that literature is not equal to its bulk, for the writers too often have been misled by some passing phase of a rapidly shifting situation, or are the victims of doctrinaire theories or, worse, of “the Phrase,’’ which Mr. Robinson notes “is very real and oppressive just now—the artificial and captivating jingles which are often made to do duty for facts and for reason- ing from facts.’’ If we had not enough already of “the monstrous regiments of people paid to get other people to do things,’’ there would be justi- fication for a censor who would refuse to pass for publication books on “reconstruction,’’ unless they - were written by those who combined some train- ing in disciplined thinking with adequate experi- ence of administrative problems—the perennial difficulty, in short, of achieving demonstrable pro- gress by the machinery of institutions, working on, and worked by, men and women as they really are. The defects of the average administrator and the limitations of machinery are too commonly forgotten by those who assume in three hundred and fifty pages that a new British Empire can be created by a crop of committees and an encyclo- pedia of legislation in a few years “after the war.”’ Mr. Robinson would pass the suggested censor’s test. His pages prove to a practised eye that he has thought deeply and read widely, while his administrative training has been varied and prolonged. He has, therefore, a right to sum- marise his experience. Moreover, he summarises it concisely, with freshness of expression and a stimulating conviction. Mr. Robinson certainly does not pretend that the monopoly of truth is on his writing-table, for he fully recognises that there are seventy-seven ways of constructing tribal lays, and that every single one of them is right. We certainly wish that Mr. Robinson could lure into “the school ’’ where “he still is’” as many poli- ticians and voters, new and old, as possible and keep them there until peace was signed, sealed, and delivered. An old-fashioned parent once ascribed the success of his sons and daughters to the con- tinuity and impartiality of his discipline. “I whipped my boys,”’ he said, “to,knock sense into them, and my girls to knock nonsense out of them.”’ A course of Mr. Robinson would knock much sense into, and much nonsense out of, the young men and women who alone can be the “‘reconstructors ’’ of the Empire. The future of “reconstruction ’’ lies with the young, not with the middle-aged or the old, paralysed by the igno- NO. 2558, VOL. 102] ‘individual, “the mobile and mobilisable unit of power ’’—and if the unit fails we shall not even muddle through. Some of the instruction that the unit sorely needs can be found in Mr. Robinson’s pages, and also much of the inspiration to discover more in life itself and in the inexhaustible poten- tialities of disciplined individual character. It is not possible here to compress this valuable little book into a tabloid which a reader of reviews can swallow and imagine that he is thereby-ab- solved from any further effort. We take it that the gist of Mr. Robinson’s thesis is contained in his remark : “‘ The history of civilisation up to 1917 is the history of power in unfit hands’’; and the gist of his practical lesson is to show how “the unfit hands’’ can be made fit. We are supposed now to be on the eve of a General Election, the results of which presumably will be to determine by whom the work of ‘“‘reconstruction’’ is to be achieved in the next five years. It would be salu- tary, indeed, if every candidate for Parliament and every voter had at every meeting in the election period to answer publicly in the presence of his fellow-voters, male and female, the catechism outlined in pp. 79-84—salutary and most humili- ating. That catechism expands, but not unduly, the famous question: “If these things ’’ (and we all know what “these things’’ are, the ills, mental, moral, physical, and social, from which we all individually and corporately suffer) ‘are pre- ventable, why are they not prevented? ”’ We shall not’ misinterpret Mr. Robinson’s “gospel ’’ if we sum it up as a chain of proofs that what reconstruction demands is not so much a new theory of the State and citizenship as a new type of citizen, in whom knowledge is the teacher of duty, and duty the fruit of knowledge. Finally, Mr. Robinson concludes with a warning, so apposite and true and so often ignored that it must be quoted :— “Tt may be difficult,’? he pronounces, “to get general readers, or popular audiences, to realise that Germany’s intensive cultivation of war is neither the most dangerous nor perhaps the most considerable of her contributions to human experi- ence and possibilities. . . . Surely it must-be patent that the modern German Army is but the child of something more momentous. . . . Germans have attempted and achieved a Germanism which, after the war, will and must remain a perpetual challenge to other nations more loosely organised, less sternly schooled by the disciplinary education Germany subjected herself to for national ends . the German people will remain . . . it will not be met and mastered by anything less indus- trious and,zealous than itself. By no machinery of voting, or credence given to empirical igno- rance, can the slothful, the ignorant, and the dis- organised close the highways of the world against the energetic, the educated, and the organised.”’ “Ts it necessary,’ asks Mr. Robinson, “for the moral to be the more stupid man? Is it possible : L 182 for him to win if he ordinarily is?’’ The affirma- tive answer does, indeed, ‘‘draw cheques on the universe which it has never yet honoured.’’ The negative answer and how to secure it the reader will find in Mr. Robinson’s pages. APPLICATIONS OF COAL-TAR DYES, Modern Dyeing Methods: The Application of the Coal-tar Dyestuffs: The Principles Involved and the Methods Employed. By C. M. Whittaker. Pp. xit214. (London: Bailli¢re, Tindall, and Cox, 1918.) Price 7s. 6d. net. HIS is one of a series of eighteen volumes (published or in course of preparation) edited by Dr. Samuel Rideal, and intended to give a comprehensive survey of the chemical indus- tries, as set forth in the general preface which precedes that of the author. It cannot be said that the author has followed this well-conceived plan so conscientiously as he might have done; in fact, the only point to which he has rigidly adhered has been the subdivision of his subject into sections. We are promised in the general preface that “there will be a general bibliography, and also a select bibliography to follow each sec- tion.” Such bibliographies (coupled with refer- ences to current literature) would have represented NATURE a most valuable adjunct to a small work such as | this, in which the treatment of so vast a subject is attempted, but all that is given (except a few references in the text) is a very incomplete list of works and current publications on pp. 10 and 11, while no select bibliographies follow the sec- tions. The scope of the work is, however, ill- defined, for it bears no fewer than three titles, namely, Modern Dyeing Methods, The Applica- tion of the Coal-tar Dyestuffs (both on the title- page), and Dyeing with Coal-tar Dyestuffs (qn the cover); strictly speaking, each of these subjects — would require different bibliographies. |The second heading is, however, the one under which the book is advertised in the general list, and one would certainly have expected the textile printing, lake-manufacturing, and paper-making industries to receive due consideration, but the two former are ruled out for lack of space, while the third is only cursorily mentioned in one or. two places. p p The dyestuffs are correctly subdivided under the various sections according to their mode of application in dyeing, and not according to their chemical constitution. Their application in the dyeing of the various classes of textile fabrics is generally adequately described, and many prac- tical hints are given which may prove useful to the dyer. But, apart from inaccuracies, there is _acertain looseness in the style which may in some cases lead to confusion. In some sections the author gives (e.g. on p. 12) a list of the principal classes of compounds from a chemical point of view, with a typical example of each. Thus the triphenylmethane dyestuffs are represented by magenta (the formula given is actually that of p-rosaniline hydrochloride, but this is of minor NO. 2558, VOL. 102] [NoveMBER 7, 1918 consequence); while on p. 13 the azo-dyes of basic character are typified by Bismarck brown (with an incorrect formula), but there is nothing to in- dicate that these are only typical examples. The grouping of the acid dyestuffs on p. 28 is a little clearer, but still requires some further explana- tion, and the same applies to the artificial mordant dyestuffs on p. 4o. In the three later sections dealing with the direct cotton dyestuffs, the in- soluble azo-colours, and the eosines respectively, no examples at all are given. Not only do we find such inconsistencies, but there is also displayed in many cases a lack of the sense of proportion. Thus, while on p. 19 particulars are given of two. methods (a and b) of applying basic colours in cotton-dyeing, which are seldom, if ever, used to-day, the direct method, which is very useful for light shades, and ensures good penetration and level dyeing, is not even mentioned. The last section is devoted to the valuation and detection of dyestuffs, but it is very inadequately handled. No mention is made of any of the exact quantitative methods of estimating dyestuffs which are in use at the present time, while with regard to the identification of dyestuffs on dyed fabrics the author, after referring the reader to Prof. A. G. Green’s excellent work on the subject, con- tents himself with giving a few practical hints or tips, including two for the detection of “faked ’”” indigo. Altogether, the work is disappointing, and adds little, if anything, to our present knowledge of the subject. THE MEASUREMENT OF TEMPERATURE. Methods of Measuring Temperature. By Dr. Ezer Griffiths. With an Introduction by Prin- cipal E. H. Griffiths. Pp. xi+176. (London: ’ Charles Griffin and Co., Ltd., 1918.) Price 8s. 6d, net. T is a pleasant task to welcome this work by Dr. Ezer Griffiths, of the Heat Department of the National Physical Laboratory. During the last few years it has been necessary to refer to text-books written ‘by our Allies rather than to works written by British men of science when- general information on temperature measurement is required. This has been particularly unfor- tunate, as so much of the fundamental work in thermometry is due to Englishmen. Principal E. H. Griffiths, in an interesting intro- ductory reminiscence, points out the great ad- vances that have been made in the subject during the last thirty years. He states that “our know- ledge of the temperature scale about 1600° C. is comparable both in facility and accuracy with our measurements some thirty years ago in the neigh- bourhood of 600° C.’’ That this is no exaggera- tion a glance at the chapters on “The Funda- mental Scale of Temperature’’ and “ High-tem- perature Melting-points’’ will show. In _ the former chapter Dr. Ezer Griffiths summarises the work done in gas thermometry, the most difficult of all thermometry. He points out that the dis- NovEMBER 7, 1918] NATURE P 183 covery of the monatomic gases with no chemical affinity has made available elements which ap- proach the “ideal gas ’’ nearer than hydrogen or nitrogen. Argon will. probably be employed in all the higher temperature gas thermometry be- | cause it does not diffuse readily through quartz. In the chapter on the mercurial thermometer some useful information is given as to the con- | struction of the electrically heated testing baths now in use at the National Physical Laboratory ; indeed, one of the not least valuable features of the book consists in the data and _ illustrations given of the thermometer and pyrometer testing equipments of this laboratory. The chapters on the resistance thermometer and the thermo-couple show that a great deal of ex- perimental work has been devoted to developing the precision of the results obtained with these instruments. It is to be.regretted that the author has not been able to deal more fully with their commercial development. We notice the omission of Peake’s compensating leads and the very brief mention of the modern recording instruments, base metal thermo-couples, etc. Four interesting chapters are devoted to the study of radiation and optical pyrometers and the problems connected with them. From the scien- tific, as well as from the industrial, point of view, the measurement of very high temperatures is of great interest. The instruments in themselves are comparatively simple, but the extrapolation of their scales beyond 1400° C. is a problem of considerable difficulty. A large number of workers will be grateful to Dr. Ezer Griffiths for the con- cise summary of the work on which this extra- polation is based. In connection with the explanation of the Wanner optical pyrometer, it should be pointed out that the images of the illuminated patches are circular (being images of the circular diaphragm), and not semi-circular, as stated. The description of the instrument on p. 120 is not so accurately worded as it should be. The diagram is not well printed, and is thus difficult to understand. A useful bibliography is given at the end of each chapter. A small slip on p. 55 may be men- tioned;.for Tables xlix. and 1., xlvii. and xlviii. should be substituted. The book is a useful, short summary of the subject, and, although not so complete as one would have desired, may be recommended as an addition to the library of every physics laboratory. OUR BOOKSHELF. Biology of Sex for Parents and Teachers. By Dr. T. W. Galloway. Pp. 128. (London: D. C. Heath and Co.; n.d.) Price 2s. net. Convincep of the need for sex-instruction, Dr. Galloway seeks to give parents and teachers some idea of the biological and ethical principles which should underlie it, and to suggest the spirit in which it should be attempted. He has sympathy with endeavouring by knowledge to avoid disaster, but he sees positive promise in trying to use the NO. 2558, VOL. 102] | overthrown. sex impulses and instincts educatively. He seeks to present the facts of sex in their broad biological and evolutionary setting, and the lines of instruc- tion suggested seem to us to be shrewd and wise. He would in a graduated and differential way explain to young people that if their sex-develop- ment goes awry, the results will show themselves in reducing the efficiency of body and mind. ‘The purpose of sex-knowledge is to enable you to let yourself develop normally without giving the matter any unnecessary thought.’’ But the power of control over impulses requires strengthening even in the strongest, and the author writes in an experienced, practical way of the ideas and ideals, habits and interrelations that make it less difficult to “keep the heart with all diligence.”’ Emphasis is wisely laid on the importance of grading the instruction according to intellectual and emotional development and the diversity of social and economic relations. The linking of sex- instruction to biology and hygiene on one hand, and to ethics and eugenics on the other, is a good feature of a concise and clearly written book which can be confidently recommended to parents and teachers. Now and again we have come across a sentence that jars (e.g. on p. 119: “‘ Because of this shell, chickens cannot behave like fish in fertilising the egg’’), but the workmanship of the book is thoroughly competent. [he “Processes of *Hustory: By Prof. Be yy. Teggart. Pp. ix+162. (New Haven: Yale University Press; London: Humphrey Milford, 1918.) Price 5s. 6d. net. THE main argument of this essay is that historians should take into account the natural processes that have moulded human groups, and that the history of no one area can be viewed indepen- dently of that of its neighbours. A powerful plea is put forward for the recognition of a history of Eurasia, in which Western events may be treated as the outcome of climatic and other incentives to movement in the broad lands lying to the East. The author urges that Lyellian methods cannot be applied to history, though correct inferences from historic data “should be verifiable by appli- cation to things as they are.’’ Our range of view, in seeking for causes of human action, cannot be restricted by epochs and localities, and the domi- nance of mere narrative in history seems already Prof. Teggart regards primitive man as engaged in maintaining a system of life which he has found sufficiently advantageous. In thus | minimising the influence of the gifted and ingeni- ous member of the tribe, or of the hunter whose adventurous outlook has brought him into open country from the confining darkness of the woods, he strikes a blow at the theory of leadership as a cause of rapid change and evolution. Tribal movements appear to him to originate in some broad change of condition, and the migration thus enforced by Nature leads to development by col- lision with men who have followed other modes of life. The book will perhaps be of service in pointing out the problems rather than the methods of modern history. G. AL LG: 184 NATURE [NoveMBER 7, 1918 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.’ [The Editor does not hold himself responsible for opinions expressed by his correspondents. Neither can he undertake to return, or to correspond with the writers of, rejected manuscripts intended for this or any other part of Nature. No notice is taken of anonymous communications. | The Perception of Sound. Pror. Kerry has replied to the physiological criticisms in Prof. Bayliss’s most thoughtful letter in Nature of October 17. I will therefore confine myself principally to the physical objections he has raised. With regard to the difference between the molecular movement of a liquid subjected to the pressure of a sound-wave, and the molar motion of a minute mass of liquid in the cochlea, it cannot be forgotten that liquids could not conduct sound ‘tunless they were both elastic and compressible.” The fact that water is so difficult to compress, and this only at very high unit pressures, is proof of its high degree of elasticity or tendency for its mole- cules to return to their undisturbed positions. But an extremely low unit pressure will cause molar motion in a small mass of liquid moving in a vessel of suitable shape. It is to such molar motion that I refer. A reference to my footnote (p. 56 of my book) shows that Helmholtz in his later studies recognised that ‘‘an incompressible fluid contained between solid walls is distinguishable from a compressible one in this: that every impulse which reaches any part of its surface communicates itself immediately through- out the whole fluid and sets every part instantly in motion, while in a compressible fluid a wave pro- ceeds from the spot of action and travels with a certain velocity, setting in motion the several particles of the fluid consecutively. Thus if the dimensions of the whole mass are infinitely small in comparison with the wave-length (as it is in the labyrinth water), and if the walls of the petrous bone which enclose it are so solid that we can consider them as absolutely so when compared with the minute pressure under consideration, we deduce the following: The com- munication of action throughout the whole mass is practically instantaneous, and the labyrinth water under the influence of the sound waves moves virtually as a fluid absolutely incompressible (and therefore in- capable of sound waves) would move under the same relations.” ; I am glad that Prof. Bayliss directs attention to the difficulty he finds in seeing how there is a differ- ence of pressure on the upper and lower surfaces of the basilar membrane when the column is a con- tinuous one. _ The answer is that the high pressure on the upper side of the membrane is carried through the bent levers of the Corti arches to do mechanical work in bending the hairlets (see p. 138). In science it is true, as in more homely affairs, that we cannot both eat our calke and have it. As the pressure is passed out on the upper side of the membrane to do work in the scala media in bending thousands of hairlets, there is an equivalent loss of pressure in the passage below the membrane. In a double-acting hydraulic engine we have a somewhat similar condition of things. The high-pressure water is admitted into a cylinder and the piston is pushed forward and backward alternately. The piston-rod carries the pressure to the erank-shaft, thus doing external worl. The equiva- lent unit pressure disappears in the exhaust water which is pushed out at atmospheric pressure. The same displacement of liquid tales place in the exhaust, NO. 2558, VOL. 102] but the displacement is reduced in pressure by the equivalent amount of work carried out of the system. Prof. Bayliss asks why there are so many Corti arches when a few might suffice. This I take to be necessary in order to extend the surface of excitation, which I have endeavoured to describe on p. 72; also to provide for the probability that during a lifetime of continuous work many of the Corti arches would fail to function. With regard to Yoshii’s experiments, I have not seen them, but Prof. Keith has informed me _ that such observations have been made, though he did not describe the conditions under which the experiments had been carried out. If the observations depended upon prolonged exposure to the vibrations of a musical note, I scarcely think they should be regarded as a proof of the localisation of certain strings in the basilar membrane to produce certain notes. It might only mean that some weak part in the system gave way and ceased to function under a stress of fatigue. It seems quite possible, as sug- gested by Prof. Keith, that notes of high frequency, rising very rapidly to their maximum pressure, might tend to short-circuit towards the narrow end of the membrane, and notes of low frequency, rising slowly to their maximum, might impress the wider end of the membrane, but it must be remembered that the areas at the fenestral end are extremely small, and that Helmholtz himself recognised the practically instant- aneous action of the pressure thrqughout the passage. The strongest argument against the string instru- ment theory is that in the basilar membrane all the so-called strings are cemented together sideways, and cannot, therefore, vibrate freely or respond each to its own vibration rate. In the displacement theory the striate or inelastic portion of the membrane moves downwards as a whole, following the same spiral plane on a hinge coinciding with the tapered edge of the aperture, each strip of its breadth descending a distance increasing from the fenestral end to a maximum at the helico- tremal end, and in this way obliging the triangular displacements to increase towards that end uniformly. In a compound-wave form entering the ear we have indications not only of the original impulses of the pure tones from which the compound is built up, but also of the differential tones, the summational tones, and harmonics. When we find these all reappearing as sensations in the brain, the conclusion appears to be forced upon us that the ear must be a machine adapted to sustain on their passage to the brain these impulses of which we find indications in the wave-form. My endeavour has been to examine the structure and working of this marvellous machine which causes the accurate transference of such impulses. THomas WRIGHTSON. Neasham Hall, Darlington. Tue objections against Sir Thomas Wrightson’s theory raised by Prof. Bayliss in Nature of October 17, though grave, no doubt, to those who can appreciate their cogency, yet appear to one who has attempted to approach the problem from the side of phonetics comparatively slight; while there are objections to the prevalent theory which, if I may be allowed briefly to state and develop them, may perhaps throw some light on the question at large. I would put the matter this way. The human ear as imagined by Helmholtz is no great improvement on Nature, for it could neither (1) hear a note of music, nor (2) hear a large percentage of the words in the English language. NovEMBER 7, 1918] (1) Advancing on the lines laid down by Sir Charles Bell and J. Muller, “that, however excited, each nerve of special sense gives rise to its own peculiar sensation” (Bayliss, ** Principles of General Physio- logy,”’ 1915, p- 513), Helmholtz put forward the hypo- thesis that each fibre of the auditory nerve “hears in its own peculiar pitch” (Sensations of Tone,” 1885, pp. 145 and 151) without regard, as it seems, to the immediate consequences which it must have for his main theory. For, from the rate of damping ‘determined by him, “it follows that the natural pitch of the internal vibrators, which respond sensibly to a given simple sound, ranges over about a whole tone" (Rayleigh, ‘* Theory of Sound,” vol. ii., § 389). That means that when a note is sounded a great number of nerve-fibres are stimulated, for the Helm- holtz mechanism of the internal ear requires every string of its remarkable pianoforte to be connected “with a nervous fibre in such a way that this fibre would be excited and experience a sensation every time the string vibrated” (p. 129). The number of strings or internal vibrators allotted to the interval of a whole tone varies. In 1870 it was 663; in 1877 it was 100; but the number, if more than one, is im- material here. Assuming that 100 strings of the basilar membrane vibrate in unison with the given note, 99 of these will be executing forced vibrations at other than their proper frequencies, and ex hypothesi 99 nerve- fibres will call up 99 dissonant sensations of tone, all of different pitch and of intensities diminishing regularly on either side of a maximum, which is due to the rooth fibre, the peculiar pitch of which agrees with the exciting note. As each nerve-fibre, however excited, gives rise to the sensation of its own peculiar pitch, it matters not whether the internal vibrators vibrate with their proper frequencies or with that of the imposed tone. Unless, therefore, there is in the central organ some contrivance, which Helm- holtz does not provide, for inhibiting the odd 99 nerve- fibres, or a transformer of some kind to standardise their pitch, it follows that when a tuning-fork is made to vibrate, no note can be heard, but only an unimaginable din. Music would then be impossible; we could never hear anything but noise. On the other hand, if Helmholtz had allowed each nerve-fibre to communicate the actual pitch of the vibrator connected with it, whether executing a free or a forced vibration, then there could never be a clean-cut, staccato ending to a note, but after a bass note has ceased externally. to the ear there would ensue for about one-tenth of a second, according to his estimate—to the ear an appreciable period of time —a similar confused noise of many mistuned strings; for, by p. 144, “‘an elastic body set into sympathetic vibration by any tone vibrates sympathetically in the pitch number of the exciting tone; but as soon as the exciting tone ceases, it goes on sounding in the pitch number of its own proper tone.’’ The cochlea (limagon, Schnecke) well deserves its name. For, however many fibres its house may hold, the snail certainly has two horns. Sir Thomas Wrightson’s theory presents us with no such dilemma as this. (2) In 1916 I found that if I sing to a bass note such a vowel as oh or oo, and end the note staccato by closing the glottis (the ‘““Glasgow” substitute in speech for occlusive t or k) while keeping the shape of the mouth unaltered, I hear that the harmonic of the voice which is reinforced by that excellent resona- tor, the cavity of the mouth, is still audible for a very brief space after the voice has ceased tobe heard. From which I infer that the rate of damping in the internal ear is more rapid than that of the body of air in the mouth shaped for certain vowels. But as I do not "NATURE _thought of this when translating Helmholtz. 185 as scientific fact merely on my statement, just as little am I disposed to accept Helmbholtz’s guess- work as an adequate basis for the calculation which was to have such far-reaching and subversive con- sequences, overthrowing, for example, the belief of Lagrange and Thomas Young that rapid beats may combine into a sensation of tone. Hence my previous letter (Nature, May 16, 1918) with a kymograph tracing of the word ‘‘utter” intoned at pitch 100 and measured by a tuning-fork of the same pitch. In that tracing it is not a question of a note being reduced to one-tenth of its intensity in the time occu- pied by 95 vibrations, but well within that limit a loud note is reduced to silence. There is the proof that the unchecked estimate which is the very key- stone of the Helmholtz theory of audition is wide of the marl. The complete cessation of sound in ‘‘utter” is an essential feature of English and of other languages. It is astonishing that Ellis, the phonetician, never That which is common to the first p, t, or ‘k in ‘stop, please,” ‘‘ or not to be,” “ bookcase,” by virtue of which these three “‘sounds"’ are classed together as voice- less occlusives, is evidently a shock sensation of the sudden cessation of a sound. How the existence of such a sensation is to be reconciled with any reson- ance theory of audition has long been a puzzle to me. The very term resonance seems out of place in the presence of this phenomenon; and when, on May 17, Sir Thomas Wrightson’s book came into my hands, the expression ‘‘dead beat” in his preface appeared to promise an advance towards the solution of a most complicated problem. W. PERReETT. University College, London, October 23. The Society of Civil Servants. Apropos of the letter which appeared in NATURE of October 24 on the need for scientific workers to organise themselves, I shall be obliged if you will allow me through your columns to direct the atten- tion of scientific workers in the Government service to the recently founded body, the Society of Civil Servants, which is intended to cover the middle and upper grades of the Service—grades which hitherto have been almost wholly unorganised. By its second rule the objects of the society are defined as ‘‘to deal with all matters affecting the Civil Service, and to take such action thereon as may be expedient ’—a purview of unlimited range. While the society is constituted on the basis of individual membership, members are encouraged to coalesce into whatever sectional associations—called in the rules “ grade groups”—may conveniently and naturally come about. It is these ‘‘ grade groups”’ that will consider matters such as salaries and scales of promotion which affect their members solely, the society taking up only wide questions affecting the Civil Service generally. It is an old saying that ‘‘ Providence helps those who help themselves.’ Scientific workers have in the past had just cause to complain of the niggardly treatment that they have experienced at the hands of the State. By organising themselves into ‘ grade groups”? of the society, according to the various Departments, those in the State employ will have an opportunity of directing attention to their claim for more generous treatment; but should they fail to take advantage of the present opportunity, they will have no one to blame but themselves if in the future they continue to receive the same neglect as in the past. It is no secret that a scheme for the applica- expect or desire that this inference should be accepted | tion of the principles of the Whitley report to the NO. 2558, VOL. 102] 186 Civil Service has been drawn up by the Ministry of Labour, and is even now being considered by an Inter-Departmental Committee. The recommenda- tions advocated in that report are based on the funda- mental hypothesis that both parties to an industry— the employer and the employed—are well organised. If, therefore, men of science desire to have a voice in framing the conditions under which they work for the State, they must organise themselves, and the sooner the better. A beginning has been made, but only a beginning. G. F. Hersert SMITH, Joint Hon. Sec., pro tem., Society of Civil Servants. 2 Old Queen Street, S.W.1, November 5. Modern Studies in Schools. I was somewhat surprised to read in Nature of October 3 a vigorous attack upon the Government Committee on Modern Languages on the ground of its having considered nothing but the interests of trade and diplomacy. I trust this will not deter your readers from examining what is generally considered to be a most valuable report. It is certainly a docu- ment which has met with the general approval of modern language teachers and others interested in the subject with which it deals. Against the charge made I may point out that of the nine pages of the section entitled ‘‘The Value of Modern Studies,” nearly three are devoted to the higher aspects of the subject, while the section on the aims of language teaching in schools begins with the sentence, “ Language teaching has, and should have, a disciplinary and educative aim,” and the treatment of the subject is based on this text. Most surprising of all is the view expressed in the article that ‘“‘the opinions of the Committee on educational methods are astonishingly _ re- actionary.”’ If by ‘educational methods”’ is meant— as one supposes must be meant, considering the con- text—'‘ methods of language teaching,” the statement is the exact reverse of the truth. The opinions enunciated are the most advanced which have ever ap- peared in a document issued by a public authority. The Committee recognises the strong position now held by the “direct method,’ and discusses its merits critically, yet sympathetically. A whole section is devoted to phonetics, and the need for a good phonetic training for teachers is insisted on. Uniformity in grammatical terminology is recommended. Of our own ‘suggestions for examinations, which are usually considered to be of a moderately advanced character, the report says that they are ‘‘good so far as they go, but they do not go far enough.’’ An oral test is recommended in all cases, and free composition, it is considered, should either be substituted for or be addi- tional to translation into the foreign tongue. Finally, it is urged that translation in school ‘‘should be practised only so far as it is necessary ’’—a view which probably many teachers will think unsound, but which none will characterise as reactionary. G. F. Bripce, Hon. Sec., Modern Language Association. [ CORDIALLY that teaching for ‘‘bread- winning”’ is the first duty, but * bread-winning ’’ may be “‘bread-capturing,” and it is this spirit, J am afraid, which pervades the report. But manufacturers to-day are more concerned with production and co- operation than with commerce, and they find the agree need for a wider knowledge of languages for this service, so I am not surprised that the questionnaire met with little response. The aims and methods set forth in the report are NO. 2558, VOL. 102] NATURE [NoveMBER 7, 1918" ‘of the standard classical type, and they insist on the study of one or, at most, of two languages taught to a high state of proficiency; but the needs of the times, and the average capacities of boys, demand a less specialised course. The difference is funda- mental, as Mr. Bridge will admit. We expected a new method and a new outlook, but we got the old. In our opinion, schools should give boys the oppor- tunity of reading many languages, not excluding the Eastern languages or the languages of Africa, and boys should use the languages for research and dis- covery. Whether this work is disciplinary or educa- tive is of minor importance; or whether it cultivates taste or judgment. Of minor importance, too, as we think, are the various methods of teaching which are recounted by Mr. Bridge. It is true that these are the things which trouble the minds of many schoolmasters, but with deeper aims the methods would take care of themselves. We expected the Committee would have shown the way to more fundamental changes in method, but it did not do so. THe WRITER OF THE ARTICLE. THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH BILE AND AFTER. INCE October 17, when most of the news- papers gave prominence to an announcement that the Ministry of Health Bill had been re-cast and submitted to the War Cabinet, possibly because the body named has had other things to think of, nothing has been heard of this measure. Much, however, has been said and written of the Ministry itself, and a certain amount, none of it good, of the Local Government Board, the reason being the extent and severity of the influenza out- break. If some of the speakers and writers are to be believed, the Board, because its methods are “wooden,’’ or because of its “Poor Law taint,’’ is mainly to blame for the epidemic: if there had been a Ministry in existence, the sug- gestion is that there most certainly would have been no outbreak. The persons who make these statements are, many of them, those who are responsible for trying to convince the public that if only a Ministry of Health were formed there would follow an immediate and marked improvement in public health. That many have listened to promises of this kind and look for something in the nature of a quick change is pathetically true. Unfortunately it is true also that disappointment awaits them. It has never been quite clear why it should have been necessary to exaggerate so much as to the benefits likely to follow the establishment of a Health Ministry. The case for a separate Ministry to co-ordinate health effort and ensure that all branches of hygiene, scientific, practical, and administrative, should have proper recognition and support was always sound, and no good can come of these exaggerations. On the contrary, a great deal of harm may result unless it is recog- nised at once and generally that it may be long, very long, before signs of improvement. become apparent, It has taken, and may still take, a long time to get a Ministry of Health Bill. It will take time “ \ 2 NoveEMBER 7, 1918] NATURE 187 to get the right Minister and to organise the Ministry; and then there is no more than a begin- | ning made. The central organisation is probably the least important part of the health organisation in this country. The most effective portion of the work will have to be done at the periphery, by the local organisations, as it has always been done, or, unfortunately in some cases, left undone. The problem that faces the first Minister and the new Ministry is the problem of the organisa- tion of the working forces, ‘and when it is attacked it is within the bounds of possibility that the Minister and the Ministry may find that these forces are not distributed throughout the country in a particularly suitable manner. An entirely new method of dividing up the country may very probably have to be devised before anything can ibe done. As matters stand at present, health work is distributed most unevenly, for the reason that the necessity for a standard unit has never been recognised. The local authority of each district has been declared to be the sanitary authority ; powers and duties in relation to public health have been imposed upon or delegated to it, and that has been the end of it. The size of the area, the population and, more important still, the rateable value and the wealth or poverty of the district have never been taken into account. The result has been that the work has properly been attended to only in the districts where the means were adequate. The large, prosperous districts did all they possibly could; the small, rich districts did superbly because they were small and because they were rich. In the poorer areas as much as could be afforded was done and more or less was left undone. Only within the last few years has it been seen that the question of affording was one of import- ance, and that good might result if grants in aid of necessary work were made. The experiment was tried in the case of maternity and child wel- fare schemes, and the result has been that in practically every area an attempt has been made to cover this work. If the whole of public health work is to be covered in every area, grants in aid of all of it will have to be made. The Minister of Health who recognises this and, having induced the Treasury to see it, gets it put into operation will obtain good results; and if, instead of having a flat rate of grant, he gives a percentage that accords with local needs, he will obtain, in the poorer districts particularly, results still better. If he desires to ensure the best results, in addition to making health work more of a national and less of a purely local charge, he will arrange also for the proper distribution of the work. Most of the larger areas are too large to be effectively | worked; many of the smaller areas are too small to be thought worth while working. If possible a standard unit of area and population must be devised, and the need for cutting here and group- ing there recognised and put into effect. This part of the Minister’s task will be less easy even than arranging for grants in aid. NO. 2558, VOL. 102] Vested interests have stood and may still stand, for all that is known, in the way of the formation of the Ministry. Strong as they are, however, they are much less strong than the vested interests that must be overcome if local reorganisation is attempted. Until they are overcome and _ the mation’s work of looking after the health of the nation is properly parcelled out, the best results | cannot be expected. The passing of the Ministry of Health Bill, the discovery of a suitable Minister, and the formation of a sound Ministry may bring’ satisfaction to many. They will not necessarily bring improve- ment in the national health; will not necessarily, as many appear to think, bring about a total disap- pearance of epidemics and a vast and immediate reduction in the amount of disease and the annual death-rate. ' Marked improvement will be seen only when the work has been properly organised throughout, when it is recognised that the care of the nation’s health is a national business and bound to succeed only if it is properly arranged, properly managed, properly financed, and properly supervised. A Ministry of Health can, if it will, ensure that these things shall be done; it does not follow that they have been done when the Ministry has been formed. RACIAL INVESTIGATIONS ON FISHES. WO very interesting papers! by Dr. Johs. Schmidt deal with the significance to be at- tached to variation statistics. Taking as his material collections of Zoarces viviparus, the vivi- _parous Blenny, from different parts of the North European coasts, Dr. Schmidt makes mathematical analyses of measurements of various selected char- acters. The paper is tersely and very clearly written in English, and illustrated by numerous simple and adequate charts, and some maps show- ing the localities sampled. Excellent summaries of the reasoning and conclusions are given in each case, A “population-analysis ’’ by variation statistics can scarcely resolve any biological problem; it’ | merely arranges the material and suggests lines of experiment. Let there be two fish populations, belonging to the same species, in different seas, which do not interbreed, and let certain measur- able characters be chosen for study. Frequency- distributions with respect to each character and | locality are made, average values of the selected character are calculated, and the fluctuations, or probable errors, are then found. If the differences observed are greater than the fluctuations, the usual conclusion is that the organisms are differ- entiated : that they belong to different “races,’’ or elementary species. Dr. Schmidt contends that such a conclusion would, as a rule, be unsound. It may be that repeated sampling of a population | gives the same average values for the characters —the same “racial picture’’; nevertheless, to speak of a “race’’ and found it on such evidence 1 Comptes rendus des Travaux du Laboratoire de Carlsberg, 13me vol., liv. 3, 1gme vol., No, 1, 1917. 188 NATURE _ [NovEMBER 7, 1918 might mean little or nothing. By splitting up a large sample of Blennies into groups representing successive years of age, Dr. Schmidt obtained significantly different average values. By taking average values of a character in a number of mothers, and average values of the same character in a number of their offspring, he again obtained different “racial pictures.’? Finally, by taking different broods of young from the same mothers and rearing these in different conditions signifi- cantly different average values for the characters were again obtained. Character differences are thus both “genotypical ” and “phzenotypical,” in Johannsen’s terminology. The “race’’ is a mix- ture of “genotypes,” pure lines of descent in which there is constancy of value of character, and variational studies only give statistical expressions for these mixtures of genes. The average racial character is much more the result of the mixture, in various propor- tions, of genes than due to the environment; nevertheless, the latter may be very important. Thus Dr. Schmidt shows that all the fresh- water eels of Europe are racially the same, the average values of the diagnostic char- acters being practically identical; this is be- cause the environment is really the same, that of the deep water in the Atlantic, where all those eels are spawned and undergo larval development, fixing certain characters for the rest of the life- time. But the Blennies are non-migratory fishes, and each locality has its own stock. Selection has therefore operated in helping to produce the differ- ences that variation statistics reveal. The environ- ment also acts directly, as is indicated by the experiments recorded in Dr. Schmidt’s second paper, producing significant character differences which need not, of course, be transmissible. J. J. CANON ALFRED MERLE NORMAN, F.R.S. T has often been remarked that the study of science in this country has been notably advanced by the efforts of those who have never been professionally engaged in it. Canon Norman, who died on October 26, belonged to the best type of this class of scientific worker. His name will be long remembered for the conspicuous service he rendered to the study of the marine Inverte- brate fauna of the Atlantic and Arctic areas, and for the special interest he took in deep-sea dredg- ing at the time when the wonders of the abysses were first being revealed. The youngest son of John Norman, D.L., of Iwood, Congresbury, and Claverham House, Yatton, Somerset, he was born at Exeter in 1831, and was educated at Win- chester and Christ Church, Oxford, where he took his first degree in 1852.1 ‘He was ordained deacon in 1856, and priest in 1857. After holding several curacies he was presented to the living of Burn- moor, Co. Durham, in 1866, where he spent nearly thirty years, becoming rector of Houghton-le- 1T r j < “Pp - in the ‘Twentieth Contry.” (Brenton AW. ei ad ceeds and Herts NO. 2558, VOL. 102] Spring, in the same county, in 1895, and rural dean. He was obliged by illness to give up this appointment in 1898, and he soon afterwards settled at Berkhamsted, Herts, where he died. He had become Hon. Canon of Durham Cathedral in 1885. When quite a child A. M. Norman was inte- rested in botany by his brother, the Hon. John Paxton Norman, officiating Chief Justice of Bengal, who was assassinated by a fanatic in 1871. At Winchester he studied entomology, and at Oxford he devoted his attention specially to the Mollusca of the county, of which he published an account. While acting as private tutor in the house of the Dowager Countess of Glasgow, at Cumbrae, in 1854-55, he first seriously took up the study of the marine fauna, and from that time he spent nearly all his summer vacations in dredg- ing round the British Isles, Norway, and Madeira, and in the Mediterranean. He thus formed the nucleus of his famous collection of the marine Invertebrates of the Arctic circumpolar seas and of the temperate North Atlantic, together with the inland representatives of the same classes of animals which inhabit the Palearctic region. This collection was estimated to consist of about 10,000 species and named varieties in 1895. While a large part of it was obtained by himself, many of his choicest treasures were specimens of his- torical interest which had been purchased or given to him. It was thus extraordinarily rich in type- specimens acquired in these various ways, and it surpassed in importance anything of the same kind existing elsewhere. Before his death Canon Norman transferred it to the British Museum (Natural History), and he presented his almost equally noteworthy ‘collection of books and pamphlets to the zoological departments of the University of Cambridge. In these days of specialisation the breadth of Canon Norman’s interests may well be considered remarkable. It would be difficult to find another modern zoologist able to write with authority on two groups so different as the Polyzoa and the Crustacea, for example. Not only was Dr. Norman an acknowledged authority on both of them, but he was equally well acquainted with others, such as Mollusca, Tunicata, Foraminifera, and sponges. Most of his work was systematic, and a good idea of its general character can be obtained from his papers entitled ‘““A Month on the Trondhjem Fiord,’’ published in 1893 and 1894. It is scarcely necessary to add that he made many additions to the British fauna in many diverse groups, besides describing large numbers of new species. The remarkable genus Rhabdopleura was dredged by Canon Norman in ninety fathoms off the Shetland Islands and sent to Prof. G. J. Allman, by whom it was described. This organism had no near allies among forms then known, and its affinities were not properly understood until after the discovery by the Challenger of Cephalo- discus, a second member of the same group. Another of his specially noteworthy discoveries NoveMBER 7, 1918] was the enigmatic encrusting organism obtained by him in the neighbourhood of Madeira, and afterwards named Merlia normani, in his honour, by Mr. R. Kirkpatrick. A third genus of remark- able interest which we owe to his enthusiasm is the parasitic Crustacean, Synagoga, belonging to the Ascothoracica, a highly specialised and degenerate subdivision of the Cirripedia. But it must be emphasised that Canon Norman was much more than a describer of new species and a discoverer of interesting forms. His re- searches have been of real value in enlarging our knowledge of the marine fauna in general, and few others have contributed more than he did to the faunistic study of the sea. As one who for many years had the privilege of his friendship I can speak with the most sincere admiration of his genial character, his perfect sincerity, and the high ideals by which he regu- lated his life. Of his work as a parish priest I am not competent to speak, but I believe that his ministrations were very highly valued by those who came under his influence. Canon Norman was a man of altogether lovable type, and it was impossible to be in his company without feel- ing the better for it. These characteristics lasted to the end of his life, during the closing years of which he had borne the infirmities of serious illness with an unclouded mind and a fine courage, and without losing the qualities which endeared him to his friends. SrpneEy F. Harmer. PROF. OLAUS HENRICI, F.R.S. LAUS MAGNUS FRIEDRICH ERDMANN HENRICI was born in the year 1840 at Meldorf, on the west coast of Holstein. After leaving the gymnasium at Meldorf at the age of sixteen, he worked in some engineering works at Flensburg. Thence at the age of nineteen he went to the Karlsruhe Polytechnicum, where he had the inestimable advantage of coming under the influence of Clebsch, by whose advice he de- voted himself entirely to the study of mathematics. At the age of twenty-two he went to Heidelberg, where he attended Hesse’s lectures, and obtained the degree of Ph.D. He then studied under Weier- strass and Kronecker in Berlin. After a short time spent as Privaldosent at Kiel, he came to England in 1865. For four years Henrici worked at engineering problems. During this time he published a little book on skeleton structures (now called pin-jointed structures), and he supplemented his earnings by giving private lessons to schoolboys. In 1870, after a short time spent as assistant to Prof. Hirst at University College, London, he succeeded him in the professorship of pure mathematics, and re- tained this position for ten years, when he ex- changed it for the professorship of applied mathe- matics. In 1884 he left University College for the professorship of mechanics and mathematics at the Central Technical College, where he entered on a new field of work in the organisation of a labora- tory of mechanics, which has been the model of NO. 2558, VOL. 102| SS _— NATURE 189 many others, and has had an important influence on the education of English engineers. In 1911 Henrici retired to Chandler’s Ford, in Hampshire, where he died on August ro last. Henrici was a fellow of the Royal Society, and at one time a member of its council. He was president of the London Mathematical Society for two years, and chairman of Section A of the British Association in 1883. In 1884 the University of St. Andrews conferred upon him the honorary degree of LL.D. He acted as examiner in the University of London from 1875 to 1880, and in this capacity made his influence felt on the intro- duction of modern methods into the teaching of geometry. In 1877 he married the daughter of the late Rev. Dr. Kennedy and sister of Sir Alex- ander Kennedy, who survives him. There was-one child of the marriage, Major E. O. Henrici, of the Royal Engineers. Henrici was the author of mathematical papers published in Crelle’s Journal and the Proceedings of the London Mathematical Society. He con- tributed several articles to the “Encyclopedia Britannica,’’ amongst which that on “ Projective Geometry ’’ stands out as a model of lucidity and form of expression. He wrote jointly with his son a valuable memoir on the theory of measure- ment by metal tapes and wires in catenary, which made it possible to calculate distances on slopes up to 1 in 3 to an accuracy of one in a million. He was the author of a remarkable little book on “Congruent Figures,’’ in which his ideas of the mode of treating elementary geometry are expounded. It covers in a small compass most of the ground of the first four books of Euclid’s ‘““Elements.’’ At one time he purposed to write a sequel to it on “Similar Figures,’’ but it would appear from his address to Section A of the British Association in 1883 that he failed to find a method of treating this part of the subject which entirely satisfied him. The introduction into English teaching of the methods of vector analysis greatly interested Henrici, but of his ideas there remains in per- manent form only what is published in the little book on ‘“‘Vectors and Rotors’ written by his assistant, Mr. G. C. Turner, from notes of his lectures. It deals only with the elementary parts of the subject. The matter contained in this book was to form the earlier portion of a more elaborate treatise. A great amount of manuseript has been left by Henrici, and it is much to be desired that someone will be found to go through it with care and save what is possible of his ideas. Henrici was greatly interested in the construc- tion of models to illustrate his teaching. One of these, made of rods, showed two confocal hyper- boloids connected together so that they could be deformed, always, however, remaining confocal. It had a remarkable history, which he gave in the catalogue of the Exhibition of Mathematical Models at Munich in 1892. Perhaps the most strikingly original piece of work he did was the invention of the harmonic analyser for representing the equation of a curve 190 in the form of a Fourier series, which he described in the Philosophical Magazine for July, 1894. Henrici will be remembered chiefly as a great teacher. He had learned during his early struggle for a livelihood in London to aim at perfection in form of expression, and he refrained from pub- lishing anything until he felt satisfied as to its form. But for this characteristic we might have had his books on “Similar Figures ’’ and “ Vector Analysis.”’ As one of the large body of Henrici’s pupils, the present writer is able to bear testimony to the singular lucidity of his teaching and to his readi- ness to explain difficulties at all times. With qualities such as these it is easy to understand the mingled respect and affection with which his pupils regarded him. They feel that a great master of his art has passed to his rest. M. J. M. Hitt. NOTES. Tue epidemic of influenza which has ravaged the country during the last month or so seems to be abating, at least in London, where, however, 1256 deaths were attributed to it in the week ending October 26. The experience of previous epidemics in London has been that excessive mortality from in- fluenza in any single epidemic does not continue beyond a period of about six weeks. Contrary to what has been stated in the public Press, a summer epidemic like that of last July is unusual, and the occurrence of a second epidemic like the present within three months of a previous one is almost un- known. While the influenza bacillus was found only in a small proportion of cases in July, now it seems to be fairly prevalent, but the pneumonia complicating the disease, and to which the mortality is chiefly attributable, appears tc be caused mainly by secondary infection with the pneumococcus or the streptococcus. In a small localised influenza epidemic which occurred in a hospital in France Majors Foster and Cookson establish an incubation period of forty-eight hours for the disease, also that infection spreads only within a narrow radius (Lancet, November 2, p. 588). A scuHEME for a national organisation, to be called the Scientific Research Association, to secure a more effective promotion, co-ordination, and endowment of research has been developed recently by a small provi- sional committee, the acting secretary of which is Mr. A. G. Tansley, F.R.S., Grantchester, Cambridge. The idea is to set up machinery for collecting intelligence as to what is being done and what are the current and prospective needs. Subject committees would act as intelligence bureaux, which would put workers in touch with the best existing facilities for pursuing research in the various branches of science, and at the same time collect information as to current work and needs. This information would be co-ordinated by the council of the associa- tion, which would act as an intermediary between the subject committees on one hand, and Government and public bodies disposing of funds available for the endowment of research on the other. The aim of the association would be in no way to interfere with the activities of any existing body, but to co-operate intimately with all bodies and institutions concerned with research, and to act as a co-ordinating agency in all that relates to research. Adherence to the aims of the association has been obtained from a large number of representative men of science throughout NO. 2558, VOL. 102] NATURE [NoveMBER 7, 1918 the country, and it is hoped to bring the association into relationship with the whole body of research workers in pure science. 4 , Tue Lord Mayor of Manchester (Sir Alexander Porter) presided on October 31 at a meeting which he had convened to consider the question of holding an exhibition of British scientific products in Man- chester in December and January next. The meeting decided that the proposed exhibition should be held, and that the offer of the City Council to make the building of the College of Technology available for the purpose should be accepted. The proposed exhibi- tion will be similar to that organised by the British Science Guild, which attracted so much attention when it was held recently in King’s College, London. Its object will be to show Lancashire people, especially manufacturers and merchants, how many of the pro- ducts which before the war they were accustomed to obtain from Central Europe are now being manufac- tured in this country, and how many altogether new products have been invented in Britain since the: war began. The exhibition should also give an impetus to the application of science to the industries of Lancashire by showing how much some of these indus- tries, as well as other British industries, owe to the work which British men of science have accomplished during the war. A sufficient sum of money has been guaranteed to cover the necessary expenses of the exhibition. It is hoped that further contributions -to the guarantee fund will continue to be received so as to enable the scope of the exhibition to be extended and to include exhibits that will be of special interest to Lancashire. Offers to contribute to the guarantee fund and all other communications relating to the exhibition should be addressed to the Secretary of the Exhibition Committee, College of Technology, Man- chester. We learn from the British Medical Journal that the following resolutions, recently adopted unanimously by the Paris Academy of Sciences of the Institute of France, were unanimously endorsed by the Academy of Medicine on October 15 :—(1) The academy, believ- ing personal relations between scientific men of the two groups of belligerents. to be impossible until re- paration and expiation of the crimes which have put the Central Empires under the ban of mankind permit them again to enter the concert of civilised nations, has adopted the following resolutions :— (2) The Central Empires shall be compelled by a provision of the treaty of peace to retire from inter- national scientific associations established by diplo- matic conventions and implying personal relations between the members. This exclusion would not apply to commen action solely concerning administrative relations indispensable between such public service as those affecting the regulation of navigation, railways, telegraphs, etc. (3) As soon as circumstances allow, those international conventions not belonging to the two categories noted above shall be denounced by each of the competent groups of the Entente and of the United States of America in accordance with the statutes and regulations of each of them. New asso- ciations recognised to be needed for the progress of the sciences and their application shall be established forthwith by the Allies and the United States with the contingent co-operation of neutrals. (4) The Govern- | ments of the Allied countries and of the United States shall refrain from sending delegates to any inter- national assembly at which representatives of the Central Empires would be expected to figure. It is desirable that the nationals of the Entente countries and of the United States should adopt the same line of conduct and not take part in any enterprise in NovEMBER 7, 1918] which the nationals of the Empires would collaborate. (5) Inquiry should be made as to the steps to be taken to establish intimate collaboration between the Allies and the United States, particularly in’ the domain of allied science and in the publication of certain bibliographical works. Tue death is announced of Prof. Samuel Wendell Williston, of Chicago, aged sixty-six. Prof. Wil- liston began his career as one of the collectors em- ployed by Prof. O. C. Marsh in the ’seventies to obtain vertebrate fossils from the western territories of the United States. During the winter season he helped Prof. Marsh to prepare the fossils in the Yale University Museum, and at the same time he pursued medical studies which eventually? resulted in his graduating as M.D. He was always a _ keen naturalist, and, being prevented from publishing his observations on palzontology, he turned to dipterous insects, and soon became one of the leading authorities in America on that branch of entomology. Leaving Prof. Marsh in the early ‘eighties, Williston was appointed professor of geology and paleontology in the State University of Kansas, at Lawrence, where he established a flourishing school and _ brought together a great collection of Kansas fossils. Among numerous important papers he wrote especially on the Pterodactyls and the marine reptiles found in the chalk of Kansas. In 1g02 Prof. Williston removed to the newly founded chair of palzontology in the University of Chicago, where he not only continued his researches on Cretaceous reptiles, but also col- lected and investigated the still more interesting Permian reptiles from Texas and Illinois. His writ- ings form no inconsiderable part of the valuable con- tributions to vertebrate paleontology received from America during the last thirty years, and several of his devoted pupils and associates have followed worthily in his wake. ; By the death on October 23, at ninety years of age, of Mr. Robert Brudenell Carter, consulting ophthalmic surgeon to St. George’s Hospital, the medical profes- sion and the public have lost a striking personality. Since the Crimean War to within a few weeks of his death Mr. Brudenell Carter was a constant contributor to the Times. On most medical subjects in which the public was directly interested he contributed leading articles, which were always marked by clear language and sound reasoning. He wrote extensively also on hygienic and educational matters. As examples may be mentioned his paper on the constituents of London dust and its effects on health. His conclusions led him to advocate the substitution in our houses of parquet floors for carpets and the abolition, so far as possible, of blinds and curtains—recommendations which he conscientiously carried out in his own house. His pamphlet on ‘The Artificial Production of Stupidity in Schools" might still be read with profit by our educational authorities. He was always a strenuous opponent of the so-called system of homceo- pathy, and his correspondence with the late Lord Grimthorpe in the Times on this subject will be re- membered. With his purely medical writings, which were numerous, this is not the place to deal, but his book entitled ‘Eyesight Good and Bad,” which was written for the general public, may be mentioned. It was a succinct and clear explanation of the physio- logy of normal vision and of the causes of its common defects. Mr. Brudenell Carter was an active member of the General Medical Council, a body little known to the public, the most important function of which is to protect the public against improper practices by medical men. The writer was privileged to see him NO. 2558, VOL. 102] NATURE 191 on his ninetieth birthday, and found him lying on a sofa, in full possession of his faculties, and although his voice was weak, he discussed freely and with his usual good sense the topics of the day. Tue Christmas course of juvenile lectures at the Royal Institution will be delivered by Prof. D’Arcy Thompson upon the subject of ‘‘ The Fish of the Sea.” Tue FitzPatrick lectures of the Royal College of Physicians of London will be given at the college at 5 o'clock on November 12 and 14 by Dr. Arnold Chaplin. The subject will be “‘ Medicine in England during the Reign of George III.” Tue death is announced in the British Medical Journal of Dr. F. F. Wesbrook, president of the University -of British Columbia, formerly professor of pathology in the University of Manitoba, and pro- fessor of public health and bacteriology in the Uni- versity of Minnesota. Tue death is announced, in his sixty-fourth year, of Prof. William Leslie Hooper, who had been pro- fessor of electrical engineering at Tufts College, Massachusetts, since 1890. He had previously been for seven years assistant professor of physics in the same institution. Prof. Hooper was the author of “ Electrical Problems,” published in 1902. Major Barirp, Parliamentary Secretary to the Air Board, announced in the House of Commons on November 3 that the post of Medical Administrator of the Board has been offered to Col. M. H. G. Fell, C.M.G. One of the conditions of the office is that the Administrator will be guided by the principles laid down by the Watson-Cheyne Committee. Col. Fell is at present engaged in visiting stations in this country and abroad, and his answer has not yet been received. In ‘the Times of October 29 Col. H. A. Haines describes the discovery of a human skeleton with mili- tary equipment in a shallow grave in the challx near Rochester, Kent. The feet of the skeleton were directed eastward, a spear-head lay near the right shoulder, and the boss of a shield was found over the ankles. Another piece of iron occurred behind the waist. Writing in the same newspaper on October 31, Sir Hercules Read points out that the burial may be regarded as that of a Jutish settler in Kent of the — fifth or sixth century. The fragment of iron near the waist may have been either a knife or a strilxe-a-light to be used with a flint. Tue second national reunion of the Argentine Society of Natural Sciences will be held in Mendoza in the spring of 1919. We have just received Nos. 14 to 16 of Physis, the society’s journal, which shows much activity, especially in entomology and botany. In No. 16 Mr. Carlos Ameghino returns to the subject of fossil man at Miramar, where the numerous imple- ments are supposed to be contemporaneous with the remains of extinct mammals. Among other imple- ments he describes and figures bolas of the modern South American type made of fossil bone. He arrives at the remarkable conclusion that while Europe was still inhabited by men of the Neanderthal race, Argen- tina was already peopled by advanced tribes of Homo sapiens. Tue annual Harveian oration was delivered by Dr. Percy Kidd at the Royal College of Physicians on October 18. The subject was the doctrine of con- sumption in Harvey’s time and to-day. Dr. Kidd sur- veyed the views of medical writers on phthisis or 192 NATURE [NovEMBER 7, 1918 consumption from the time of Hippocrates. The seventeenth century, which produced Harvey’s great work on the circulation, constituted an epoch in the study of consumption, and two names stand out pre- eminently in this connection—Franciscus Sylvius and Richard Morton. The latter had a clear conception of the nature of consumption of the lungs, stated his opinion that the formation of tubercles constitutes the first stage in the phthisical process, and recognised a special scrofulous variety of the disease. Both Sylvius and Morton insisted upon the contagious nature of the affection. The work and views of subsequent inves- tigators were reviewed, and, finally, the recent results of a statistical investigation by Brownlee, indicating that there are at least two types of phthisis, were com- mented upon. In connection with the Sir Walter Raleigh tercen- tenary, of which we gave an account last week, we are reminded that there is some reason for regarding Raleigh as one of the pioneers of evolution. He was not far from the general idea of transformism. Thus in his ‘History: of the World” (book i., chap. vii.) he says: “For mine owne opinion I find no difference but only in magnitude between the Cat of Europe and the Ounce of India. . . . The common crow and rooke of India is full of red feathers in the droun’d and low islands of Caribana, and the black- bird and thrush hath his feathers mixt with black and carnation in the north parts of Virginia. The Dog- fish of England is the Sharke of the South Ocean.” What is suggested is certainly that one kind of animal may have diverse forms in diverse conditions. Raleigh goes on to say that differences in colour and magni- tude cannot make “‘a difference of Species,” using the argument that if they did it would be necessary to regard negroes, not as men, but as some kind of strange beasts; ‘‘and so the giants of the South America should be of another kind than the people of this part of the World’’; and he adds: ‘‘ We also see it dayly that the nature of fruits are changed by transplantation.” It meed scarcely be said that Raleigh did not see the transformation of species. as Darwin saw it, but the general idea of transformism was surely his. A COLLISION, when the vessel on which he was returning on leave from West Africa was within three hours’ steaming from Holyhead, caused the death, on October 3, of Mr. C. O. Farquharson, mycologist in Nigeria. A graduate in arts and in science of the Univer- sity of Aberdeen, Mr. Farquharson was a student of the best type, more keen to know thoroughly what he set himself to learn than preoccupied with mere success in examinations. Botany was especially attractive to him, and he proved himself acute and trustworthy in per- sonal investigation of problems in both field and laboratory. He devoted attention to the parasitic fungi, and gladly accepted the position of mycologist in Nigeria. Mr. Farquharson threw himself into the duties with whole-hearted enthusiasm, striving to gain the fullest knowledge of the methods likely to prove helpful in the discovery of the causes and treatment of diseases of economic plants, not confining his attention to those due to fungi. He was also interested in the endeavour to obtain improved races of such plants, whether native or introduced. Moreover, he did good service in the investigation of the botany and entomology of Nigeria, as evinced by a paper on the Myxomycetes of that territory in the Journal of Botany in 1916, and by collections and notes on insects communicated to Prof. Poulton. Mr. Farquharson first began to study insects under the influence of Mr. W. A. Lamborn, who, as Govern- ment entomologist, became his colleague at Moor NO. 2558, VOL. 102] Plantation, Ibadan, Southern Nigeria, in May, 1913- After Mr. Lamborn’s departure in May, 1914, he corresponded with Prof. Poulton, his last letter being dated August 31, 1918, the day before he sailed in the ill-fated Burutu. Mr. Farquharson Was a very acute and patient naturalist, who was ° instinctively drawn to attack the most obscure and difficult problems of bionomics. Many of his valu- able observations on insect life, especially on ants and the forms associated with them, are published in the Proceedings of the Entomological Society from December, 1913, onwards, and it is confidently be- lieved that the appearance of his unpublished work will show even more clearly how high were the hopes that perished with him. Mr. Farquharson’s character and disposition were such as to win him affection and respect, and his death brings a sense of grievous loss to those who knew him intimately. His place will be difficult to fill. He was in his thirty-first year. Tue Calcutta Mint has overcome the difficulty of supplying metals for coinage during the war owing to increasing demands and recent withdrawals of the old copper pieces. The difficulty of procuring nickel was serious, until it was noticed that the ordnance factories were advertising for sale as scrap large quantities of cupro-nickel derived from used bullets, but contaminated with lead. This metal was utilised in the Mint, and as many as 226 tons of cupro-nickel were used in this way in producing 2,750,000 two-anna nickel pieces issued during the closing months of last year. In the Journal of the Royal Anthropological Insti- tute (vol. xlviii., part i., 1918) Prof. H. J. Fleure and Miss L. Winstanley contribute a paper on ‘‘ Anthropo- logy and our Older Histories.’ The Irish chronicler Nennius, the * Brut,’ and Geoffrey of Monmouth are examined in connection with early race movements. The evidence is naturally scrappy and uncertain, but the authors suggest that studies of this kind may be a connecting link between history and anthropology, the distributional examination of place-names being of linguistic value. ‘Thus archeology and anthropology hint at an unsuspected value of the older and sup- posedly legendary historians, and suggest that even the chronology of these older historians may have a good deal behind it.” AN interesting case of complete absence of sensa- tions from skin receptors, and of some other special Senses, is described in the Lancet of October 19. The senses absent are touch, both superficial and deep, pain, heat-and cold, muscular sense, taste, and smell. The state has been present for twenty years, but the subject possesses more than the average intelligence. In the absence of guidance from the eyes, he is unable to make any movement as re- quested, saying that he has no knowledge of whether he is making any movement or not. On the other hand, the more automatic movements of walking and swimming, not requiring conscious co-operation, can be executed correctly without the eyes. It is also clear that the proprioceptive mechanism of the muscles is intact, since, with eyes closed, the limbs can be placed by another person in any position and remain there (Sherrington’s “‘plastic’’ phenomenon), although the patient is unaware of what position they are in. With visual control, all movements are per- fectly normally executed. The subject is ignorant of any feelings of fatigue, and seems to be devoid of most forms of emotion. He has no love of country or of home, and makes neither friends nor enemies. Nevertheless, he is an efficient soldier, and always willing to help in hospital worls. November 7, 1918] NATURE 193 Tue annual report of the Department of Fisheries for Bengal and Bihar and Orissa is officially limited to a maximum of eight pages. Mr. Southwell, the Director of Fisheries, gives a short summary of the work of his department, a list of papers relating to marine and fresh-water biology published elsewhere, and a general account of the fishing industry so far as it comes within his cognisance. Tue annual report of the Dove Marine Laboratory at Cullercoats deals with marine biological investiga- tions carried on along the same general lines as in past years. The report on the routine examination of samples of local herrings is interesting in that it | suggests changes due to restricted fishing on the East Coast. Up to 1g15 the herring shoals were charac- terised by the predominance of fish of four years of age (that is, herrings with three winter rings on the scales), but in 1916 and 1917 the North-East English shoals contained a majority of five-year-olds. Spawn- ing apparently occurred at the end of August and the beginning of September. Other papers in Prof. Meek’s report deal with the growth rates and numbers of ecdyses in Crustacea and with plankton and general faunistic research. Prof. Meek’s paper on the growth of Crustacea is noteworthy as an attempt to clear up much that is confusing with regard to this matter. Tue Fish Trades Gazette of October 26 contains an interesting article on ‘Fisheries Reconstruc- tion in Germany,” in which the author sum- marises a memorandum prepared by the Economic Union of the German Deep-sea_ Fisheries. A great deal is being ‘done in the sphere of technical and scientific research. At Munich “there has been founded a great research institute for the study of the chemistry of food—a direct result of the difficulties from the war—with, in the meantime, a temporary home in the University. It is meant to serve the interests of the whole Empire, and will be richly endowed. A sum of from 3,000,000 to 4,000,000 marks (150,000l. to 200,000l.) has been set aside for building and equipment, and the annual endowment will be between 100,000 and 200,000 marks (5000l. to 10,000l.). The director is Prof. Dr. Theodor Paull. . . . Inthe section dealing with fish it is intended to make researches on the chemical composition and digestibility of fish of every species, fresh and pre- served; on ‘the influence of cold and other agents on its preservation and transport; on various methods of preparing fish for the table; and on the so-called ‘ fish-poison,’ or poisoning by bad fish.” Now that ferro-concrete shipbuilding seems to have come to stay, it is interesting to note that, according to Hansa for September 14, no composition is neces- sary to protect ships’ hulls from attack by sea-water. This opinion is expressed as the result of several observations on ferro-concrete structures in German harbours. A Factory has been started in Sweden, according to Teknisk Ukeblad for August 30, for extracting oil from alum schist. Large quantities of this schist are found in the Lamma Nerika district, yielding benzine and crude oils. The latter can be used for oil-engines or converted into paraffin and lubricating oils. The factory can treat 30,000 tons of schist per annum, giving 1200 tons of oil. The supply of schist in Sweden is practically inexhaustible, and other similar factories will shortly be started. Water is decomposed by electric current at the rate of 0-3354 grm. per ampere per hour. The pro- | ducts are 0-416 litre of hydrogen and 0-208 litre of | oxygen from the quantity of water named. If, when NO. 2558, VOL. 102] suitable arrangements for setting up hydraulic pres- sure have been made, a current be passed through the water, decomposition will take place, and the gases generated will produce pressure of any desired intensity. According to the Chemiker-Zeitung (Sep- tember 4), it is possible to produce pressures as high as 1860 atmospheres in this way. InN an article in the May and July issues of the New Zealand Journal of Science and Technology Mr. M. A. Eliott describes the growth of the frozen-meat industry of New Zealand, and maintains that the demands on it will be still further increased after the war. At the present time about six million sheep and lambs and a quarter of a million cattle are exported per annum, a fleet of fifty properly insulated steamers equipped with refrigerating machinery, and making two and a half journeys per annum, being engaged in the trade. Cold stores have recently been erected in the Colony capable of holding one year’s export. The Home Government is alive to the importance of a food supply such as this, and has appointed a Food Investigation Board to deal with the problems arising out of the preservation, storage, and transport of food materials. Pror. J. T. Lunpsye, in a paper read recently before the Danish Society of Engineers, gave an account of the various units of light used in European countries, and the intensity of light required for satis- factory illumination under various conditions. A simple method is given (Ingenigren, August 28) for obtaining the intensity of light by measuring the dis- tance at which letters of known size can be read with different lights. Up to a certain point this distance increases very rapidly with the intensity of light, but when the intensity exceeds a certain limit the increase in distance is small. A pair of smoked glasses, which intercept a known quantity of light, and a decimal rule are the only apparatus required. The luminous inten- sity is found by measuring the distance at which a given specimen of print can be seen through smoked glasses, and then measuring the distance at which it can be seen without them. The ratio between these two operations forms a measure of the luminous intensity. Pror. KAMMERLINGH ONNES has recently succeeded in demonstrating the possibility of the existence of permanent electric currents without the action of an e.m.f. The resistance of conductors vanishes very suddenly below certain critical ‘temperatures, and a conductor brought to the non-conducting state can carry currents up to a critical value, above which the resistance suddenly reappears. The super-conducting state is not attainable when the conductor is exposed to a magnetic field above a critical value. Tests are described (Schweizerische LElektrotechnische Zeit- schrift, August 31) in which a current was induced in a lead spiral in its super-conducting state, and con- tinued to flow with a decrease of only 1 per cent. per hour. Ir is common knowledge that the general methods of running boiler plants are not efficient. A good deal of attention has been given recently in the technical Press to the scientific control of steam-raising plants, and the first of a series of articles by Messrs. Brownlie, Compston, and Royse on exact data on the running of steam-boiler plants appears in Engineering for November 1. During the past, ten years the authors have tested 250 typical steam-boiler plants, comprising rooo boilers. The present article deals with the efficiency of the economiser. This appliance generally consists of rows of vertical cast- 194 iron pipes placed in the flue between the boilers and the chimney. The féed-water passes through the pipes on its way to the boilers, and takes up some of the heat from the waste furnace gases, which thus reach the base of the chimney at a temperature lower than would otherwise be the case.. The exterior surfaces of the tubes are kept clean by scrapers, which travel automatically up and down the tubes. In 155 plants fitted with economisers the average efficiency of the appliance was 11-4 per cent. The possible practical efficiency is 17} per cent. to 20 per cent. Only 17 per cent. of the plants were saving 15 per cent. or more of the coal-bill, and more than 30 per cent. of the plants were saving less than 10 per cent. The fault does not lie with the economiser as an appliance, but is due to the fact that the economical generation of steam is not understood, and economisers are often not installed on correct lines. The authors estimate that a saving in this country of from 7,000,c00 to 10,000,000 tons of coal per annum could be obtained by the use of economisers installed on correct scientific lines. Tur Decimal Association, 212 and 213 Finsbury Pavement House, Finsbury Pavement, London, E.C.2, has published in pamphlet form the article on ‘The Metric System and Decimal Coinage” contributed by Mr. Harry Allcock to the issue of Nature for June 6, 1918. It will be remembered that the article was concerned with the attitude towards the metric system of weights and measures and decimal coinage taken by Lord Balfour of Burleigh’s Committee on Com- mercial and Industrial Policy after the War, and it was shown that the decisions arrived at were open to serious criticism. ¢ Dr. L. L. Fermor has pointed out to us, in con- nection with our notice of his recent paper on hol- landite (Nature, vol. ci., p. 392), that he used the term ‘bipyramidal’? as a synonym for the older “pyramidal” in the paper itself. He also shows that the name ‘“‘romanéchite” is correctly accented, ac- cording to French usage, although derived from the place-name Romanéche, a good analogy being the three words cher, chére, and chért. THe Lrsrary Press, Lip. (26 Portugal Street, W.C.z2), will publish shortly a translation, by B. Miall, of Prof. J. Amar’s ‘‘The Physiology of Industrial Organisation and the Re-employment of the Disabled.” The book is being edited by Prof. A. F. Stanley Kent, who will supply to it an introduction and notes. OUR ASTRONOMICAL COLUMN. Tue Dark-LINE SPECTRUM OF Nova Aguit%.—Dr. J. Lunt has sent to NaTuRE some interesting details re- lating to the transient dark-line spectrum of Nova Aquila, as photographed at the Cape Observatory with the McClean spectrograph on June 10, 11, and 12. Apart from the bright and dark hydrogen spectrum which was in process of development, the spectrum was a continuous one crossed by a true absorption spectrum consisting principally of the enhanced lines of titanium, iron, chromium, strontium, calcium, magnesium, and helium. As shown by iron com- parison spectra, the entire series of lines was displaced to the violet by an amount representing a radial velo- city of 1500 km. per second (June 11 and 12). The violep edges of broad absorption lines, left partially uncovered by broad bright bands, do not appear to be in question, and the displacement is regarded as a true Doppler effect, due to the actual motion of a stellar body possessing an intensely heated atmosphere of metallic vapours. As in the case of other nove, NO. 2558, VOL. 102] NATURE 4 [ NovEMBER 7, 1918 the fine dark H and K lines appeared nearly in their normal positions, but Dr. Lunt thinks it erroneous to consider their small displacements as representing the velocity of the star; it seems to him more probable that these lines do not originate in the nova itself, but in a nebulous mass lying in the line of sight. The residual incandescent and disturbed nebulous matter left behind after the passage of a rapidly moving star into a nebula would seem to offer a suffi- cient explanation of the bright-line spectrum. To account for the supposed enormous velocity of the nova, Dr. Lunt suggests that our own system may have a velocity comparable with those found for spiral nebulae, and that the velocity may result, in part from this motion, and in part from the high velocity of a wandering star which has come from outside our system. As in Nova Geminorum, there were two sets of dark hydrogen and helium lines during the earlier stages, the first of which showed the same displace- ment as the enhanced metallic lines. On June 15 the second set had become comparatively narrow and sharp, and showed a displacement equivalent to 2286 km. per second; except for the K line, these have no counterpart in the enhanced line spectrum, and their meaning remains obscure. ‘ Opservations OF Minor Prianets.—Shortly before the outbreak of war an important international scheme of work on these bodies had been arranged, to secure that all should be sufficiently observed without waste of labour through overlapping. Though the organisa- tion was shattered by war, the’ observations continue. Marseilles Observatory undertook the circulation of ephemerides and information generally; the recently published Journal des Observateurs (vol. ii., No. 9) contains observations of sixty-six planets made during the past year by MM. Gonnessiat and Sy at Algiers Observatory. They include some positions of Juno and Vesta. It is a matter for regret that the Nautical Almanac has discontinued its ephemerides of the four principal asteroids. No predicted positions of them are now available except the approximate ones in the list published annually at Berlin. A Bricur Merreor.—Astr. Nach. (No. 4961) can- tains an account of a bright meteor which fell near Treysa, in Hessen, 9° 10’ E. Gr., 50° 55’ N., on 1916 April 3, 2h. 25m. G.M.T., the sun’s altitude being 30° 50’. It was seen over a circle of 135 km. radius, and heard over a circle of 50-60 km. radius, besides a few isolated points at 100 km. distance. The earth-point was calculated, and a prolonged search at length revealed the meteor in a wood. It had made a hole 1-60 metres deep, at an inclination of 60° to the horizon, in a direction from N. 15° W. to S. 15° E., agreeing well with the calculated values. It was composed of iron, and weighed 63 kg. A. Wegener, whose calculations led to its discovery, estimated that its final velocity was in the neighbourhood of 1 or 2 km./sec. The position of the radiant inferred from the observations during flight is 357°+80°, and from the direction of the hole in the ground 20°+78°. The difference is only 5° in great circle. THE HOT WORKING OF STEEL. ita is generally held that, in order to obtain the best mechanical properties of which a steel is capable, it is necessary, after having cast it in the form of an ingot, to subject it to a large amcunt of deformation either by forging or rolling or pressing at a high tem- perature. Many official specifications, in fact, require a given reduction of the original section of the ingot. These requirements are expressed as ‘‘the coefficient NoveMBer 7, 1918 | ~ NATURE ‘ 195 of working,’ which is equivalent to the ratio of the initial to the final section, or, what comes to the same thing, that of the final to the original length. The minimum values assigned to this coefficient are generally three or four, and sometimes higher. Doubts as to the necessity of this, however, have been raised. Prof. Howe, in his treatise ‘‘ The Metal- lurgy of Steel,” after weighing the evidence on the subject, wrote many years ago that ‘‘ cumulatively the evidence raises a presumption in favour of the view that the supposed special effect of kneading and pres- sure, as such, does not exist or is relatively unim- portant.’ Prof. Tchernoff, the eminent Russian metallurgist, has gone even further, and claims to have proved that the effects of forging can be pro- duced by heat treatment alone. In view of the great practical importance of the question, it is. somewhat surprising that it has not been made the subject of decisive experiments until quite recently. Much experimental work is, of course, carried out in metallurgical works which is never published, and from the character of the discussion on M. Charpy’s paper entitled “The Influence of Hot Deformation on the Qualities of Steel,’’ presented at the autumn meeting of the Iron and Steel Institute, it would appear that a certain amount of information on this subject is already available. Nevertheless, M. Charpy is entitled to the credit of having been the first in recent years to attempt to obtain an answer to the question with the view of publishing his results and submitting them to discussion. M. Charpy’s experiments may be classified under two heads. In the first place, he attempted to trace the actual character of the deformation when steel ingots are worked either by hot forging or hot rolling. By ingenious methods he was able to show conclusively that in the former the deformation is very far from uniform, that extremely variable local deformations are produced, and that in a given instance, where the mean coefficient of working was 48, the extreme values were 2:37 and 7:30. This was one of the simplest cases possible, namely, the transformation of a cylinder into one of smaller diameter; and there can be no question that in a more complicated forging the local deformation would be even more diverse. In the latter case the deformations are very much more regular, and they may be considered as practically uniform. At any rate, lines originally parallel with the axis of rolling were shown to remain rectilinear and parallel during the course of de- formation. In the second place, the author describes certain experiments, designed with great care, to determine the influence of hot working on the properties of the steel. Test pieces prepared from rolled bars, in which the coefficients of working were 1-7, 3-2, and 6-1, were subjected to tensile tests, impact-bend tests, and impact tests on notched bars. The test bars were all cut from the same parts of the ingot, and were situated at one-third of the distance between. the sur- face and the axis so as to avoid the influence of segre- gation and axial porosities. The bars were quenched and annealed under exactly similar conditions. It was found that the hot rolling of the steel does not appreciably affect the tenacity or elongation either longitudinally or transversely, but that it improves the reduction of area and resistance to impact longi- tudinally, and considerably diminishes these values transversely. The extent of the variation depends on the quality of the steel, and is more marked the lower its purity. This is a very important result to have established, for it shows that the effects of hot mechanical work must be considered as they affect the properties of the steel both longitudinally and NO. 2558, VOL. 102] transversely. ,The author declares that the favourable influence attributed to hot working rests solely on the fact that, in the great majority of cases, only the results of longitudinal tests have been taken into con- | sideration, and that the conclusions arrived at have been unwarrantably extended to materials where the main stress is transverse. His conclusion is that for pieces working under transverse stresses, such as guns, longitudinal extension by hot working has un- doubtedly an injurious effect, and that, so far from specifying a minimum reduction of cross-section of the original ingot, it would be much better to reduce it as little as possible. H. C. H. Carpenter. EDUCATION AND LIFE. MONG the Acts which will make memorable the closing session of the present Parliament none will be held of more momentous import than the Educa- tion Act of 1918, limited in its scope to England and Wales; or the scarcely less important measure deal- ing with Scottish education, which passed its third reading in the House of Commons on October 17. Both measures will have a potent effect on the future education of the two kingdoms, and be fruitful of great results for the educational and physical well- being of the children of the nation. It is therefore to be regretted that Prof. Robert Wallace, professor of agriculture in the University of Edinburgh, should have thought it well to occupy the attention of his students, on the occasion of the opening of the Uni- versity session on October 8, with a denunciation of the policy of both measures, and that he has now issued and circulated the lecture as a pamphlet (Edin- burgh: Oliver and Boyd, price 6d.) to Members of Parliament and the Press. Prof. Wallace is apparently persuaded that children between the ages of eight and fourteen should, for their practical instruction, par- ticipate actively in agricultural and manufacturing industry on the ground that 85 per cent. of the children of the nation must earn their living by hand- labour, and he would therefore introduce them at a tender and immature age into close intimacy with adults in field, factory, and workshop. That is not, in the estimation of most thoughtful persons, parents, teachers, and administrators, a desir- able policy to pursue in the best and permanent in- terests of the children and of the nation. Both measures provide not only for a fairly adequate training in literature and in science, but also for effective, practical instruction for both eye and hand, as well as for the physical health and training of the child, and that at just the period of his life when he is most susceptible of treatment and of the per- manent efféct of such training. Few Acts have been subjected to so large a measure of public discussion as the Education Act of 1918, or have won so general an approval. Its chief purpose, whilst pro- viding for the general well-being of the childhood of the nation, so vital a matter in present circum- stances, is to give full opportunity for these who are naturally gifted to share in the highest educational advantages which the nation can offer. Despite Prof. Wallace’s strictures, it is demonstrable that the Education Act of 1870 has had a marked effect on the moral health of the nation; for whilst in 1865 70 per 10,000 of the population were convicted of crime, fewer than 30 per Yo,ooo were so convicted in 1913. And there is abundant testimony, some of which was cited by Mr. Fisher on the introduction of his measure, to the wonderful initiative and intelligent grasp of the young men trained in the elementary schools who, in their scores of thousands, joined the national forces 196 in 1914. The crux of the success of both measures lies with the teachers, who must now, whatever the cost, alike in respéct of payment, prospects, and pen- sions, be attracted to the most vital and worthy of the national services. THE SCOTTISH JOURNAL OF AGRI- CULTURE. eae appearance of an official organ of the Board of Agriculture for Scotland marks an important development in the activity of that body, which, though created but six years ago, has already accomplished much good work in the development and guidance of agriculture and forestry north of the Border. On the educational side of its worlx it has co-ordinated under its aegis the agricultural colleges and other educa- tional agencies with a success which is noted with warm approval in the report of the Agricultural Sub- Committee of the Reconstruction Committee. Much useful information has also been furnished for the Scottish farmer in the annual reports and _ leaflets issued by the Board. Its rapidly growing activities rendered inevitable, however, the creation of some more suitable medium of publication of matters of general interest to the agricultural community, and this has been found in the new journal, of which the first three quarterly issues are now available. In “appearance and general character the Journal is not unlike the older-established Journal of the English Board, but the resemblance is little more than super- ficial, and the design to cater for the specific needs of Scotland is clearly evident throughout. Original articles of educational value form the most prominent feature, and are supplemented with notes on varied topics of current interest, summaries of official notices and statistics, and a useful review of recent agricultural periodical literature. The interest aroused in practical circles in Scot- land, as in other parts of the kingdom, in the subject of the costs of production of agricultural products is indicated by the inclusion of articles on this subject in each of the three issues, no fewer than four articles dealing with the cost of production of millx alone. Crop production is represented by articles on oats, potatoes, and flax. Other articles selected at random, such as the effects of the war on Scottish forestry, the improvement of hill pasture, the restocking of deer forests, farmers and income tax, rural housing, and women’s institutes, illustrate the varied and interest- ing character of the problems discussed, and inci- dentally the wide scope of the activities of the Board. The Journal is secure of a hearty welcome from the Scottish agricultural public, and will assuredly in due course be in considerable demand throughout far wider circles of British agriculture as a standard educational publication. C1 CHEMISTRY IN EDUCATION AND INDUSTRY.! i the early eighties of last century the great Livery Companies of the City of London combined for the promotion of technical and scientific education in this country; by reason of their great wealth, the administrative capacity at their command, and their complete freedom from State interference, the City Companies were admirably fitted for this task. Amongst their circle they numbered many men of high scientific and technical standing, such as the late Sir Frederick Abel and Mr. George Matthey, both of 1 From the first Streatfeild Memorial Lecture delivered at the City and Guilds Technical College, Finsbury, on October 17, by Prof. W. J. Pope, F.R.S. NO. 2558, VOL. 102 | NATURE [NovEMBER 7, 1918 whom worked nobly to ensure the success of the new movement. Without describing in more detail the scheme which was adopted, it will suffice to note that the great Livery Companies established and financed, first, the City and Guilds Technical College, and, a year or two later, the larger Central Institution at South Kensington. Both these institutions were de- signed with the view of popularising scientific and technical education and of counteracting to some extent the overwhelming influence of the older uni- versities; both Oxford and Cambridge, with their glorious history and their scholastic _ traditions, remained very exclusive, and contributed but little at that time towards the advanced teaching in pure and applied science of which our country stood in urgent need. We have always been accustomed to attribute im- portance to aristocracy of birth and family position. This attitude is probably sound; other things being equal, the son of able and influential parents is more likely than another to exhibit ability and a sense of responsibility; we find no cause to revise this opinion in the light of the record of our great families during the last four years. During recent times, however, the conclusion must have thrust itself more and more upon us all that there is another aristocracy, equal in nobility to the first, if not greater—an aristocracy of real achievement and of intellectual attainment. Pro- motion to this modern aristocracy is slow and painful, but is worth attaining; it can be attained by anv young man who possesses the requisite physical and mental equipment. The City Fathers understood this forty or fifty years ago; they realised that one of the greatest needs of the British Empire was the proper utilisation and cultivation of every intellectual talent latent in its children; they believed it desirable that these potentialities should be directed into the wide channels opened by the advance of science and the exploitation of the scientific industries. Acting upon these convictions, they founded our two colleges. As time went on, the municipal authorities estab- lished technical schools and similar institutions broad- cast, and the initial striking success of the City and Guilds Colleges waned somewhat under the stress of competition. Although the instinct which guided the Livery Companies in their great scheme of technical instruction was sound, one cannot but think that that instinct played them false at a later date; the closing of the chemical laboratories at the Central Technical College was a real calamity to the nation, as well as a disaster to science. The country needed facilities for still more advanced education and research in applied science—needed them so urgently that the Government has had to provide them at South Ken- sington. An institution for this purpose established under the auspices of the City Companies could scarcely fail to become really great, whilst under Government administration it incurs some danger of becoming merely colossal. The scheme initiated by the City and Guilds of London some forty or fiftv years ago, having for its object the promotion of scientific and technical educa- tion, attracted a number of ardent teachers well known to us all, of whom F. W. Streatfeild was one. With the collaboration of this band of workers the new move- ment rapidly became fruitful, not only by pouring a host of well-trained workers into the scientific indus- fries of the country, but also by the wav in which its very success stimulated’ other public bodies to emula- tion, and ultimately provoked intense competition. Since, as we have had to deplore, the original scheme was not raised above this competition by a further spontaneous effort of its initiators, it is only gaining but slowly upon its inifial success. At the same time, N OVEMBER 7, 1918] this college remains still flourishing and still fulfilling an essential function amongst the educaticnal institu- tions of the country. It is possible to discern roughly three recent periods in the historical development of the teaching and study of pure and applied science in Great Britain. First, the half-century preceding 1914, when progress was comparatively slow owing to the apathy of the general public towards all branches of exact knowledge. During this period cur former teachers played a pro- minent part both as teachers and as propagandists, but progress in our scientific industries was impeded, not only by general and official ignorance, but also by stern competition from the Continent. The second period is one of transition; it embraces the last four years, and is now rapidly coming to an end. In the autumn of 1914 practically all branches of technical production in this country were on the verge of brealk- down owing to the sharp arrest of imports of number- less chemical and engineering products, many of them of small financial importance, but all of them essential to our technical production. The whole nation realised, suddenly but tardily, that the neglect of applied science had brought it to the brink of ruin. The last four years of transition have been a period of unprecedented technical activity in Great Britain; during this time we have had to learn how to manu- facture multitudes of scientific products which we were previously. content to purchase ready-made from abroad, and the whole country has become one vast chemical and engineering workshop. When the his- tory of this time of stress comes to be written it will be made clear that the rapidity and success with which this country has organised its scientific indus- tries and brought them to a production of essentials far exceeding that of Central Europe are entirely miraculous. The third period, the period of reconstruction, lies in the immediate future, and we see every sign that it will be accompanied by unexampled developments on both the chemical and engineering sides of technical science. During the past four years a vast provision of chemical and engineering equipment has been accumulated; our country has regained control of all the sources existing in the Empire of raw materials which had been previously exploited by Germany, and our people have been learning that this war was ren- dered possible only by British neglect of applied science, and particularly of chemical technology. Within this period the country has become an enormous pro- ducer of such necessary materials as oleum—fuming sulphuric acid—and nitric acid; these are the prime essentials of a flourishing chemical industry. It has also undertaken with success the manufacture of large numbers of fine chemicals, such as coal-tar dyes and pharmaceutical products. The country now pro- duces materials like tungsten and similar metals essen- tial to the manufacture of hardened steels of different kinds for use in cutting-tools, armour-plate, and the like. The installation of works processes for these has been effected hurriedly, and years of careful technical investigation will be needed in order to improve methods and establish processes upon an economical basis. Inasmuch as success in applied science is possible only through the intensive cultiva- tion of pure science, it is to be foreseen that before us lies a period of great scientific and technical activity in Great Britain. i The importance of all this lies in the fact that the future is in your hands. Streatfeild, Castell-Evans, Meldola, Thompson, and Ayrton, who have passed away, and other veterans happily still with us, like Perry and Armstrong, did their best worl: in the first of our three periods; the men of my generation are NO. 2558, VOL. 102] NATURE _ period. 197 expending their energies in the present transitional It is upon the students now at college that the main burden of the coming reconstructional work will fall. If you carry out your work with the suc- cess achieved by Streatfeild and his colleagues in the performance of their duties, if you approach your future work in the spirit with which my contem- poraries have attacked theirs, we need have no doubt that this Empire of ours will continue to influence the world for good long after you and I are dead and forgotten. UNIVERSITY AND EDUCATIONAL INTELLIGENCE. BiRMINGHAM.—The installation of the new_Chan- cellor, Lord Robert Cecil, is to take place on Novem- ber 12 in the Town Hall. The occasion is to be marked by the conferment of honorary degrees on the French and _ Italian Ambassadors, Sir George Buchanan, Mr. Austen Chamberlain, Mrs. Fawcett, Sir Maurice Hankey, Lord Moulton, and Lord Philli- more. The following representatives of other uni- versities are also to be present at the ceremony :— Sir Alfred Dale (Vice-Chancellor of Liverpool), Sir Gregory Foster (Provost of University College, London), Prof. Gillespie (Pro-Vice-Chancellor _ of Leeds), Dr. Alex. Hill (Principal of University Col- lege, Southampton), Sir Isambard Owen (Vice-Chan- cellor of Bristol), and Prof. Ripper (Vice-Chancellor of Sheffield). Lonpon.—The following have been elected deans of faculties for the period 1918-20:—Medicine: Sir Bertrand E. Dawson (London Hospital Medical Col- lege); Science: Prof. A. N. Whitehead (Imperial Col- lege, Royal College of Science); Engineering: Prof. H. C. H. Carpenter (Imperial College, Royal School of Mines); and Economics: The Hon. W. P. Reeves (London School of Economics). Tue nineteenth annual general meeting of the Asso- ciation of Public School Science Masters will be held on Tuesday, December 31, and Wednesday, January 1, and will be opened with an address by the president, Sir Ronald Ross. The subjects to be discussed are :— The importance of restricting specialisation in uni- versity scholarship examinations and giving weight to general education; the modernisation of the teach- ing of biology; the position of systematic biology and kindred subjects in a school course; science in the general education of boys; the teaching of elementary science by the form master; the difficulty of securing diligence and accuracy in teaching general science to small boys; and courses in general science for Sixth Forms, both classical and non-classical. Teacuers of -geography will be interested in an account by Miss Christina Krysto entitled ‘Bringing the World to our Foreign-language Soldiers,” pub- lished in the August issue of the National Geographic Magazine, which describes the methods of teaching at Camp Kearny, California. Ordinary handbooks were found useless for the purpose of teaching the facts of the geography of Europe to Mexican and other foreign recruits. The first step was a series of conversations intended to lead the pupils to the understanding of new facts. These were supplemented by geographical charts with photographs. The comparison of the dis- tinction between the results gained in the case of Italians and Mexicans is full of interest, and will supply useful suggestions for the teaching of geography after the conclusion of the war. 198 “NATURE [NoveMBER 7, 1918 Tue current calendar of the Merchant Venturers’ Technical College, in which the faculty of engineering | of the University of Bristol is provided and main- tained, gives particulars of the exemptions accorded to graduates of the University and students of the faculty by various examining bodies and learned societies. The Institution of Civil Engineers recog- nises the B.Sc. degree with honours in civil. or mechanical engineering as exempting from examina- tion for associate membership if a regular course of study, occupying not less than three academic years, has been pursued in the University. The institution also recognises the pass degree as exempting similarly if, in addition to the other conditions, the entrance examination to the engineering course in the University has been passed in the subjects pre- scribed by the institution. These degrees are also similarly recognised as qualifications for appointments as assistant engineers in the Public Works Depart- ments of India and Egypt. The possession of the B.Sc. degree in civil or mechanical engineering is allowed to count as one year towards the three years’ practical training required by candidates for the appointment of Assistant Civil Engineer in the Works Department of the Admiralty. The B.Sc. degree in mechanical en- gineering exempts from the associate membership examination of the Institution of Mechanical En- gineers, and the degree in electrical engineering exempts from examination for the associate member- ship of the Institution of Electrical Engineers. Finally, the B.Sc. degree, or success in the inter- mediate examination for that degree, is accepted in lieu of the Army entrance examination. CERTAIN representative science teachers and others interested in natural science in Yorkshire have decided to form an association with the object of encouraging a broad outloolk on scientific problems, and of pro- viding a means whereby they may be kept in touch with modern scientific views. The hearty support given to this proposal from many quarters justifies the view that such a natural science association would be welcome in Yorkshire, and a provisional committee has been appointed to undertake its organisation. Its aims have been formulated as follows :—(1) To afford opportunity for intercourse and co-operation amongst those interested in natural science (chemistry, physics, botany, zoology, and other natural sciences); (2) to discuss the teaching of science in all its bearings; (3) to discuss modern developments in science, and the applications of science in industry; (4) to arrange for visits to places of scientific interest; and (5) to afford a medium for the formulation of collective opinion upon matters affecting the place of science in the life of the community. Membership will be open to all who are interested in the objects of the associa- tion, and it is proposed that the subscription shall be 5s. per annum. The inaugural general meeting will take place on Saturday, November 23,.at 3 p.m., in the University of Leeds, when the president-elect, Prof. W. Bateson, will deliver an address on ‘‘ Science and Nationality.’’ All who are interested in the move- ment are cordially invited to be present. Any further information may be obtained from the chairman of the provisional committee, Dr. Harold Wager, the Uni- versity, Leeds, or from the hon. secretaries, Mr. F. Ratsbrattier, the Grammar School, Leeds, and Miss . F. Shove, the University, Leeds. M. Paur Otter has an interesting article on ‘‘Le traitement de Ja littérature scientifique’? in the Revue générale des Sciences for September 15-30. His claim is that Governments should give more attention to the various methods by which the results Among such methods he includes the publication of periodicals, abstracts, annual reports, bibliographies, dictionaries, and text-books. As an example to be followed he quotes the International Institute of Agriculture at Rome. This institute, founded in 1905 by international co-operation, has already an income of 900,000 francs, possesses a library of 70,000 volumes and pamphlets, ‘and receives annually 2600 reviews and journals sent to Rome from the fifty-six co-operating countries. The institute issues three monthly bulletins, two annual volumes of statistics, three other publications appearing once or twice a year, a bibliography of agronomy, and many special monographs. M. Otlet looks forward to the founda- tion of a similar institute for science, supported by all the Governments of the world, or, at all events, by the Allied Governments. |The International Cata- logue of Scientific Literature would be a part of this institute, which would also publish abstracts of all scientific papers and periodical résumés of worl in special branches of science, possess a library to which all scientific periodicals should be sent as they appear, and make arrangements for lending books and papers to subscribers. Finally, M. Otlet asks for an inter- national or inter-Allied investigation into the whole domain of science (pure, applied, economic, and social), including the direction of original research, its application to industries, records of results, scientific literature of all kinds, the teaching of science, and the diffusion of scientific knowledge. The investigation would be followed by a congress with power to make the necessary agreements between the co-operating Governments, and to bring existing associations, institutions, and private undertakings into the general scheme. By such unification of the scientific activities of the world it is hoped to accelerate the progress of science and of its applications. SOCIETIES AND ‘ACADEMIES. LONDON. Zoological Society, October 22.—Dr. A. Smith Wood- ward, vice-president, in the chair.—Sir E. G. Loder, Bart. : Notes on the beavers at Leonardslee, 1916-18. Evidence was given of the hitherto unrecorded fact that beavers may breed twice in a season.—G, A. Boulenger: Madagascar frogs of the genus Manti- dactylus, Blgr.—Prof. H. M. Lefroy: The Wheat Commission on Wheat Weevil in Australia. MANCHESTER. Literary and Philosophical Society, October 15.—Mr. W. Thomson, president, in the chair.—J. W. Jackson : Discovery of quartz-pebble beds in the Carboniferous Limestone of Caldon Low, Staffs. These pebble-beds form the dip slope of the Low on its N.N.W. side, overlooking Caldon village. At the latter place a large series of fossils, reminiscent of the “ Brachiopod beds” of Castleton, etc., has been obtained by Mr. W. E. Alkins. The beds here apparently follow the pebble- beds in true sequence. The two_pebble- beds differ greatly in composition, that of Caldon Low being made up almost entirely of rounded pebbles of vein- stone-quartz with fragments of chert, while that of Castleton consists of Carboniferous Limestone pebbles. SHEFFIELD. Society of Glass Technology, October 23.—Dr. M. W. Travers in the chair.—Prof. J. W. Cobb: Refractory materials and the glass industry. Prof. Cobb em- phasised the fact that, although temperatures in glass manufacture were by no means abnormally high, yet of scientific investigation can be made widely known. | the nature of the chemical reactions taking place was NO. 2558, VOL. 102] NovemBER 7, 1918 | such as to render the problem of refractories extremely difficult. There was the corrosive action of the molten glass upon the container to contend with, and, in addition, the corrosive action of hot dust upon flues and furnace interiors. The nature of the various re- fractory materials used in the glass industry was then dealt with, and the effect of grain size on the refrac- toriness and strength of silica bricks received thorough treatment. Special emphasis was laid upon the neces- sity for the smallest joints in building up refractory materials, and furnace building should be regarded from the point of view of masonry rather than from that of bricklaying. The paper closed with a discussion of the evil effects on refractories of penetration of glass and batch materials and the importance of thermal conduc- tivity—Dr. M. W. Travers: The firing of glass pots. By means of a striking collection of specimens the author showed that the life of a glass pot was materially increased if, before filling in, the pot was completely “vitrified.” Ways and means of carrying’ this out were given, and the reason why vitrification before filling gave such good results was fully discussed.—S. N. Jenkinson ; The requirements of clay for glass-pot making. A brief survey was made of the position of the glass refractories trade, both in 1914 and at the present time, and the necessity for some specification of materials was shown to be urgent. The proposed specification drawn up by the Refrac- tories Committee for clay for pots was then dealt with and its various sections discussed. The question of size, nature, quality, and function of “grog” received full treatment.—Mr. Coad-Pryor: Action of certain types of glass upon pots. The author discussed the reason for the quicker solution of the bottom of glass pots as opposed to the sides. Several interesting ex- periments were described dealing with this problem.— Dr. Turner and J. H. Davidson: The solubility of pot material in glass. The influence of grain size upon rate of melting was shown. Paris. Academy of Sciences, October 14.—M. P. Painlevé in the chair—E. Fournier: General expressions for the resistance of water to the translation of hulls and their teachings.—E. Goursat: The problem of Biick- land.—E, Cartan: The varieties of Riemann in three dimensions.—J. Guillaume ; Observations of Borrelly’s comet made with the coudé equatorial at the Lyons Observatory. Data for October 1 and 3 are given. On October 1 the comet showed as a nebulosity with undefined edges about 20" diameter, with a central condensation. Magnitude 10:5 to 11.— M. Dechevrens: An electrical tide in the soil derived from the oceanic tide. Observations made at the Saint Louis Observatory, Jersey, between October, 1917, and August, 1918. The gas and water mains connected through a galvanometer gave an e.m.f. of about o1 volt, and this has been recorded photo- graphically.—F. Morvillez: The conducting apparatus of the leaves of the Saxifrages.—P. Godin: Pedagogic interest of the laws of growth.—J. Amar: The laws of feminine work and of cerebral activity. The curve of endurance in women is low and undulating, and the physical work amounts to less than 4o per cent. of that of men. It is irregular and lacks continuity. —P. Duval and A. Grigaut: Intoxication by war wounds R ] SYDNEY. ; Linnean Society of New South Wales, May 29.—Prof. H. G. Chapman, president, in the chair.—Dr. R. J. Tillyard ; The Panorpid complex. Part i.: The wing- coupling apparatus, with special reference to the Lepidoptera. The author shows that the most archaic ‘NATURE 199 base of the wing, and consisted of four parts, two belonging to the forewing and two to the hindwing. These are named (1) on the forewing, the jugal lobe and jugal bristles; (2) on the hindwing, the humeral lobe and the frenulum. These four structures are only preserved in their entirety at the present day in two ancient families of the Mecoptera, the Choristida and Nannochoristidz. The same type occurs in the Plani- pennia, with the absence of the jugal bristles. The evolution of these structures throughout the other orders of the complex is followed out, the paper deal- ing finally with the highly specialised types of coupling found in the wings of the Lepidoptera. The Micro- | pterygide are shown to possess the archaic jugo- frenate type found in the Planipennia, but with cer- tain specialisations. From the unspecialised jugo- frenate type there are developed in two different direc- tions (1) the true jugate type, found in Hepialidz and Prototheoridz, and (2) the true frenate type, found in the other families, though with further specialisation to the amplexiform type in three groups that have lost the frenulum. The author suggests that the Lepidoptera should be divided into two sub-orders, Homoneura and Heteroneura, according to the state | of their wing-venation, and that the former sub-order should be again subdivided into two divisions, the Jugo-frenata (Micropterygide s. lat.) and the Jugata (Hepialidze and Prototheoridz).—Prof. W. N. Benson : The geology and petrology of the Great Serpentine Belt of New South Wales. Part vii.: The geology of the Loomberah district and a portion of the Goonoo Goonoo estate, with two _ palzontological appendices by F. Chapman. ‘ The area in question, containing nearly 100 square miles, lies between the Tamworth district and the Nundle district, described in earlier parts of this series of papers. By the present work, therefore, the detail-mapping of a length of fifty miles of the Great Serpentine Belt is compléted, permitting the correlation of the formations throughout. The present area has not been described previously. The points of interest arising in it are chiefly the occurrence of a third fossiliferous limestone zone in the Devonian series, with various important faunal peculiarities; the presence of a remarkable development of the highly albitic intrusive rocks, keratophyres; the abnormal absence of serpentine from the serpentine line; and the presence of dip- faults, breaking. across the strike of the Devonian rocks, which may be of Carboniferous origin, but have been planes of movement in post-Permo-Carboniferous times. July 31.—Prof. H. G. Chapman, president, in the chair.—Prof. W. N. Benson: The geology and petro- logy of the Great Serpentine Belt. Part vii. (con- tinued). Several types of massive igneous rocks have been obtained that were not previously recognised in the Devonian rocks of the Great Serpentine Belt. A very typical example of pillow-structure developed in the spilitic rocks of this region is described and figured. This is the clearest example yet known in Australia.—Dr. R. J]. Tillyard: Studies in. Australian Mecoptera. No. ii.: The wing-venation of Chorista australis, Klug. Freshly turned pupz of this rare Panorpid were obtained by digging and sifting soil in a selected locality. The result is the first study of wing-venation for the order Mecoptera, based on an examination of the pupal wing-tracheation. The pupal wings were dissected off and studied under water in the usual manner. A very remarkable result was obtained. There are only two trachez in the wing, one belonging to the costo-radial group and entering the radius, the other belonging to the cubito-anal group and entering the media. Hence the Mecoptera type of wing-coupling apparatus was situated at the | must be regarded as highly specialised in this respect, NO. 2558, VOL. 102] 200 like the Trichoptera and Diptera, but unlike the Plani- pennia and Lepidoptera, which retain all their main trachee. In the fresh pupa of Chorista the fusions which take place later on between certain veins are not yet accomplished, and hence the imaginal vena- tion can be interpreted with certainty. Use is also made of the distribution of the macrotrichia to deter- mine the limits of Cu,—W. W. L’Estrange and Dr. R. Greig-Smith ; The springing of tins of preserved fruit. The blowing of tins containing fruits preserved in syrup appears to be due to the action of yeasts or other gas-forming organisms drawn into the containers through leaks in the joints while cooling after the cooking process. Although various organisms from defective containers were examined, none survived the temperatures to which the contents of containers were subjected during the canning process. August 28.—Prof. H. G. Chapman, president, in the chair.—Dr. R. J. Tillyard: Mesozoic insects of Queensland. No. 3, Odonata and Protodonata. In the order Odonata two new forms are described from the Upper Triassic beds of Ipswich. One of these is placed in the family Lestidae, forming the sole repre- sentative of a new sub-family Triassolestine. It shows close affinities with the Epiophlebiinz, being more or less intermediate between this sub-family and the more reduced types like Synlestes. The other dragon-fly fossil is not placed, being only the tip of a wing, but it has sufficient characters of interest to merit a name. In the order Protodonata a very re- markable new fossil, Aéroplana mirabilis, is described, and is made the sole representative of a new sub- order Aéroplanoptera. The characters of this extra- ordinary insect are fully discussed, and a comparison made with Meganeura (Upper Carboniferous of Com- mentry). From this reasons are given why the insect should be placed in this order, though it stands very far apart from any known type, and might, perhaps, be considered better placed in a new order. A re- construction of both wings of this fossil is shown in one of the plates.—J. Mitchell: The Carboniferous Trilobites of Australia. Of the nine species of Aus- tralian Carboniferous Trilobites previously recorded, five only are considered worthy of recognition. Thir- teen species of Phillipsia, one of Griffithides, and one of Brachymetopas are described as new. BOOKS RECEIVED. Contributions to Embryology. Vol. viii. Nos. 24, 25, and 26. Pp. 198+plates. (Washington: The Carnegie Institution of Washington.) Winter Botany. By Prof. W. Trelease. 394. (Urbana: Prof. W. Trelease.) 2.50 dollars. The Cambridge Pocket Diary, 1918-19. (Cam- bridge: At the University Press.) 2s. net. Reports of the Progress of Applied Chemistry. Pp. xxxii+ Vol. ii., 1917. Pp. 536. (London: Society of Chemical Industry.) 6s. 6d. Alfred Russel Wallace: The Story of a Great Discoverer. By L. T. Hogben. Pp. 64. (London: eG.) 25. net. c A Manual of the Common Invertebrate Animals, Exclusive of Insects. By Prof. H. S. Pratt. Pp. 737. (Chicago: A. C. McClurg and Co.) DIARY OF SOCIETIES. THURSDAY, Novemper 7 Royat Society, at 4.20.—Prof. G. E. Hale: The Nature of Sun-spots. — FE. O. Hercus and T. H. Laby: The Thermal Conductivity of Air.— T. K. Chinmayanandam : Haidinger's Rings in Mica. CHemicat Society, at 8. InsTITUTION OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS, at 6.—Tenth Kelvin Lecture— L. B. Atkinson: The Dynamical Theory of Electric Engines. NO. 2558, VOL. 102] NATURE [NovEMBER 7, 1918 FRIDAY, November 8. Roya AsTRONOMICAL Society, at 5.—H. C. Plummer: The Distribution of the Stars.—Rev. A. L. Cortie : (1) The Spectrum of the Corona, 1914, August 21; (2) The Earlier Spectrum of Nova Aquila.—R. J. Pocock : The Relation Letween Mean Parallax and Magnitude.—H. H. Turner: Note on the Nebulosity round Nova Persei.—R. Watson: Observations of the Light Variation of Nova Aquila, 1918.—A. S. Eddington: The Pulsations of a Gaseous Star and the Problem of the Cepheid Variables. Part I.—S. Chapman: The Energy of Magnetic Storms.—Prof. G. E. Hale: The x1oo-inch Telescope of the Mount Wilson Observatory.— Probable Paper : Royal Observatory, Greenwich : Magnitudes of Nova Aquila from June 10 to November 1, 1918. MALACOLOGICAL SOCIETY, at 7,—The Rey. Dr. A. H. Cooke: The Radula of Thais, Drupa, Concholepas, Crouia, Rapana, and the Allied Genera.— W. T. Webster: Notes on the Life-history of Planorbis cormeus and other Freshwater Mollusca. Puysicat Society, at_5.—Prof. J. C. McLennan: Low-voltage Arcs in Metallic Vapours.—Dr, W. Wilson : Relativity and Gravitation.—C. R. Gibson : Experiments Illustrating Colour-blindness. MONDAY, NovemMBeER 11. Roya Grocraruicar Society, at 8.—Col. G. S. F. Napier: The Road from Baghdad to Baku. i THURSDAY, November 14. Rovar Sociery, at 4.30.—Probable Papers:—A. Mallock: Sounds pro- duced by Drops falling on Water.—G. H. Hardyand S. Ramanujan: The Coefficients in the Expansions of certain Modular Functions.—Hon. R. J. Strutt: The Light Scattered by Gases; Its Polarisation and Intensity.— Dr. F. Horton and Ann C. Davies.—An Investigation of the Ionising Power of the Positive Ions from a glowing Tantalum Filament in Helium. Opricat Society, at 8.—T. Smith : Some Generalised Forms of an Optical Equation.—H. S. Ryland: The Manufacture of Binoculars. FRIDAY, November 15. INSTITUTION OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS, at 6.—Adjourned Discussion : Prof. C. A. Edwards and F. W. Willis : A Law Concerning the Resistance to Penetration of Metals which are Capable of Plastic Deformation, and a New Hardness Scale in Fundamental Units.—R. G. C. Batson: The Value of the Indentation Method in the Determination of Hardness; and Dr. W C. Unwin: The Ludwik Hardness Test.—T. T. Heaton: Electric Welding. CONTENTS. PAGE Reconstruction . . PTO: hed. Geo a KET Applications/of Coal=-tarDiyes =. = 2.) 5. 2 ee The Measurement of Temperature ........ Our Bookshelf : 3 va) Sule Go ghee een Letters to the Editor:— The Perception of Sound.—Sir Thomas Wrightson, Bart:; (Dr. Weapeerrett eee i earcee The Society of Civil Servants.—Dr. G. F. Herbert Smitha. JUS ae ee Modern Studies in Schools.—G, F. Bridge; The Writer of the Article . 2S ketene ets The Ministry of Health Billand After. ...... 186 Racial Investigations on Fishes. By J.J.. age y/ Canon Alfred Merle Norman, F.R.S. By Dr. Sidney KE. Harmer FoRiSse era tc ok Prof. Olaus Henrici, F.R.S. By Prof. M. J. M. Hill, .FRIS3) hs) Someone: nhl = Sh foalle cae INotes «. . so hols EL nd cae oleic tts ce eG! Our Astronomical Column :— The Dark-line Spectrum of Nova Aquile. . ... . 194 Observations of Minor Planets ....:- .. Ay biel A Bright Meteor .... : 2 Ue oer ge The Hot Working of Steel. By Prof. H. C. H. Carpenter, HAR! S. semen, ©. =e 194 Education and Life, ... 195 The Scottish Journal of Agriculture. ByC.C. . . 196 Chemistry in Education and Industry, By Prof. W. J. Popesi RiSaeaeee-\ oY... 5) ls. se) ee University and Educational Intelligence. . . . . 197 Societies and Academies.) ) .{ .. 2 3. 22 5998 Books: Received) ~ Riemer. = «. « « > tena Romeo Diary of Societies som-memene: @.i. 0+) <9 -) eee Editorial and Publishing Offices: . MACMILLAN AND CO., Ltp., ‘ ST. MARTIN’S STREET, LONDON, W.C.z2. Advertisements and business letters to be addressed to the Publishers. Editorial Communications to the Editor. Telegraphic Address: Puusis, Lonpon. Telephone Number GERRARD 8830. A WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL. OF SCIENCE. “To the solid ground Of Nature trusts the mind which builds for aye.,—WorpDSWORTH. No. 2559, VoL. 102] | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1918 _[Pricr NINEPENCE. ee 750) Rights Reserved ‘ peter 29 & BRANSON, Lta. | | Manufacturers of Laboratory Fittings and Furniture, Chemical Apparatus and Chemicals. “RYSTOS” CHEMICAL BENCH, as supplied to the National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, and important Chemical and Munition Works throughout the country. += Rok i BUY DIRECT FROM BECKER &CO.!s7 4 MALL (W.&0.GEORGE. LTD., UCC?) CHEMICAL, PHYSICAL, and TECHNICAL LABORATORIES | fully equipped with Benches, Fume Chambers, ete. Desigas and quotations submitted on application. | 14 COMMERCIAL STREEK, LEEDS. Graphite-Selenium Cells FOURNIER D’ALBE’S PATTERN. CLINICAL THERMOMETERS Tested under the Govern- Great Stability and High Efficiency. y 8 y ment Order of Oct. 11, 1918, With a sensitive Se surface of 5 sq. cm. and a voltage 20 the additional current obtainable at various illuminations (in and bearing the mark of the metre-candles) is :— A ir ti National Physical Laboratory At 1 m.c. ... . } milliamp. | At_{36.,, «... Rei oe ” At 500 ,,... a ” For particulars and prices apply to the SoLE AGENTS: N E G R E T f I & Z A M B R A ) John J. Griffin & Sons,}) > tescesmaur st, ees Makers of Physical and Electrical Apparatus, 122° REGENT STREET W.1 Kemble Street, KINGSWAY, LONDON, w.c. 2 LONDON. Ixxxii NOTICE. In consequence of the greatly increased cost of production it has been found mecessary to raise the price of NATURE to 9d. The Subscription rates are now as follow :— For residents in the British Isles. Yearly As Ss re on £2 2 0 Half-yearly ae wre raise! Gal! Bis: Quarterly... Ses ae oe 11 3 For residents Abroad, Yearly ee ae ba Sei o 9 Half-yearly ot =o Se BD ek 85) Quarterly... ses on ae 12 0 ST. MARTIN’S STREET, LONDON, W.C. 2. CHEMICAL SOCIETY RESEARCH FUND. A meeting of the Research Fund Committee will be held in December next. Applications for grants, to be made on forms which can be obtained from the AssistanT SECRETARY, Chemical Society, Burlington House, W., must be received on, or before, Monday, December 2, 1918. All persons who received grants in December, 1917, or in December of any previous year, whose accounts have not been declared closed by the Council, are reminded that reports must be returned to the AssisTanT SECRETARY by Monday, December 2. The Council wish to draw attention to the fact that the income arising - from the donation of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths is to be more or less especially devoted to the encouragement of research in inorganic and metallurgical chemistry. Furthermore, that the income due to the sum accruing from the Perkin Memorial Fund is to be applied to investigations relating to problems connected with the coal-tar and allied industries. — UNIVERSITY OF LONDON. BROWN ANIMAL SANATORY INSTITUTION. A Course of Five Public Lectures on ‘‘ExpERIMENTAL WoRK ON (a) Arconor, (4) Rickers,” will te delivered by E. MELLANBY, M.D., M.A., Acting-Superintendent of the Institution, on Wednesdays, November 13, 20, 27, December 4 and 11, 1918, at 5.30 p.m., in the Theatre of the Royal College of Surgeons, Lincoln's Inn Fields, W.C. 2. Admission free, without ticket. 7 ROYAL HOLLOWAY COLLEGE. (UNIVERSITY OF LONDON.) The College prepares Women Students for the London Degrees in Science and Arts. , Twelve ENTRANCE SCHOLARSHIPS, from £50 to £60 a year, and @ certain number of Bursaries of not more than £30, tenable for three years, will be offered for Competition in June, 1919. Inclusive fee £108 a year. For further particulars apply to the Secrerary, Royal Holloway College, Englefield Green, Surrey. BRIDGWATER SECONDARY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AND PUPIL TEACHER CENTRE. REQUIRED in January, 1919, for the above School, an ASSISTANT MISTRESS to teach either Science, with a subsidiary subject, or French, with English. Secondary school training essential. Salary according to qualifications and previous experience E = Applications, stating clearly which subjects are offered, should reach Cc. H. BOTHAMLKEY, Esq., F County Education Office, Weston-super-Mare, by November 30, 1918. NATURE [NoveMBER 14, 1918 BIRKBECK COLLEGE, BREAMS BUILDINGS, CHANCERY LANE, E.C.4 COURSES OF STUDY (Day and Evening) for Degrees of the UNIVERSITY OF LONDON in the FACULTIES OF SCIENCE & ARTS (PASS AND HONOURS) Under RECOGNISED TEACHERS of the University. SCIENCE.—Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (Pure and Applied), Botany, Zoology, Geology. ARTS.—Latin, Greek, English, Freneh, German, Italian, History, Geography, Logie, Eeonomies, Mathematies (Pure and Applied). Evening Courses for the Degrees in Economics and Laws. Geography Diploma and Matriculation. POST-GRADUATE AND RESEARCH WORK. ~pywe | Day: Science, £17 10s.; Arts, £10 10s, SESSIONAL FEES j Evening: Science, Arts, or Economics, £5 5s. Prospectus post fiee, Calendar 6d. (by post 8¢.), from the Secretary. SOUTH-WESTERN POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, CHELSEA, S.W.3. Day and Evening Courses in Science and Engineering. Technical Courses in Analytical and Manufacturing Chemistry. Pharmacy, Dispensing, and Food and Drug Courses. Metallurgy, Assaying, and Foundry work. Botany, Geology, and Zoology Courses. Three years’ college course in Physical Education. SIDNEY SKINNER, M.A., Principal. Telephone: Western 899. CITY AND COUNTY BOROUGH OF BELFAST. The LIBRARY and TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION COMMITTEE invite APPLICATIONS for the position of LECTURFR and DEMON- STRATOR in PURE and APPLIED CHEMISIRY at the MUNICIPAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, BELFAS?. Salary 4200 per annum, with tonus of £40 per annum. Particulars of the duties and conditions of appointment, together with form of application, may be obtained from the undersigned, with whom applic-tions, on the special form provided for the purpose, must be lodged not later than NOON on TUESDAY, November 19, 1918. Applications should be accompanied by copies of three recent testimonials (original testimonials must of be sent). Canvassing ts strictly forbidden and will disqualify. FRAS. C. FORTH, Principal. Municipal Technical Institute, Belfast. UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE, APPOINTMENT TO THE LECTURESHIP OF NATURAL PHILOSOPHY. Applications are hereby invited for the position of LECTURER of NATURAL PHILOSOPHY at the Universi:y of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Salary £450 per annum. Appointment for five years. travelling expenses to Australia, £100. Full particulars in regard to this appointment have recently been posted from Melbourne, and will be supplied to applicants upon receipt. — Applications, together with testimonials, should reach the AGENT- GENERAL FoR Vicrorta, Melbourne Place, Strand, London, W.C. 2, not later than February 1, 19179. STAND GRAMMAR SCHOOL, WHITEFIELD, Nr. MANCHESTER, REQUIRED, for January next— (i) An ASSISTANT MISTRESS, with special qualifications in French. ASSISTANT MASTER or qualifications in Geography. (iii) TWO GENERAL FORM MASTERS or MISTRESSES— Mathematical qual fications with subsidiary Geography would be a recomme: dation for one of these posts. Allowance for (ii) An MISTRESS, with special In each case salary in accordance with the Lancs. County Council Scale. Applications should be sent to the HerapMasTer not later than November 1918. KENT EDUCATION COMMITTEE. JUNIOR TECHNICAL SCHOOL, MAIDSTONE. REQUIRED immediately, chiefly for day work in the Junior Technical School, an ASSISTANT MASTER or MISTRESS qualified in Science and Mathematics. Initial salary—woman, man, with Engineering Science qualifications, £250. Apply immediately to PrincrPaL, Technical Institute, Maidstone. E. SALTER DAVIES, Director of Education. £2005 September, 1918. oC PURE 201 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14," 1918. ll — a WAR AND PEACE. HE turmoil which has shaken the civilised ' world to its foundations since August, 1914, ceased with the signing of the armistice with Germany on Monday, November 11. A war which was deliberately provoked by advocates of brute force as a quick means of profitable aggrandise- ment has ended in the triumph of free nations allied against them. Freed from the incubus of the sabre-rattling military aristocracy of Prussia, and from the arrogance of an Emperor obsessed with the lust of conquest, the peoples of the world can again devote themselves to peaceful pursuits. Let us hope that the immoral militarism which led to the war, and sacrificed all principles of faith- keeping, justice, and humanity to attain its purpose, has been vanquished for ever, and that we have seen the last struggle of a system which has dominated a large part of mankind for centuries. In the early days of the war the Germans attempted to justify their belief in the justice of might by an appeal to the principles of Darwinism. The doctrine of the struggle for existence and the survival of the fittest cannot, however, sanction the ruthless exertion of force and the use of knowledge in the service of egotism and German Kultur. What it should signify is a movement towards higher planes of civilisation and the progressive development of the ethical nature of the human race. Evolution embodies the idea of social ethics, and makes the welfare of the community the essential purpose of the life of the creature. The idea that Darwinism implies nothing more than personal or national mastery at all costs is a crude misconception of this great principle, contrary to the best ends of civilisation. The execrable deeds of the German land, sea, and air forces cannot be excused by reference to any sound principle of human progress. The spirit represented by such acts as the murder of inno- cent and unoffending non-combatants, heartless cruelty to women and children, and destruction of priceless buildings, is unworthy of twentieth- century civilisution, and if it had prevailed in the end the sun of righteousness would have set on the world for centuries. Science and _ scientific principles must not be held responsible for these outward and visible signs of moral degeneration. Chlorine was used as a bleaching-powder for a hundred years before the Germans adopted it as a poison gas. Thermit was employed in the arts before it was used in incendiary bombs. Nitre is a fertiliser as well as a constituent of gunpowder. NO. 2559, VOL. 102] The search for truth, and the discovery of new substances and forces in Nature, must not ‘be impeded because unworthy use may be made of the results. What has to be done is to advance moral and ethical ideas to higher levels, so that new knowledge shall benefit the human race instead of being used to destroy it.’ Unless this is accepted, there will be an end %f civilisation, for it is possible to conceive of a time when the forces at man’s disposal will be so strong that a hostile army or an enemy’s city may be destroyed almost at the touch of a button. The popular mind has associated science and specialised education with German truculence and perfidy, and has even supposed that these con- ditions are necessarily related to each other. The characters exhibited by Germany in the conduct of the war are not, however, the result of over- cultivation of science, but of a disastrous defici- ency in moral and ethical training. The moral sense of a nation requires educating as well as the intellect; and higher civilisation demands that regard for truth and for the sanctity of a promise should be inculcated as being even more important possessions than the knowledge and use of recent discoveries and inventions. The war has shown that spiritual qualities count for much more than mere numbers. Our system of education was inefficient, but it produced a nation of young heroes. As, however, modern war is an affair of applied science—military, engineering, chemical, physical, medical, and economic—it is essential that those who take part in it should be provided with efficient scientific weapons. We _ have nothing to fear from making science the main axle of the educational coach instead of a fifth wheel, provided only that the right position is given to character training as well. Though war is not an exact science, and cannot be reduced to a series of mathematical formule, tactics are constantly affected by the progress of science, and disaster may ensue if its effect is not correctly appreciated. A nation which lags behind, therefore, in scientific development does so at the cost of a possible loss of supremacy in times of war: Scientific. discovery, mechanical invention, - and a highly technical organisation, as employed by the Germans, could be beaten only by similar forces arrayed against them. The scientific resources of the British nation were not drawn upon until the formation of the Ministry of Muni- tions in 1915; and it is these that have provided the with the scientific material and machinery by which, with similar efforts by our Allies, success has been achieved. If we had not had the chemists to produce the high explosives required, the majority of which are derived from M country 202 coal-tar products, the noblest spirit would not have saved us from destruction. When the Germans introduced the use of poison- ous gases into warfare, immediate steps were taken by our military authorities to provide the troops with means of protection from them, and action was taken later to organise offensive as well as defensive measures. The matter was put into the hands of men of science, with the result that our gas attacks became more effective than those of our enemies. Sir Douglas Haig said in his despatch at the end of 1916: “The Army owes its thanks to the chemists, physiologists, and physicists of the highest rank, who devoted their energies to enabling us to surpass the enemy in the use of a means of warfare which took the civilised world by surprise.’’ Science has been successfully called into service in many other directions. The meteorological establishments of the various countries involved in the war have done théir utmost to provide greatly increased knowledge of the physics of the atmo- sphere for the immediate benefit of the armies. Both for naval and military operations, accurate forecasts have been much enhanced in value, and it has been of the highest importance to know the behaviour of the upper atmosphere for the informa- tion of the air services, and the condition of the surface atmosphere in relation to gun-sighting and range-finding. The organisation of the medical services for the prevention of disease, as well as the treatment of wounds, has been a veritable triumph. In consequence, the health of the Army has been better in the field than in peace-time, thanks to preventive inoculation, suitable food, and careful sanitation. Typhoid and paratyphoid fevers have been almost unknown, and tetanus has been under complete control. The most gratifying aspect of the whole war is that of the efficiency of the medical services. : Now that the war is practically over, we must prepare to meet other problems. Peace bring’s with it difficulties to be overcome which rival in magnitude the task of completely vanquishing our enemies. Problems will arise in connection with the health and physique of the nation which will tax the resources of the country’s medical services to their utmost limit. The clash of arms will be succeeded by an equally strenuous industrial com- petition, and the reconstruction of the appalling devastation will call for all the resources of men of science a We are faced he necessity for better organisation of science and industry, nd qualified administrators. with and more efficient methods if we of production, are to maintain not only our position in the markets of the world, but also our ability to meet the vast expenditure which the war NO. 2559, VOL. 102] NATURE [NoveMBER 14, 1918 | has entailed. It is the duty of men of science to exert themselves to the utmost to secure due recognition and participation of science in the gigantic problems of national and international readjustment with which we are now confronted. In the United States every natural resource, every industry, and ounce of their great power in money and in men has been made avail- able for the national service for the certain com- mercial needs of peace no less than for the pur- poses of war. It is essential for us to make like efforts if we are to secure improvements in the industrial and commercial methods of pre-war every days. Will our people be true to the responsibility placed upon it for the future? If so, it must look to knowledge for its support, and not let itself be cajoled by the platitudes and promises of party politicians. Democracy has hitherto permitted itself to be swayed by eloquence, and has elected to be governed by men of words rather than by men of knowledge and action. The consequence is that men are entrusted with power, not because of any fitness they have shown for the offices they occupy, but because of their political influence or friendships. Scientific and technical experts have been used, but only as hewers of wood and drawers of water, while the administrative control has usually been in the hands of officials with no special qualifications for their directorships. Much remains to be done by the State and in the city before science and other knowledge are given their full opportunities for increase and In originality and capacity of adapting means to ends, the British people is equal to any other in the world, but its attitude towards science is mostly indifferent, and the progress made is nothing compared with what would have service. been achieved under more stimulating conditions. When a new spirit prevails there will be no end to the rich gifts which science will pour into the lap of the human race. Then, if men are worthy of the fruits showered upon them, there will be an end of the night of weeping, and the advent of the morn of song which is our highest heritage. Let us do what we can to hasten the coming of this time, when men shall stretch out their hands to one another and encircle the world. SCIENTIFIC UTILISATION OF COAL. Coal and its Scientific Uses. By Prof. William A. Bone. Pp. xv+qg91. (London: Longmans, Green, and Co., 1918.) Price 21s. net. us volume, the latest addition to the already vast literature on that protean subject, Coal, is one of particular interest, as it is written from a somewhat novel point of view, the significance af al ~ Jae NoveMBER 14, 1918] which is scarcely conveyed by the title selected for it; it might have been more appropriately entitled “The Practical Uses of Coal Scientifically Con- sidered,’’ for the author reviews in it the technical applications of coal, whilst, to use his own words, he has “consistently endeavoured throughout to give due prominence to the underlying scientific principles.’ It need scarcely be said that the work is extremely well done, as might, indeed, be ex- pected from the high reputation that the author has deservedly won in this particular field of labour. Necessarily it contains no. really new matter, but gives a clear, accurate, and concise summary of the present state of knowledge re- garding the nature and chemical composition of coal, the various changes that it undergoes on heating, and more especially the phenomena asso- ciated with its combustion. The use of coal as the source of a wide range of chemical compounds, which form the basis of a vast number of dyes and drugs, is barely touched upon, the author’s attention being mainly concentrated upon coal as a source of energy; it is scarcely necessary to add that the utilisation of the by-products that can be simultaneously obtained nevertheless receives due consideration, although the elaboration of these by-products is not followed beyond the earliest stages. The first third of the volume is taken up with an account of the chemical composition of coal in the light of modern research. Prof. Bone has made good use of the vast mass of material accumulated by previous workers on this subject; it is perhaps to be regretted that the work was completed just before the issue of the important monograph of Drs. Marie Stopes and Wheeler on this subject, so that Prof. Bone did not have the advantage of see- ing the most recent views of these writers. Upon the whole, however, Prof. Bone inclines to endorse the views already put forward by Dr. Wheeler in his previous work, whilst admitting that there still remain many obscure points that need to be cleared up. The brief summary of the present state of our knowledge on pp. 126 et seq. may be instanced as an excellent example of the author’s power of presenting a highly complex subject briefly and lucidly. The next few chapters are devoted to the principles underlying the combus- tion of coal and their applications to industrial and domestic heating, including the abatement of smoke. Next in order come the carbonisation of coal under various conditions, and the complete gasification of coal for the generation of producer- gas and water-gas. Finally, the important pro- blems of fuel economy in the manufacture of iron and steel, and those connected with the employment of coal for the production of power, are considered. The last chapter is one on surface combustion, which, interesting though it is, does not really fit in well with the general scheme of the book. In a work covering so wide a range, it is in- evitable that all sections cannot be treated as fully as each reader might desire, though it is only fair to point out that the author can scarcely be blamed for this; his difficulty would, indeed, be to com- press rather than to expand each portion. Thus NO. 2559, VOL. 102] NATURE 203 it may perhaps be suggested that not enough weight is laid upon direct firing by coal-dust, a method that ought to be capable of the fullest possible utilisation of the thermal energy of the fuel. The possibility of employing the explosive force of a mixture of finely divided coal and air in some form of explosion engine has already occupied seriously the attention of various in-’ ventors, and although the difficulties presented are very great, it would be very rash to consider the problem as insoluble. In this way it should be possible to utilise the whole of the mechanical energy developed by the combustion of coal, less, of course, the amount necessarily absorbed in pulverising the coal; if much less is lost in=this way than in gasifying coal, the advantages pre- sented are obvious, and it might therefore fairly be suggested that Prof. Bone might have devoted a little more space to the problems affecting the combustion of coal-dust. One of the most valuable sections of the book is that relating to the possible economies attainable in the manufacture of steel; Prof. Bone is un- doubtedly right when he states that the reason why British ironmasters work on less economical lines in this respect than their Continental rivals is because most British ironworks were built at a much earlier date, before modern methods of steel manufacture had been devised, and that it takes time to remodel these older works and to bring them up to modern -requirements. British iron- masters have always been fully alive to the need for fuel economy; in this connection it is curious to note that Prof. Bone has overlooked the early experiments of Mr. Charles Cochrane upon drying the blast supplied to the blast-furnace; these long antedated Gayley’s work at Pittsburgh, which is fully discussed here. Taking the book as a whole, Prof. Bone may airly be congratulated upon having produced a very valuable work upon a very difficult subject, a work which is likely to be of great assistance to every one of the vast army of the industrial users of coal, and to remain a standard work upon the subject for many years to come. Hee CATALOGUE OF SCIENTIFIC PAPERS. Catalogue of Scientific Papers, Fourth Series, (1884-1900). Compiled by the Royal Society of London. Vol. xvii, T-Marbut Pp. vit 1054. (Cambridge: At the University Press, “rors:) Price 51: ss. met. E congratulate the Royal Society on the fourth volume of the Author Catalogue of the scientific papers published during the seven- teen years 1884-1900. The first volume (num- bered vol. xiii. of the catalogue), containing a list of papers by authors whose names begin with the letters A and B, was published in June, 1914; the second volume, with authors’ names from C to Fittig, in February, 1915; and the third volume (numbered vol. xv. of the catalogue), containing the author index to'the end of H, in October, 1916. The volume now issued carries the indexing as far as the name Marbut. It is no light matter 204 to have surmounted the difficulties in the produc- tion of a work of this magnitude under the condi- tions created by the war. Scientific workers will also recognise that the Cambridge University Press has carried out the printing with as great care and efficiency as was the case with volumes produced under more favourable conditions. The earlier volumes were compiled and edited under the able direction of Dr. Herbert McLeod, whose zeal for accurate work is so well known. Since his retirement, in 1915, as director, Dr. McLeod has continued to help with advice as occasion demanded. The post of chairman of the Committee of Pub- lication was filled by Prof. Silvanus Thompson until his death. It will be agreed that no better chairman could have been found. The interest which Prof. Thompson took in the history of science and of scientific publications made it certain that he would spare no pains in ensuring that the Catalogue of Scientific Papers should be “an accurate record. The Author Catalogue, which has so far been published for names alphabetically arranged from A to Marbut, contains 28 titles of papers written by 39,088 authors, an average of about six papers to each author. We may perhaps assume that this number will be doubled before the end of the alphabet is reached. In that case about 450,000 papers will be indexed as published in the seventeen years 1884—1900, or about 27,000 a year. This number is, of. course, only an average, being perhaps true for the year 1892. During the last twenty years there has been a great increase in the number of scientific workers and also in the number of journals in which they can publish the results of their researches, so that before the war broke out the annual output of scientific papers must have been at least twice 27,000. Reference to the volumes of the Inter- national Catalogue of Scientific Literature shows that in 1913 more than 60,000 scientific papers were published. We may confidently look forward to the com- pletion of this Author Catalogue. We hope that the Royal Society will also be able to finish the corresponding Subject Catalogue, in which the volumes for mathematics, mechanics, and physics have already appeared. Subject catalogues are so much more useful than author catalogues that it is very important that the publication of the remaining volumes of the series should not be too long delayed. 299 EeS9 OUR BOOKSHELF. A Medical Dictionary. By W. B. Drummond. Pp. ix+625. (London: J. M. Dent and Sons, Ltd., n.d.) Price ros. 6d. net. Tus new “Medical Dictionary’? includes much more than its title may suggest, for, in addition to contents bearing closely on strictly medical subjects, we find articles dealing with subjects relating to health, such as athletics, ambulances (with a capital plate of ambulance wagons), cycling, diets, food, and cookery, health resorts, NO. 2559; VOL. 102] NARR ES OR Ld s - + -F ’ tore exercise, posture, psycho-analysis, sanitation, ventilation and warming, water supply, and a host of others. We have tested it and have failed to find any omission of moment. ‘ The more special medical sections dealing with diseases give excellent summaries, including causation, symptoms, complications, treatment, and prevention. The principal tropical diseases, such as malaria, sleeping-sickness, cholera, dysentery, sprue, plague, and ankylostomiasis, have brief descriptions allotted to them. Con- ditions arising in connection with the war have not been omitted, and shell-shock, T.N.T. poison- ing, trench-fever, trench-foot, and trench-nephritis are all alluded to. Venereal diseases are briefly dealt with, and their control by the State is dis- cussed. Sections are devoted to anatomy and physiology, and all the commoner drugs are men- tioned, their nature and dosage. Under bacterio- logy we find a brief description of the nature and classification of bacteria, of the part they play in Nature and how they are studied, of the germ-theory of disease, and notes on the principal disease-producing organisms, the whole - being illustrated with three text-figures and two full-page plates of photomicrographs. Physical exercises are dealt with and are fully illustrated with four plates. Under drowning Schifer’s method of resuscitation rightly has the foremost place, other methods being also given. Under consumption a good account of the open-air treat- ment is given, with illustrations. Sufficient has been said to show the wide and comprehensive scope of this dictionary. The author, Dr. Drummond, is fully alive to the danger of a book of this kind taking the place of the family doctor, and we think he has managed with considerable skill to avoid it. The dictionary should be of the greatest service to the layman as a book of reference on medical and cognate subjects, and to the nurse as a guide in cases of sickness, to the health visitor, minister, mis- sionary, and others. Ro TAB Medicinal Herbs and Poisonous Planis. By Dr. David Ellis. Pp. xi+179. (London: Blackie and Son, Ltd., 1918.) Price 2s. 6d. net. Durinc the past three or four years a good deal of interest has been taken in the collection and cultivation of medicinal plants, for the most part by persons who have not enjoyed a_ botanical training. As a consequence, a desire has been felt for information concerning the properties of medicinal herbs, the uses to which they are put, the means by which they may be identified, their commercial value, and so on. It is for persons thus interested that Dr. Ellis’s work is intended; to make it more generally useful he has included certain poisonous plants that are not, or not at present, used medicinally. It may be said at once that his object has been attained. The descrip- tions of the individual plants are clear and free from undue technicalities; they are accompanied by instructive line-drawings and preceded by two short chapters dealing with the structure of flowers and the physiology of plants. iat ‘ 0 Fe tp Sea _ [NovemBer 14, 1918 WA ioveueest tA, 191 Ny From a variety of sources the author has col- lected a considerable amount of information into a small compass, and the lay reader may rely upon finding sufficient information for his purpose con- cerning our indigenous medicinal and poisonous plants. That inaccuracies occur here and there must be admitted; they appear to be due to in- sufficient verification on the part of the author, and their presence is not surprising when one considers the number of conflicting statements that have been recently made on the subject. Should a second edition be called for, these might be avoided by submitting the proofs to an expert for critical revision, and blemishes thus be removed from a useful little work. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. ‘The Editor does not hold himself responsible for opinions expressed by his correspondents. Neither can he undertake to return, or to correspond with the writers of, rejected manuscripts intended for this or any other part of Nature. No notice is taken of anonymous commenications.] The Colours of the Striz in Mica. Ow examining even the most regularly split and trans- parent pieces of mica by diffuse reflected light, a few fine hair-like and rather irregular lines may generally be seen running along the surface. We have found that these lines or stria show some very interesting effects when mica is examined in a Topler ‘‘ Schlieren 3 apparatus. The sheet as a whole, being optically good, remains invisible, but the strize shine out as brilliant and vividly coloured lines of light, the colours being different for different striae, and changing in a remarkable manner as the inclination of the mica relatively to the direction of the light in the apparatus | is altered. For instance, a stria at normal incidence may appear crimson and, as the mica is rotated about an axis in its own plane, become successively purple, green, yellowish-green, yellow, orange, scarlet-red, green, vellow, and red. The phenomenon is being investigated in detail by one of us (P. N. Ghosh), but as to its general nature there appears to be little doubt. The striz are lines at which the thickness of the mica changes in a dis- continuous manner, and the luminosity is due to the radiation from the discontinuity acting as a laminar diffracting boundary. For any particular wave-length the radiation is zero if the retardation of the wave- front on either side of the discontinuity differs by an even multiple of half a wave-length, and is approxi- mately a maximum if the difference is an odd multiple of half a wave-length. The detailed mathematical investigation would follow the general lines indicated by Lord Rayleigh in his theory of the Foucault ‘ knife- edge’ test (Phil. Mag., February, 1917). : C. V. Raman. P. N. Guosu. 210 Bow-bazar Street, Calcutta, India, September s. Propasc_y the stria, regarded by the authors as boundaries between regions of slightly different thiclk- nesses, are the same lines as can be seen by reflections of soda light, as described in my note on “ Regularity of Structure in Actual Crystals” (Phil. Mag., vol. xix., p. 96, 1910). Doubtless the Foucault method shows them in a more striking manner, and, in any case, the colour effects are novel, so far as I know, and worthy of a closer examination. RAYLEIGH. — NO. 2559, VOL. 102] NATURE 205 SELF-CONTAINED MINE RESCUE APPARATUS, Meee people are now more or less familiar with the development of the Army respi- rator from its crude form of a cloth pad to the scientific and efficient ‘box respirator’’ used to-day. This is just one example of the many applications and developments of science during the past few years. In mining worl: the need for the construction of apparatus on scientific lines / is being more and more realised, and this is espe- cially so in the case of mine rescue apparatus. — When these are employed, whether for actual saving of life, for recovery work after some serious explosion, in dealing with mine fires, or for any other use in an irrespirable atmosphere, it is imperative that the apparatus should be so con- structed that the wearer may absolutely rely upon it to last for the period and work required. In the past, unfortunately, too many different types of apparatus have been put on the market without _undergoing a thorough and scientific testing, and as a consequence in several cases their use has been attended with fatal results. The “box respirator ’’ is designed to withdraw, or render innocuous, small quantities of highly toxic gases or vapours, thus leaving the air for the wearer to breathe practically harmless. Certain gases are, however, not readily absorbed by the ordinary form of Army respirator, and of these carbon monoxide is notable. The highly toxic action of small quantities of this gas mixed with air renders the use of an apparatus of the type fof a self-contained mine rescue apparatus essential, and for certain classes of work at the Front, where dangerous quantities of carbon monoxide are met with, such apparatus has been largely employed. The recent report of the Mine Rescue Appara- tus Research Committee! should prove of interest, therefore, not only to the mining community, but also to many members of his Majesty’s Forces. In May, 1917, the Advisory Council for Scientific and Industrial Research appointed Mr. W. Walker (Acting Chief Inspector of Mines), Dr. H. Briggs, and Dr. J. S. Haldane as a Committee “to inquire into the types of breathing apparatus used in coal mines, and by experiment to deter- mine the advantages, limitations, and defects of the special types of apparatus, what improvements in them are possible, whether it is advisable that the types used in mines should be standardised, / and to collect evidence bearing on these points.’ Recent advance in our knowledge of the physio- ‘logy of breathing, largely due to the work of Dr. | Haldane, and the latter’s practical tests on various types of mine rescue apparatus at Doncaster during the past few years, together with those carried out by Dr. Briggs (for the Research Com- | mittee) at Edinburgh, have given the Committee a | sure foundation upon which to build its report. 1 First Report of the Mine Rescue Apparatus Research Committee. (Published for the Department of Scientific and Indus hippest by H,M. Stationery Office.) Price 1s.9@. The illustratic Cc | this article are reproduced from the Report by per | of H.M. Stationery Office. sion of she Controller 206 As a result of these and other experimental tests, and of visits to various mine rescue stations throughout the country, the Research Committee is able to make a number of valuable suggestions and recommendations in the first report, with the object of increasing the safety and efficiency of both apparatus and wearer. In the report attention is directed to the serious defects in existing apparatus, and the lines along which improvement is desired are indicated. Tribute is paid to the pioneer work of Mr. H. A. Fleuss, the designer of the first oxygen mine rescue apparatus. The photo of which Fig. 1 is a reproduction shows Mr. Fleuss and a group of miners equipped with this apparatus, and it is of especial interest in that it records the first application of such apparatus in mining. The photo was taken at the time of the underground fire which followed the explosion at Seaham Col- liery, 1880-81. The excellent work of Sir W. E. apparatus), Sir Garforth (designer of the “Weg ”’ Fic. 1.—Henry A. Fleuss and group of miners, equipped with'earliest Fleuss apparatus and oxygen lamps.’ Seaham Colliery, 1881. John Cadman, and others,’ in increasing the eff- ciency of oxygen apparatus, is referred to, and also that of Col. Blackett and Mr. Mills, of New- - castle, in connection with liquid-air apparatus. Only the so-called two-hour types of apparatus have been dealt with. These may be divided into three -(1) Those in which the oxygen supply is derived from a cylinder of the com- pressed gas; (2) those in which the oxygen is derived from the evaporation of liquid air; (3) those in which the oxygen supply is produced by the chemical action of water vapour and carbon dioxide on oxylith (KNaO,). The report shows that the compressed oxygen type is most favoured in this.country, there being 1720 apparatus of this type in use compared with ninety-six of the liquid-air type, whilst class 3 has hitherto not been employed here. For those who are not acquainted with mine rescue apparatus a description of a compressed oxygen NO. 2559, VOL. 102] classes 7 NATURE [NoveMBER 14, 1918 type may be of interest. The apparatus about to be described is the “Proto’’ (which is the development of the original Fleuss apparatus). The description is quoted from the report :— The apparatus has the merit of simplicity. The circulation is dependent on the lungs of the wearer, breathing being entirely through the mouth. The cylinders B together hold 280 litres of oxygen under a pressure of 120 atmospheres. The reducing valve C (Fig. 4), when correctly adjusted, allows a constant flow of oxygen of 2 litres a minute to pass into the breathing circuit. The makers also supply reducing valves, which can be set by the wearer to give discharges ranging from between o-6 and 3 litres per minute. The oxygen passes through a flexible tube F running over the wearer’s left shoulder, and enters the bag at N, where it joins the air being drawn into the lungs. Light mica valves are fitted in the tubes at M and L to control the direction of the flow of the air. The breathing-bag, which is of rubber, is divided into two compartments by a parti- tion reaching nearly to the bottom, and in the bottom of the bag is placed a charge of caustic soda weighing 3 to 5 lb. Either stick-soda is em- ployed or coke nuts coated with caustic. The air, in travelling from one compartment of the bag to the other, has thus to find its way through the soda, and in doing so the carbon dioxide is absorbed. By shaking the bag from to time, new surfaces of the absorbent are exposed to the air, and the absorp- tion of carbon dioxide is facilitated. A saliva trap Z is fitted under the exhaling tube. The pressure gauge, which is carried in a pocket in front of the bag, is connected to the oxygen supply by means of a highly flexible metal tube W. The wearer can thus read his own gauge. A relief valve, operated by the wearer, is placed in the bag at K. Fig. 4 shows how, by means of a strong steel neck, the main valve wheel H is brought to the front within reach of the wearer. A by-pass short-circuits the reducing valve C. Oxygen can be discharged through the by-pass by opening the cock I. V is the pressure-gauge valve. It is opened only when the gauge is to be read. The weight of the apparatus is about 36 Ib. Needless to say, the heavy oxygen cylinders are responsible for the greater propor- tion of this. Other types of compressed-oxygen apparatus differ considerably in detail from the “Proto”’ apparatus just described. For example, in the Draeger (German) and Meco (English) an artificial circulation of air through the apparatus is pro- duced by admitting the oxygen through an in- jector nozzle at a constant rate, an air circulation of from 50 to 60 litres a minute being thereby induced, independent of the lungs. Face-masks,-in place of the mouthpiece shown in the illustrations of the “Proto ’’ apparatus, are sometimes supplied. Experimental tests on these have shown that they are a source of grave danger to the wearer, when in a poisonous atmo- yx NoveEMBER 14, 1918] NATURE sphere. Consequently the Research Committee in its report advocates the complete abolition of such in favour of the mouthpiece. With a “face-mask ”’ or “half-mask,’’ the injector principle, of having a good artificial flow of air always passing the mouth, is essential. Otherwise an excessive amount of carbon dioxide soon accumulates in the mask, with the result that the efficiency of the wearer y affected. Various other minor advantages have been claimed for the in- jector type, but it has so many dangerous draw- backs that the Research Committee strongly advo- cates the complete abolition of the injector in any apparatus. ; All the main types of apparatus, with their advantages and defects, are discussed at length in | | is seriously | | ! | Fic. 2.—Protu apparatus, front view. the report. The difference in method of purifica- tion of the expired air may be referred to briefly here. In the case of most compressed oxygen apparatus the purification is effected by passing through a metal cartridge or purifier containing granulated soda, potash, or both. The expired air thus passes through the purifier before reach- ing the breathing-bag. Considerable heat is developed by the action of carbon dioxide and moisture upon the regenerating agent, and in the case of the “Proto’’ apparatus, in which the alkali is actually contained in the breathing-bag itself, the heat produced is not easily dissipated, owing ‘to the non-conducting character of the rubber bag. The temperature of the inspiratory air becomes then, under certain conditions of NO. 2559, VOL. 102] \ working, almost unbearable. The trouble, how- ever, with the average cartridge that has been put on the market in the past that it has been totally inadequate to perform the wark claimed for it by the makers, and in consequence lives have in many cases been endangered by the use of such apparatus. ; To give an example of an apparatus coming under ] where the oxygen supply is derived from liquid air—the description of the *““Aerophor’’ may be quoted from the report. is class 2—1.e. | There are quite a number of these apparatus in use in the United Kingdom, and with further research and improvement they should be capable of doing very good work. The “Aerophor ”’ shown in Figs. 5 and 6. is Fic. 3.--Proto apparatus, side view. 3 PI The receptacle A, holding the charge of 8 Ib. or 10 lb. of liquid air (which in practice always con- tains more than 60 per cent. of oxygen), is carried together with the purifier U on the wearer’s back, while the breathing-bag B is at the front. To prevent the wearer being affected by the extreme cold of the pack, the canvas jacket which sup- ports the apparatus is padded at the back with felt, and an air-space is left between the padding and the pack. At the Northumberland and Dur- ham stations the half-mask is employed, while at the Rotherham station—where the accompanying photographs were taken—the mouthpiece is used. The absorbent material within the metal receptacle is asbestos wool. To charge the apparatus liquid air is poured in from a large Dewar storage bottle 208 into the pack, and a spring balance from which the pack is hung measures the charge. The receptacle is insulated by kieselguhr, felt, and a final cover of leather. The insulation per- mits the penetration of sufficient heat to volatilise the liquid air at the required rate. During the earlier part of the period of use the volume of volatilised air passing out of the tube from the pack is more than enough to supply the wearer’s requirements. The current at this stage divides at J (Fig. 6), one part going to the lungs and the other passing to waste through U (the purifier) and the automatic relief valve R. The exhaled air also discharges through R. Later in the period, when the evaporation is less rapid, the lungs can only get the volume they call for by re-breathing OXYCEN CYLINDERS. REOUCINC VALVE BY-PAS. PRESSURE CAUCE = SMOKE COCCLES NOSE CLIP MOUTH PIECE BREATHING BAC WITH INHALING AND EXHALING COMPARTMENTS END SECTION SHEWING CAUSTIC SOP, SPACES Fic. 4.—Proto apparatus, flow diagram. PE , Lag, a portion of the exhaled air. The flow in the purifier now reverses; the apparatus becomes a regenerator, and the purifier removes the CO, and moisture from that part of the expired air returning to the bag. In the Newcastle model the _ purifier is larger than that illustrated. An attach- ment is provided consisting of a length of flexible tube ending in a mouthpiece and relief valve. By connecting this tube to R, it may be possible during the first part of a two hours’ interval to supply air to another man. This apparatus, weighing about 30 lb., is somewhat lighter than most of the compres sed ox ygen types. . The third class of rescue apparatus is unlike any of the others. In this case the oxygen is NO. 255OR eviews. «1O2 | NATURE | -{NoveMBER 14, 1918 produced, and the air regenerated, by causing the products of expiration to pass through a cartridge of oxylith (potassium-sodium peroxide). This sub- stance is attacked by carbon dioxide and water vapour with the liberation of about the same volume of oxygen as the carbon dioxide and water contain. The apparatus has hitherto not been successful, owing to its excessive resistance and the heat developed. Its small weight (about 15 lb.) is its chief advantage. Another interesting point brought out in the report is the necessity for the use of pure oxygen. To the average man it would seem that oxygen showing go per cent. of purity should be amply sufficient for breathing purposes. One must re- member, however, that in a self-contained appa- [cae [See J Pl ae am Fic. 5.—Aerophor apparatus, front view. ‘ : | ratus the oxygen is being consumed, whereas the impurities—mainly nitrogen—tend to accumutate. For example, if a “Proto’’ apparatus is being used in which the oxygen contains 10 per cent. of nitrogen, and the wearer is doing work necessi- tating the consumption of 2 litres of oxygen per minute—the “blow off ’’ valve not being used— then after about three-quarters of an hour the percentage of nitrogen in the breathing-bag will have increased to about 90 per cent., the oxygen being only 10 per cent. The wearer persisting in his work would quickly become unconscious. The purity of the compressed-oxygen supply is there- fore of great importance, and the Research Com- mittee lays stress on the necessity for having every -NoveMBER 14, 191 8] cylinder of oxygen arriving at a rescue station sampled and analysed. It advises, for use under- ground, only such cylinders as contain 98 per cent. or more, and for surface work (practices, etc.) such as contain more than 97 per cent. The danger of hydrogen in electrolytically prepared oxygen is also pointed out. The Committee recommends the prohibition of the use of any breathing apparatus in mines under the Coal Mines Act unless the apparatus be “‘of a type for the time being approved by the Secre- tary of State. The necessity for this is very evident to anyone who has hz ad pre ictical know- ledge of the very serious condition in which some | apparatus is supplied, and for which the makers are entirely responsible. The Committee also proposes that an inspector should be appointed “to | back view. Fi. 6.—Acropiior apparatus, of Mines as to the and to see that the Operations are advise the Chief Inspector safety of these apparatus,”’ regulations regarding properly carried out. Many other interesting mendations are made; the apparatus and means for overcoming these are pointed out, and the training of rescue brigades, methods of signalling, etc., described. The report is most instructive and interesting, and will well repay time spent in its perusal. In most districts the rescue teams are composed of volunteers from each pit—men who are willing to risk their lives in the work of rescue or recovery in the event of any form of mine disaster. Work in our coal mines at the best is always attended NO. 2559, VOL. 102] rescue valuable recom- of existing and dangers NATURE considerably. | which is 209 with a certain amount of risk to life and limb. After an explosion or fire this risk is increased It is only just, therefore, that the con- struction of the apparatus itself should be such as to involve the least possible risk to the wearer, and that claims made by makers for their appa- ratus should be capable of complete justification. The work of the Mine Rescue Apparatus Re- search Committee and the publication of its reports will be one of the best means of realising this aim. J. Te INTERCHANGE OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS HEN in March last Mr. Balfour proposed that a mission consisting of representatives of the universities of the United Kingdom should be sent to the United States, he did the cause of university education notable service. To , the members of the conference convened at the Foreign Office, Mr. Balfour described, on. the basis of his own recent experience, the influence which university opinion carries in all matters of policy, whether domestic or international, of our great Ally. He then laid emphasis upon the need for the creation by British universities of oppor- tunities of corporate expression. He advocated the establishment of a representative body which would be able to speak for the universities as a whole. To the conference which had already been called for the next day by the Universities Bureau of the British Empire was remitted the responsi- bility of selecting a group of men and women to visit the United States. The “ Balfour Mission ”’ reached the far side of the Atlantic some two or three weeks ago. Accounts of its proceedings and of the distinguished welcome which the delegates are receiving in all the chief universities of the American continent on both sides of the border have appeared in the papers from time to time. Acting upon Mr. Balfour’s suggestion that our universities should find means of giving ex- pression to their collective views, a Standing Com- mittee, consisting of all their executive heads— vice-chancellors or principals, as the case may be—was appointed by the conference for purposes of consultation and mutual counsel. Whether in ' constitution this committee remains as at present, or whether in the future some other and more direct method of selecting its members be devised, the universities have, through the delegates whom they sent to the conference, agreed to the institu- tion of “‘a Senate of the Senates,’’ to use a phrase adopted by Mr. Balfour. They have taken a step likely to have a profoundly important effect upon their usefulness and prestige. One of the main objects of the mission is to promote interchange of students. In the Middle Ages a student was free to migrate from one university to another in search of the most eminent teachers of the faculty of his choice. Like his professors, who had by graduation secured their jus ubique docendi, he was matriculated in the 210 NATURE [NoveMBER 14, 1918 universities of the world. The members of the mission will make themselves acquainted with the resources of the universities of America, and reciprocally they will endeavour to make known in America the opportunities for advanced study and research which our own universities afford. The eighteenth-century conception of a university as a glorified public school is to give way to the earlier and sounder view that it is a centre for the creation of knowledge. Made famous by great teachers, one university is especially distinguished in this branch of learning, another in that. to international’ scientific associations as soon as cir- cumstances permit, and that new associations be estab- lished by the nations at war with the Central Powers, with the eventual co-operation of neutral countries. The application of this resolution was left to the con- sideration of a committee of inquiry which will meet in Paris shortly. Among the subjects referred to the committee of inquiry is the organisation of the publica- tion of bibliographical works in all branches of science. It is felt that the scientific world has hitherto relied too much upon “Centralblatter’’ and ‘ Jahresberichte ” for information upon recent additions to knowledge. These publications quite naturally give undue pro- minence to work done in Germany, while work pub- lished in other countries is not infrequently ignored. It is therefore important that complete abstracts and bibliographies of science should be published in the Allied cdéuntries, without regard to any similar works that may be appearing in Germany. It cannot, how- ever, be expected that the income to be derived from the sale of these works of reference will defray the cost of preparation and publication, and it would therefore appear that such work would require Goyern- ment subsidies. In planning new work the committee should not overlook existing undertakings, such as the International Catalogue of Scientific Literature. It ousht to be possible to arrange that worl: of this magnitude should be continued without a break even though Germany and Austria no longer co-operate in its production. Tue first general meeting of the National Union of Scientific Workers was held on October 27, and was attended by representatives of eleven branches with more than five hundred members. The constitution of the union was determined, subject to slight altera- tions in redrafting the rules. It was agreed upon by the meeting that the objects of the union should include :—(1) To advance the interests of science— pure and applied—as an essential element in the national life; (2) to regulate the conditions of employ- ment of persons with adequate scientific training and knowledge; and (3) to secure in the interests of national efficiency that all scientific and technical departments in the public service, and all industrial posts involving scientific knowledge, shall be under the direct control of persons having adequate scientific training and knowledge. Special objects deal with obtaining adequate endowment for research and advis- ing as to the administration of such endowment, setting up an employment bureau and a register of trained scientific workers, and obtaining representa- tion on the Whitley industrial councils. An applicant is qualified for membership if he or she has passed the examination leading to a university degree in science, technology, or mathematics, and is engaged at the time of application on work of a required standard, though certain other qualifications are regarded as equivalent to university degrees and admitted in lieu thereof. A resolution was carried unanimously that a special advisory committee should be appointed to deal with questions arising in connection with the promotion of research. At the close of the meeting the officers for the ensuing year were appointed as follows :—President: Dr. O. L. Brady (Woolwich). Secretary: Mr. H. M. Langton (miscellaneous). Treasurer: Mr. T. Smith (National Physical Labora- tory). Executive: Mr. G. S. Baker, Dr. N. R. Campbell, Dr. C. GC. Paterson (N.P.L.), Mr. R. Lobb, Mr. J. W. Whitaker (Woolwich), Dr. H. Jeffreys, Dr. F. Kidd (Cambridge), Dr. C. West (Imperial Col- lege), and Dr. A. A. Griffith (Royal Aircraft Estab- lishment). The address of the secretary is Universal Oil Co., Kynochtown, Stanford-le-Hope, Essex. #2 ¥ #rs het — Sof ae "7a / NoveMBER 14, 1918 | NATURE ‘ bl \ 213 fa Tue following is a list of those who have been * recommended by the president and council of the Royal Society for election into the council for the ensuing year at the anniversary meeting on Novem- ber 30:—President: Sir Joseph Thomson. Treasurer: Sir Alfred Kempe. Secretaries: Prof. Arthur Schuster and Mr. W. B. Hardy. Foreign Secretary: Prof. W. A. Herdman. Other Members of the Council: Sir George T. Beilby, Prof. V. H. Blackman, Mr. C. V. Boys, Sir James J. Dobbie, Sir Frank W. Dyson, Dr. M. O. Forster, Prof. F. W. Gamble, Dr. J. W. Li Glaisher, Sir Richard ‘Glazebrook, Sir Alfred D. Hall, Sir William Leishman, Prof. W. J. Pope, Dr. W. H. R. Rivers, Prof. E. H. Starling, Mr. J. Swinburne, and Prof. W. W. Watts. Tue court of assistants of the Salters’ Company has appointed Dr. M. O. Forster, F.R.S., to be the first director of the Salters’ Institute of Industrial Chemistry referred to in Nature of October 24. Since July, 1915, Dr. Forster has been chairman of the technical committee of British Dyes, Ltd., and was, until recently, a member of the board of directors. In view of the urgent necessity for incurring certain preliminary expenditure for afforestation purposes, an interim authority has been set up to carry out the necessary work pending the passing of legislation setting up permanent machinery for the purpose. A supplementary estimate of the sum of 100,000!. has been made for this authority. We regret to learn of the death at Utrecht, on October 21, of Prof. H. E. J. G. du Bois, well known to physicists by his numerous valuable contributions to the knowledge of magnetism and related subjects. Prof. du Bois was just beginning his work in the new Bosscha Laboratory which the Dutch Govern- ment had built for him at Utrecht. Tue death of Mr. Edward Bennis is announced in the Engineer for November 8. Mr. Bennis was born in 1838, and was educated at the Quaker College of Newtown, in Waterford. He will be remembered for his inventions of mechanical stokers, and for his worl in connection with problems of smoke abatement. On Wednesday, November 20, the opening address of the 165th session of the Royal Society of Arts will be delivered by Mr. Alan A. Campbell Swinton, chairman of the council. The subject of the address will be “Science and the Future.” The chair will be taken at 4.30. Av the students’ meeting of the Institution of Elec- trical Engineers, to be held on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m., at King’s College, Strand, an address on “The Permeability of Faintly Magnetic Materials,” illustrated by experiments, will be given by Prof. Ernest Wilson. Tue following have been elected officers of the Cambridge Philosophical Society for the ensuing ses- sion 1918-19:—President: Mr. C. T. R. Wilson. Vice-Presidents: Dr. Doncaster, Mr. W. H. Mills, and Prof. Marr. Treasurer: Prof. Hobson. Secre- taries: Mr. A. Wood, Mr. G. H. Hardy, and Mr. H. H. Brindley. New Members of the Council: Prof. Baker, Prof. Newall, and Dr. Fenton. DurinGc the coming session the meetings of the British Association Geophysical Committee will be held on the third Tuesdays of November, January, February, March, May, and June at the Royal Astro- nomical Society. At the meeting on November 19, at 5 p-m., Mr. R. D Oldham will open a discussion on * The Constitution of the Earth’s Interior.” The NO. 2559, VOL. 102] subjects to be dealt with at the January and later meetings will be seiches, seismology, terrestrial mag- netism, geodesy, and atmospheric electricity. Ar the anniversary meeting of the Mineralogical Society, held on November 5, the following officers and members of council were elected :—President: Sir William P. Beale, Bart. Vice-Presidents : Prof. H. L. Bowman and Mr. A. Hutchinson. Treasurer: Dr. J. W. Evans. General Secretary: Dr. G. T. Prior. Foreign Secretary: Prof. W. W. Watts. Editor of the Journal: Mr. L. J. Spencer. Ordinary Members of Council: Mr. H. Collingridge, Mr. T. Crool, Dr. G. F. Herbert Smith, Dr. H. H. Thomas, Mr. H. F. Collins, Mr. J. P. De Castro, Prof. H. Hilton, Lieut. A. Russell, Dr. A. Holmes, Miss M. W. Porter,- Mr. R. H. Rastall, and Sir J. J. H. Teall. Tue council of the Chemical Society has arranged for three lectures, bearing on the ultimate constitu- tion of matter, to be delivered during the present session. The first lecture, entitled ‘‘ The Conception of the Chemical Element as Enlarged by the Study of Radio-active Change,” will be delivered by Prof. ¥. Soddy at the ordinary scientific meeting to be held at Burlington House on Thursday, December 19, at 8 p.m. Four informal meetings of the society will be held during the present session. The object of these meetings is to give fellows greater facilities for social intercourse than are afforded by the ordinary scientific meetings. The first will be held at Burlington House on Thursday, November 21, at 8 p.m., when the following exhibits will be on view :—Specimens illustrating the manufacture of sac- charin (Boots Pure Drug Co., Ltd.), optical glass (Chance Bros. and Co., Ltd., and the Derby Crown Glass Co., Ltd.); tungsten products (Ediswan Electric Co., Ltd.), photographic chemicals (Ilford, Ltd.), fine chemicals (T. Morson and Son, Ltd.), and apparatus (Silica Syndicate, Ltd.). We regret to record the death of Sir James William Restler on November 4. Sir James was born in 1851, and was chief engineer to the Metropolitan Water Board. From an account of his career which appears in Engineering for November 8, we learn that he completed his education at King’s College, London, and received his professional training with the firm of Messrs. John Aird and Sons. In 1883, as chief engineer to the late Southwark and Vauxhall Water Co., he carried out works of considerable magnitude, including the construction of reservoirs having a capacity of 1,750,000,000 gallons, and filter-beds cover- ing twenty-three acres. Sir James designed the Honor Oak reservoir, which was opened in 1909. He fre- quently gave technical evidence before Royal Com- missions and at Parliamentary inquiries. He was a member of council of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, and had been elected a member of council of the Institution of Civil Engineers for the current session. Pror. G. Bruni, of the R. Istituto Tecnico Superiore, Milan, writes to suggest that now the Dardanelles are occupied by British and Allied forces, a monument to the memory of H. G. J. Moseley should be erected at the place where he died. ‘A call for a subscription to this end would be enthusiastically answered, not only in Great Britain, but also through all the Allied countries.” While fully appreciating Prof. Bruni’s suggestion, some of Moseley’s friends are not much in favour of the erection of a monument at such a distant and inaccessible place. No doubt inclusive memorials will be erected by the various Governments to those who fell at the Dar- danelles, and it would be a little invidious to pick out 214 — NATURE [NovEeMBER 14, 19 18 one of so many brave men for special recognition. would be most suitable would be for the Royal Society or some other body to name a research scholarship in Moseley’s honour, and it is to be hoped that ulti- mately something in this direction will be done. We understand that as soon as his friends on active service return to this country a Moseley memorial meeting will’ be held in the laboratory where he did his great research, with the view of erecting a tablet there, though this is not exactly the type of memorial which Prof. Bruni has in mind. Tue Times publishes an official report from Capt. Amundsen to the Norwegian Consul-General at Arch- angel, sent from Dickson Island by wireless telegraph on September 4. The Maud took a week to cross the Kara Sea, which in August was impeded with heavy ice, but Capt. Amundsen reports that, so far as he could judge, the ice conditions north of Siberia seem to be favourable. The beginning of September is rather late to pass Dickson Island, but Dr. F. Nansen, in an interview with the Times correspondent, ex- presses the hope that the expedition passed the New Siberia Islands early in November. In this case the ship should by now be beset in the pack and have begun her transpolar drift. Capt. Amundsen, how- ever, has a difficult coast to navigate. He may quite possibly have been caught west of the Taimir Penin- sula, and have had to seelk winter quarters on the coast. The coast in the vicinity of the Nordenskjold Archipelago affords several suitable harbours. Nansen in August, 1893, and Villitski in September, 1914, had difficulties with ice in this region. Even if Cape Chelyuskin is safely rounded, heavy ice may possibly be found between that cape and the Lena delta—a region which has a bad reputation. Possibly in that case Capt. Amundsen will attempt to winter in the little-known Nicholas Land. The expedition reports having fifteen sledge-dogs on board, and to have loaded 105 barrels of oil at Dickson Island. In Mind (n.s., Nos. 107 and 108) W. M. Thorburn discusses the rights and wrongs of a person in lan- guage which is more vehement and impelling than is usual in philosophical papers. He contends that, in spite of the teaching of astronomers and_ biologists, men will persist in looking upon the ** bimanous biped ” as the apex of all creation, the highest possible evolu- tionary form, and, as a corollary, estimate the life of any man as of more intrinsic value than the life of any animal. The quantity and not the quality of the human species is too commonly taken as the ideal. The result is a maudlin sentiméntality which fears to face the problem of retribution as the necessary result of wrong-doing, and a futile belief that, by an adjustment of environment, equality among men can be maintained—a belief which is disproved by all the analogies of Nature and the lessons of history. Science is the fruit of leisure, and men of science can have the necessary leisure only if others less gifted are prepared to undertake worl which is often called menial. The author’s conclusion is a plea to con- sider whither democracy is leading. The whole dis- cussion is provocative and stimulating, supported by a wealth of literary and scientific allusion, and will be valuable to thinkers in many fields of activity from speculative philosophy to the most practical science. Many will disagree with his conclusions, but his point of view is one which ought to be realised and honestly faced. , In the Journal of Hellenic Studies (vol. xxxviii., for 1918) Prof. Perey Gardner publishes an account of a valuable addition to the Ashmolean Museum in the shape of a female marble figure of great beauty, which NO. 2559, VOL. 102] What | lay unnoticed at Deepdene, and was purchased at the sale of the Hope collection in July last. It is not a mere portrait, but a portrait of a woman in the guise of deity, women in Greece being seldom honoured with a statue unless they were more or less deified. It dates from the period 460-440 B.c., corresponding with the active period of Pheidias, and there is good reason to believe that it is a portrait of Aspasia as Aphrodite, and it may account for the accusation of impiety which we know to have been brought against her. The article is fully illustrated by examples of the same type, and the Ashmolean Museum is to be congratulated on an acquisition of singular interest and value. Tue Sultanieh Geographical Society, Cairo, has recently published an attractive programme of its future operations. It proposes to undertake an ethnographic and geographical survey of Egypt, the results of which will be published in periodical bul- letins and memoirs; to provide for lectures, a museum, and the conservation of archives connected with this work. The special subjects to which atten- tion will be directed are a monographic survey of the Siva oasis, an outpost of Egypt which has been little studied; an examination of the three groups of Egyp- tian gipsies—the Beledi, Ghagar, and - Nawar—of whom little is known; a study of irrigating devices, with comparison of ancient models; and_basket- making. On these subjects monographs will be pre- pared, and documents, sketches, and photographs col- lected. The society is undertaking a valuable worl: which deserves the support of anthropologists. Tue Indian Journal of Medical Research for July (vol. vi., No. 1) contains an excellent sum- mary by Lt.-Col. Clayton Lane on methods, old and new, for the detection of hook-worm (ankylostome) infection. Concentration of the ova of the parasite in the dejecta may be effected by straining and centri- fuging, and also by a “‘levitation’’ method. In the latter the centrifuged deposit is placed on a slide in a little water and allowed to stand for five minutes. At the end of this time the slide is carefully im- mersed in water and then taken out. By this pro- cedure particulate matter is largely removed, but the hook-worm ova are sticky and adhere to the slide. The exact technique is described, and the method is applicable for parasitic ova other than those of the heok-worm. A BRIEF summary of the present position of the kelp industry appears in California Fish and Game (vol. iv., No. 3). In 1910 the Bureau of Soils of the United States proposed to exploit the vast beds of giant kelp, fringing much of the west coast of America, for the purpose of using these plants for the manufacture of potash and other fertilisers; and the scheme has proved a most fruitful one. The commonest of these plants is the ribbon-kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera), which forms enormous beds, usually in places where there is pronounced wave action. The beds of Macrocystis with which the Californian kelp* industry is con- cerned extend from San Diego to Point Conception, and they have been divided up and rented to various companies, which last year harvested nearly 400,000 tons of kelp. It has been found necessary periodically to close the beds for recuperation after harvesting, and to regulate the time of cutting in order that the beaches should not be interfered with during the summer months, nor with unprotected beaches during the winter. From observations so far made, there is no evidence that the fishing industry is in any way injured by this removal of the terminal fronds of the weed, though adjustments are found to be — P - NoveMBER 14, 1918 | NATURE 215 follow what use he made of them. It-is difficult to see how the method developed can be of any practical necessary to prevent friction between kelp-harvesters | and fishermen desiring to use the beds at the same time. use. ATTENTION may be directed to a paper on the anatomy of the potato plant, with special reference ‘to the ontogeny of the vascular system, by E. F. Artschwager, published in vol. xiv., No. 6, of the Journal of Agricultural Research. undertaken primarily to serve as a basis for work on that obscure disease—or group of diseases, possibly— “to which the name “‘leaf-roll”” has been given; and there can be no doubt that a serious scientific inves- tigation of the nature and causes of this trouble is one of, pressing importance for all countries where the | potato is grown. ‘The paper referred to ‘will be found very useful as a convenient summary of previous work on the anatomy of the potato plant, and in some directions it throws new light on points which were formerly not altogether clear. The importance of the development of secondary phloém is emphasised, and | it is shown that the increase in size of the tuber is due more to the formation of new tissue in the peri- medullary zone than to growth of the pith, as was formerly supposed. It is clearly shown that the skin of the tuber is composed of periderm derived to some extent from the original epidermis, as well as from plates of excellent photomicrographs, as well as by a few text-figures. The study was | It may be pointed out that the dynamical theory of the dynamo has been developed by Lyle, Russell, and several French electricians, who have based solu- tions on the conservation of energy and inductance formula on the lines laid down by Kelvin. Their results take cognisance of both resistance and arma- ture reaction, and are in close agreement with experi- ment. As in all other theories, however, the assump- tion is made that the iron has constant permeability. AMONG the books mentioned in the new announce- ment list of Messrs. Longmans and Co. we notice the following :—‘‘ Boiler Chemistry,” J. H. Paul, with diagrams. “The Natural Organic Colouring Matters,” Prof. A. G. Perkin and Dr. A. E. Everest; ‘‘ Catalysis in Industrial Chemistry,” Prof. G. G. Henderson; and Plantation Rubber,” G. S. Whitby (Monographs on Industrial Chemistry). ‘‘The Rare Earth Metals,” Dr. J. F. Spencer, and a new edition of ‘‘ Osmotic Pressure,’ Dr. A. Findlay (Monographs on Inorganic and Physical Chemistry). ‘‘ Naval Architects’ Data,” J. Mitchell and E. L. Attwood; ‘‘ Experimental Educa- tion,” being a new and enlarged edition of ‘‘ Introduc- tion to Experimental Education,” Dr. R. R. Rusk; : | and ** Economic Reconstruction,” J. Taylor Peddie. the hypoderm. The paper is illustrated by twenty-one | Tue following additions will shortly be made to the series of ** Military Medical Manuals,” edited by Sir A. { Keogh (Hodder and Stoughton) :—‘Commotions and In the Journal of the Washington Academy of | Emotions of War,” Prof. A. Léri, edited by Sir John Sciences for October 4 Messrs. P. D. Foote and T. R. | Collie; ‘* Disabilities of the Locomotor Apparatus, the Harrison, of the Bureau of Standards, in a paper on | Result of War Wounds,” Prof. A. Broca, translated some peculiar thermo-electric effects, point out that the production of a thermo-electric current in a homogeneous wire by heating it unsymmetrically was known to Franklin and Cavendish a hundred and fifty years ago. It continues to be ‘rediscovered ” once a decade, but up to the present time not one of the many causes which have been suggested for the effect has proved satisfactory. The authors state, however, that in the special form of the experiment in which a hot and a cold piece of the same metal are brought into contact, the direction of the current generated is connected with the sign of the Kelvin effect in the metal. Mr. L. B. Arkrnson gave the Kelvin lecture to the Institution of Electrical Engineers on November 7. He chose as his subject ‘The Dynamical Theory of Electric Engines,’ and began by quoting a formula for inductance or “‘electromagnetic capacity’? which Kelvin gave in the 1860 edition of Nichol’s ‘‘ Cyclo- pzedia"’ (see Thomson’s ‘‘ Reprint,” p. 443). He sug- gested that this formula and the equally well known theorem for the mutual action between electric circuits when their currents are maintained con- stant had been oveilooked by electricians, who merely considered what may be called the statical theory of the dynamo. Mr. Atkinson then de- veloped an analogy between the cycle of an electro- magnetic engine and the cycle of a reciprocating engine, deducing what appeared to us to be very curious formule for the efficiency of the various cycles. He excused his neglect of the resistance of the wind- ings of the electric machines by pointing out that in the future some material of very small resistance may - be discovered from which they can be made. Nothing was said either about hysteresis or armature reaction. In order that Kelvin’s theorem might apply, Mr. Atkinson had to suppose that the currents in the coils were absolutely constant. Various ‘triple integral formulz well known to mathematicians were given for the energy stored up in the field, but we could not | NO. 2559; VOL. 102] . by Capt. J. R. White and edited by Sir Robert Jones; “Electro-diagnosis of the War,” Prof. A. Zimmern and P. Perol, translated by L. P. Garrod and edited by E. P. Cumberbatch; ‘‘ Mental Disorders of the War,” Prof. J. Lépine, edited by Dr. C. A. Mercier; “Wounds of the Pleura and Lungs,” Prof. R. Grégoire ; and Dr. A. Courcoux, edited -by Lt.-Col. C. H. Fagge. OUR ASTRONOMICAL COLUMN. Borretty’s Comet.—This comet is now quite an easy object in a moderate telescope. Mr. R. L. Water- field observed it at Cheltenham with a 4-in. refractor early in November. It was brighter than 9th magni- tude with central condensation, but no stellar nucleus, diameter about 2’, The brightness will continue to increase throughout November, and the increasing north declination will facilitate observation. Oreits OF Two Spectroscopic Binaries.—Further interesting investigations of spectroscopic binaries are recorded in Bulletins Nos. 314 and 315 of the Lick Ob- servatory. In the case of p Velorum, magnitude 4-1, Class F2, the spectra of both components are exhibited, and Dr. R. F. Sanford finds that the mass ratio is 1-23. Adopting Russell’s average mass for F stars of three times that of the sun, the inclination of the orbit would be 27°. With this inclination the semi-major axes of the two orbits would be 10,880,000 Im. and 13,340,000 km. respectively. The period is 10-210955 days, and the eccentricity 0-541. From some of the best spectrograms Messrs. Adams and Joy find the absolute visual magnitude to be +1-9 and the parallax 0-036". The star o Scorpii, magnitude 3-1, class Br, has been investigated by Dr. F. Henroteau, whose value of 0-246834 day confirms previous conclusions as to the extreme shortness of the period. The semi- amplitude of each velocity curve has the constant value of 41-2 km. per second, but the velocity of the centre of mass is variable, as if.a third body were present. 216 ; ‘ NATURE Dy te ye ny hae oa »[NoveMBER 14 , 1918 eS * j The centre of mass describes an elliptic orbit in a period of 34:08 days, with a semi-amplitude of 33 km. per second. The spectral lines vary in width, and are broadest near periastron. Some of the peculiar. ties of the star may be due to its being actually in- volved in the nebulous matter by which it appears to be surrounded. A RemarkasBtE Hetium Srar.—A notable excep- tion to the rule that the helium stars are usually characterised by small parallax, small proper motion, and low radial velocity has been found by Mr. J. Votte in the star Boss P.G.C. 1517 (Astrophysical Journal, vol. xlviii., p. 144). The investigation was undertaken at the suggestion of Prof. Kapteyn, who had suspected that this star might be found to have the unusually large parallax of about a tenth of a in second. Mr. Votte’s result is +o: 069" +0:006", good agreement with Prof. NKapteyn’s supposition. For the proper motion Mr. Votte has found +0:235"=o-0185s., but this is greatly in excess of the value —o-ooois. given in Boss’s catalogue, and needs further confirmation. The radial velocity of the star is also exceptionally large, amounting to +83 km. per second. The position of the star for 1900 is R.A. 6h. om. 37s., decl. —32° 10’ 12”, and the magni- tude 5-6. Tue Ornir or Sirtus.—The results of a new deter- mination of the elements of the orbit of Sirius are given by Dr. R. Aitken in Lick Observatory Bulletin, No. 316. The elements with their probable‘ errors are :— _ P=50°04 years+o'09 year T=1894'13 43 tor year Z)= +43 31 Fo25> @ =145°69+0'38 @ =0 5945 +0'0023 SU=42'71 £033 a@=7'570" Dr. Aitken concludes that the available micrometric and spectrographic data give no evidence of depar- ture from undisturbed elliptic motion. It will be observed that the period given above is in close agree- ment with that of 5002 years recently deduced by Jonckheere. PRODUCTION IN THE’ SEA.1 HIGHLY interesting report by Dr. C. G. J. Petersen describes the methods and results of recent work on the evaluation. of the bottom fauna and flora of the sea in the Kattegat, Limfjord, and elsewhere. Abandoning the use ‘of the dredge, as affording misleading ideas of the abundance of. life on the bottom, the author invented his ‘‘ bottom- samplers,” which are apparatus that can lift up a sample of the sea-floor with its contained animals and plants. The area of bottom lifted varies between o-t and 1 square metre, the smaller apparatus being used at the greater depths. By a process of washing, the organisms are removed, counted, and weighed. The plates represent typical results, all the organisms found being drawn, in actual size, on paper } square metre in area, which is then reduced to # in. linear. Very often the bottom deposit consists ‘of a “black, malodorous mass of sulphurous mud,” and it was difficult to imagine that animals could utilise this as food. Sampling this by means of a glass tube. thrust down into it, it was, however, seen that there was a thin surface layer of quite different composition, grey or brown in colour, and charged with vegetable remains. Oysters and other bivalves and demersal worms do not feed on the black mud or on the plankton in the water, but ‘literally stuff themselves 1 Report of the Danish Biological Station to the Danish Board of Agri- culture. ‘‘ TheSea Bottom and its Production of Fish Food.” By C.G. Joh. Petersen. Pp. 62+10 plates+chart, (Copenhagen, rgr8.) NO. 2559, VOL. 102] iSyith this upper layer of fine detains. imal UT ae bulls of the bottom animals are, and must necessarily be, herbivorous.” They mostly burrow in the mud, but a large number are attached to solid objects, stones, and shells. These constitute the bottom epi- fauna, The bottom fauna in general may be divided uf into “communities,” each characterised by one or more predominant ‘forms; thus the author describes the bottom in the deeper parts of the Kattegat as inhabited by communities of Amphilepis pecten,. Brissopsis sarsii, B. chiajet, and Echmocordatum fili- formis, the typical forms present in each case being indicated by the systematic names. The survey being a quantitative one, an attempt is made at an actual estimate of the mass of life in the whole Kattegat. There are about 24,000,000 tons of Zostera, 50,000 tons of plaice, 6000 tons of cod, 7ooo tons of herrings, 25,000 tons of starfishes, 50,000 tons of predatory Crustacea and Gastropods, 10,000 tons of small fishes, with, of course, much else. These estimates are based, not ‘only on the results of bottom-samples, but also on fishery statistics, the very probable assumption being made that the fish stock is practically constant, so that the fraction taken in commercial fishing represents the production. No attempt is made to compare density of life on sea-bottom and land. ‘Strange as it may seem,” says the author, ‘‘there does not exist any survey of the animal communities on land based upon stan investigations of the commoner species. MILITARY EXPLOSIVES OF TO-DAY HERE have been no epoch-making discoveries in explosives such as, say, the discovery of nitro, glycerine for many years. Nitroglycerine, discovered in 1846, still remains the most powerful explosive in practical use. Many useful advances have been and are being made, but new explosives are merely new mixtures of old’ materials, given fancy names. The nations at war use practically the same explosives, and no one can be said to be ahead of the others. The following table gives a comparison of some of the most typical explosives | in use :-— & a> i; $ Calculated wm Il ~ Ole | 25 Bol Ese = ES De eae Sei ce+ls Uj= | cic bl ee Gunpowder 280 738) 207] 1 2240 Nitroglycerine 741 1652 1224) 6 6880. Nitrocellulose (13 per cent. Nitrogen) 923, 931| 859] 4°3 3876 Cordite, Mk. I. (N.G. =57 N-C.= 38; Vaseline=s) = «. | 87% 1242/1082) 5"2 5175 Cordite M.D. (N.G. = 30, N.C C.=65, | | | Vaseline=s) .. 888 1031) 915) 474 | 4225 Ballistite (N.G. =50, N.C. =50, Sta- | biliser=o'5) 817 1349) 1102) 5°3 | 562) *Picric Acid (L yddite) . §77| 810! 710) 374-] 3375 The coefficients correspond fairly well with the results obtained in practical use. Detonating substances are called high explosives, and their immense shattering effect is “due, not only to the volume of gas and quantity of heat, but also to the velocity of detonation and density of the ex-. plosive. Shattering power is proportional to Volume of gas per gram x cals. per gram x velocity of detonation x density. 1 From three Cantor Lecture’ delivered before the Royal Society of Arts n April last by J. Young, Chief Instructor in Science, Royal Military Academy, Woolwich. * a Li ae * ae _ Nov 1918 | Tee Detonation is more easily started in powder or crystals, probably because there is a smaller mass to take the initial shock; but the wave travels slowly, and may die out in a loose powder. Advantage is taken of this fact in detonating shells. Detonation is first set in erystals or pellets, and transmitted to the dense filling. Mixtures of high explosives which require different waves are always difficult to detonate. * Amatol. a mixture of T.N.T. and ammonium nitrate, is more difficult to detonate than pure T.N.T. Ammonium Nitrate Mixtures. Ammonal.—One of the best known and most used of the ammonium nitrate mixtures is ammonal, in which use is made of the great heat given out by the oxidation of aluminium. A mixture of aluminium powder with the theoretical amount of ammonium nitrate for complete oxidation would contain 81-6 per cent. of NH,NO,. It would yield 1578 calories per gram—nearly as much as nitroglycerine—and 682 c.c. of gas. But such a mixture is difficult to detonate, and charcoal was added to make it more inflammable. All cartridges must be hermetically sealed to pre- serve them from moisture, which quickly ruins am- monal. The velocity of detonation is about 4000 metres per second, and the effect intermediate between that of gunpowder and that of dynamite. Its power is three to four times that of gunpowder. Sabulite.—This is an explosive resembling am- monal, but calcium silicide, Ca.Si, an electric-furnace product, takes the place of the aluminium. Its.com- position is as below :— Per cent. Ammonium nitrate te - salts Trinitrotoluene —... 8 Calcium silicide 14 It is detonated in the same way as ammonal, and has about the same power. Amatol.—This is a mixture of ammonium nitrate and T.N.T. in various proportions, which is now of great importance. T.N.T. does not contain enough oxygen for its complete combustion, and although the addition of ammonium nitrate increases the weight of the charge, the increase of the heat given out more than compensates for this. The higher the proportion of ammonium nitrate, the greater the difficulty of detonaticn, and the diffi- culty increases when the ammonal is melted and cast into solid blocks or slabs, as is necessary for ° shells. Hence the higher proportions are used in the form of powder for bombs, grenades, and mines, and detonated by fulminate detonators. ‘The others, used for shell-filling, are detonated by special methods, and will be referred to later. All varieties of amatol are powerful high explosives. The velocity of detonation is about 4500 metres per second. All are spoiled by moisture and must be waterproofed, and all are practically smokeless. Chlorate Mining Explosives. All the older chlorate explosives are much too sensitive for use in large quantities in military opera- tions. But a discovery made by Street in 1897, that if the chlorate mixture contained oils or fats its sensi- tiveness was greatly decreased, initiated an entirely new set of blasting explosives. Blastine.—This is the most important military chlorate explosive, and vast quantities have been used in the present war. There are several varieties, but a typical military blastine has the following com- position :-— NO. 2559, VOL. 102] ‘NATURE. Per cent. Ammonium perchlorate Sodium nitrate SARA Trinitrotoluene ou STL Paraffin wax 7 It is made in the form of a soft, yellowish, substance, which can easily be compressed. Permite.—This is a mixture intermediate between ammonal and blastine, and may be looked on as am- monal in which the expensive aluminium is replaced by zinc powder, the consequent diminution in power being compensated for by using ammonium perchlorate instead of the nitrate. It is made in several varieties. All the chlorate explosives require fulminate detona- tors, and for this reason, besides being too sensitive, are unsuitable for use as a high-explosive shell-filling. The rate of detonation is 4000 to 5000 metres per second. Mixtures of ammonium perchlorate and paraffin wax with combustibles such as aluminium powder or wood-meal are also used, and are powerful high explosives. Thermit, now an important munition of war, is in a class by itself. It is used for charging incendiary bombs, and sometimes in a kind of shrapnel. A small explosive charge scatters the contents, which rain down bits of blazing iron, which will instantly set fire to anything capable of burning. oN Nitrocellulose, containing 12:5 per cent. of nitrogen and soluble in alcohol-ether, or at least completely gelatinised by it, is now made on an enormous scale, and constitutes 99-5 per cent. of nitrocellulose smoke- less powders, as well as being used in the new cordite. Guncotton was formerly used exclusively for tor- pedo warheads, marine mines, etc., but has now been largely replaced by T.N.T. and ammonium nitrate and chlorate mixtures. : There are two varieties of smokeless military powders in use at present: (1) Nitrocellulose powders, which consist of 99:5 per cent. of gelatinised nitro- cellulose, and o-5 per cent. of a preservative; and (2) nitroglycerine powders, which are gelatinised mix- tures of nitroglycerine and nitrocellulose, with a few per cent. of a stabiliser. American nitrocellulose powder (N.C.T.) is typical of the first class. It is made from soluble nitro- cellulose containing about 12-5 per cent. of nitrogen. N.C.T. is a good powder, and fairly stable. It is the weakest of the smokeless powders. Charges must be about 10 per cent. heavier than with cordite to give the same muzzle velocity. N.C.T. is now much used in our Service for guns and howitzers, the charges being adjusted to give the same muzzle velocity as cordite M.D. Cordite Mk. I. is a very powerful propellant, but owing to the high temperatures produced it is very erosive, and as a result of the South African War a modified cordite, ‘‘Cordite M.D.,” was introduced. It has the composition: guncotton 65, nitroglycerine 30, mineral jelly 5. Its power is about ro per cent. less than that of Mk. I., but the guns last three times as long. Cordite M.D. is the standard British pro- pellant, although others are used at present. f In a new modified cordite soluble, nitrocellulose is used instead of guncotton, and alcohol-ether is used for the gelatinisation instead of acetone. It contains a larger percentage of nitroglycerine than cordite M.D., but is very similar, although not quite so powerful. High Explosives for Shell-filling. A high explosive, in order to be suitable for shell- filling, must possess special qualities not necessary when it is ‘used for other purposes, even in bombs and torpedoes. granular 218 NATURE None of the shell high explosives possess all the desirable qualities. Those now in use have little more than half the shattering power of blasting gelatine. All are products derived from the distillation of coal. In spite of its great merits, picric acid has now been largely replaced as a_ shell-filling by trinitro- toluene and amatol. Given that the picric acid is pure and proper pre- cautions have been talken, it is quite safe and the most powerful shell-filling in use. It is also un- affected by high atmospheric temperatures, unlike T.N.T., and is specially suitable for tropical climates. Trinitrotoluene (C,H.(NO.),CH,).—Usually called T.N.T., this substance, at present the most important of the shell high explosives, is known in the Service as trotyl. When heated to about 300° C., T.N.T. ignites and burns with a hot, but very smoky, flame. When a large mass is involved, the heat given out will invariably raise the temperature to the detonating- point. It is fully detonated by fulminate, except when in the form of cast slabs untamped, when the addition of a little lead azide to the fulminate is necessary. Fulminate detonators are used in bombs, torpedoes, and grenades. T.N.T. can also be detonated by less sensitive substances, such as picric powder and tetryl, and these are used in shells. The velocity of detona- tion in its densest form is about 7ooo metres per second. The power is less than that of picric acid, about in the proportion of 91: 100. Owing to the inferior velocity of detonation, the shattering effect (brisance) is proportionately still less, about 87: 100. When an amatol shell detonates there is only a little grey smoke, and no definite indication as to whether detonation has been complete or not. For observation purposes a packet of smoke producer is putin. The power is a little greater than that of pure T.N.T., but the velocity of detonation much less—4oo0o0 to 4500 metres per second, so that the local shattering effect is much less. For some purposes this is even an advantage. Amatol is the most used of all the shell high explo- sives at present. Tetranitromethylaniline | (C,H.(NO.),NCH,NO,).— This substance is known in the trade as tetryl, and in the Service as C.E. (composition exploding). It is readily detonated by a very small charge of fulminate, such as that used in shell detonator caps, is very powerful, and has a velocity of detonation of more than 7ooo metres per second. It is an excellent initiator of detonation in other less sensitive explosives. In powder, pellets, and cylinders it is used in the gaines or detonators for T.N.T. and amatol shells, with which it is very effective. Detonation of High-explosive Shells.—The problem of the detonation of a high-explosive shell is difficult. The shell is subjected to an enormous shock in the act of firing, the detonating charge must be in inti- mate contact with the filling, and if fulminate were used there would be a great risk of this being de- tonated by the shock. The problem seems to have been solved by the introduction of the gaine method. The Gaine.—The gaine is a metal tube screwed to the fuse, which enters a cavity in the filling and makes good contact with it. This is very necessary. It contains a chain of substances, about four, of decreasing order of sensitiveness, starting from the fuse, and increasing order of violence of explosion. Use is made of the fact that a substance in powder is more easily detonated than when in compressed pellets, and pellets than a cast, dense solid. The actual substances vary with the shell and nature of the filling. but always start with gunpowder, which is very certain in action. Thus we may suppose the NO. 2559, VOL. 102] chain to consist of (1) gunpowder, (2) tetryl powder, (3) tetryl pellets, and (4) T.N.T. pellets. : The action is started by a fulminate cap in the fuse, which fires the gunpowder. This partially ex- plodes and partially detonates No. 2, which detonates No. 3, which in turn detonates No. 4, and _ this detonates the main filling. With fuse and gaine in good condition there are very few failures now. UNIVERSITY AND EDUCATIONAL INTELLIGENCE. ABERDEEN.—Lord Cowdray has been elected Rector of the University in succession to Mr. Churchill, who has »ccupied the position for the last four years. Tre Mercers’ Company has given 125/. towards the maintenance fund of the Cancer Investigation Depart- ment of the Middlesex Hospital. Tue sum of roool. has been given to the City of London School by Prof. Carlton Lambert for the foundation of a science scholarship. A ResEARCH fellowship of the annual value of 15ol. has been founded at Guy’s Hospital in memory of the late Lieut. R. W. Poulton Palmer and his sister, the late Mrs. E. H. A. Walker, the object of which will be the investigation of obscure diseases in man. Tue London County Council has arranged a series of addresses to London teachers on various aspects of the problem of national reconstruction after the war. The first two addresses will be :—November 22, “The British Commonwealth,’ by C. Grant Robert- ‘son; and December 11, ‘‘ Hours of Labour,’ by Lord Leverhulme. Sir Cyril Cobb, chairman of the Educa- tion Committee of the Council, will preside at these lectures. Other lectures in connection with reconstruc- tion will be given .on the following subjects :— Economic Recovery, Housing, Agriculture and Rural Life, Women’s Employment, Adult Education, Food Supply, International Relations, India, and National Health. The lectures are arranged for London teachers, but other persons can be admitted if accom- modation is available. Applications for tickets should be made to the Education Officer, L.C.C., Education Offices, Victoria Embankment, W.C.2, marked H. 45. A stamped addressed envelope should be enclosed. One of the main matters to which Sir J. J. Thom- son’s committee on the position of natural science in the educational system of Great Britain gave atten- tion was the provision of courses intended to stimulate interest in natural facts and phenomena and _ their human aspects. The appearances and movements of the heavenly bodies are particularly suitable for ob- servations and instruction of this kind, yet few pupils leave school with any knowledge of them, and most people go through life without an intelligent under- standing of the simolest facts of astronomy. Sir Frank Dyson, the Astronomer Roval, in an address to the British Astronomical Association on October 30, urged that the claims of astronomy should be borne in mind in any schemes for the broadening of science teaching in schools. A certain amount of valuable work in this direction is done already in connection with the practical geography lessons; and the British Association Report on Science Teaching in Secondary Schools contains, in one of the syllabuses. much useful Suidance to such observations. Sir Frank Dyson rightly lays stress upon the educational value of work s [Novemsee. 14, 1918 . hs. er > 5 > ¥ NoveMBER 14, 1918 | with terrestrial and celestial globes, the latter in a simplified form and showing the position of the sun in the ecliptic on, say, the first day of each month. He suggests also that an.orrery should be -used to make clear the transference from the geocentric to the heliocentric point of view, and that a 4-in. tele- scope should be provided wherever possible to observe sun-spots, the lunar surface, Jupiter’s satellites, and the phases of Venus. Such observations, together with simple lessons on the applications of spectro- scopy to elucidate the composition of the sun, stars, nebulz, etc., illustrated by some of the excellent astro- nomical photographs now available, should do much to remove the reproach that nothing is done in schools to encourage pupils to lift their eyes to the heavens. and learn something of the universe around them. Tuer endowment fund now being raised for the estab- lishment of a University College in Swansea has been augmented by donations of 25,o00l. from Mr. F. Cory Yeo and 1o0,oool. from Mr. W. T. Farr, retiring directors of the Graigola Merthyr Co., Ltd., 5o0ool. of the former donation to be devoted to scholar- ships ‘in the first place for Graigola boys, and, if any after, for open competition.” The University College scheme originated in a movement to secure for the Swansea Technical College recognition in the faculties of science and technology as a constituent college of the University of Wales. The governors and _ staff were of opinion that for a full development of the higher work of the college University recognition and association were essential. To this end the governors approached the recent Royal Commission on Univer- sity Education in Wales, asking for a direct recom- mendation that the college should find a place in at least the above-mentioned faculties in the reorganised University. A proof that the application was backed by the community was the establishment in the course of a few weeks before the end of 1916 of an endow- ment fund exceeding 65,o00l., in addition to which the Swansea Town Council undertook to provide all neces- sary land and buildings. The Royal Commission reported very favourakly, but laid down that the new University College must make provisicn for work in the faculty of arts. To assist in fulfilling this condition, the Swansea Council has agreed, subject to the con- sent of the Board of Education, to bring in its Training College for Teachers as part of the scheme. This will enable full provision to be made in the faculty of arts, science, and technology, but neces- sitated an appeal for a much larger endowment fund, a minimum of 150,0o00l. being the present aim. Messrs. Cory Yeo’s and W. T. Farr’s donations are the first-fruits of this appeal, and brings the gifts or promises well above 100,o00l. The college has also received notice of a bequest of the residue of the estate of the late Mr. T. P. Sims, assayer, of Swansea, the bequest being subject to a life-interest. The value of the residue is estimated at more than 10,000l., and the income is to be devoted to scholarships in chemis- try, metallurgy, and modern languages. SOCIETIES AND ACADEMIES. Lonpon. Royal Society, November 7.—Sir J. J. Thomson, president, in the chair.—Prof. G. E. Hale: The nature of sun-spots.—E. O. Hercus and T. H. Laby: The thermal conductivity of air.—T. K. Chinmayanandam : Haidinger’s rings in mica. Aristotelian Society, November 4.—Dr. G. E. Moore, president, in the chair.—Dr. G. E. Moore; Some judgments of perception. The question of the real nature of material things is approached by asking NO. 2559, VOL. 102] NATURE 219 what we are judging when we make such judgments as, “This is a coin.” Two things seem to be certain, viz. (1) that we are always making some assertion about an immediately given object—an object which has sometimes been described as ‘* the sensation which mediates our perception of the coin in question,” and which will be called the sense-datum which is the subject of our judgment—and (2) that what we are asserting about the sense-datum is not, in general, that it is itself a coin. What is doubtful is whether we may not be judging that the sense-datum is itself a part of the surface of a coin, in a sense in which this can only be so if it is identical with ‘this part of the surface of this coin.’ This is only possible if, when we seem to perceive that a sense-datum is of a certain size, shape, etc., we really only perceive that it seems to be so, in a sense in which it may seem to be so without being either judged or perceived to be so. Failing this, either (1) there must be some relation such that we are judging “The thing to which this sense-datum has this relation is part of the sur- face of a coin,” and it seems doubtful whether there is any such relation, or (2) we must take some view of the type of Mill’s. CAMBRIDGE. Philosophical Society, October 28.—Prof. Marr, presi- dent, in the chair.—Prof. L. J. Rogers and 5. Ramanujan: Proof of certain identities in combinatory analysis.—S. Ramanujan: Some properties of p (n), the number of partitions of n—Miss D. M. Wrinch : The exponentiation of well-ordered series.—A. E. Jolliffe: Certain trigonometrical series which have a necessary and sufficient condition for uniform con- vergence.—H. W. Turnbull: Some geometrical inter- pretations of the concomitants of two quadrics.— H. B. C. Darling: Mr. Ramanujan’s congruence pro- perties of p (n).—B. Sahni: The correct generic posi- tion of Dacrydium bidwillii, Hook. f. This species, and by inference probably also D. kirkti and D. biforme, hitherto regarded as forming an interesting transition to the genus Podocarpus, are really species of the latter genus. At least in D. bidwillii the epi- matium is not entirely free from the integument, nor the integument from the nucellus. The integument, moreover, contains two vascular strands exactly in the same position as in Podocarpus ferrugineus, but not quite reaching the level of the equator. In view of the dry epimatium and other features, it is pro- posed provisionally to place all these New Zealand species of Dacrydium in a new and distinct section of the genus Podocarpus, allied to section Stachy- carpus. 4 Paris. Academy of Sciences, October 21.—M. Léon Guignard in the chair.—E. Picard-and A. Lacroix: The Inter- Allied Conference of Scientific Academies in London. __H. Sebert : Notice on M, Marcel Deprez.—C. Richet, P. Brodin, and Fr. Saint-Girons: Temporary and definite survival after serious bleeding. In previous papers it has been proved that in the case of dogs, after grave loss of blood, injection into the veins of suitable fluids would prolong life, but after three or four hours the improvement in the condition of the animal disappears and death ensues. The survival is only temporary. Summ@erising the results com- municated in this and previous papers, the authors conclude that the only efficacious treatment after heavy loss of blood appears to be transfusion.—P. Appell: Addition to the note on an ordinary differential equa- tion connected with certain systems of linear and homogeneous partial differential | equations.—H. Douvillé: The geology of the neighbourhood of Argeles and the Pic de Gez.—P. Termier and W. NATURE — [NovemBer 14, 1918 Kilian : The composition of the Miocene conglomerates of the French sub-alpine chains.—L. Jouane; The elasticity of pure cement. Measurements were made of the flexion of small test pieces of cement when submitted to small forces, no permanent deformation resulting. The strains were proved to be proportional to the stresses applied, and the modulus calculated from various test pieces was constant within 1 per cent.—H. Guilleminot, H. Cheron, and R. Biquord; An X-fluorometer with radio-luminescent Georgevitch: Study of the sexual generation of a brown alga.—H. Agulhon and R. Legroux : Contribu- tion to the study of the vitamines utilisable in the culture of micro-organisms. Application to the in- fluenza bacillus (B. pfeiffer)—Sir Almroth E, Wright: The production of non-specific bactericidal substances by means of anti-staphylococcic and anti-streptococcice waccines in vivo and in vilro.—R. D. de la Riviere; Is the poison of influenza capable of passing through a filter? Blood from influenza patients was de- fibrinated and filtered through a Chamberland filter (L,). A portion of the filtrate injected under the skin produced influenza symptoms in the author, which are described in detail. A second injection ten days after the first gave rise to no morbid symptom.—C, Nicolle and C, Lebailly ; Some experimental ideas on the virus of influenza. The bronchial expectoration in cases of influenza collected during the acute period is virulent. The ane is sensible to the infection.,—J. Nageotte and L. Sencert: The utilisation of dead grafts for the sur- gical repair of tissues of a conjunctive nature. BOOKS RECEIVED. The Illinois and Michigan Canal: . . ... 4... . 296 The Orbit of Sirius . . : fo ey «2s ee Production in the Sea. By J. J. . Pe fo es ee Military Explosives of To-day. ByJ. Young. . . 216 University and Educational intelligence ..... 218 Societies and Academiesyime..: «.. .; sjscks oeeeer eee) Books Received te oe a Ao pees Oo Se) Diary of Societies’ ypucmapeac: <1. = +: ot kt neiyar as Seems Editorial and Publishing Offices: MACMILLAN AND CO., Lop., ST. MARTIN’S STREET, LONDON, W.C.2. Advertisements and business letters to be addressed to the Publishers. Editorial Communications to the Editor. Telegraphic Address: Puusis, LONDON. Telephone Number Gerrrarn 8830. oa. Ute; AY WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL, OF SCIENCE. “To the solid ground Of Nature trusts the mind which builds for aye. Bel ORDS WORTH. No. 2560, Vol. 102) | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1918 [Price NINEPENCE. _ _Kegiste red as a Newspaper at the G eneral Post Office.) m {AL Rights Reserved. _ a OPTICAL LANTERNS | REYNOLDS & BRANSON, Ltd. for $ Rae ncermeede (eae and Overseas Decninigas) Educational, Welfare, Scientific,and other £.:.. © ‘fm Laboratory Outiitters, &c. : WORK of NATIONAL IMPORTANCE | colapmogals at Allahabad and London. Grand Pris ep Gold Medal at the International Exhibition, Turin | | APPARATUS “for MACKENZIE and FORSTER’S THEORETICAL and PRACTICAL MECHANICS and PHYSICS as adopted by H.M. Government and many _ important Educational Authorities. Price Lists on application. af / VipE :— “ Theoretical and sv“ Practical Mechanics and “AB. * Physics,” by A. H. Mac- | bs KENZIE, M.A., B.Sc., and “pes > a A. Forster, B.Sc. —Sss Price - .- Post Free 1/9. 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In consequence of the greatly increased cost of production it has been found necessary to raise the price of NATURE to 9d. The Subscription rates are now as follow :— For residents in the British Isles. i) Yearly se a8 ae - £2 2 .Half-yearly 54 ae Arete) (ale | Quarterly... a Ae ass 11 oe For residents Abroad, Yearly ae aes oe .. £2 5 Half-yearly tye 35 aN lous} Quarterly... Sos a a 12 ow 6 ST. MARTIN’S STREET, LONDON, W.C. 2. A CHRISTMAS COURSE OF ILLUSTRATED LECTURES. ROYAL INSTITUTION OF GREAT BRITAIN, 21 ALBEMARLE STREET, W. 1. Proressor D'ARCY W. THOMPSON, C.B., D.Litt., F.R.S., will deliver a Christmas Course of Six Illustrated Lectures (adapted toa Juvenile Auditory) on ‘‘ THE FISH OF THE SEA.” ‘‘ Jelly fishes,” Tuesday, December 31 ; ‘‘ Star-fishes,’ Thursday, January 2 ; “ Cray-fishes,” Saturday, January 4; Cattle fishes,” Tuesday, January 7; ‘‘The Herring-fishery,” Thur-day, January “The Whale fishery,” Saturday, January 11. Sub- scription (for Non- Members) to this Course, One Guinea (Juveniles under sixteen, Half-a-Guin a); to all the Courses in the Session, Two Guineas. Tickets may now be obtained at the Office of the Institution. UNIVERSITY OF LONDON. BROWN ANIMAL SANATORY INSTITUTION. A Course of Five Public Lectures on ‘‘ExPERIMENTAL WorK ON (a) Atconor, (4) Rickets,” will be delivered by E. MELLANBY, .M.D., M.A., ing-Superintendent of the Institution, on Wednesdays, November 13, 20 December 4 and 11, 1918, at 5.30 p.m., in the Theatre of the Royal Co e of Surgeons, Lincoln's Inn Fields, W.C. 2. Admission free, without ticket CHEMICAL SOCIETY RESEARCH FUND. A meeting of the Research Fund Committee will be held in December next. Applications for grants, to be made on forms which can be obtained from the AssISTANT SECKUYTARY, Chemical Society, Burlington House, W., must be received on, or bef Monday, December 2, 1918. Ail persons who received grants in December, 1917, or in December of any previous year, whose accounts have not been declared closed by the Council, are reminded that reports must be returned to the ASSISTANT SECRETARY by Monday, December 2 The Council wish to draw attention to the fact from the donation of the Worshipful Company of ( or less especially devoted to the encouragement of research in inorganic and metallurgial chemistry. Furthermore, that the income due to the sum accruing from the Perkin Memorial Fund is to be applied to investigations relating to problems connectcd with the coal-tar and allied industries. that the income arising soldsmiths is to be more [NovEMBER 21, 1918 THE ELECTRICAL RESEARCH COMMITTEE. APPOINTMENT OF TECHNICAL OFFICER. The Committee (which is supported by the Research Department, the Institution of Electrical E ngineers, and the British Electrica! and Allied Manufs=cturers’ Association) requires the services of a gentleman of high scientific and technical attainments as TECHNICAL OFFICER, to direct and supervise, under the Committee, the research work undertaken by it. ‘the commencing salary will he £1000 per annum. Applications (marked on the envelope ‘‘ Technical Officer”), stating age, qualifications, experi- ence, and other particulars, and addressed ‘* T HE CHAIRMAN, the Electrical Research Committee, 1 Albemarle Street, W. 1," should be delivered at that address not later than Friday, December 6. November 19, 1918. TOOTAL BROADHURST LEE CO., Ltd., require SENIOR ASSISTANTS for their Cotton Research Depart- ment. Some experience, Chemical or Physical, in post-graduate Research, or an Honours Degree, is essential. Applications to be made i in the first place in writing only, stating age, qualifications, experience in research, and salary required, to :— The Research Department, Tootal Broadhurst Lee Co,, Ltd., 56 Oxford Street, Manchester. APPOINTMENTS REGISTER. A Register of Fellows and Associates of the Institute of Chemistry who are available for seeking appointments is kept at the Offices of the Institute. Applications for the services of chemists should be forwarded to the ReGisTRAR, The Institute of Chemistry, 30 Russell Square, London, W.C. 1. DORSET COUNTY COUNCIL EDUCATION COMMITTEE. WEYMOUTH ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL SCHOOL. ASSISTANT MASTER required January next, principally to teach Engineering Science (Applied Mechanics, &c.); works experience desirable. Commencing salary up to £250, according to qualifications and experience, rising to a maximum to be fixed by the Committee after consideration of the report of the Departmental Committee on salaries of teachers in Secondary and Technical Schools. Application form may be obtained from CLEMENT G. Bone, Secretary for Education, County Offices, Dorchester. ne ee a a I TS ST IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY. WANTED at once, a DEMONSTRATOR in the Department of Mathematics and Mechanics of the Royal College of Science. One with Drawing Office and Workshop experience preferred. Salary £175, together with the war bonus in force for the time being. Apply, in the first instance, to Prof. Forsytu, F.R.S., Royal College of Science, South Kensington, S.W. 7 KENT EDUCATION COMMITTEE. JUNIOR TECHNICAL SCHOOL, MAIDSTONE. REQUIRED immediately, chiefly for day work in the Junior Technical School, an ASSISTANT MASTER or MISTRESS qualified in Science and Mathematics. Initial salary—woman, £200; man, with Engineering Science qualifications, £250. Apply immediately to Principat, Technical Institute, Maidstone. BE. SALTER DAVIES, Director of Education. September, 1918. TEACHER, B.Sc., Hons. (Lond ); 9 years’ teaching experience; 3 years’ technical commercial experience since 1914; thorough acquaintance with modern methods and educational organisation, now serving in technical capacity in R.A.F., requires ment as Science Master in School, Technical or Training » or Headship of Secondary School, or Administrative work under Education Committee, to commence duties on release from Service. Good organiser, success{ul teacher and disciplinarian, married, aged 34. Apply Box 21, c/o Nature Office. GEOLOGISTS WANTED. TWO FIRST-CLASS GEOLOGISTS required for work in North and South America. Men of University education, age preferably between 25 and 35. Salary £700 to £1,000 a year according to experience and ability. —Apply Dr. T. O. Boswortu, Imperial Oil Company, Toronto. =— son .upon the lessons and experiences to NATURE PPD AE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1918. OW that the armistice has been signed and the prospect of peace in the near future is happily assured, it is inevitable that the whole nation’ should be impatient to get back to its normal activities. Four years of interruption in the ordinary life of a community is a serious break in the regular and ordered continuity of its exist- ence, but whether it is an unmixed evil will depend which it has which those There has given rise, and upon the extent to lessons and experiences are heeded. necessarily been a great dislocation of industry, and the forces of production have to a very large extent been made subservient to the demands of war. The immediate problem before us now is how to divert, with the least amount of friction and in the shortest possible time, the enormous amount of energy which has been devoted to the prosecution of war into the manifold channels of civil life and peaceful occupation. “ Business as usual ’’ was a silly and futile cry at the beginning of the war, uttered by thoughtless people with no conception of the grim reality of the struggle into which we had been forced. In a certain sense the cry would be scarcely less futile now, since it is absolutely certain that busi- ness in the future will be very different, in many respects, from what it has been in the past. The centre of gravity of the whole system of inter- national trade has been changed. Many years must elapse before the nations of Central Europe will be able to exercise any very great influence upon the world’s commerce, and the present chaotic condition of Russia affords no hope that she can resume her pre-war position as a trading nation for some time to come. The prestige and commercial credit of the larger part of Europe have, in fact, been so profoundly shaken that it is well-nigh impossible to forecast the trend of the world’s trade in the immediate future. The plight of Germany and Austria is, of course, further aggravated by the political up- heaval which has followed hard upon their military collapse. In such times of social and political stress it is not to be expected that their workers will settle down to the peaceful pursuits of pro- duction. (The relations of capital and labour, already strained before the war, under the demo- cratic rule which is now supreme in the shattered Empires will probably end in open rupture. The victorious nations, on the other hand, have an opportunity which, if they are wise, they will not be slow to seize. We did not desire this war, and NO. 2560, VOL. 102] we certainly did not enter upon it with any idea of commercial supremacy, but it would be the veriest folly not to attempt to realise the: advan- tages of the good fortune which our triumph has placed within our reach. Prudence, indeed, should compel us to take occasion by the hand, and grasp the skirts of happy chance. We have spent our treasure without stint in the effort to crush one of the greatest conspiracies against humanity of which history has any record. We have saddled ourselves with a stupendous debt as a conse- quence, which no indemnity that we are likely to get or any increase of Colonial territory that may fall to our share as an Empire will adequately liquidate. Our only method of meeting the pecuni- ary obligation we have incurred is by augmenting our wealth by means of trade and commerce, and this can best be done by increasing. our pro- duction, both in variety and amount. i The future, in fact, rests with labour, and it is upon the sanity and prudence of the workers and their employers that everything depends. The war has been attended with much social unrest, even in those nations which have come out vic- torious. The workers everywhere demand better conditions of life, a wider intellectual outlook, and a higher standard of comfort, and the nations which have fought the great fight in the interests . of humanity sympathise with them in their demands. But as the world is constituted these can be secured only by a better organisation of our economic forces, by increased efficiency in management, greater skill, knowledge, industry, and marketing ability—matters in which the employers are concerned no less than the workers. It will be unspeakably sad if the nation should now throw away its golden opportunity in an internecine strife between capital and labour. There are anarchical forces at work among us which are bent upon provoking this conflict, and it will require no little ability and courage on the part of labour leaders to counteract the mischiev- ous efforts of those who would take a demoniacal delight in wrecking the industrial welfare of this nation. We believe the great mass of the workers in this country have too much sense to let them- selves be infected by the spirit of Bolshevism, which leads to nothing but social chaos. But just as a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump, that pernicious spirit may be very troublesome before it is finally exorcised. What, therefore, is wanted is a reasonable spirit of conciliation on the part of employers and employed, and a determination, honest and sincere, on both sides to find an equi- table solution. The spirit should be that of the King’s message to his people, delivered on Tues- day in reply to addresses from both Houses of N 222 NATURE [NoveMBER 21, 1918 Parliament. “We have,’’ the King said, “to create a better Britain, to bestow more care on the health and well-being of the people, and to ameliorate further the conditions of labour. May not the losses of war be repaired by a_ better organisation of industry and by avoiding the waste which industrial disputes involve? Cannot a spirit of reciprocal trust and co-ordination of effort be diffused among all classes? May we not, by rais- ing the standard of education, turn to fuller account the natural aptitudes of our people and open wider the sources of intellectual enjoyment? ” The labour aspect of the matter was touched upon by the Minister of Reconstruction in the peroration of the statesmanlike pronouncement in which he explained to the House of Commons and the country the plans of the Government for the demobilisation of the Army, the re-settlement of officers and men in civil life, and the re-establish- ment of industry on a normal basis. Lengthy as the statement was, Dr. Addison could only deal with broad general principles, leaving the details to be worked out by the various administrative bodies which are charged with the duty of de- mobilisation and re-settlement. Considering the suddenness of the chief enemy’s collapse, the Minister is to be congratulated on the compre- hensiveness of his survey, and on the thorough- ness with which the main features of the problem have been thought out in the comparatively short time that his department has been in existence. It says much for our business ability as a people, and for our powers of organisation in a national crisis, that a scheme so elaborate and so far- reaching should have been launched so promptly when the need for it had arrived. We are, however, only on the very fringe of this great problem. There is still much to do before it is finally solved. However expeditiously the work of demobilisation and re-settlement may be done, the business will necessarily occupy con- siderable time. It will doubtless tax the energies and the patience of all concerned, and we must be prepared for the “grousing ’’ which is a national characteristic, and not infrequently at times when there is really the least occasion for it. It may be pardoned, however, as one sign of reaction from the intense strain which the nation has suffered during the long and weary years which are When a patient begins to grumble, the tactful nurse is assured that the crisis is well past, and that renewed vigour has set in. And this observation reminds us that in the scheme of re-settlement Dr. Addison made no reference to the special case of the medical men. During the four years of war the country has suffered no small amount of inconvenience owing NO. 2560, VOL. 102] past. to the calling up of large numbers of medical prac- titioners for service in the Army. This was in- evitable, and as it was necessary the deprivation was borne with patience and resignation. To what extent the national health has suffered it is impossible to say, but there is good reason to believe that the great mortality from the recent epidemic of “influenza ’’ might have been largely obviated had medical advice and skill been more readily available. It is notorious that in some districts medical men were utterly unable to cope with the outbreak, owing to the fewness of their numbers. Its virulence would appear to be de- clining, but it is only scotched, not killed, and with much of the winter still before us, with food and fuel still short, and with the consequent lowering of the general vitality, it is a paramount necessity that the medical men should be released and re- settled as promptly as possible. AN AMERICAN CHEMICAL DIRECTORY. Annual Chemical Directory of the Untted States. Second edition, 1918. Pp. 534. (Baltimore, Md.: Williams and Wilkins Co., 1918.) RSE present issue of this work, of which the first edition appeared in 1917, differs only in certain minor details from the plan and arrange- ment of its predecessor. Its contents are grouped under nine main divisions or chapters. Chap. i. contains a list, in alphabetical order, of all chemical substances, made or imported, necessary for laboratory, technical, and industrial purposes, with the names of manufacturers and dealers placed geographically, first by States, and then by cities, and grouped alphabetically. The retailers, dealers, and agents are distinguished, so far as possible, from the manufacturers by an asterisk. Chap. ii. consists of an alphabetical arrange- ment of the names of manufacturers and dealers under the alphabetical order of the States and their cities. Chap. iii. and chemical engineering apparatus, mechanical equipment, and machinery used in chemical works, arranged alphabetically and in general accordance with the method adopted in chap. i. as regards chemical products. Chap. iv. consists of an alphabetical list of manufacturers and dealers in such apparatus and machinery, arranged on lines similar to those of chap. ii. Chap. v. gives the names (1) of American analytical and consulting chemists, and (2) of chemical engineers, listed geographically and grouped alphabetically as in the preceding chapters. Chap. vi. is a list of (1) industrial laboratories, (2) institutional _—_ laboratories, (3) Federal and State laboratories, (4) municipal laboratories, and (5) commercial laboratories. Chap. vii. gives the official names, arranged alpha- betically, of technical and scientific societies con- cerned with the study of pure and applied chemistry, both in the United States and abroad. Chap. viii. deals with publications relating to gives a list of chemical . \ NovEMBER 21, 1918] chemistry, pure and applied, emanating from the various societies and publishing agencies, and contains a list of the more important books which have appeared in 1917-18. Chap. ix. consists of notes and news of important developments which have occurred since the first edition was published. On the value of a work of this kind to all engaged in the practical pursuit of chemistry, whether as teacher or technologist, or even as | dealer or agent, we have already dwelt in a notice of the first edition, and we expressed a regret that nothing exactly similar to it was to be found in our own country. Under the changed conditions due to the war, and owing to the quickened appreciation of the value of science, both pure and applied, to the national welfare, and to the greater recognition of the importance of co-operation and co-ordination of national effort, it can scarcely be doubted that such a work would be of the greatest service to those concerned in the chemical arts in this country, and would become practically indis- pensable. That such is the case in America with the present work seems to be obvious from the character of the new edition, in which apparently no pains have been spared in order to render it complete and comprehensive, and as convenient in use as possible. From the last chapter, on ‘News and Notes,” we extract a few items which are of interest at the present time as serving to show with what energy America is dealing with the conditions arising out of the war. She has largely developed the synthetic ammonia industry. Processes are being worked by the War Department and the Department of Agriculture, and the Air Nitrates Corporation has been officially appointed by the first-rnamed Department to manufacture ammo- nium nitrate. The New York City Department of Health Laboratories are producing large quan- tities of antitoxins, and arsphenamine is being manufactured by the Dermatological Research Laboratories in Philadelphia, the Takamine Labo- ratory in New York, and what was formerly the Farbwerke Hochst Co. of New York City. The supply of hypnotics and anesthetics of all kinds is no longer under German control. In 1917 there were seventy concerns in the United States with benzol-recovery plant. The estimated production of benzol in 1917 was 35,000,000 gallons. The Midland Chemical Co., Michigan, is producing large quantities of bromine. Through the efforts of the United States Bureau of Mines and the American Chemical Society a complete detailed census has been taken of more than 15,000 American chemists. A number of American manufacturers of dyes are employing from twenty-five to seventy-five chemists in their research departments. The American dye industry has now invaded the market in European and Allied countries, South America, Canada, Japan, and India. It is esti- mated that in the early part of 1918 there were more than 150 firms actually producing “‘anilines ”’ in the United States. The drug and chemical markets quote weekly nearly one hundred NO. 2560, VOL. 102] NATURE | Peay “crudes’’ and “intermediates,’’ and more than two hundred dyestuffs are available in the United States market. The capital invested in the American dyestuff industry is estimated at 250,000,000 dollars, which is much above the amount of the total capital of the seven leading German companies in 1914. Up to the present, American chemists and manufacturers have placed on the market 75 per cent. of the dye- stuffs formerly imported, and it is claimed that by the end of 1918 all necessary colours will be manufactured in the country. When the war broke out in August, 1914, there were only six factories, employing possibly 350 to 400 operatives, manufacturing coal-tar colours, with an approximate production of 3000 tons. American dyestuffs in 1914 depended almost entirely upon the mere assembling of “intermedi- ates’? delivered from German sources. The total annual consumption of synthetic colours in 1914 in the United States was about 27,000 tons. To- day there are probably fifty responsible manufac- turing establishments producing dyestuffs in America, and the production is well above 35,000- tons, all made from American coal-tar. In the classes of dyes which, if imported, would be duti- able at 30 per cent. plus 5 cents a pound, Ameri- can manufacturers have shown remarkable pro- gress. The production is so far in excess of the home needs that during the fiscal year 1917 American-made dyes were exported to the value of 11,709,287 dollars. Thus the exports exceeded the pre-war imports in total value, although not in tonnage or in the variety of the dyes. With a view to the protection of their interests in the economic war which is bound to follow, the American manufacturers have established a Dye- stuff Manufacturers’ Association. Other German industries, such as scientific and laboratory glass- ware and chemical and electrical porcelain, have been assailed in like manner, and America is now independent of imported supplies. In 1915 the National Exposition of Chemical Industries was organised in order to foster the growth of chemical industries in America. It has now become an institution in the chemical indus- trial affairs of the country. The expansion of the Exposition is indicative in a measure of the growth of the chemical industries. In 1915 the number of exhibits was eighty-three; in 1916, 188; and in 1917, 323. ‘In 1915 the visiting attendance was 63,000; in 1916, 80,000; and in 1917, 111,514. Evidence of the astonishing influence of the war in quickening American energy and enterprise is seen in almost every department of chemical activity. At the end of 1917 practically every “intermediate ’’ of importance was being produced in the country; the production of phenol in 1917 was more than double that of 1916. More than 200 plants are making sulphuric acid in the States, and the production of the present year will be 1,500,000 tons greater than in any previous year. Germany has already had a rude awakening, but she has yet to realise the full measure of the economic ruin which awaits her. NATURE ~ i f , [Novemser 21; 1918 ELECTRICITY AND HEALTH. Studies in Electro-pathology. By Temp. Major A. White Robertson. Illustrated. Pp. viii+ 304. (London: George Routledge and Sons, Ltd., 1918.) Price 12s. 6d. net. HIS book begins with the thesis that civilisa- tion is a mistake because it is a negation of the “wild,’’ the law of which is ‘Thou shalt be fit or thou shalt die.’’ But we are justified in asking, What is “fitness’’? The author appears to have left the development of the brain alto- gether out of consideration. Do music and paint- ing count for nothing? The statement is made that “suffering has come with the law of the arti- ficial ’’—that is, the civilised. If we are to accept this we must hold that all existences prior to civilisation were devoid of consciousness. Disease is certainly not absent from wild animals or men, and when the author says that it has increased enormously owing to civilisation, we must remember that the conditions producing it can and must be done away with, and this without abolish- ing civilisation itself, Moreover, is not the increase spoken of apparent merely and due to improved means of detection? It may be doubted whether the physician is the best judge as to the extent of the increase. The conclusion of the book is that we must go back to the “law of the wild.’’ How? By living in accordance with the theories of the essentially electrical nature of all physiological and patho- logical phenomena familiar to some of us in con- nection with the name of Mr. A. E. Baines. The _ effects of light are now added on account of their electrical nature. It is true that in the far distant future all phenomena may possibly be explained on the basis of the electrical structure of the atom; but no man living can do this, and the author’s attempt can only be described as premature, a fact for which he cannot be held responsible. The book shows an extensive acquaintance with litera- ture, although the quotations are apt to be rather disconnected and their relation to the argument not always obvious. The inner meaning attached to many of these quotations appears to be due to the electrical obsession of the author, who is not always consistent. On p. 57 he inclines to the view that enzymes are “forees’’; on p. 115 he speaks of phosphorus as their essential factor, apparently, however, forgetting that a very active pepsin has been prepared free from phosphorus. The reader must be warned against accepting without question the statements contained in the book. Mr. Baines’s remarkable experimental results are quoted without criticism. No attempt is made to answer the objections that have been brought against them, and it is not to be expected that they will be believed until they have been described in such a way that others can repeat them. This applies especially to such experiments as that referred to on p. 231, where a _ boiled potato is made to sprout by the application of an electrical current. The electrical obsession is indi- cated also by the view taken that the function of the waxy or fatty layer on the surface of plants NO. 2560, VOL. 102] or animals is to prevent escape to the air of elec- trical charges. The author holds the view that the constitution of “vitamines’’ is that of phospho-lipines, and his remarks about “quick ’’ food must be referred to on account of the possible mischief that they may do. ‘“Quick’’ food is that which has a par- ticular electrical reaction, when tested by the method of Mr. Baines, on account of the presence of insulating lipoids. It is the only kind of food that is to be taken. Cold storage destroys this property, as also does over-cooking. But. the remarks made as to the misleading nature of calorie values raise doubt as to the competence of the author to advise on problems of nutrition. The application of the theories to medical and surgical practice consists in the addition of a phospho-lipine, lecithin, or similar substance’ to Mr. Baines’s “dielectric oil ’’ or liquid parafiin. W. M. B. THE RADCLIFFE FOUNDATIONS. Dr. John Radcliffe: A Sketch of his Life, with an Account of his Fellows and Foundations. By Dr. J. B. Nias. Pp. 147. (Oxford: At the Clarendon Press, 1918.) Price 12s. 6d. net. TDS: JOHN RADCLIFFE, a very successful Court physician at the time of William ITI. and Queen Anne, was one of the most generous of all the numerous benefactors of Oxford, for he left most of his large fortune to the University. He covenanted that a portion of it should be used to endow two travelling fellowships, to be held by Oxford medical graduates for the space of ten years, and he made a special proviso that at least half of this period should be spent by his fellows “in parts béyond the sea, for their better improve- ment.’’ Radcliffe’s idea was an excellent one, for few medical men could fail to broaden their out- look and increase their experience by visiting the most noted medical schools in foreign countries. At the same time the period of ten years is too long for most men, and so from 1859 onwards the tenure of the fellowships was reduced to three years. The list of fellows includes many distin- guished names, and of those elected under the new foundation nearly twenty at the present moment hold appointments on the staff of one or other of the London hospitals. The book under review gives only brief records of living fellows, but detailed biographies of the deceased fellows of the old foundation. The other foundations under Dr. Radcliffe’s will include the imposing Radcliffe Library, or “Camera.’’ For the first century or more after it was built this library was stored with books of all kinds, but from 1811 onwards they were re- stricted to scientific and medical subjects. In 1861 these science books were transferred to the recently built “Museum,’’ whilst the library itself is now used as an annexe to the Bodleian Library. - Another notable foundation bearing Radcliffe’s name is the observatory. This institution was. not contemplated in Radcliffe’s will, but it was. founded in 1772 by the trustees out of the trust NOVEMBER 21, 1918] funds, at the request of leading members of the University. At the time of its erection the ob- servatory was one of the largest and best-equipped in the’ world, and its equipment has been well maintained by the recent addition of a splendid telescope of 24-in. aperture for photographic work, and one of 18-in. aperture for visual work, on the same mounting. Just previous to the foundation of the observatory the trustees sanctioned the building of the Radcliffe Infirmary, which has ever since remained the chief county hospital. In addition to a description of the Radcliffe foundations, Dr. Nias (himself an ex-travelling fellow) gives a brief but interesting biography of Radcliffe. The book contains numerous portraits and illustrations, and is beautifully printed and - produced, but it is to be feared that its circulation will be limited by its somewhat excessive price. H. M. V. NATURE 225 tributes a suggestive article on cotton and its problems, but here and there he is inclined, per- haps, tO assume a more extensive technical acquaintance with the subject on the part of the reader than the latter could actually justify. One essay is markedly egotistical, and the in- structed reader will find some entertaining “in- formation ”” in the lecture dealing with the plant as healer. Amongst other curious statements, the account therein given of the cinchona enterprise in Ceylon manages in a few lines to convey a thoroughly misleading impression of the causes which led to the collapse of that particular industry in the island. But a book of this kind should, after all, be judged on its merits as a whole, and while it must be admitted to contain some dross, the greater part of it is good, and the best is really first-rate. OUR BOOKSHELF. Elements of the Electromagnetic Theory of Light. By Dr. Ludwik Silberstein. Pp. vii+48. (Lon- don: Longmans, Green, and Co., 1918.) Price 3s. 6d. net. Tuts little volume is re-written from the author’s Polish treatise on electricity and magnetism (3 vols., Warsaw, 1908-13). It is a compact résumé of the main results of the electromagnetic theory of light in so far as it can be carried with- out reference to the electron theory. The main purpose seems to be to present the subject to the English reader in vectorial notation, following the symbolism of the author’s ‘‘ Vectorial Mechanics ”’ (Macmillan, 1913). It would have added to the usefulness of a book designed for beginners in the subject if a short exposition of the meaning of the notation had been prefixed, an addition which would have helped to familiarise the rising generation with a very important calculus. A useful historical survey of earlier zther- theories is given in the second chapter. The Exploitation of Plants. Edited by Prof. Oliver. (The Imperial Studies Series.) Pp. vii+170. (London: J. M. Dent and Sons, Ltd., 1917.) Price 2s. 6d. net. Pror. OLiver has done a useful piece of work in bringing together, within the compass of a small volume, a series of lectures on “The Exploitation of Plants in the Service of Man,’’ which was de- livered at University College, London, in 1917. In such a collection it is inevitable that there should be differences in relative values, but the standard of the best is very high. Amongst those which strike us as particularly good are the contributions of Prof. Oliver himself, and that of Dr. Willis, formerly director of the celebrated gardens at Peradeniya. As might perhaps have been antici- pated, these are concerned with the reclamation of waste lands and with the rubber industry respec- tively. Both are characterised by first-hand know- ledge and that indefinable but very real quality that attaches to pioneer work. Dr. Balls’ con- NO. 2560, VOL. 102] By Various Writers. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. {The Editor does not hold himself responsible for opinions expressed by his correspondents. Neither can he undertake to return, or to correspond with the writers of, rejected manuscripts intended for this or any other part of Nature. No notice is taken of anonymous communications. | The Perception of Sound. I Do not think that Helmholtz’s theory of audition, whatever difficulties there may be in it, breaks down so completely as Dr. Perrett represents (NATURE, November 7). According to him, one consequence of the theory would be that ‘‘when a tuning-fork is made to vibrate, no note can be heard, but only an unimaginable din.’’ [I cannot admit this inference. It is true that Helmholtz’s theory contemplates the response in greater or less degree of a rather large number of “resonators” with their associated nerves, the natural pitch of the resonators ranging over a certain interval. But there would be no dissonance, for in Helmholtz’s view dissonance depends upon inter- mittent excitation of nerves, and this would not occur. So long as the vibration is maintained, every nerve would be uniformly excited. Neither is there any difficulty in attributing a simple perception to a rather, complicated nervous excitation. Something of this kind is involved in the simple perception of yellow, resulting from a combination of excitations which would severally cause perceptions of red and green. The fundamental question would appear to be the truth or otherwise of the theory associated with the name of J. Miiller. Whatever may be the difficulty of deciding it, the issue itself is simple enough. Can more than one kind of message be conveyed by a single nerve? Does the nature of the message depend upon how the nerve is excited? In the case of sound —say from a fork of frequency 256—is there anything periodic of this frequency going on in the nerve, or nerves, which carry the message? It is rather diffi+ cult to believe it, especially when we remember that frequencies up to 10,000 per second have to be reckoned with. Even if we could accept this, what are we to think when we come to nerves conveying the sensa- tion of light? Can we believe that there are processes in action along the nerve repeated 10% times per second ? I do not touch upon the anatomical matters treated by Sir T. Wrightson and Prof. Keith, or upon the phonetic evidence brought forward with authority by Dr. Perrett. RAYLEIGH. 226 NATURE [NoveMBER 21, 1918 Zeiss Abbe Refractometer. In an interesting note by Mr. Churcher communi- cated to the Physical Society of London (Proc. Roy. Soc., vol. xxx., part iii., April 15, 1918) on the occa- sion of my paper on refractometers, it is pointed out that it had been observed that the Zeiss Abbe refracto- meter fails when measurements are required of liquids having an index exceeding 1-52. This Mr. Churcher stated to be due to the substitution of a crown prism of refractive index 1-52 for D in the place of the dense flint prism formerly used as lower or illumina- ting prism. The fact that Messrs. Zeiss had changed their procedure with regard to the material of this lower prism in certain instances was of great interest to me, and IJ have been on the look-out for an instrument having the singularities described. Hitherto I have been unable to find any Zeiss refractometer having the defect mentioned. If, therefore, any other of your readers possess such an instrument, I should be greatly obliged if they would let me know; and if they are aware of any special purpose for which the instrument should have been so made, I should greatly appreciate it if thev would communicate the information to me. F. SIMEON. Research Laboratory, Adam Hilger, Ltd., 754 Camden Road, N.W.r1. British Thermometers. In an article printed in the catalogue of the British Scientific Products Exhibition (p. 47) I directed atten- tion to the fact that Beckmann thermometers of British make were not then procurable. It will interest scientific workers to know that good thermo- meters of this type are now manufactured in this country, and may be procured through the ordinary dealers. . Cuas. R. Dartwinc. City and Guilds Technical College, Finsbury, E.C.2. RESEARCH ON HEALTH AND DISEASE. HE outbreak of influenza has directed atten- tion to what ought to have been sufficiently clear before—namely, the vital necessity for much more attention being given to the provision of adequate scientific inquiry into the causes of diseases. The question, indeed, is all one with that of research on other scientific problems, and most of the remarks that follow apply, with the appropriate changes of titles, to scientific investi- gation in general. The provision for matters relating to disease is closely linked with the establishment of the pro- posed Ministry of Health. Although a part of the activity of such a body would be the important one of co-ordinating the various departments and authorities connected with the health of the nation, it would be a fatal defect if the equally important one of making full and generous pro- vision for advance by systematic research were left out of sight. Since the functions of the Ministry of Health must of necessity demand the assistance of many and various branches of science, it would seem that those at its head should be NO. 2560, VOL. 102| men of the widest knowledge and sympathy. It is doubtful whether it would be the wisest thing for the Ministry to be given over entirely to the medical profession, as has been assumed in some quarters. The medical profession would, of course, be largely represented, but the most effec- tive way of getting work done on any particular problem would be to appoint a special committee consisting of heads of laboratories and representa- tives of institutions where similar research is being carried on. These men would be in touch with the capacities in existence and the capabilities of those actually at work. Such committees should be able to advise the granting of funds by the various bodies having them at their disposal, such as the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, the Medical Research Committee, and so on. It is a’ question whether the Ministry of Health need itself finance research. The multiplication of departments doing this is apt to lead to overlap- ping and to waste of valuable resources. The grants made on the advice of the committees suggested above might well be limited to the payment of actual laboratory expenses, inclusive of assistance when necessary. The really import- ant thing is that there should be men always at . work and ready to take up problems of urgency when they appear. It is unnecessary in this place to insist on the fundamental importance of what is often called abstract research in science. It is but rarely that work directed to a definite limited practical object leads to really valuable permanent results. Take the case of influenza. The mere knowledge that the disease is associated with the presence of Pfeiffer’s bacillus is not enough. We must know the conditions which are favourable to the growth and virulence of this organism, and again what changes in the body render it a prey to the attacks of this and other agents. All this implies a far greater knowledge of the general biology of micro-organisms and of the physiology of the animal body than we yet possess. Re- searches of this kind must always be provided for and in continuous, uninterrupted course. They lead to direct practical applications, frequently making special investigation unnecessary, or at least rendering such work comparatively simple. But, as is universally agreed, the number of such workers at the disposal of the nation is griev- ously inadequate. Why is this the case? There can be no doubt that it is due to the fact that no permanent careers in sufficient number are open to men who are attracted to research work, especi- ally when of a character not directly connected with immediate practical applications. This must be remedied and without delay. In that branch of science with which the writer is more particu- larly acquainted, it often happens that a man with talent for research is obliged to devote himself to medical practice because he can see no reasonable prospect of a future career to support himself and his family. The only way to remedy such a state of affairs is to provide permanent research posts at an adequate salary. Grants for limited periods | are of no real use, and the Beit fellowships, valu- NovEMBER 21, 1918] NATURE 227 able as they are, are open to serious criticism in this respect. At the end of his tenure the holder is left stranded. There must be some security of tenure. No good work can be done under per- petual anxiety for the future. To a very large degree the need could be most effectively met by liberal grants to universities and other teaching institutions to enable them to increase their staff and the salaries paid on condition that at least ‘half time was free for research. At the same time, the teaching itself would greatly benefit and class fees could be reduced to limits permitting all capable of benefit to obtain it, while the per- formance of some amount of teaching is of value in preventing too narrow an outlook, of which there is danger in the pursuit of what must, of necessity, be a more or less limited objective. The money must be at the disposal of the university, since only their colleagues can possess satisfactory knowledge of the capabilities of the staff. Of course, inspection would be advisable and profit- able. However this may be, there can be no doubt of the urgent and vital necessity for the generous provision in some way of permanent adequately paid posts for men who wish to devote their lives to research. We have every reason to be proud of our achievements in pure and applied science, but how much greater might they not have been if the services of so many talented workers had not been lost in the past? One aspect of the matter must be insisted upon. The demands of those unacquainted with the nature of scientific work suggest that they expect, say, a cure for influenza to be discovered in a week or two. It must be made clear that no accurate scientific work can be done in haste. If inaccurate, it is worse than useless, because it misleads and often results in the loss of much later work based on it. A great advantage of work carried on without the limitation of a direct practical object is that the most promising course of investigation often reveals itself in the actual progress of the work itself, so that the most valu- able result may be quite different from the problem originally attacked. At the present time there are special circum- stances that require attention. The number of men trained in scientific methods has not only been reduced by death during the four years of war, but the outlook for the future is serious on account of the gap of four years in the training of men who should have been available now. It will be difficult or impossible for many of those returning from military service to devote three or four years to training at an age when it may be necessary for them to be earning a livelihood. It would seem to be a question for serious considera- tion whether some provision in the nature of scholarships should not be made to enable those who desire it to continue their scientific training. The funds necessary might with reason be regarded as forming a part of the cost of the war to be paid by the enemy. W. M. Bavuiss. NO. 2560, VOL. 102] WAR-TIME BEEF PRODUCTION. F the many changes imposed by the war upon British agriculture, few have aroused greater misgivings amongst practical men than | the restrictions imposed upon meat production by the reduction of supplies of imported feeding- stuffs. During the many years of abundant and cheap supplies of these materials before the war it became the normal practice of the cattle-feeder to feed lavishly with the view of turning out the fat beeves of prime quality which have always been the special pride of the British farmer. The economy of the practice was frequently called in question, and results of experimental investiga- tion were not wanting to supply evidence that the _ standard of feeding which represented the upper limit of economy was not very high. Recent con- troversies, however, have revealed how little prac- tice had been affected by the teachings of the | economist before the shrinkage of food supplies | occasioned by the war rendered so-called “high ”’ feeding physically impossible. Before the war a daily allowance of 8 lb. to 10 lb. of ‘‘oilcake’’ per head was quite usual, so that it is littke wonder practical men were seriously alarmed last winter when the fiat went forth that | the available supplies of feeding-stuffs would not provide more than 1 lb. to 2 lb. for the purpose. That such a drastic reduction in the food ration must result in a great decrease in meat production and the disappearance of all but inferior qualities of beef was regarded in practical circles as self- evident. Even the scientific adviser of the farmer, | though less pessimistic as to the magnitude of the effect, found himself very inadequately equipped with data which would enable him to assess the probable meat output on the restricted diet. The matter being so obviously of great economic importance, steps were at once taken to secure trustworthy information, and during the winter of 1917-18 experiments on a considerable scale were carried out under the auspices of the Boards of Agriculture for England and Scotland, and the Irish Department of Agriculture. The | results of these experiments are now available in | a summary prepared by Prof. T. B. Wood, and published in the August issue of the Journal of the Board of Agriculture. The experiments were carried out at two English, two Scottish, and three Irish centres with groups of eight to twenty cattle at each, a total head of ninety-five cattle being included in the tests. At each centre the cattle were given roots and straw ad lib., supplemented with only 14 Ib. per head per day of undecorticated cotton-seed cake. With the lavish feeding of peace-time, cattle of the type used would commonly increase in weight at the rate of about 12 lb. to 20 lb. per week. In these experiments the average weekly gains at the different centres ranged from 6 lb. to 17 Ib. per week, five of the results falling within the narrow range of 8 lb. to 10 lb. per week. The proportion of dressed carcass to live weight was certainly not 228 NATURE _ [NovemsBer 21, 1918 up to the 6o per cent. of the prime'fat steer, but at an average of 56 per cent. was still high enough to secure a place in the first grade of quality. What these figures mean in terms of beef output is demonstrated by Prof. Wood by a comparison with the results of pre-war experiments, from which it would appear that the decrease in oilcake consumption from 8 lb. to 14 Ib. per head per day only reduces the liveweight increase by 3°3 per cent., and the meat output by 9 per cent. The results show further that from the point of view of profit the high cake ration would assuredly be a mistake at the present time, since for each extra pound of beef produced 13 lb. of cake costing about 2s. would be consumed. Even more far-reaching conclusions as to the desirability of aiming at a lower stage of fatness in beef production under present conditions are arrived at by Mr. K. J. J. Mackenzie and Dr. F. H. A. Marshall from investigations of which a summary is given in the September issue of the same journal. These conclusions are based upon data obtained with ninety-two beasts of different degrees of “ripeness ’’ specially selected for the purpose, weighed and slaughtered under condi- tlons permitting of exact observation. The ob- servations were extended further to the edibility of selected portions of the carcass and the pro- portion of waste involved in their consumption. From the data obtained the conclusions are drawn that the ordinary method of judging the condition of a beast by ‘‘ handling ’’ may often lead to seri- ous errors of judgment as to its fitness for the butcher, generally resulting in far too many beasts being kept beyond the most economic time for killing; that beyond a certain point further in- crease in weight does not contribute effectively to the meat supply, being mainly waste fat; and that no serious complaint on the ground of quality can be brought against the meat from the half-fat beast, the consumption of which is attended with the minimal quantity of waste. On certain points of detail the practical man will doubtless find these observations not entirely convincing, but the general support they afford to the policy of retrenchment in cattle-feeding can scarcely be questioned. G.1C: STATE #ASSISTANCE ‘LO. THE DYE INDUSTRY. MEMORANDUM (Cd. gi9q4, price 2d.) has just been issued by the Board of Trade giv- ing details of the scheme for the allocation and ad- ministration of the funds provided by Parliament for assistance in the development of the dye in- dustry. It is pointed out that the primary object of the financial assistance to be given is to make the British textile users of dyes independent of German dyestuffs, and to enable the manufac- turers to bring down the cost of production to a point at which competition with the large-scale industry of Germany will be commercially possible. Loans and grants of money are to be given to assist in the provision of buildings and plant, and for the maintenance of a system of research. These NO. 2560, VOL. 102] funds are additional to and independent of the moneys already advanced to the firm known as British Dyes, Ltd. There are dyes which at the present time are not being manufactured in this country at all, or are being made in quantities insufficient for the reasonable needs of dye users, and in this direction especially encouragement is needed. As to the work of research distinct from the. technical routine of manufacturing operations, it is now recognised as an inherent part of the in- dustry, and that it properly enters into the cost of production, since experience shows that in normal times a constant flow of new colours or varieties of colours is necessary for the main- tenance of those dye-using trades which are subject to outside competition. It is also acknow- ledged that, while continued research must be earried on, it does not follow that commercial advantages may be immediately secured. The administration of the scheme will be carried out by (1) a loan and grant committee, (2) a trade and licensing committee, (3) an inspector of re- search, and (4) an inspector of accounts. The business of the trade and licensing com-— mittee will be to determine what colours and inter- mediate products shall be licensed to be imported into the country after the war, and in what quanti- ties, and to advise the Commissioner as to the colours and intermediates the manufacture of which should be specially encouraged, and the order of their importance. The committee will consist of four representatives of colour users and four representatives of dye manufacturers under an independent chairman appointed by the Board of Trade. The inspector of research will occupy an im- portant and somewhat difficult position. It is obvious that he must be a highly qualified “organic ’’ chemist with special knowledge of the production of intermediates, as well as dyes. By his reports to the Dye Commissioner he will prac- tically control the work that goes on in all the research laboratories connected with the works, and as the connection between the experiments actually in progress and the ultimate bearing of the results on industrial operations is often not very obvious, a good deal of patience and dis- cretion will need to be exercised. Conditions relative to the rate of interest to be charged on loans and the amount to be set aside for depreciation and obsolescence of plant and buildings, as well as for the repayment of the loans, are set forth in the memorandum. COMMERCIAL AVIATION. HE subject of commercial aviation is one that has attracted a great deal of attention during the latter phases of the war, and now that hostilities are at an end it has become a matter of the first importance. A vast organisation has been created in order to provide the necessary machines and men for the needs of the Royal Air Force, and it seems almost certain that the full military output of which we are now capable will ex" ; -*>) NoveMBeER 21, 19 r8 not be required in times of peace. If, however, aviation is to take a prominent place in the com- merce of the future, an outlet will be at once found for the energies of designers and manufacturers of aircraft. There are many indications that the aeroplane will soon become an important factor in inter- national trade, though it is at present impossible to forecast the extent of such developments. The Times of November 15 reports that Mr. Holt Thomas intends to institute a passenger service between London and Paris as soon as circum- stances permit. Machines that had been designed for bombing work over German territory are to be used, and it is hoped to make the complete journey in three hours and a half, the actual flying time from aerodrome to aerodrome being two and a half hours. The price of the tickets will be fifteen guineas per passenger, and the service will be a daily one, weather permitting. Close on this announcement comes the news that a record flight has been made over London by a Handley-Page machine carrying forty pas- sengers, together with fuel for a six hours’ flight. This remarkable achievement, in which the previous record number of passengers has been doubled, should do much to convince the sceptic of the possibility of an effective aeroplane pas- senger service. It appears likely, however, that one of the greatest commercial uses of the aero- plane will be the carrying of international mails, where the increased speed of transit would be a great asset to commercial activities. ’ The Times of November 16, which reports the above record passenger flight, also gives an account of a speech by Lord Weir, made at the opening of the exhibition of enemy aircraft at the Agricultural Hall. Lord Weir, in referring to commercial aviation, expressed his opinion that while the possibilities are great, the probabilities are not so great. A period of pioneer work must be expected, and he hoped that the State would be able to render much assistance to those manu- facturers whose thoughts were turned to the new problems involved. It is earnestly to be hoped that such will be the case, and there seems little doubt that if our unique facilities for aeronautical experiment and research can be applied to the new problems of commercial aviation, the pioneer period will not be a very long one, and results of great importance will soon be reached. The development of aerial intercourse between the nations should do much to keep them in closer _touch one with another, and thus aid in the world’s progress towards the desired goal of universal peace. NOTES. Tue following is a list of those to whom the Royal Society has this year awarded medals.“ The awards of the Roval medals have received the King’s ap- proval :—The Copley medal to Prof. H. A. Lorentz, For.Mem.R.S., for his distinguished researches in mathematical physics. The Rumford medal to Prof. Charles Fabry and Dr. Alfred Pérot (jointly) for their NO. 2560, VOL. 102] - NATURE 229 contributions to optics. A Royal medal to Prof. Alfred Fowler, F.R.S., for his distinguished researches on physical astronomy and spectroscopy. A Royal’ medal to Prof. F. G. Hopkins, F.R.S., for his researches in chemical physiology. The Davy medal to Prof. F. S. Kipping, F.R.S., for his studies in the camphor group and among the organic derivatives of nitrogen and silicon. The Darwin medal to Dr. H. F. Osborn for his valuable researches on vertebrate morphology and paleontology. The Hughes medal to Mr. Irving Langmuir for his researches in molecular physics. | WEATHER information is now again allowed to appear in the columns of the newspaper Press, and the Meteorological Office has, from last Monday, resumed the issue of its official forecasts. It must necessarily be some time before the circulation of the various weather reports is in pre-war order. By the action of the Government the issue of much of the ordinary weather information was suspended at the end of September, 1914, and from May 1, 191s, the Meteorological Office ceased to issue weather fore- casts; for some time afterwards, so far as current weather is concerned, only the observations of sun- shine, rainfall, and temperature from the health resorts were issued, and these, after a short period, were also stopped. The action was taken in order that no useful hint should be giyen to aid Germany’s air- raids. During the last few months of the war the censorship of the weather was so severe that no mention of the weather was allowed in the newspaper Press. The Weather Office has contributed informa- tion of the highest value to the Air Service, Navy, and Army throughout the period of the war. There is an opportunity now for much greater usefulness than prior to the war, and information will doubtless be eagerly sought for by the aerial services. If a journey to India is undertaken by aircraft it would probably be fairly ideal in the summer, the surface winds being favourable, and by passing over the Arabian Sea use can be made of the area of low barometric pressure situated over the northern portion of India. In the winter, however, the strong southerly surface winds blowing round the high- pressure area over Asia would be embarrassing, and probably the upper-air current would prove more favourable. Meteorological problems will have to be grasped by the flying experts, and knowledge gained relative to the upper air must be made public, just as in the past the seaman has acquired knowledge of air and sea currents at the sea surface. WE sympathise with Lord Sudeley’s protest, in a letter to the Times of November 15, against ‘“‘such a long delay as six months being permitted to élapse hefore our museums are once more at full swing.” The sooner they resume their full activities of acquisi- tion, investigation, and instruction, the better. It is with elementary and popular education that Lord Sudeley is chiefly concerned, and he rightly directs attention once again to the presence of our soldiers from the Dominions, and we would add those from the United States, so many of whom wish to see these great institutions. Yet if Lord Sudeley thinks that a return to peace cenditions can be ‘‘a matter only of weelxs,”’ he is over-sanguine. It is easier to pull down than to build up, and, even with a full staff, the re- placement of the numerous objects that have been removed—some to considerable distances—with their proper ordering and labelling, would take months rather than weeks. But the staffs are not complete; many men will never return; many cannot yet be spared from their military and other national duties. Their work cannot be done by new and untrained men, still less by stopgaps. None the less, the task of 230 NATURE \ _[NoveMBER 21, 1918 restoration is already in progress: the Science | 0 to 5 years, 36 per cent.; 5 to 20 years, 65 per cent. ; Museum was reopened some weeks ago; the British Museum has arranged a war-time exhibition, really all the more pleasant for being not quite so overwhelm- ing. Let us progress steadily, but let us progress surely and strongly. It is not to pre-war conditions that we hope to see a return. We must go further forward. Above all things, increased staffs are demanded if our museums are to fill that place in national reconstruction which they are in other respects both fitted and anxious to fill. Pror. Davin E. Lantz,-assistant biologist on the Biological Survey, U.S. Department of Agriculture, ‘died of pneumonia on October 7 at Washington, D.C. He was chiefly engaged in investigations of the economic relations of mammals. Mr. Wo. B. Briertey, of the Pathological Labora- tory, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and formerly lec- turer in economic botany to Manchester University, has accepted the appointment of mycologist to the new Institute of Phytopathological Research, Rotham- sted Experimental Station, Harpenden. Tue Times correspondent at Stockholm announces that the Swedish Academy decided on November 11 to award the Nobel prize for physics for the year 1917, in reserve from last year, to Prof. C. G. Barkla, pro- fessor of natural philosophy in the University of Edin- burgh, for his work on X-rays and secondary rays. The prize in physics for 1918 and that in chemistry for 1917 and 1918 have been reserved. WE are informed that new and unexpected claims of his profession have made it impossible for Mr. H. M. Langton to undertake the office of secretary of the National Union of Scientific Workers. The executive committee has therefore decided to leave the office vacant for the time being, and has appointed Dr. Norman R. Campbell chairman of the executive, and Mr. Eric Sinkinson assistant secretary. All correspondence should be addressed to the assistant secretary at 14a Albert Bridge Road, S.W.1r. In view of the alarming and contradictory reports of the present epidemic of influenza that have ap- peared in the public Press, the Royal College of Physicians of London has issued an authoritative memorandum in the public interest. It is considered that the present epidemic is essentially identical with previous epidemics. It is suggested that the causa- tive virus may be a micro-organism beyond the range ‘of microscopic vision, but the present epidemic has no relation to plague, as some have suggested. Valu- able hints are given with regard to prevention and to general treatment if infection occurs, and it is stated that no drug has yet been proved to have a definite preventive or curative action. INFLUENZA continued to maintain its virulence over England, according to the Registrar-General’s return for the weelk ending November 9, but the general deaths seemed to warrant the assumption that the -epidemic had reached its climax, and there appears a good ‘prospect that it is on the wane. For London the deaths from influenza were 2433, which is 25 fewer than for the week ending November 2. The deaths for the respective ages were from 0 to 5 years, 13 per cent.; 5 to 20 years, 17 per cent.; 20 to 45 years, 50 per cent.; 45 to 65 years, 14 per cent.; 65 fo 75 years, 4 per cent.; and above“7s5 years, 2 per cent. In the five weeks ending November 9 the total deaths in London from influenza were 6598, of which 6147 occurred in the_last three weeks. In the whole five weeks of the epidemic the influenza deaths compared with the total deaths from all causes were for ages NO. 2560, VOL. 102] 20 to 45 years, 67 per cent.; 45 to 65 years, 37 per cent.; 65 to 75 years, 21 per cent.; and above 75 years, to per cent. The influenza deaths for the five weeks were 48 per cent. of the total deaths from all causes, pneumonia 12 per cent., and bronchitis 5 per cent. In Paris, with about three-fourths of the population of London, the deaths from influenza in the week ending October 26 were 1263, whilst in London, for. the corresponding period, the deaths were 1256. The drier and much colder weather during the past week may tend to the disappearance of the epidemic. Dr. AuGcustus F. R. HOEeRNLE, C.I.E., the eminent Oriental scholar, died at Oxford on November 12, aged seventy-seven years. He was attached to the Church Missionary Society at Meerut from 1865 to 1870, when he was appointed principal of the Cathedral Mission College, Calcutta, and afterwards principal of the Calcutta Madrasah. He acquired a wide knowledge of Sanskrit and Hindi, and his ‘‘ Comparative Grammar of the North Indian Languages” and his “Comparative Dictionary of the Bihari Language” are works of authority, used to much advantage by Sir G. Grierson in his linguistic survey of India. Dr. Hoernle paid much attention to the medicine of ancient India, and his most important works were his translation of the birch-bark codex discovered by Col. Bower at Kucha, in Khotan, in 1890, and his report on the MSS. collected by Sir Aurel Stein and other explorers in Chinese Turkestan. The death of this eminent philologist is a serious loss to Oriental learning. WE derive from the Meteorological Office Circular No. 29 the following particulars of the work of Dr. Walter de Watteville, who died on October 3 at sixty years of age :—Dr. de Watteville was a native of Berne, Switzerland, and had been many years in practice at Kingussie. He was one of the earliest supporters of the open-air treatment for the cure of tuberculosis, and was the director of a sanatorium where much valuable work has been done. Keenly interested in various departments of science, Dr. de Watteville had since 1895 maintained a second-order station at Kingussie, more than 800 ft. above sea-level. We owe entirely to his enthusiasm a satisfactory set of climato- logical normals for Upper Speyside, and a demon- stration of the fact that this region, which has long been popular as a summer resort, affords, even amidst the rigours of a Highland winter, an atmosphere eminently favourable for the treatment of tubercular complaints. We learn from Science that Mr. Henry Suter, author of ‘‘A Manual of the New Zealand Mollusca,” who died in Christchurch, N.Z., on August 1, was born at Zurich in 1841, and went to New Zealand in 1886 to engage in farming, but soon relinquished the idea, and devoted most of his time to studying the indigenous mollusca of the antipodean country. In 1913 he produced his ‘*‘ Manual,"’ which was published for him by the New Zealand Government. It con- tains the diagnoses of 1079 species, 108 sub-species, and roo varieties of New Zealand molluscs. Two years later the Government published his atlas to the “Manual.” This has seventy-two plates, containing many figures of molluscs from Mr. Suter’s own drawings. In later years he gave special attention to Tertiary molluscs of New Zealand, and in 1916 the Geological Survey Department published as a bulletin a work by him on “The Tertiary Mollusca of New Zealand.’ His death leaves New Zealand without a recognised conchologist. In view of the success which has attended the fort- nightly conferences and discussions now being held / NOVEMBER 21, 1918] by the Industrial Reconstruction Council, a second series has been arranged for January, February, and March of next year. The first conference, under the title of “Reconstruction or Restoration?’ will deal with the general principles which should guide us during the difficult transition period, and will be opened by Major H. J. Gillespie on January 14. The other meetings will discuss ‘*The Workers’ Interest in Costing,’ ‘“*The Place of the Merchant in British Industry,”’ ‘‘ Welfare Work,” ‘‘ Wages and Conditions of Employment in Relation to Future Industrial Prosperity,’ and ‘‘ Industry and Educational Recon- struction.” No tickets will be issued, but all those who intend to be present are asked to inform the Secretary, I.R.C., 2 and 4 Tudor Street, E.C.4, who will be glad to send a full prospectus of the series on application. Tue British Scientific Instrument Research Asso- ciation, one of the earliest associations formed under the scheme of the Department of Scientific and Indus- trial Research, has secured premises at 26 Russell Square, W.C.1, where offices and research labora- tories will be equipped. The first chairman of the association was Mr. A. S. Esslemont, whose recent lamented death has been a severe loss to the associa- tion. The council has elected Mr. H. A. Colefax, K.C., as chairman to fill the vacancy. The vice-chair- man is Mr. Conrad Beck, to whose energy and per- sonal influence is largely due the successful formation of the association. Almost all the leading optical and scientific instrument manufacturers are members. The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research is re- presented by Major C. J. Stewart, Capt. F. O. Creagh- Osborne, R.N., Mr. S. W. Morrison, Col. R. E. Home, R.A., and Mr. Percy Ashley. The council has recently co-opted as members of its body the Hon. Sir Charles A. Parsons, F.R.S., and Prof. J. W. Nichol- son, F.R.S. Sir Herbert Jackson, K.B.E., F.R.S., has been appointed director of research, and Mr. J. W. Williamson secretary of the association. Mr. WittLIAaM LLEWELLYN PreEEcE, the eldest son of the late Sir William Preece, whose death, at the age of fifty-two, occurred in London on November 10, was educated at King’s College School and the Hanover Square School of Electrical Engineering. In 1898, after having spent twelve years in the Midland Rail- way Co.'s telegraph department, he joined his father’s firm {now Preece, Cardew, Snell, and Rider) as a con- sulting engineer. Sir William Preece had for many years previously held the appointment of consulting engineer to the Crown Agents for the Colonies, and Mr. Preece on joining the firm took charge of the branch of the practice dealing with telegraph and telephone matters in the principal Colonies and Dominions, including those under the Crown Agents and High Commissioners for South Africa and New Zealand. He had made a special study of wireless telegraphy, and was responsible for the wireless plant established in many of our distant Colonies; he was one of the expert witnesses examined by the Select Committee of the House of Commons appointed to inquire into the Post Office contract with the Marconi Co. for the proposed stations of the Imperial Wireless Chain. At the time of his death Mr. Preece held a commission in the R.N.V.R., and was employed at the Admiralty. He was a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers and also of the Institution of Elec- trical Engineers, and was serving on the council of the latter body at the date of his death. He read a paper in 1915 before the latter body on ‘ Telephone Troubles in the Tropics,” and had also at various NO. 2560, VOL. 102] NATURE 231 times written many papers on Church matters, in which he was deeply interested, for private circulation. Sir Hermann Weber, the distinguished physician, who died on the day of the signing of the armistice, was in his ninety-fifth year, and had practised in London for three-quarters of a century. He was a true lover of England; his desire was to live to see the victory of the Allies and the end of the war. To those who knew him he represented the very best and most beautiful aspect of that Germany which was. He died as gently as he had lived. He was one of those rare men whose lives are made up of all friends and no enemies; and that, not because he was negative or poor-spirited, but because he was hgnourable, courteous, pure in heart, unselfish. He was a man of culture and a great collector of Greek coins, and was known as an expert on this subject. Above all, he was a wise and far-seeing adviser. It was he who taught us the saving power of the Engadine for consumptive patients; he thus helped to bring about the open-air treatment of that disease. On questions of climate and of health resorts Sir Hermann Weber was the first, and one of the greatest, authorities in London. He was a member of the Alpine Club; he knew the meaning of fresh air; he was still an Alpine climber at eighty. He could still, in his ninety-fifth year, wallx his seven or eight miles a day, walking fast, and preferring to walk bareheaded. He was in that splendid circle of Victorian physicians and surgeons whose names are as household words to many of us; he outlived them all. His length of days is not to be ascribed to any force of abstinence; he was ‘‘anti’’ nothing; merely, he lived a very temperate, diligent life. The secret of longevity is not altogether explicable; we live so long as we were originally wound up to live. But we may at least believe that peace of mind and a quiet enjoyment of the very best sort of things have some- thing to do with a man’s continuance. Mr. W. Arry has published an interesting paper entitled ‘‘On the Ancient Trade Weights of the East.” His object has been to present a simplified account of the ancient weights of the East; not including those of China and Japan, and to illustrate their inter- relations. He finds that practically all Eastern weights may be referred to one or other of the fol- lowing systems :—The Egyptian kedet system, based on a kedet of 140 grains; the Egyptian shekel system, based on a shekel of 245 grains; the Phoenician shekel system, based on a_ shekel of 220 grains; the Babylonian and Assyrian systems, based on a shekel of 254 grains; the Greek A%ginetan system, based on a shekel of 254 grains; the Greelx Solonian system, based on a drachma of 67-5 grains; and the Roman system, based on a libra of 5050 grains. Messrs. G. A. NaTEsAN AND Co., Madras, have issued short biographies of two well-known Indian men of science, Sir J. C. Bose and Dr. P. C. Ray. The former, after receiving some elementary educa- tion at a Bengali ‘‘patshala,”’ or village school, went to Christ’s College, Cambridge, and there laid the foundations of the scientific training which led to his investigations of the transmission of excitations in plants like the mimosa, developed in his important work on ‘Plant Response.” Dr. P. C. Ray was trained under Tait and Crum Brown at Edinburgh, and became professor of chemistry at the Presidency College, Calcutta. His most important work has been the foundation of an Indian chemical school and the establishment of the Bengal Chemical and Pharma- a er, fe ky NATURE ceutical Works, now a flourishing concern. It is well that these two men of science are at hand, qualified to assist in the industrial development of India, which cannot now be long postponed. Some interesting notes by Mr. E. C. Chubb on the whales landed at the whaling station at Durban appear in the Annals of the Durban Museum (vol. ii., part 2). These were taken during the whaling season of 1914, since when, unfortunately, the “fishing”? has been suspended, though it will be resumed, no doubt, at no distant date. A female of the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) is recorded here which was go ft. in length, and it is evident that, for the present, some uncertainty must obtain in regard to records of the capture of the ‘‘seihval” (B. borealis), since this species is not readily distinguished from the South African B. brydei. From the stomach of a sperm ‘whale, obtained off Durban in 1913, a shark, ro ft. in length, was talen. A number of excellent photo- graphs add much to the value of this paper. Tue Monilia diseases of fruit-trees are some of the most serious of those with which present-day fruit- growers have to contend. In spite of the consider- able amount of work which has been done on them, our knowledge of their specific symptoms and detailed etiology has remained to a considerable extent incom- plete. During recent years, however, thanks to the careful work carried out at Wye College by Mr. E. S. Salmon and Mr. H. Wormald, important advances have been made in the elucidation of these diseases. In the Annals of Applied Biology (vol. iii., No. 4) Mr. Wormald published the results of a very thorough study of a blossom-wilt and canker of apple-trees due to a species of Monilia clearly different from M. fructi- gena (the cause of the well-known rot of apples), which he refers to M. cinerea, Bon. More recently Mr. Wormald has published in the same journal (vol. v., No. 1) an equally illuminating account of a “wither-tip’’ disease of plum-trees which occurs in Kent, and probably elsewhere. This disease is also caused by M. cinerea. The interesting point is that, although the two fungi which attack apple- and plum- trees respectively are morphologically indistinguish- able, yet their pathogenic characters are dissimilar. Hence it is now proved that amongst the Monilias, just as amongst the ‘‘rusts” and the ‘ mildews,” biologic forms or physiological strains exist. In the case of the two Monilias referred to, these strains can be distinguished, not only by their behaviour with regard to specific hosts, but also by means of cultural and biochemical methods. Tue regulations for the supply of spectacles to the German Army have given a great impetus to the general desire to carry standardisation of spectacle parts still further. According to the Central-Zeitung fiir Optik und Mechanik (August 20), military spec- tacles must have lenses of 38-2 mm. diameter and be interchangeable. Only ten types are permitted. Standardisation is still desirable in frames, screws, ete., of which only one size should be permitted. A WRITER in L’Elettrotecnica for September 25 pleads for an intensive system of re-afforestation in Italy in view of the future industrial requirements of that country. It is suggested that suitable trees be planted in the neighbourhood of watersheds for the production of charcoal by electric power, as Italy may be obliged to have recourse to charcoal in place of coke for steel-making. Some figures are given showing the power required and the yield of charcoal and by- products possible. NO. 2560, VOL. 102] be e [NovemMBER 21, 1918 Paper yarn of from 1 to 5 mm. diameter is in use in Germany as a substitute for jute. Paper yarn from parchment paper is woven into belts for driving light machinery. According to Zeitschrift fiir angewandte Chemie for August 2, when treated with 1 per cent. solution of tannin the yarn is rendered soft and flexible to the touch and its strength increased by 49 per cent. The addition of gelatine gives a hard, firm touch to the yarn and an increased strength of 25 per cent- When wet its strength is reduced by only 15 per cent. Neutralised aluminium acetate added to the tannin solution gives the yarn a strong, elastic touch and increases its strength 44 per cent. The average water- content of the yarn is about 38 per cent. Elektrotechnische Zeitschrift for August 20 gives particulars of a number of new scientific institutions in Germany to improve the methods of using raw materials for industrial and war purposes. The Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Research on Iron will deal with scientific research on iron. An institute bearing a similar title will deal with the selection of suitable research workers and the provision of grants to en- able them to carry on their work. There is a further institute for biological science. A research institution for lignite and mineral oil is attached to the Tech- nische Hochschule, Berlin, towards the cost of which 750,000 marks have been subscribed; while a parallel institute has been affiliated with the Royal Mining Academy of Saxony, the work at which will include research on ferro-alloys and calcium carbide. The Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Military Science will work in conjunction with the best scientific and mili- tary experts to promote the development of science and technology for war purposes. There will be sec- tions for chemical raw materials for munitions, chemical war materials (powder, explosives, gases, etc.), physics (which will include ballistics), technical methods of transportation, aeronautics, ete. South German textile manufacturers have founded an _ in- stitution for textile research. Present investigations at this institution are concerned with all kinds of paper, cellulose, and fibres for textile purposes. Tue September issue of the Proceedings of the Tokyo Mathematico-Physical Society contains a paper by Mr. M. So on some interesting observations he has made in the physical laboratory of the Tokyo Electric Co. on the annealing of glass. In the first instance a newly drawn glass fibre is heated slowly in an electric furnace and its length observed. It increases as the temperature rises, but at a temperature in the neigh- bourhood of 400° C. it begins to contract, and at about 500° C. becomes plastic. Next, when a short cylinder of the glass between crossed Nicols is heated, the interference rings show little change until a tempera- ture of 400° C. is reached, and then widen and dis- appear at about 500° C. Lastly, when the glass is slowly heated or cooled, the curve of temperature change shows that over the plastic range of temperature there are absorption and liberation of heat, proving that some change of state of a constituent of the glass takes place at that temperature. The first two effects vary with the nature of the glass, and are not exhibited by annealed specimens. The third effect is found in both annealed and unannealed glass. Ir is well known that the changes effected in the surface of glass that can be revealed by the deposition of moisture or by using the glass as the basis of a photograph, and in other ways, are sometimes very persistent. Mr. J. H. M. Davidson, of Adelaide, records in the British Journal of Photography for November 1 a ‘To Let” notice originally \ NOVEMBER 21, 1918) painted in whiting and water that has survived NATURE for more than twenty-five years, in spite of the | window-cleaning that it has been subjected to. He suggests that the effect is due to molecular changes. Mr. Julius Rheinberg says that his experiments ‘* made during the last years on the introduction of metals into the surface-layer of glass have convinced him more and more that we should regard glass as a substance full of ultra-microscopic pores." He sug- gests that material left in these pores, which would sometimes resist cleaning processes, may form the nuclei or condensation centres when the latent image is rendered visible. Mr. Rheinberg is well known among men of science interested in_microscopical and photographical matters, and as he is the maker of the graticules and micrometer and other scales exhibited at the British Scientific Products Exhibition recently arranged by the British Science Guild, his opinion is of special interest. Some of these scales, etc., have the gradations made photographically in untarnishable | metal in the surface-layer of the glass itself, and thus need no cover-glass to protect them. Tue stoppage of supplies of organic developing agents from Germany led to the supply of many *“metol substitutes.” Several of these have been examined in the research laboratory of the Eastman | Kodak Co., and they have communicated their methods of analysis and some typical results to the British | Journal of Photography for November 8. Some con- tained a small proportion of metol. One contained metol 10 per cent., hydroquinone 18-5 per cent., the rest being cane-sugar and sodium sulphite. Another was simply pyrogallol with three times its weight of sodium sulphite. Some were boldly labelled ‘‘metol” without the word ‘substitute.’ Two such did not contain a trace of methylated product, though one was labelled “hydrochloride of methyl-p-amino-m-cresol, guaranteed 96:3 per cent. pure.” Another was half hydroquinone, and contained sodium sulphite, potass- | ium iodide, and sodium carbonate. Of developing agents that did not claim any special relationship to metol one was half starch and moisture. There is also given a long list of adulterants and useless additions that Dr. H. T. Clarke, the analyst, has found in various commercial developing agents. Although such stuffs as those mentioned may be on the market, there is no need to use them, because reputable firms are, making the genuine developing agents and marketing them under their proper names. But it behoves those who use developers to be on their guard. A FEW months ago Messrs. Pictet and Sarasin described the production of lazvoglucosane by the dis- tillation of cellulose or starch under/diminished pres- sure. This body is of interest, since it can be con- verted into d-glucose and thence into alcohol. In Helvetica Chimica Acta (No. 3) M. Pictet shows that the reverse process is possible up to a certain point, lavoglucosane being readily transformed into dextrin by re-polymerisation. This change is brought about by simply melting the lzevoglucosane in the presence of platinum black, which acts as a catalyst; the transformation is complete in a few minutes. As regards the product, this approximates to certain of the achroodextrins, but has a notably lower rota- tory power. In the same number of the Acta there is another interesting instance of catalytic action. M. F. Reverdin shows that the benzoylation of certain aromatic derivatives is greatly facilitated by carrying | out the operation in the presence of a small quantity of sulphuric acid. Resorcin, alizarin, amino-anthra- quinones, and trinitro-para-anisidine are some of the compounds which can thus be readily benzoylated. NO. 2560, VOL. 102] zO0 OUR ASTRONOMICAL COLUMN. Tue Pianer Sarurn.—This attractive telescopic object is now coming favourably into view in the evening hours, rising on November 25 at 10h. 34m. - and on December 25 at 8h. 35m. p.m. The southern surface of the rings is visible, but the angle subtended by the minor axis is growing less as the planet’s motion is directed southwards. : Surface phenomena, of somewhat similar nature to those affecting Jupiter, are visible on Saturn, but are more difficult to detect, and probably less frequent in their manifestation. Further study of the markings is desirable, and especially with regard to their rates of motion in different latitudes. Mr. Denning writes that from a number of white and dark spots placed in the planet’s north temperate zone in 1903 he deduced a mean rotation period of toh. 37m. 56-4. This differs considerably from the period ascertained from a white equatorial spot seen by Prof. Asaph Hall in 1876-77, which gave 1oh. 14m. 238s. In 1793-94 Sir W. Herschel made some observations of certain inequalities in a southern quintuple belt on Saturn, and found the period toh. 16m. o-44s. If any spots or other irregularities in the belts are detected during the few ensuing months, their transit times across the central meridian should be taken with the view of redetermining the rate of rotation. During the remainder of the present year the planet will be in a position about 13° from Regulus in Leo, andthe configuration will be an attractive one for naked-eve observers. THE OricIN or Comers.—Prof. Strémgren con- | tributes an article on this subject to Scientia for-August last. For some years past he has been studying the effect of planetary perturbations on those comets for which hyperbolic orbits have been found; his con- clusion is that the excess of the eccentricity above unity can in all these cases be explained by the per- turbations—in other words, that the primitive orbit was elliptical, and that the comets in question are original members of the solar system, not visitors from without. This conclusion is indeed fairly obvious a priori, since the relative velocities of the stars are of the order of several miles per second, and any ‘body entering the sun’s sphere of influence with such a speed would have an orbit of a decidedly hyper- bolic character, whereas the eccentricity of the orbits in question is very little in excess of unity. The remainder of the article is occupied by specula- tions on the cause of the prevalence of elliptical orbits of immense periods; the conclusion is that the matter now forming the planets and comets was formerly distributed as a diffused nebula over a region im- mensely larger than that bounded by the present plane- tary orbits, but excessively tenuous in the outer portions ; any slowly moving fragments in these outer regions would approach ‘the centre under gravity, their orbits being long ellipses, almost parabolic. Prof. Strémgren makes a novel suggestion to explain the absence of cometary matter in the interstellar spaces. It is now generally accepted that there is a tendency to equi- partition of energy among the stars, the smaller masses having the greater speeds. On this view small cometary masses would attain such high speeds that they would be expelled from the stellar system; those alone would remain that were within the domains of individual stars. Minor Pranets.—The fifth planet of the Trojan group, discovered last year and designated 1917 CO, was reobserved by Prof. Wolf on October 5. Its magnitude was 14-5. Prof. Wolf has given it the name Priamus. 234 THE OCCLUSION OF GASES IN METALS. Os Tuesday, November 12, the Faraday Society held a discussion on the above subject, attended by a very representative gathering of the various aspects of it, theoretical and experimental. After a foreword by the president, Sir R. Hadfield, on the great war, the discussion was opened by Prof. Alfred W. Porter, who emphasised that the term “occlusion”? includes, in reality, a number of pheno- mena: chemical combination, simple or compound solid solution, surface adsorption accompanying solu- tion, surface condensation unaccompanied by solu- tion, and inclusion of gas forming blowholes visible to the naked eye or microscope. The difficulty of dis- tinguishing between these several types was illustrated by the case of the occlusion of hydrogen by palladium, the nature of which, even at the present day, is still an unsettled problem. Amongst phenomena due to occlusion are the passivity of iron and the associated fact of the embrittling of iron by caustic soda. But there are other phenomena of more _ theoretical interest, such as the Volta effect, which has often been attributed to condensed layers of gases. By the ex- periments of O. W. Richardson and of Langmuir on thermionic emissivity, the question of the origin of the Volta effect has been completely reopened. In connection with the brittleness associated with occlusion in iron and other metals, the opener en- deavoured to elicit an expression of opinion as to the nature of brittleness, illustrating his remarks with the well-known behaviour of cobbler’s wax, which is ex- ceedingly plastic under the action of small forces of long duration, but is as brittle as glass when struck a sharp blow. He laid stress on the necessity for paying attention to the time element in specifying brittleness. Mr. Cosmo Johns followed on the technical side with a paper on the properties of metals as affected by their occluded gases. He distinguished between gases which are absorbed as such and those which are formed as a result of reactions between non-gaseous constituents during the cooling of the metals in ques- tion. It is known that molten copper and iron dis- solve more hydrogen than when those metals are solid. A molten mass saturated with hydrogen at a particular partial pressure will, during freezing, become supersaturated with the gas. Some of this must be entrapped between the growing crystals and exist as macroscopic or microscopic gas enclosures, though this is probably not the only method by which occlusion occurs. Probably it is the inter-crystalline. amorphous matter that is chiefly concerned, and brittleness will be due to the change in this produced by the gas. He attributed the CO, and CO occluded to reactions between dissolved oxide of iron and the carbon in the steel at the particular temperature when iron oxide, being thrown out of solution as freezing progresses, becomes concentrated in the mother-liquor between the growing crystals and reacts with the carbon which has not suffered the same concentration. He urged that all our knowledge of the properties of metals merely relates to metals containing occluded gases, and not to pure metals themselves. Dr. Thomas Baker gave a description of experi- ments made to discover the relation, if any, between the temperature of evolution of gas and the critical points of steel. He finds that with hard steels the evolution of hydrogen reaches a maximum rate at 600° C., and below this temperature constitutes the greater part of the gas given off. Carbon monoxide is slowly evolved from the beginning, and reaches its maximum rate at 688° C. With soft steel there is a further point of maximum evolution of hydrogen and carbon monoxide at 786° C. NO. 2560, VOL. 102] NATURE [NoveMBER 21, 1918 Dr. McCance spoke on the balanced reactions in steel manufacture, particularly with reference to the open-hearth process. Dr. Hatfield pointed out the large influence which silicon has upon occlusion. Dr. Rosenhain emphasised that all liquids are brittle, but, as the opener afterwards pointed out, it would be better to say all bodies. Mr. C. V. Boys, referring to the spitting of silver on solidification, stated that he had found that to avoid loss of silver through spitting in cupellation it was necessary to cool it very slowly; and he asked if this was due to the evolution taking place over a range of tempera- ture, and not all precisely at the solidification point. It could not be due to differences of temperature in _the solidifying mass, because a considerable amount of undercooling takes place, and the solidification, when it occurs, is a very rapid process, the whole mass rising practically instantaneously to the melting- point. Sir T. K. Rose dealt with the bearing of Le Chatelier’s principle upon the change of the concen- tration of dissolved gases with temperature. Prof. N. T. M. Wilsmore pointed out that he had recently observed that the diminution of solubility of gases with rise of temperature, so far as data go, is peculiar to water as solvent, and that, even in the case of water, there seems to be a minimum at a moderate temperature (see the data in the last edition of Landolt-Bérnstein). This important observation is quite contrary to the belief usually held. The excep- tional character of water may be attributed to the variation in its degree of association. Prof. H. E. Armstrong laid stress on the artificiality of distinguishing dissolution from combination; dis- solution is combination. Dr. R. E. Slade directed attention to the bearing of the eutectic point of Ag—Ag,O at about 6° below the melting-point of silver; and Drs. Harker and Rayner described interesting experiments with very large masses of molten silver. Dr. Gwyer was in doubt as to the reason for the pro- portionality of solubility in some cases to the square root of the pressure, apparently omitting to notice the bearing of the Nernst-van’t Hoff law of distribution when the molecular association is different in the free and dissolved states. Many other interesting points were made by various speakers. The openers reserved their detailed replies to the printed discussion, where these points will be dealt with. GEOLOGY OF THE PERSIAN OILFIELDS. PAN interesting, paper on the geology of the Persian oilfields by Messrs. H. G. Busk and H. T. Mayo was read at the meeting of the Institution of Petroleum Technologists on October 15. Three areas are treated: the Bakhtiari country, in which the only oilfield worked as yet is situated; the Ahwaz-Pusht-i- Kuh country; and the Qishm Island and Persian Gulf region. The first of these is described in most detail. The rocks are divided into three series: The Asmari, Eo-cretaceous, at the base consists of massive limestones 2000 ft. or more in thickness. It is suc- ceeded by the Miocene Fars series, more than 7oo0 ft. thick, divided into three groups: the lower, formed of some 3500 ft. of massive gypsum, shales, clays, and intercalated beds of detrital limestone; the middle, tooo ft. of clays, shales, intercalated gypsum, lime- stone, and sandstone; and the upper, 2700 ft. of clays, shales, and intercalated red and brown sand- stones. The Fars series is overlaid by the Bakhtiari series of Pliocene age, of which the lower group, NovEMBER 21, 1918] 13,000 ft. or more of clays, sandstone, and con- glomerate, is regarded as of lacustrine origin; and the upper, 2000 ft. of massive conglomerates, as tor- rential. The oil is found in the lower Fars group, the detrital limestones forming the reservoir; at Maidan-i-Naftun the wells all flow under strong pres- sure, and after ten years of remarkable production show no signs of exhaustion. The geological history of the region seems to be one of extraordinary interest. The strata, from the base to the top of the Fars series, were deposited in a quiescent basin, and the thickness of beds between different horizons remains very constant. At the close of the Fars period folding began; the strata were thrown into open folds, and the overlying Bakhtiari series varies greatly in thickness, being thickest in the synclines, and least over the anticlines ; towards the close of the period the synclines became filled up with sediment, and the upper Balshtiari con- glomeérates spread over the whole. Then, according to the authors, a series of earth movements set in, continuing to the present and giving rise to a very complicated series of structures; fan, or, as they call it, Omega, structure was developed, and a series of thrust-faults which came right up to the surface and were partly determined by accidents of surface relief. In some cases the folds are completely overlaid by one overthrust extending beyond the next, and at Maidan-i-Naftun this is said to have been prevented only by the action of the Karun River, which flows for some miles in a gorge 8o0o ft. deep between the Tembi thrust-fault, which hades towards the oilfield on one side, and the back fault of the next fold, which hades in the opposite direction. The authors believe, in short, that the faulting and folding -of this region were not only superficial, but also of recent date and continued, with a gradual relaxation, to the present day; they regard the surface features as largely due to the movements caused, to some extent, as determining this faulting, and consider that the advancing fronts of the overthrust blocks have been worn away by surface denudation, concomitantly with their advance by the action of the tectonic processes. The Ahwaz-Pusht-i-Kuh region presents much the same features, with less intense disturbance; but in Qishm Island the identification of the rock series with that of the Bakhtiari country is doubtful, and the structure is very different, the rocks being dis- posed in a series of gentle domes along an axis running through the length of the island, these domes being subsidiary to a larger dome, exposing an inlier of the Eocene Hormuz series. Four explanations of this dome are discussed: that it is due to the inter- section of two open folds of different dates, that it, is of the same nature as the salt domes of Texas, that it is due to a laccolitic intrusion, and that it is due to the compression of the softer Miocene strata against a pre-existing boss of Eocene, round and against which they were deposited. No opinion is offered as to the relative probability of these, but the general features seem more in consonance with some cause analogous to the second and third, though the material to which the local uplift was due may have been neither salt nor a plutonic intrusion. - Neither this nor the Ahwaz- Pusht-i-Kuh district has proved oil-bearing in. a com- mercial sense, though indications have been found and both are being tested. We may express a hope that, the absolute em- bargo on publication having been lifted, more of the large amount of geological information which is in possession of the Anglo-Persian Oil Co. and of the Indian Government may be made accessible. There can be no commercial reason for secrecy, as the com- pany has a monopoly of the whole country, and the NO. 2560, VOL. 102] NATURE } 235 political reasons have been largely, and may soon be completely, removed. The value of publication will be great, as the region is one of extraordinary interest both in its structural aspect and as regards its bearing on the principles which underlie the origin and dis- tribution of petroleum. THE CONSTITUTION OF THE EARTH’S INTERIOR. HE problems of the interior of the earth are primarily of a physical character, and, in the final appeal, only to be decided by mathematical treat- ment; but this, in its turn, must be based on observa- tion, and, therefore, it comes that this discussion is prefaced by a statement of the results which have been obtained by the sciences of observation. The preparation of this statement is simplified by the fact that the problems fall naturally into two tolerably distinct groups: (1) those relating to the outermost layer, amounting at most to 1 per cent. of the radius, and (2) those of the deeper portions, extending to the centre. : The latter may be taken first. Records of the transmission of mass waves set up in connection with earthquakes show two well-marked groups repre- senting two forms of wave-motion, presumably the longitudinal and transverse, and a steady increase of the rate of transmission, with no very marked break in regularity, up to a distance of about 120° from the origin. Beyond that the first phase, of longitudinal waves, shows a decrease in velocity, and the second phase, of transverse waves, which, though so con-: spicuous at lesser distances, are no longer represented in their typical form, but are replaced by a record of different character, probably not due to any form of wave which has followed the direct path from the origin, and markedly delayed from the time at which they should have arrived had the same relative rate of propagation been maintained as at lesser distances. The depth reached by waves emerging at 120° from the origin is about half the radius from the centre of the earth, and the conclusion to be: drawn is that down to that depth the material of which the earth is composed is sufficiently rigid against stresses of short duration, and sufficiently isotropic to permit the transmission of the two forms of elastic waves and to give rise to their separation by reason of the different rates of travel. Further, it seems that down to a depth of half the radius there is no marked change in the character of the material, but at greater depths there is a change in physical character to a material, or form of matter, which is no longer able to transmit the distortional waves, or, if capable, can only do so with a great diminution of intensity and at about half the rate in the lower layers of the outer shell; in other words, the material in the central nucleus has a very low degree of rigidity, even against stresses of only a few seconds’ duration. The limit between the central nucleus and outer shell lies between four-tenths and five-tenths of the radius, measured from the centre of the earth; the transition between the two is apparently gradual, and not suffi- ciently abrupt to give rise to reflection of the waves at the junction of the two. Turning to the outer layers, we have, next the sur- face, partly material which has been disintegrated by the processes of surface denudation, transported, deposited, and resolidified, and partly rock which has not undergone these processes, but is thoroughly cooled and solid in every sense of the word. These of the British 1 Synopsis of the opening of a discussion at a meeting ! B R. D. Oldham, Association Geophysical Committee on November 19, by F.R.S. 236 ‘ rocks have been subject to very considerable mass- movements and deformation, the displacements amounting in extreme cases to as much as ten miles in the vertical and one hundred miles in the hori- zontal direction. The ultimate cause of these move- ments is unknown; they can only be directly ob- served in the outermost skin, and are probably taken up in a different form in the deeper layers, but require that beneath the outer solid layer—which for con- venience, and because some name is required, is com- monly called the crust—there must be material which has some of the properties of a fluid, but not neces- sarily more than the power of change of form when exposed to stress of sufficient magnitude and dura- tion. The thickness of the outer crust has been estimated by several distinct lines of deduction, all of which agree in giving a figure of about twenty-five miles, and this may be taken as indicating the order of its magnitude. The only means of arriving at any idea of the nature of the transition from the crust to the underlying material is in the reflection of earth- quake waves; this is ordinarily treated as taking place at the surface of the earth, but there are grave diffi- culties in the way of accepting this interpretation. A more probable one is that reflection takes place at the under-surface of the crust, indicating a somewhat abrupt transition from the solid and rigid crust to the more yielding layer below. Whether this is a separate layer or merely the outermost part of the shell capable of transmitting both forms of elastic waves is still unknown. The general result is that three distinct divisions can be recognised in the interior of the earth :—(1) The outer crust of solid matter possessing a high degree of rigidity, whether against permanent or temporary stress, of comparatively small thickness amounting to about 3 per cent., and not more than 1 per cent., of the radius; (2) a shell of material of thickness about one-half of the radius which has a high rigidity as against stress of the duration involved in the pro- ‘duction of the tides, or of shorter duration, but, in the outer part at least, a comparatively low power of resistance to stress of secular duration; and (3) a central nucleus of material which has a very low degree of rigidity, even against stress of only a few seconds’ duration. The transition from the first to the second of these three divisions is somewhat abrupt, sufficiently so to give rise to reflection; between the second and third the passage is more gradual, and lies at about four-tenths or five-tenths of the radius from the centre of the earth. These three divisions may be further reduced to two—the outer layer, which in geology is known as the crust, not from any im- plication of the nature of the rest of the earth, but merely in recognition of a difference in character; and the central core, consisting of the rest of the earth. HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER ‘SUPPLY.} ARGE works have been established for supplying Bombay with water-power for its numerous mills and factories, which have hitherto used steam-power, to the extent of more than 100,000 h.p. Coal in most of India is too expensive to allow competition with other countries for many products, though the raw materials are grown or found in India, and labour is cheap and docile, while highly educated Indians abound. To Bombay coal has mostly to be carried about 1200 miles. The water-power now provided is very much cheaper than power from coal or oil, gives a better ‘*drive,” 1 Abstract of a paper on ‘‘ The Tata Hydro-electric Power-supply Works, Bombay,” by Mr. R. B. Joyner, read at the Institution of Civil Engineers on November 19 NO. 2560, VOL. 102]| NATURE r s ry oe ” , " = f = [NovEMBER 21, 1918 and frees Bombay from the clouds of deleterious smoke which the poor Indian coal gives. The works take advantage of the very heavy rain- fall on the precipitous edge of the Western Ghats, about 2000 ft. above, and about forty miles from, Bombay. As the rain falls only during three or four months of the year and the watercourses are dry all the rest of the year, it was necessary to store water sufficient to give about 100,000 h.p. for ten or twelve hours a day during about nine months of the year. Three lakes are formed by four masonry dams, ranging from nearly 4 mile long and 34% ft. high to nearly 14 miles long and 96 ft. high. Two of these form a ‘‘monsoon” lake of sufficient capacity to provide power during the longest ‘breaks’ in the monsoon, and thus give an uninterrupted supply of power for three months and more. The other lakes are for storage, and maintain the power during the eight or nine months in the year when no rain falls. The monsoon rain on the Western Ghats, though always heavy, is very variable in amount. The least annual amount during the last forty-eight years was 82 in. on the edge of the Deccan plain, and the greatest amount during the past eleven years, in which special gauges have been fixed, on hilltops as well as in plains, is 546 in., which fell in a little more than three months, 460 in. falling in about two months. The minimum fall of 82 in. is very exceptional, and the maximum given may be equally so. The com- bined available capacities of the two storage lakes is about 10,100,000,000 cubic ft., whilst the water required to give 100,000 h.p, ex turbines for nine months, allowing for the great loss by evaporation and by soakage and for friction in the pipes and turbines, is 6,700,000,000 cubic ft. The excess capacity is given owing to the very variable amounts of the monsoon rains, so’as to carry on the balances in years of exces- sive rainfall to make up for the occasional short mon- soons. It was arrived at by assuming the works had been completed forty years ago, there being one rain- gauge record covering that period—which includes four minimum years’ fall—and deducting from each year’s supply the amount which would have been used, lost by evaporation, run to waste, or carried on to the next year, which gives the excess capacity required for a sufficient number of years. The amount of 546 in. measured at one hill station in the lakes catchment is not more than has been measured in two or three out of the past fifty odd years at Cherrapunji, in the Assam Hills, which has the heaviest rainfall hitherto known; but theré rain falls during seven months of the year, so that the amount measured for this work for that particular vear may claim to be the heaviest rainfall ever yet measured. The works are notable for the following reasons :— They are the largest of the many similar hydro-electric works which have been constructed during the past ten or twenty years, taking into consideration the great head used, combined with the large discharge of water. The first is equal to about five times the height of St. Paul’s Cross, and the fatter is greater than the summer flow of the River Thames during five months. They are also the first works to store water for power for use during about three-fourths of the year. One of the masonry dams, taking the ex- posed face area, is probably the largest vet constructed. The works are probably unique, considering the very heavy rainfall and the very steep rocky slopes, giving the greatest discharge perhaps ever recorded. The catchment area of the two lakes is only 164 square miles, while of this the full lakes area is about 74 square miles. The water is led fram the monsoon lake and from NovVEMBER 21, 1918| NATURE 237 the two storage lakes, which are joined together by a tunnel a mile long, by two ducts, together 4-63 miles long, to the forebay at the top of the great precipitous scarp which forms the western boundary of the Deccan plateau. From there the two lines of steel pipes are taken down the steep slopes and precipices to the power-house, about 1750 ft. below the forebay, the length of single line being about 2-33 miles. The pipes at the top are 82} in. in internal diameter, and at about two-thirds of the total height down the diameter is 72 in. Here they are joined by a double swan-neck pipe, from which eight smaller pipes are led down to the power-house, their diameter being 3% ft. at the top, and 3 ft. 2 in. at the bottom. The thickness of the metal at the top of the large pipes is $ in., and at the bottom of the small pipes 1} in. Each of the lower smaller eight pipes supplies a Pelton-wheel turbine, designed to give a maximum of 13,500 h.p. with automatic regulation devices. The works described are the first to be undertaken of a number of similar works proposed by the author, he having shown that it is financially possible in India to store water for use during eight or nine months of the year, and give power at a much cheaper cost than by the use of coal, oil, or spirit from vegetable products; likewise cheaper than power from the wind, sun, or tides. Not only that, but the water after use is available for irrigation, so valuable in a country without a drop of rain for a large part of the year. This would ensure the growth of the raw materials required for finished products on which the country is now so dependent upon other countries. It would also supply the factory workers or others with food and drink, and help to prevent famines, besides doing much fo regularise the rainfall. Such power will provide electric traction for raw materials to, and finished products from, the factories, as well as light for them and neighbouring towns, produce fertilisers, and give the great heat required for the smelting of ores. Many industries would then be self-contained, and India could compete with Europe, America, or Japan for its finished products, and would become less dependent upon its agriculture, which the varying seasons render somewhat capricious. UNIVERSITY AND EDUCATIONAL INTELLIGENCE. EpinspurGH.—The University, which as yet has no professor of geography and only one lecturer on the _ old Cliftonian, Mr. W. J. neither of these subjects finds a place in the list. Further, geology, which, especially in its. physical aspects, has always had so many adherents in Scot- land, is represented only by one optional course, and, like general geography, does not appear among the subjects of the diploma examination; nor does any branch of biology find a place there. Should it be found possible later to enlarge the department by the addition of new lecturers, the present diploma might fittingly become one in economic geography. Tue Aitchison memorial ‘scholarship, founded in - memory of the late Mr. James Aitchison, and tenable at the Northampton Polytechnic Institute for tw years, 1918-20, has been awarded to Mr. V. C. Milligen, Goodmayes, Essex. We learn from the Times that the council of Clifton College has just received the sum of roool. from an Leonard, for the establish- ment of a leaving scholarship to Oxford and Cam- bridge in chemistry, physics, or biology, in memory of the mastership at Clifton of Mr. T. W. Dunn, assistant master and house master at Clifton from 1868 to 1878. While the scholarship is to be given to enable boys of good promise to pursue the study of | natural science at the old Universities, it is only to | be aivarded to a candidate who has been in the sixth, or at least the fifth, form on the classical side. Tue Labour Party at its meeting on November 14 at the Royal Albert Hall to open the election cam- | paign of the party adopted the programme drawn up subject, as compared with three professors and five | lecturers in branches of history, has recently so far recognised its growing importance as to institute a diploma in geography, based on regulations involving a thorough and far-reaching study of certain aspects of geographical science. The diploma is intended for graduates in arts or science prepared to devote an additional annus academicus to the subject, and capable of passing an examination of somewhat high standard. The limited number of courses in pure geography available in the University under present conditions has made it neeessary to have recourse extensively to other departments, and the aim of the regulations appears to be to induce students to specialise either in historical and economic geography or, but less markedly, in mathematical geography. A special feature is the stress laid upon economic ethnography, defined as the study of the influence of geographical environment on the life of the most important peoples. The regulations give much less scope to graduates whose tastes lie in the direction of physical geography in the wide sense, and, in view of the contributions which Scotland has made to oceanography and meteorology, it is remarkable that NO. 2560, VOL. 102] by its executive committee. Of the twenty demands contained in the manifesto one deals with education, and runs as follows :—‘‘A national system of educa- tion, free and effectively open to all persons, irrespec- tive of their means, from the nursery school to the university; based on the principle of extending to persons of all ages, without distinction of class or wealth and without any taint of militarism, genuine opportunities for the most effective education on‘a broad and liberal basis, and the provision for teachers of all kinds and grades of salaries, pensions, training, and opportunities of advancement commensurate with the high social importance of their calling.” No ex- ception can be taken to the reasonableness of the ideals inspiring this statement, but it must be borne in mind frankly that not every boy and girl can benefit from a course of higher education, and that all that it is wise to insist upon is that evegy child shall have the opportunity of developing his intel- lectual powers to their fullest extent, and that social distinctions shall not be a bar to merited educational advancement. if A REPORT on the worl: of the Manchester Municipal College of Technology for the vears 1913 to 1918 has just been published. The issue of annual reports was interrupted in 1914. The college has_ made its prin- cipal contribution to the task of winning the war by supplying the Army and Navy with men whose | character and intelligence owe a great deal to their university training. It has supplied to the Royal Engineers, as well as to the technical branches of the Navy, Army, and Air Force, men whose training as engineers, chemists, or other technologists has enabled them to render effective service. In addition to supplying men, the college has undertaken war- work of different kinds. So great, indeed, have these new activities been that, despite the large reduction in the number of students, more research work has been done in the college during the past four years than in any other equal period of its history. The buildings and equipment have been improved in | various ways during the period under review. In the 238 NATURE [NoveMBER 21, 1918 summer of 1916 five new research rooms equipped. Of these the most important is the new coal-tar products and dyestuffs research laboratory, furnished with a_ specially constructed electrically heated oven for giving variable and positive degrees of temperature. The increase in the expenditure of the college has been partly met by larger Govern- ment grants. In the year 1910-11 the grant received amounted to 11,895/., while that received during 1915-16 was 16,646l., including a special war grant of 12501. Since 1902 commercial tests and investiga- tions which could not be carried out elsewhere in or near Manchester have been undertaken by the college. The financial value of this work in 1914 was 3981. 14s. 6d., whereas in 1917 it reached 2946l. 6s. 6d. SOCIETIES AND ACADEMIES. Lonpon. Royal Society, November 14.—Sir J. J. Thomson, president, in the chair.—A. Mallock ; Sounds produced by drops falling on water.—G. H. Hardy and S. Ramanujan; The coefficients in the expansions of cer- tain modular functions.+The Hon. R. J. Strutt: The light scattered by gases: its polarisation and inten- sity. tion of the ionising power of the positive ions from a glowing tantalum filament in helium. The ionising power of the positive ions from a glowing tantalum filament in helium has been investigated by a modi- fication of the method due to Lenard. The positive ions were accelerated through a piece of platinum gauze into the ionisation chamber, and were there retarded by an opposing potential difference between the gauze and a movable collecting electrode, this retarding potential being constant during a series of experiments, and always greater than the greatest accelerating potential used in that series, so that none of the positive ions reached the collecting electrode. It was found that an increasing current was obtained in the ionisation chamber (the electrode collecting a negative charge) when the potential difference ac- celerating the positive ions was gradually raised above 20 volts. This result is similar to that obtained by Pawlow, and by Bahr and Franck, who concluded that helium atoms are ionised by the collisions of positive ions moving with 20 volts velocity. The experiments described in the paper have shown that the observed increasing current, with increasing accelerating potentials above, about 20 volts, is mainly due to the positive ions liberating electrons from the walls of the ionisation chamber which they bombard, and that the positive ions do not ionise the helium atoms even when they collide with velocities up to 200 volts. Physical Society, October 25.—Prof. C. H. Lees, president, in the chair.—Discussion on the case for the ring electron. Dr. H. S. Allen discussed the argu- ments in favour of an electron in the form of a current circuit capable of producing magnetic effects. Then the electron, in addition to exerting electro- static forces, behaves like a small magnet. The assumption of the ring electron removes many out- standing difficulties :—(1) There is no loss of energy by radiation as in the case of a classical electron cir- culating in an orbit. (2) Diamagnetic atoms must have a zero resultant magnetic moment. This is difficult to account for with electrons in orbital motion. (3) The ring electron gives a good explanation of the facts of paramagnetism, including the experimental results of K. T. Compton and Trousdale, and of A. H. Compton and O. Rognley obtained by X-ray analysis. (4) The asymmetry.of certain types of radia- NO. 2560, VOL. 102] were. Dr. F. Horton and Ann C. Davies: An investiga- - tion can be accounted for (A. H. Compton). (5) The effect of the magnetisation of iron upon its absorption coefficient for X-rays observed by Forman is ex- plained. (6) The small amount of ionisation of gases produced by X-rays may receive an explanation. (7) Grondahl claims to have found evidence for a magnetic electron in certain thermo-electric effects. (8) Webster has given a method of deducing Planck’s radiation formula by making certain assumptions as to the internal mechanism of Parson’s “*magneton.” (9) It is suggested that Bohr’s theory as to the origin of series lines in spectra may be restated so as to apply it to the ring electron. The essential points of the quantum theory and Bohr’s equations may be re- tained, even if his atomic model be rejected. (10) If radiation is due to pulsations in a ring electron, the . Zeeman effect may be deduced by reasoning similar to that first employed by Lorentz. (11) The scattering of streams of electrons from the sun due to electrostatic forces would be to some extent diminished. (12) Par- son has shown that many of the problems of chemical constitution and stereochemistry may be solved by a magneton theory of the structure of the atom. Stationary valence electrons are possible. (13) The forces of cohesion in ‘a solid are similar in nature to chemical forces, both sets of forces having an electro- magnetic origin. The questions of the mass and magnetic moment of such a ring electron were dis- cussed. It was pointed out that the adoption of this hypothesis would lead naturally to the acceptance. of an atomic model with a magnetic core, as previously suggested by the speaker. Mineralogical Society, November 5.—Sir William P. Beale, Bart., president, in the chair.—Dr. G. F. Herbert Smith and Dr. G. T. Prior: A plagionite-like mineral from Dumfriesshire. Specimens of antimony- lead ore collected by Lieut. Russell from Glendinning Mine contained small cavities lined with tiny black crystals, measuring less than o-4 mm., and mostly less than 0-2 mm., across. Some resembled in habit the crystals of plagionite from the Hartz Mountains described by Liidecke. Measurements made on the three-circle goniometer showed the crystals to belong to the semseyite end of the group, and the result of a chemical analysis of the compact material of which the crystals form part corresponded approximately with the formula 5PbS.2Sb,S;. Semseyite has not previously been recorded from the British Isles.— Lieut. A. Russell: The chromite deposits in the Island of Unst, Shetlands. The bottle-shaped mass of serpentine which runs through the centre of the island from north to south contains chromite uni- formly distributed, but varying greatly in character, being at times massive, but generally granular. More than thirty quarries are known, but only six of them have been worked to any extent. The associated minerals include kimmererite (abundant in one quarry), uvarovite, copper, hibbertite, brucite, calcite, talc, and magnetite. The rocks other than the ser- pentine are poor in minerals.—Dr. G. T. Prior: The nickeliferous iron of the meteorites of Bluff, Chan- dakanur, Chateau Renatd, Cynthiana, Dhurmsala, Eli Elwah, Gnadenfrei, Kakowa, Lundsgird, New Concord, Shelburne, and Shytal. The percentage of nickeliferous iron and the ratio of iron to nickel in the several instances were found to be respectively 5, 63; 8, 0; 8%, 63; 6, 6; 33, 33; O8, 725 213, 1235 8.6; 8%, 7; Toes wos, 10; 74,. 63 Zoological Society, November 5.—Prof. E. W. MacBride, vice-president, in the chair.—Dr. J. F. Gemmill: The cause of the ciliary action in the internal cavities of the Ctenophore (Pleurobrachia pileus).—Dr. R. T. Leiper: Diagnosis of helminth + NoveEMBER 21, 1918] infections from the character of the eggs in the faces. Dr. Leiper stated that, by examination of the faeces of a living animal, the extent and specific nature of most helminthic infections could be accurately deter- mined, and the method had been applied successfully as a routine practice in the case of man, rabbit, dog, cat, and pig, and was apparently capable of indefinite extension. The eggs of parasitic worms were con- stant in character and of great systematic import- ance. The ground-plan of the eggshell indicated the genus, or even subfamily, to which the parasite belonged, and specific differences were found in slight but constant peculiarities in relative length and breadth, and in the conformation of excrescences on the surface of the shell—Dr. R. T. Leiper: The “new” rabbit disease. Examination of a large number of rabbits shows that the chief cause of mor- tality is a coccidial invasion of the intestinal wall or of the lining of the bile-ducts. According to Fantham and others, the causal agent in both types of disease is Eimeria stiedae, but Dobell holds that the intes- tinal lesion is due to a distinct species. In many cases changes in the liver attributed to coccidiosis were the result of infection with Cysticercus pisi- formis, the larval stage of the dog tapeworm (Taenia serrata). Large swellings in the region of the head and neck, suspected to be cancerous, were due to Coenusus serialis, the larva of the dog tapeworm Taenia coenurus. Of relatively small economic im- portance are infections with the threadworm (Oxyuris ambiguus) and the tapeworm (Ctenotaenia leuckarti). There is some evidence that a bacterial infection may occasionally be the cause of death. The coccidial infections pass from infected to healthy animals through the faeces. When freshly passed, the coccidial oocysts are not infective. They only become so after a period of delay, in which certain developmental changes take place. These changes proceed more rapidly in dry than in wet feces. Prevention depends unon the systematic periodical removal and destruc- tion by burning of all. pellets and contaminated bedding, and the use of some fluid which will destroy such oocysts as remain in the hutch. Although several cases of coccidial infection in man have been recorded, Dobell maintains that in none of these ‘cases is Eimeria stiedae the causal agent. There would appear, therefore, to be no risk of infection to man. The cystic stages of the tapeworms of the dog appear to occur chiefly in those rabbits fed with dandelions and other greenstuffs collected from the roadsides, where the vegetation is especially liable to contamina- tion with fzces of dogs which have acquired their infections from eating uncooked rabbit offal. Linnean Society, November 7.—Sir David Prain, presi- dent, in the chair.—The late Dr. E. A. Newell Arber and F. W. Lawfield : The external morphology of the stems of Calamites. with a revision of the British species of Calamophloios and Dictyocalamites of Upper Car- boniferous age. This paper dealt with the external morphology of Calamites and their reception into, the new form genus—Calamophloios—previously erected by Dr. Arber. No systematic endeavour to differen- tiate specimens showing the external surfaces of Calamites has previously been made, although the attempt was long overdue. By further inquiry it was hoped to correlate the various species of Calamophloios with those species restricted to pith-casts, and a beginning had already been made in this paper.—Mrs. Arber: The “law of loss’’ in evolution. It appears to be a general rule that a structure or organ once lost in the course of phylogeny can never be regained; if the organism afterwards has occasion to replace it. it cannot be reproduced, but must be constructed afresh in some different mode. The author proposes NO. 2560, VOL. 102] NATURE 239 to term this principle the “law of loss.’’ This law is obviously not susceptible of direct proof, but an attempt is made to show that, if used as a working hypothesis, it throws light on a number of structural features the interpretation of which presents difficul- ties on other theories. Some time after the author had deduced the ‘‘law of loss” from a comparative study of living plants, she learned that zoologists had already arrived at very similar conclusions regarding vertebrates from a study of their palzontological his- tory. Dollo’s “law of irreversibility covers much the same ground as the ‘law of loss.’’ The fact that the same principle has been recognised independently for plants and for animals—in one case through a study of comparative morphology, and in the other through a consideration of actual historical evidence derived from fossil records—seems to be an indica- tion of the validity of the law. Mathematical Society, November 14.—Annual meeting. —Prof. H. M. Macdonald (retiring president) and after- wards Mr. J. E. Campbell (new president) in the chair.—Prof. H. M. Macdonald (retiring president) : Presidential address.—Prof. M. J. M. Hill: The use of a property of Jacobians to determine the character of any solution of an ordinary differential equation of the first order, or of a linear partial differential equation of the first order.—Prof. H. J. Priestley: The roots of a certain equation in spherical harmonics.—J. Hodg- kinson: A detail in conformal representation.—T. A. Broderick ; The product of semiconvergent series.—Dr. W. P. Milne: A simple condition for co-apolar triangles. EDINBURGH. Royal Society, October 28.—Dr. Horne, president, in the chair.—The president delivered an opening ad- dress on the endowment of scientific and industrial re- search.—Dr. T. S. Patterson and Mr. K. L. Moudgill : Researches in optical activity: the temperature rota- tion curves for the tartrates at low temperatures. By the piecing together of evidence of different kinds, general temperature-rotation curves for the tartrates have been arrived at. These graphs show maxima and minima, and also a region of intersection. The influence of temperature changes, of change of sol- vent, of change of concentration, or of change of constitution appears to be to displace the whole series of graphs in one direction or the other, with, of course, accompanying minor alterations. The present paper describes the investigation of the temperature- rotation curves for tartrates at the low temperature end of the diagram, where a deep minimum is shown to exist.—Miss M. G. Haseman: Amphicheiral knots. This is a continuation of a former communication on amphicheiral knots, and contains, among other things, the description of two amphicheiral knots of twelve intersections which had formerly escaped notice.—Dr. C. G. Knott: Further note on the propagation of earthquake waves. Following up the investigations siven in a former paper (see Nature, February 21, 1918), the author directed attention to the curious sinuous form of seismic rays which emerge at an arcual distance of from 60°-80° from the epicentre, and reach a depth of about a quarter of the earth’s radius. This sinuosity proves that in the neighbourhood of that depth the velocity of propaga- tion, after increasing with the depth, begins to diminish, but this diminution does not seem to con- tinue to greater depths. MANCHESTER. Literary and Philosophical Society, October 29.—Mr. W. Thomson, president, in the chair.—Prof. C. A. Edwards: The hardness of metals. Prof. Edwards gave an account of various methods of making hard- 240 ness determinations, and described a new apparatus which was designed for making hardness tests at high temperatures. He also gave data showing that the hardness of pure solid elements is a periodic func- tion of their atomic weight. SYDNEY. Royal Society of New South Wales, September 4.— Mr. W. S. Dun, president, in the chair—W. G. Wool- nough: The Darling peneplain of Western Australia. The physiographic feature in Western Australia called by Jutson the Darling peneplain repeats in many respects the characters of the Blue Mountain uplands of New South Wales. It extends as a mono- tonous, laterite-covered plateau from the steep escarp- ment twelve miles east of Perth for nearly four hundred miles through the eastern goldfields. The monotony of the surface is interrupted by occasional hills representing residuals of a pre-existing plateau from which the Darling peneplain has been eroded, and by long, shallow valleys, forming the great wheat- belt of the State, which have been carved out of its surface by rivers.—Prof. C. E, Fawsitt and A. A, Pain: Experiments on the behaviour of iron in contact with sulphuric acid. The very slow action of concentrated sulphuric acid on steel is only accelerated to a moderate extent by dilution with several per cent. of water. For instance, 85 per cent. of acid has only a very slightly greater action than 94 per cent. of acid. The rate of action increases rather suddenly when diluting from 85 per cent. to 80 per cent. of acid, and again from 70 per cent. to 65 per cent. of acid. The electrical potential of iron with respect to concentrated sulphuric acid falls noticeably after the iron has been lying in the acid for a few minutes. The original potential is largely restored by exposing the iron for a few minutes to the air.—H. G. Smith: The resinous earth occurring at the head of the Nambucca River, N.S.W. This paper records the results of an investigation of the earth from two localities. It is shown that the ready ignition is due to the presence of the resin the earth contains. That it is of organic origin is indi- cated from the results of the analysis. The presence of nitrogenous products, as well as of phosphoric acid and a small amount of benzoic acid, also supports the conclusion. BOOKS RECEIVED. A Manual of Chemistry. Theoretical and Practical. Inorganic and Organic. By Dr. A. P. Luff and H. C. H. Candy. Sixth edition. Pp. xix+745. (London: Cassell and Co., Ltd.) 12s. net. Petrol and Petroleum Spirits: A Description of their Sources, Preparation, Examination, and Uses. By Capt. W. E. Guttentag. Pp. xi+135. (London: E. Arnold.) ros. 6d. net. Surgery at a Casualty Clearing Station. By C. Wallace and J. Fraser. Pp. xi+320. (London: A. and'C. Black, Ltd.) tos. 6d. net. Folk-lore in the Old Testament: Studies in Com- parative Religion, Legend, and Law. By Sir J. G. Frazer: 3 vols. Vol. i., pp. XxXv+569; vol. ii., pp. XVit571; vol. iii., pp. xviii+566. (London: Macmillan and Co.. Ltd.) 37s. 6d. net. Civic Biology. By Prof. C. F. Hodge and Dr. J. Dawson. Pp. viii+381, with plates. (London:,Ginn and Co.) 7s. net. Projective Geometry. By J. W. Young. Vol. ii. and Co.) 21s. net. Industrial Electrical Measuring Instruments. By NO. 2560, VOL. 102] Profs. Pp. xii+5rr. O. Veblen and (London : Ginn NATURE [NovEeMBER 21, 1918 K. Edgcumbe. _ Second edition. Pp. xvi+414. (London: Constable and Co., Ltd.) 16s. net. Junior Grade Science. By G. A. Watson. Pp. ix+ 181. (London: Macmillan and Co., Ltd.) 3s. 6d. DIARY OF SOCIETIES. THURSDAY, NovemsER 2t. : Rovat Society, at 4.30.—W. Stiles and Dr. F. Kidd: (1) The In- fluence of External Concentration on the Position of the Equilibrium attained in the Intake of Salts by Plant Cells; (2) The Comparative Rate of Absorption of various Salts by Plant Tissue.—G. Marinesco : Recherches Anatomo-Cliniques sur les Névromes d’Amputations douloureux : Nouvelles Contributions 4 l'Etude de la Régénération nerveuse et du Neurotropisme. ; Liryngan Society, at 5.—E. S. Goodrich: A Fatherless Frog, with remarks on Artificial Parthenogenesis.—Miss Muriel Bristol: A Review of the Genus Chlorochytrium, Cohn.—A. S. Kennard and B. B. Wood- ward: The Linnean Species of Non-marine Mollusca that are represented in the British Fauna, with Notes on the Specimens of these and other British Forms in the Linnean Collection. Rovat Society OF ARTS, at 4.30.—Sir Everard im Thurn: The Present State of the Pacific Islands. INSTITUTION OF MINING AND METALLURGY, at 5.30.—R. R. Kahan: Re- fining Gold Bullion with Chlorine Gas and Air.—A. Yates: Effect of Heating and Heating and Quenching Cornish Tin Ores before Crushing. —R. J. Harvey: ‘the Development of Galena Flotation at the Central Mine, Broken Hill. INSTITUTION OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS, at 6.—J. H. Shaw: The Use of High Pressure and High Temperature Steam in Large Power Stations. INSTITUTION OF MINING AND METALLURGY, at 5.30. MONDAY, NoveMBER 25. Royat GEOGRAPHICAL SocreTy, at 8.—Arnold Hodson: Southern Abyssinia. TUESDAY, November 26. RoyaL ANTHROPOLOGICAL INSTITUTE, at 5.—F. G, Parsons: Anthropo. logical Observations on German Prisoners of War. WEDNESDAY, Novemper 27- . a Rovat Society oF ARTS, at 4.30.—Lord D'Abernon: Drink Control in Various Countries. THURSDAY, November 28. Roya SocieTY OF ARTS, 2t 4.30.—Bhupendranath Basu: Some Aspects — of Hindu Life. CONTENTS. Principles_ of (Reconstruction) 07) 0 .ues tun erence An American Chemical Directory ........ 222 Electricity and Health, By W.M. B. ..... . 224 The Radcliffe Foundations, By H.M.V. ... . 224 Our Bookshelf . SJ Lope aig. Stet meen ne ees Letters to the Editor:— The Perception of Sound.—Rt. Hon, Lord Ray- leigh, O.M., F.R.S. . , See as Zeiss Abbe Refractometer.—F. Simeon. ... . . 226 British Thermometers. —Chas, R. Darling : .. . 226 Research on Health and Disease. By Prof. W. M. Bayliss, F.R.S.. . . oe Aprouic, NS 5 226 War-time Beef Preduction. ByC.C. ...... 227 State Assistance to the Dye Industry ..... . 228 Commercial “Aviation gen) .0. oe. 2. + - 1 suena Notes 7:7. % Ay BC ee a cs Our Astronomical Column ;— The Planet/Saturn arta agies co ~~ |-5 cle a aueeR ery The Onginvof Gotnetsiogar a ait ie. SS) teers Minor Planets Z a “4 wae in oN= ts eS The Occlusion of Gases in Metals. ....... 234 Geology of the Persian Oilfields . Lean ee The Constitution of the Earth’s Interior. By R. D. Oldham, F.R.S. .. Oh ae : 3 a eae 7 A235 Hydro-electric Power Supply. By R. B. Joyner . 236 University and Educational Intelligence. .... 237 Societies and Academies. ........... . 238 Books Receipgeds..aphey sats =o. ).\ ote ee ee Diary of Societiesimtana hire (20s oh © shee aedo Editorial and Publishing Offices: MACMILLAN AND CO., Ltp., ST. MARTIN’S STREET, LONDON, W.C.2. Advertisements and business letters to be addressed to the Publishers. Editorial Communications to the Editor. Telegraphic Address: Puusis, LONDON. Telephone Number GERRARD 8830. A WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF SCIENCE. “To the solid ground Of Nature trusts the mind which builds for Be "—W ORDS WORTH. No. 2561, VOL. 102] _ Registered as a as a Newspaper at ‘the General _ “Post Office.] THURSDAY, | NOV EMBER_ 28, 1918 [PRICE NINEPENCE._ [All Rights Reserved. = BUY DIRECT FROM FE.BECKER &CO.HATTON WA WALL, LONDON, E.C. QW. 80. GEORGE. LTD, SUCC 1?) Graphite-Selenium Cells FOURNIER D’ALBE’S PATTERN. Great Stability and High Efficiency. With a sensitive Se surface of 5 sq cm. and a voltage 20 the additional current obtainable at various illuminations (in metre-candles) is :— At S0tce :.- miiliamp. } 4 At -60' ,, ae oll 9 AG Soo... ested? 2 ~ For particulars and prices apply to the SOLE AGENTs : John J. Griffin & Sons, Makers of Physical and Electrical Apparatus, Kemble Street, KINGSWAY, LONDON, W.C. 2 CHEMICALS Analytical, Technical and Research. Regd. TRADE WARK A DDPARATUS Balances Fume Chambers, etc., or Chemical Laboratories Price Lists and Estimates on Application, REYNOLDS & BRANSON, LTD., Contractors to the War Office, Admiralty, and Egyptian Government, &c., 14 COMMERCIAL STREET, LEEDS. A SNOW CRYSTAL ACCURATE AND RELIABLE THERMOMETERS. Send a note of your requirements to any of our addresses, and we will offer, you the best types we have in stock. NEGRETTI & ZAMBERA, 38 HOLBORN VIADUCT, E.C.1 = 2N . 2 GENT ST. 5 saliaes We aie ST LONDON. 12 RES a @@- Our City Branch is at 5 Leadenhall Street, E.C. 3 xcvill NOTICE. In consequence of the greatly increased cost of production it has been found necessary to raise the price of NATURE to 9d. The Subscription rates are now as follow:— For residents in the British Isles, Yearly a a6 ved «. £2 2.0 Half-yearly ts on yn cee Quarterly... 7 ne i 11 3 ‘For residents Abroad, Yearly od aie aise £2 25.79 Half-yearly Pet es Se feta a J Quarterly... i ad at 12 0 ST. MARTIN’S STREET, LONDON, W.C. 2. Zs SWINEY LECTURES ON GEQLOGY, 1918-19. Under the direction of the TrusTeEgs of the Brirish Museum. A course of Twelve Lectures on ‘‘MAN AND Hts ANCESTRY” will be delivered by Dk. THOMAS J. JEHU, F.R.S.E., at the Royal Society of Arts, 18 & 19 John Street, Adelphi, at 5.30 p.m., on December 10, 12, 13, 19. 20, 30, 31, and January 2, 3, 7, 9, 10. The lectures will be illustrated by lantern slides. Admission Free. British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell Road, London, S.W.7. THE LONDON SCHOOL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE (UNDER THE AUSPICES OF H1s Majesty's GOVERNMENT), CONNAUGHT ROAD, ALBERT DOCK, E. In connection with the Hospitals of the Seamen's Hospital Society. SESSIONS COMMENCE JANUARY rs, MAY 1, and OCTOBER 7. For prospectus, syllabus, and other particulars apply to the Secretary P. MicHevx1, Seamen's Hospital Greenwich, S.E. 1c. SALTERS’ INSTITUTE of INDUSTRIAL CHEMISTRY. The Institute invites applications for a limited number of FELLOW- SHIPS, value £250-300 p.a., to be awarded for post-graduate study in the methods of chemical research or in any branch of chemistry bearing on industry, including chemical engineering, to young chemists who had com- pleted a degree course at a recognised college or university, and whose training has been interrupted by naval, military, or national service. Applications, with references and full particulars of training and experi- ence, should be sent to the Direcror oF THE INSTITUTE, Salters’ Hall, St. Swithin’s Lane, E.C.4. TD ROYAL SOCIETY. Government Grant for SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATIONS.—APPLICATIONS for the year 1919 must be received at the Offices of the Royal Society not later than January 1 next, and must be made on printed forms to be obtained from the CLERK To *rHE GovERNMENT GRANT ComMITTEE, Royal Society, Burlington House, London, W.r. ‘ UNIVERSITY OF LONDON. UNIVERSITY READERSHIP in BOTANY tenable at King’s College. Salary 4309 a year. Applications (10 copies), in envelope marked ‘ Reader- ship in Botany,” should reach the Vice-CuanceLior, University of London, South Kensington, S.W.7, not later than first post on December 21, 1918. Further particulars on application. TEST-ROOM ASSISTANTS WANTED. Electrical knowledge essential and some instrument expérience advis- .able.—Apply, giving full particulars, to the CampripGE SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENT Co., Lrp., Cambridge. NATURE [NoveMBER 28, 1918 BIRKBECK COLLEGE, BREAMS BUILDINGS, CHANCERY LANE, E.C.4 COURSES OF STUDY (Day and Evening) for Degrees of the UNIVERSITY OF LONDON in the FACULTIES OF SCIENCE & ARTS (PASS AND HONOURS) Under RECOGNISED TEACHERS of the University. SCIENCE.—Chemistry, Physies, Mathematies (Pure and Applied), Botany, Zoology, Geology. ARTS.—Latin, Greek, English, Freneh, German, Italian, History, Geography, Logie, Eeonomies, Mathematiles (Pure and Applied). Evening Courses for the Degrees in Economics and Laws. Geography Diploma and Matriculation. POST-GRADUATE AND RESEARCH WORK. SESSIONAL FEES { Day? Science, £17 10s,; Arts, £10 10s. Evening: Science, Arts, or Economics, £5 5s, Prospectus post free, Calendar 6d. (by post 8d.), from the Secretary. SOUTH-WESTERN POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, CHELSEA, S.W.3. Day and Evening Courses in Science and Engineering. Technical Courses in Analytical and Manufacturing Chemistry. Pharmacy, Dispensing, and Food and Drug Courses. Metallurgy, Assaying, and Foundry work. Botany, Geology, and Zoology Couises. Three years’ college course in Physical Education. SIDNEY SKINNER, M.A., Principal. Telephone: Western 899. UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE. APPOINTMENT TO THE LECTURESHIP OF NATURAL PHILOSOPHY. Applications are hereby invited for the position of LECTURER of NATURAL PHILOSOPHY at the University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Salary £450 per annum. Appointment for five years. Allowance for travelling expenses to Australia, £100. Full particulars in regard to this appointment have recently been posted from Melbourne, and will be supplied to applicants upon receipt. Applications, together with testimonials, should reach the AGENT- GENERAL FOR Vicrorta, Melbourne Place, Strand, London, W.C. 2, not Jater than February 1, 1979. UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF SOUTH WALES AND MONMOUTHSHIRE, (CoLEG PrRIFATHROFAOL DeEHEUDIR Cymru A Mynwy.) The Council of the College invites applications from both men and women for the post of TEMPORARY ASSISTANT LECTURER AND DEMONSTRATOR IN HISTOLOGY, who will also be required to assist in demonstrating to the first-year students in Zoology. Further applications may be obtained from the undersigned, by whom applications, with testimonials (which need not be printed), must be received on or before Saturday, December 14, 1918. D. J. A. BROWN, University College, Registrar. Cathays Park, Cardiff. DORSET COUNTY COUNCIL EDUCATION COMMITTEE. WEYMOUTH ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL SCHOOL. ASSISTANT MASTER required January next, principally to teach Engineering Science (Applied Mechanics, &c.); works experience desirable, Commencing salary up to £250, according to qualifications and experience, rising to a maximum to be fixed by the Committee after consideration of the report of the Departmental Committee on salanes of teachers in Secondary and Technical Schools. Application form may be obtained from CLEMENT G. Bone, Secretary for Education, County Offices, Dorchester. STAFFORDSHIRE EDUCATION COMMITTEE. An ASSISTANT MASTER or MISTRESS qualified to teach Element- ary Mathematics and Science is required for Secondary School work. Commencing salary up to £250 (man) or £200 (woman) (non-resident). Further particulars and forms of application may be obtained from the undersigned, Cc, F. MOTT, Acting Director of Higher Education. County Education Offices, Stafford, November, 1918. NATURE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1o918. ABSORPTION SPECTRA AND CHEMICAL CONSTITUTION. Colour in Relation to Chemical Constitution. By Prof. E. R. Watson. Pp. xii+197. (London: Longmans, Green, and Co., 1918.) Price 12s. 6d. net. | hig is justifiable to ask whether this book has been written to help those engaged in research on synthetic dyestuffs or as a text-book for those investigating the problems of absorption spectra. On one hand it contains scarcely anything of sufh- cient definiteness for the colour chemist to pin his faith to, and§ on the other, the information is not complete enough to justify its use as a text-book on absorption spectra. The author, however, can scarcely be blamed for the lack of definiteness in establishing even one article of faith for the colour chemist to accept, because it is progressively becoming more evident that there is no definite relation between colour and chemical constitution in the generally accepted sense. one of the theories connecting the two that from time to time have been proposed is shown: by the author to fail in one way or another. Even his own theory of oscillation within a conjugated system of double bonds is of limited application, for it entirely fails to explain his own test case of the blue nitroso-derivatives of the paraffins, not to mention the numerous examples of colour changes shown by the same compound in different solvents. The time has surely come when it were wiser frankly to let the colour chemist into the secret and tell him that the usual conception of correlation between colour and constitution has been found to be unsound. Let us be brave and state that the real connection between them is far deeper than any of the theories of Witt, Nietzki, Armstrong, von Baeyer, or Hantzsch would lead us to believe. Criticism must be made of some statements in this book, statements which cannot be allowed to pass unchallenged. For example, Beer’s law can- not be said to be true within a wide range. The substances which conform to this law are rela- tively few, and, indeed, the law is more honoured in the breach than in the observance. Then, again, it would seem that the author has confused the number of absorption bands shown by substances. Many absorption bands exhibit a number of sub- groups, and great care must be taken to guard against looking upon these sub-groups as separate absorption bands. Some of the author’s criticisms are based on this error and lose their point when it is remembered that different sub-groups of one band and not different absorption bands are under discussion. Then, again, the persistence of a band is wrongly defined as the ordinate passing through the head of an absorption band; this ordinate is, of course, a measure of the absorptive power, while the persistence is the difference between the extreme ordinates over which the band persists. NO. 2561, VOL. 102] Every | 241 Although this is a minor point, it directs attention to the fact mentioned by the author of the remark- able differences shown by substances in the persist- ence of their absorption bands. The reason for this is that in the case of those compounds which exhibit relatively shallow bands very few mole- cules exist in the absorbing condition, the remainder not exerting any selective absorption in the spectral region under examination. It will at once be seen how dangerous it becomes to dogmatise or even postulate any theory as to the constitutional origin of a band when such is due to a very small fraction of the-molecules present. The book is well put together and excellently illustrated with absorption curves of a variety of compounds. The chapters dealing with the earlier theories on colour and constitution are well written, and although the discussion of each of these is necessarily restricted, the author has suc- ceeded in presenting their salient points well. Chapters are devoted to infra-red absorption and to fluorescence, and finally there is a:good account. of the work on the colour of inorganic compounds. In some ways this book may be recommended, but the impression will remain that the author loses conviction by reason of having stepped too delicately. BG. Cab: SYNTHETIC AND ANALYTIC PHYSICS. (1) Cours de Physique Générale. By H. Ollivier. Tome Troisiéme. Pp. 632. (Paris: A. Hermann et Fils, 1918.) Price 30 francs. (2) Electrical Experiments. By A. Risdon Palmer. Pp. xii+115. (London: Thomas Murby and Co., 1918.) Price 1s. 6d. net. (3) Magnetic Measurements and Experiments (with Answers). By A. Risdon Palmer. Pp. 124. (London: Thomas Murby and Co., 1918.) Price ts. 6d. net. N the discussion on the teaching of physics in schools which took place recently at a meet- ing of the Physical Society two methods of teach- ing physics were contrasted. The first, which may be called the synthetic method, starts from certain general principles and develops the con- sequences of those principles. The second, or analytic method, dissects out the principles from some more or less complicated piece of mechanism. Thus the first method starts with Boyle’s law and ends with the steam-engine, whilst in the second method the order is reversed. Each method has its advantages and its draw- backs, and makes its appeal to a particular type of mind or at a particular stage of development. The volumes under discussion may be regarded as examples of the two methods of presentation. (1) The subject of vibrations and their trans- mission forms the groundwork of the third part of M. Ollivier’s text-book, and it is developed from first principles with the lucidity which seems to be innate in French scientific writers. The first six chapters may be regarded as introductory; they contain a concise and interesting summary of the main features of periodic functions, of fe) 242 NATURE [NoveMBER 28, 1918 sw vibratory movements, and of wave motion. Chap. vii. deals briefly with the subject of acous- tics, and includes a detailed description of the anatomy of the ear, with excellent diagrams after A. Pizon. Then follows a lengthy section devoted to physical optics, in which the subjects of interference, diffraction, and polarisation are dis- cussed in a masterly manner, one of the valuable features of this portion of the work being the number of problems worked out in detail with numerical illustrations. In dealing with the passage of polarised light through crystalline plates extensive ust is made of the geometrical construction devised by Poincaré, in which the characteristics of the elliptically polarised light are represented by the position of a point on the surface of a sphere. The damped oscillations of certain material systems, such as moving-coil galvanometers, are considered in chap. xv. At first sight the chapter on thermionic apparatus seems somewhat out of place, but this impression is removed when it is realised how important a part thermionic valves and amplifiers play in connection with electric oscillations and wireless telegraphy and_ tele- phony. Recent improvements in these depart- ments of applied electricity are described in most interesting fashion. The remaining chapters deal with electro-optics and optical effects due to motion, the volume closing with a brief review of the principle of relativity. Special interest attaches to this volume through the circumstances in which it has been produced. In an introductory statement M. Ollivier says: “Ce n’est pas sans une profonde émotion que nous publions ces lecons professées a Lille avant la guerre. Car aux souvenirs heureux qu’elles évoquent pour nous, au rappel d’un temps ou notre Université était grande et florissante, §’ajoute en un contraste déchirant la longue et cruelle vision des malheurs qui sont venus. Ce n’est pas 4 nous qu’il appartient de décrire les souffrances infinies de la ville martyrisée. Mais nous ne voulons pas signer ce livre sans adresser un hommage & nos collégues et a nos éleves morts.”’ (2 and 3) Two useful books for beginners are provided’ by Mr. Risdon Palmer, who is familiar with the difficulties of both student and teacher. In the study of electricity the analytic method is employed. The first experiments to be performed involve the use of accumulators, glow-lamps, ad- justable resistances, voltmeters and ammeters. Even if the treatment is not strictly logical, the student at once acquires some familiarity with the notions of electromotive force, resistance, and current. In magnetism the idea of pole strength is based on the use of a simple form of magnetic balance, and the experiments are supplemented by illustrative examples and arithmetical questions. Considerable emphasis is rightly laid on the ex- pression of results in the appropriate units, the realisation of the magnitude of the quantities involved, and graphical representations. He (Sy eaenens NO. 2561, VOL. 102| PRACTICAL FORESTRY. Forestry Work. By W. H. Whellens. Pp. 236. (London: T. Fisher Unwin, Ltd., 1918.) Price 8s. 6d. net. “T° HE author of this book is a working forester, who has had much experience while in charge of large wooded estates in England and Scotland. He tries to explain in simple language the actual operations which are usually carried out on such estates, and in this is fairly successful. The book can be recommended as a useful one for the forestry apprentice, and will be found serviceable in giving instruction to disbanded soldiers and to women who are now taking short courses in nursery work, measuring timber, etc., at various centres. There is nothing novel in the book, which is simply a straightforward account of ordinary British forestry practice. Whether this practice requires amendment or improvement is another matter. Hitherto, on private woodland estates, methods have been in vogue which are not strictly economical. In the future money will be scarce, and efforts must be made either to invent cheaper methods or to import such from foreign countries, like the United States, where of tate ingenious inventions have been devised, which save labour materially in the planting and in the felling of trees. Mr. Whellens’s first chapter deals mainly with nursery work, and contains much that is valuable and well put; but no mention is made of the trans- planting lath or of the method employed at Brocklesby and Abbeyleix, by which young trees are ploughed out of the nursery lines instead of being lifted; yet these are excellent labour-saving devices. The chapter on the preparation of the ground for planting, on draining, and on fencing is well done. Sowing and planting are next dealt with. The chapter on tending plantations is un- satisfactory, the difficult subject of thinning being too briefly treated, while much space is given to pruning, an unnecessary and expensive operation in most cases. Felling timber is rather summarily disposed of, and nothing is said about clearing the area after felling. The space devoted to the measurement of timber is quite inadequate, and requires considerable enlargement to make the subject intelligible to workmen. The chapter on insect and fungoid enemies is without illustrations, and the descriptions are too short. The appendix is a collection of useful tables. DEVELOPMENTS OF THE THEORY OF RELATIVITY. The Theory of the Relativity of Motion. By R. C. Wolmanleekp. ix-Fe2e (Berkeley = University of California Press, 1917.) HE author of this book takes much _ for granted. The main source of interest in the principle of relativity is the revolution which it demands in the concepts of space and time. It is not easy for most people to accommodate them- selves to the changes which they are asked to make in these fundamental elements of their NovemMBER 28, 1918] thought. But until this has been done the postu- late “that the velocity of light in free space appears the same to all observers regardless of the relative motion of the source and the observer ’’ is one that remains a stumbling-block, and the de- tailed mathematical discussion of the consequences of such a postulate must remain a matter of minor interest. In the development of any branch of scientific thought it generally happens that in the form finally assumed the historic order of thought is reversed. The process of analysis of the complex into its constituent elements is re- placed by a formal synthesis of those elements to reproduce the original complex. To the student seeking to get a living grasp of the meaning ‘of science, and not a _ mere formal and abstract parallel to it, it is necessary to go through in his own experience the stages by which the perfected final form of the science has been reached. The teacher and the writer of text-books should therefore seek first of all to give the benefit of his knowledge and matured thought to enable the reader to pass painlessly and naturally through those various phases. When this has been done, the demonstration of unforeseen consequences is legitimate. The present author places quite late in the book those transformation equations for the electric and magnetic intensities which played an absolutely vital part in making the enunciation of the principle possible. One may be permitted to wonder ifin so doing he is not writing with his eye too close to his subject, so that the reader does not come sufficiently into his field of view. But, this being a matter of common occurrence, it may pass, and the book may be recommended as an account of the later developments of the theory of relativity, which dwell particularly on those quantities which seem to have a_ signifi- cance that is not relative. “action ’’ of a dynamical system is one that has some such absolute meaning if it be true that the motion of a system is to satisfy the principle of least action regardless of the velocity which the observer chooses to assign to himself. The invariance of the action seems to be the most comprehensive summing up of the consequences of the principle of relativity, and at the same time opens out the possibility of the generalisation of it in the way that Einstein has recently achieved. This extension ofthe principle does not come within the,scope of the book, which concludes with a presentation of the four-dimensional vector analysis in the form developed by Wilson and Lewis. i ‘OUR BOOKSHELF. Die Vegetation des Val Onsernone (Kanton Tessin). By J. Bar. 80 pp., with coloured phytogeographical map. (Zurich: Rascher and Co., 1918.) Price 3 francs. Tus is a very compact description of the vegeta- tion of a mountain valley-basin south of the Alps, a little to the north-west of Lago Maggiore. The NO. 2561, VOL. 102] NATURE. In particular the, 243 | -ainfallis high (80 in. to 100 in.), and is nearly all received during the summer. At the same time, the number of rainy days is low and of clear days high, so that a great deal of sunshine is received, and the winter temperatures are relatively high. Thus we have a combination of some of the favourable conditions for vegetation characteristic of an “oceanic’’ climate with some of those char- acteristic of a continental one, a combination which, together with the great range of altitude (250 m. to 2500 m.) within the area, leads to the occurrence of a very wide range of vegetation and a very large number of species. The vastly greater proportion of the whole area of 113 sq. km. is covered with trees and shrubs. The general alti- tudinal forest zonation on the northern exposures is chestnut, beech, silver fir, spruce, and larch, with the addition of extensive birch woods and more local lime and grey alder woods according to the soil conditions. Besides these there are extensive scrub associations of hazel, chestnut, birch, beech, and oak, which play an important part in the economy of the valley as pasture for goats, besides unpastured scrub of willow, alpine alder, alpine rose, juniper, etc., ““heaths ”” of heather, broom, and bilberry, and numerous types of grassland. Many of the associations are almost identical with common British types. Above these there is a wide selection of alpine types, and at the other end of the scale an asso- ciation of the Mediterranean Cistus salviifolius. The memoir is accompanied by an excellent vege- tation map, in which the distribution of the dominant trees and shrubs is depicted by means of coloured symbols. Food Gardening: For Beginners and Experts. By H. Valentine Davis. Second edition, revised and enlarged. Pp. vili+133. (London: G. Bell and Sons, Ltd., 1918.) Price 1s. net. Tuts handbook will prove useful to the allotment- holder, as it sets forth clearly and fully the details of cultivation of the commoner vegetables. The first part of the book, however, contains several instructions that are misleading and may cause difficulty. It is contrary to all accepted usage to grow root crops and onions on soil which has not been dug or even forked over since the removal of the previous crop. The plan may succeed on light land, but on heavy, sticky soil such a pro- cedure would probably court failure. For many districts June is very late for planting maincrop potatoes, and parsnip-sowing should not be de- ferred until April. It is also beside the mark to recommend that green peas should be eaten raw, and to suggest that discarded woollen garments and leather articles should be used for manurial purposes. On the other hand, the details of work- ing are usually well explained, and the’ calendar of operations affords a useful guide to the approxi- mate times for carrying out the more important pieces of work. The second part, dealing with such crops as tomatoes and celery, is very lucid, and the hints on the winter storing of vegetables and on the destruction of diseases and pests are valuable and practical. ~ 244 NATURE [NoveMBER 28, 1918 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. 'The Editor does not hold himself responsible for opinions expressed by his correspondents. Neither can he undertake to return, or to correspond with the writers of, rejected manuscripts intended for this or any other part of Nature. No notice is taken of anonymous communications. | Zeiss Abbe Refractometer, In reply to Mr. Simeon’s communication published in. NarurE of November 21, we would state that of the many different types of Zeiss Abbe refracto- meter, including a late pre-war instrument, that have passed through our hands for repair, all have been fitted with an illuminating prism of low refractive index glass (Np about 1-515). In every case, by sub- stituting an extra dense prism of suitable angle, we have rendered the instrument serviceable for the examination of liquids above 1-52. We discovered this defect some time ago, and later directed the atten- tion of Prof. Cheshire to it, communicating it to Nature of June 21, 1917 (vol. xcix., p. 331). We have a number of these low-refractive index prisms which have been removed from Zeiss refractometers, and also a complete Zeiss instrument showing the defect mentioned. It would, perhaps, be possible to arrange to bring this instrument and the prisms to the next meeting of the Optical Society, and if Mr. Simeon would bring a Zeiss instrument having a pair of extra dense prisms, a comparison would be interesting. It is just possible that the Zeiss instrument to Which Mr. Simeon refers is one in which a dense lower prism has been substituted. As we have already pointed out, in theory any glass would make a suitable illuminating prism so long as the roughened surface remains unimpaired, but in practice the cleaning of the prism surface tends to polish it, and as a result the illumination quickly falls almost to vanishing-point. L. BELLINGHAM. Bellingham and Stanley, Ltd., 71 Hornsey Rise, N.19, November 22. BRITISH IRON-ORE RESOURCES. NE of the most marked effects of the war has been the stimulus that it has given to the development of the mineral resources of the British Empire, and particularly of those of Great Britain. For many reasons the more active exploitation of our home iron ores has been one of the most prominent features of this movement. Up to the invention of the Bessemer process the iron industry of this country depended practically exclusively upon domestic ores, the bulk of the ores smelted being the claybands and blackbands of the Coal Measures; in addition to these the red hematites of the Mountain Limestone of the West Coast and some of the Jurassic ironstones were also worked, but up to about 1870 the iron-ore deposits of the Paleozoic rocks formed the main- stay of our British iron industry. When the Bessemer process introduced mild steel as an important factor in the industry, the relatively small production of West Coast hematite no longer sufficed for our needs, and as many of our centres of iron-smelting are situated within easy access of the coast, Bessemer ores were natu- rally looked for abroad, and an energetic importa- tion of foreign ores ensued. NO. 2561, VOL. 102] Bilbao ore was first imported about 1870, and by 1878, after the Carlist War, this importation had reached 850,000 tons; in 1913 the importation from Spain, to which Almeria and other parts of Spain con- tributed as well as Bilbao, was 44 million tons, whilst our total imports from abroad, by far the greater part of which was Bessemer ore, amounted to about 74 million tons. The domestic ore production was 16 million ‘tons, of which about 12 million tons came from the Jurassic ironstones. The growth in the output of these last-named ores was due in large measure to the increasing adoption of the basic process of steel- making. When the war rendered the importa- tion of foreign ores difficult and expensive, our iron and steel industry had to rely more and more upon basic steel produced from the latter class of ore. This development has been favoured by the grudging recognition that for most purposes basic steel properly made is as good as acid, and furthermore by the abandonment by the Board of Agriculture of the so-called citric acid test for basic slag in favour of its valuation by the total phosphoric acid present; this means that whereas under the former “made in Germany’ test thou- sands of tons of British basic slag had to be dumped out at sea as unsaleable, such slag can now be utilised and its phosphoric acid contents. rendered available for the British agriculturist. At the same time, the British steel trade now has a market opened up for what was before a waste product. 4 One of the signs of the increasing interest taken in domestic ores is the attention that is being devoted to the study of our iron-ore resources. Apart from some earlier descriptions of British iron ores, which have to-day at most only an historical interest, the first attempt at a real estimate of our iron-ore resources was that published by the present writer in the important treatise issued by the Eleventh International, Geological Congress at Stock- holm in 1910. This showed for the first time the magnitude of Britain’s iron-ore reserves, and attracted much attention on the Continent; ii would be interesting to speculate how far it may have contributed towards Germany’s intention to bring about the war, one of the main motives of which was Germany’s desire to obtain possession of the French iron-ore fields and thus to outstrip all competition by commanding far the largest iron-ore supplies of Europe. The principal value of the above-named estimate to-day lies in the fact that it has formed the basis of newer and more accurate estimates. Since the beginning of the war three important contributions to our know- ledge of our own iron-ore resources have appeared, each under the auspices of a Government department—it need scarcely be added, having regard to our characteristic British methods, a different department in each case, working inde- pendently of the others. Nothing could be more eloquent of the need for a central administration, co-ordinating such efforts and avoiding useless duplication of work. The first was the now well- NoveMBER 28, 1918] NATURE 245 known report on the resources and production of | iron ores, etc., by Mr. G. C. Lloyd, issued by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, which appeared in May, 1917, a second, revised and enlarged edition being issued towards the end of the same year. In the spring of this year an important paper was read by Dr. F. H. Hatch before the Iron and Steel Institute by permission of the Controller of Iron and Steel Production, Ministry of Munitions, the data for this having been collected by Dr. Hatch working for that Ministry. It deals with the Jurassic ironstones of the United Kingdom, and, as has already been shown, these constitute by far the most important of the British iron resources from the economic point of view. The de- posits dealt with comprise the Northamptonshire, Cleveland, Leicestershire, Oxfordshire, Lincoln- shire, and Raasay ironstones, and full descrip- tions are given of their geology, mode of occur- rence, and chemical composition, the numerous tables of analyses being particularly valuable. Finally, Dr. A. Strahan, Director of the Geo- logical Survey, has recently issued his annual report, in which he presents very interesting esti- mates of the quantity of iron ore that may fairly be assumed to exist in the various deposits. This is a summary of an extensive series of investiga- tions upon British iron-ore deposits which the Geological Survey has been recently conducting, the detailed reports upon which are being awaited with much interest. It constitutes a portion of the very valuable ‘Special Reports on the Mineral Resources of Great Britain,’’ the first volume of which was issued in November, 1915; in the introduction to this volume Dr. Strahan has set out clearly the object of these reports and their economic significance. The present report summarises as follows the iron-ore resources of Great Britain under two heads: (a) reserves more or less developed, and (b) probable additional reserves. The figures are :— (a) 42,500,000 tons 1,775,052,160 ,, (6) 75,000,000 tons 2,104,886,000 ,, Heematites, etc. ... Mesozoic ores Clay-ironstones and blackbands 1,065,637,000 ,, Dr. Strahan says that the estimates are “framed in a cautious spirit,’’ and this statement may readily be accepted. Indeed, as regards the last class, the figures are palpably under- estimated; thus the probable additional reserves are given as about 6250 million tons, of which four-fifths are credited to South Wales and Mon- mouthshire, the coalfield which Dr. Strahan prob- ably knows best. There is no reason to suppose that the other British coalfields fall so far short of South Wales in iron contents as collectively to contribute only one-fifth of the whole, and in some cases the figures are clearly wrong. For instance, | for the whole of the great northern coalfield he | gives only 1°5 million tons, apparently taking the Redesdale area alone, whilst Durham is not even mentioned. Yet such ironstones were worked NO. 2561, VOL. 102] 6,248,475,600 ,, extensively at Shotley Bridge and other places in the Derwent Valley, as well as at Waldridge Fell, Urpeth, Birtley, Tow Law, and other points in the county of Durham, whilst in Northumberland they were worked at Wylam and Lemington in the | extreme south of the county, and at places so far apart as Haltwhistle, Hareshaw, Redesdale, and Brinkburn. There is no evidence whatever that the ironstone was worked out at any of these places, but quite the contrary, and there is at least a probability that it underlies the entire coal- field, though whether it will ever prove to be workable is another question; Dr. Strahan, how- | ever, points out that he is “concerned only- with the quantities that exist,’’ quite apart from their workability. It must indeed be admitted that this part of the question is one of scientific rather | than of economic interest, and in any case the full reports are not yet available, though it is to be hoped that they soon will be. All contributions to our knowledge of our own mineral resources are of the greatest value to the nation at the present time. ‘H. Louts. TROPICAL QUEENSLAND. ‘ "T*HE author does well to remind us that much of Queensland is tropical, and that it pos- sesses the largest barrier reef in the world, enclos- ing a lagoon of immense size and possibly of great potential wealth in pearls, pearl-shell, béche-de- mer (trepang), fish, and perhaps some day sponges as well. Here, on Hinchinbrook, a coastal island made known to us by his ‘“Con- fessions of a Beachcomber,’’ the author ruminates on the birds, beasts, and plants around him, a true beachcomber far from and almost uninte- rested in the world’s affairs, content to bask in the suns of his Arcady. All is delightful; the greatest men of the past are those born in the lands cf the sun; the planter tills not, but “per- mits Nature to have her own wayward will with his dutiful trees ’’; “vegetation does not tolerate any period of rest,’’ and here are “many lusty, fat, sleek, good-humoured, straight-backed, frolicsome calves.’’ It is impossible to criticise from the point of view of science, since the author’s writing partakes of the Arcadian nature of his pursuits. The power of observation of, and a feeling for, the important facts of life in all living Nature the author certainly has, but we have the uneasy feeling that he has set out to write a book, whereas in his “Confessions ’’ he poured out his soul and gave us a book of per- manent value. ‘Tropic Days’’ is, however, | thoroughly pleasant chat, well fitted for one’s lighter hours, and as such likely to appeal to a wide circle of readers. Descriptions of trees and plants are always ex- | cellent, and a charming individuality is given to certain trees of the domain. A chapter on beach plants reveals in this environment practically the | same types of growths and plants as are found in 1 “Tropic Days.” By E. J. Banfield. Pp. 313. (London: T. Fisher Unwin, Ltd., 1918.) Price 16s. net. 6 NATURE the most distant coral islands of the Indo-Pacific with but few additions from neighbouring con- tinental shores. The same is true also of sea and shore birds, but neighbouring lands give many visitors, which quickly learn to eat what man culti- A photograph of a baby nightjar in dead leaves is excellent, and, indeed, requires its ex- planatory diagram to point out the bird. We like the idea of a conchological (not floral) almanac, for we have ourselves noticed in the tropics the regu- larity of the approach to the shores, the coming up from the deep, of many Trochi, etc., almost as regular as the “balolo’’ worm obeys the call vates. of an’ especial phase of the moon at the same season of every year. In “Snake and Frog Prattle ’’ the author as naturalist is at his best. His true character as a man is perhaps shown in OL Xn om Fic. 1.—A banyan tree: stilt and buttress roots. “Time’s Finger,’’ a simple, eloquent account of a solitary climb into the ‘‘debil-debil ’’ land where his “boy ’’ dare not come; it is a story of adven- ture in which the author nearly lost his life, and it gives also a remarkable picture of how tropical jungle manages to conquer even perpendicular granite slopes. The domination of multi-rooted trees, banyans (fig: trees), mangroves, and screw- pines (Pandani) is typical of tropical moist jungles. For the ethnologist there are a few stories of natives, and we particularly commend to those who dwell at hom« the Dp chology ol “Casso- wary ’’ and “Soosie’’ as typical, the produce “of the very land on which they were born.’’ ‘“ Blacks as Fishermen ”’ is interesting: 1 study of facts. bees! (Ge NO. 2561, VOL. ther aS a [O02 | | | {NoveMBER 28, 1918 IGRICULTURAL RESEARCH IN AUSTRALIA. ITH the growing demand for intensified agri- cultural production occasioned by the war has come the realisation of the inadequacy of the existing provision for agricultural research in all parts of the world. The movement towards more generous and systematic provision is by no means confined to the older, more highly cultivated countries, but is perhaps even more active in those more distant parts of the globe where increased production on a large scale by extensive methods lew countries, indeed, have set about this particular task of reconstruction more systematically and energetically than the Com- monwealth of Australia, the prosperity of which is still possible. Krom ‘‘ Tropic Days. is so closely bound up with the fortunes of her great agricultural industry. For three decades or more Australian agricul- ture has had the advantage of liberal provision for agricultural education and research under the egis of the various State Departments of Agriculture. These Departments not only established agricultural colleges with associated experimental farms, but other farms and experimental work developed, as well as cent have laboratories for veneral have also been res for the specialised investigation of different- branches of agriculture, such as viticulture, and irrigation. dairying, sugar production, Most of the experimental farms are of great size, and admirably equipped for field experimental / ‘ NoveMBER 28, 1918] i arr work. The Roseworthy Agricultural College -Ex- perimental Farm in South Australia covers about 1600 acres, with 100 acres in permanent experl- ments; the Hawkesbury College Farm in New South Wales extends to 3500 acres, with more than 200 acres of experimental plots; whilst the Victorian State College Farm at» Dookie has an area of about 4500 acres, with some 400 acres devoted to experimental work with cereal and fodder plants. In all there are in the various States about thirty experimental stations, with a total farm area of nearly 50,000 acres, in addition to numerous experimental orchards, vineyards, and other areas. Armed with this extensive equipment, the Aus- tralian State and college workers have achieved very substantial advances in agricultural produc- tion, of which the development of new varieties of wheat deserves special méntion. Since the federa- tion of the States into the Commonwealth in rgot, however, there has been a growing feeling in favour of a central Federal organisation to secure greater co-ordination of effort and reduce the overlapping inevitable under the existing State systems. Many important problems that are re- ceiving or require attention are common to the greater part of Australia, and could obviously be dealt with more effectively and with greater economy of means and men by a central organisa- tion than ~by independent investigation in the different States. A similar need has also been felt in connection with other industries, and the whole movement has culminated in the recommendation by the Commonwealth Advisory Council of Science and Industry for the immediate creation of a perma- nent Commonwealth Institute of Science and In- dustry, organised purely for research, and entirely dissociated from routine administrative work. The executive committee, under Prof. D. Orme Masson, and including other prominent agricul- tural investigators, has devoted a large share of its attention to agricultural research, and in the final report has formulated a definite programme of agricultural research for the initial years of operation of the institute, which includes studies in soil fertility, plant pathology and insect pests, plant breeding, animal breeding and feeding, animal diseases, cotton and flax growing, forestry, and other subjects. The Advisory Council has pressed for immediate action, and the general features of the organisation and lines of work have already received the provisional approval of the Commonwealth Government, and doubtless formal adoption will not long be delayed. Among the many activities of the executive committee of the Council, special interest attaches to the week's conference of agricultural men of NATURE science held under its auspices in Melbourne in November, 1917, and reported in full in Bulletin No. 7 of the Advisory Council. Limita- tions of space prevent more than the briefest refer- ence to the varied programme dealt with by the conference, the topics discussed including cereal NO. 2561, VOL. 102] 247 breeding, the acclimatisation of plants, the utilisa- tion of Australian phosphate deposits, the tobacco and sugar industries, fibre-plants, native grasses and fodder plants, and crops for the production of power alcohol. One session was devoted entirély to a general discussion on the endowment and co-ordination of agricultural research in the Commonwealth, papers on the subject being read by Prof. A. J. Perkins, Director of Agriculture in South Aus- tralia, and Prof. R. D. Watt, professor of agri- culture in the University of Sydney. Prof. Perkins urged that the research worker should be free from State control, and advocated the development of agricultural: research at the universities rather than in the State agricultural colleges. For this purpose central research institu- tions, financed by the central Government, should be located at the different universities. The Uni- versity of Adelaide has already secured land for the purpose, but financial assistance is required to develop the scheme. Prof. Watt also emphasised the importance .of developing agricultural research at ‘the universi- - ties, but pointed out that the rate of increase in the number of trained research workers must be slow, owing to the small numbers of agricultural students at the universities and the consequent limitations of staff. He hoped for better con- ditions in this respect after the war, especially if provision could be made for research scholar- ships and fellowships. The shortage of adequately trained research workers was generally agreed to be one of the chief difficulties in the way of the necessary ex- pansion of research activities, and a resolution was adopted requesting the Advisory Council to bring the need for training more research workers to the attention of the universities. The difficulty is by no means peculiar to Australia, and all con- _ cerned with the promotion of agricultural research will await with interest the steps taken in Australia to solve this particular problem. REGINALD PHILIP GREGORY. Y the death on Sunday, November 24, of Mr. Reginald Philip Gregory, from pneumonia following influenza, the University of Cambridge has lost an able botanist, a man for whom young and old felt a warm affection. Mr. Gregory was born on June 7, 1879, at Trowbridge, Wilts; he received practically the whole of his early educa- tion in a preparatory school established in 1887 by his mother at Weston-super-Mare, where special attention was paid to natural history. At the suggestion of Prof. Reynolds, of University College, Bristol, from whom he received some additional training, he successfully competed for an entrance scholarship at St. John’s College, Cambridge, in 1897. He came into residence in October, 1898, and in 1g00 obtained a first class in the first part of the Natural Sciences Tripos; in 248 . NATURE [NovemBER 28, 1918 1902 he gained a first class in botany in the second part of the Tripos. In 1904 Mr. Gregory shared the \V alsingham medal with the late Dr. Keith Lucas, and in the same year he was elected a fellow of his college. In 1907, after serving five years as a demonstrator in the botanical department, he was elected to a University lectureship. In 1912 he became tutor of St. John’s, an appointment. which he was able to hold with the University lectureship; and in the same year he married Joan, the second daughter of Mr. T. E. Bisdee, of Hutton Court, Somerset, by whom he had three children. From July, 1915, to July, 1917, he held a captain’s commission in an officer cadet bat- talion at Cambridge, which he relinquished to. join the rst/6th Battalion of the Gloucestershire Regiment as a second-lieutenant. After about a fortnight in the front line he was gassed, and from the effects of this he never completely re- covered; he was discharged from the Army in October of this year, and, though still far from well,-resumed his college and university duties. Mr. Gregory was one of a group of students who were stimulated by the teaching and enthu- siasm of Prof. Bateson to take up different branches of genetics; it was mainly with cyto- logical problems that his researches were con- cerned. He was the author of several papers, some of which were published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society in collaboration with Prof. Bateson. His most important contributions were those dealing with the genetics and cytology of giant races of Primula, published in the Journal of Genetics (1911) and in the Proceedings of the Royal Society (1914). His work demonstrated the striking fact that some forms of Primula exhibit the giant character not only in the plant-body as a whole, but also in the constituent cells. The results obtained constituted a definite advance in our knowledge of phenomena connected with the reduplication of certain terms in a series of gametes. His researches also included the in- vestigation of heterostylism, habit, leaf-form, and flower colour in Primula sinensis, the seed char- acters of Pisum, reduction-division in ferns, forms of flowers in Valeriana, and other subjects. Mr. Gregory was a good all-round botanist, who inherited from his mother (whose work on the genus Viola is well known to systematists) a love of, natural history. He had already established for himself an honourable position as an original investigator, and those who knew him best looked forward with confidence to still greater achieve- ments in the future. He was a man who would never grow old; he enjoyed life in the best sense, and endeared himself to undergraduates and older associates by his unselfishness and joyous, open- hearted character. His place will be hard to fill, particularly in these days when there is an excep- tional need for virile teachers and men of wide and strong human sympathies. A. C. SEWARD. NO. 2561, VOL. 102] NOTES. Ix his speech at Wolverhampton on Saturday last the Prime Minister made a noteworthy declaration in regard to the application of science to agriculture—a declaration which would appear to adumbrate some- thing more than a passive policy of commendation. Scientific farming must be promoted,” he said; and in another passage he spoke of utilising the capacity of the soil to a greater extent by the application of scientific principles. There is a certain vagueness in these statements, and until concrete propgsals are put forward it is difficult to appraise their meaning and value. One obvious way of adding to the capacity of the soil would be to promote the use of artificial fertilisers, and, seeing that Mr. Lloyd George also spoke of the need for a ‘national supply of fer- tilisers,"’ it seems probable that what he had in mind in speaking of scientific farming was the extended use of artificial manures. The suggestion—or is it a decision ?—to have a national supply of fertilisers fore- shadows a new departure in State policy of great import. It is to be hoped that in applying science to farming the Prime Minister will bear in mind the need for encouraging research in the sciences bearing on agriculture. A peputaTion from the National Sea Fisheries Pro- tection Association is to wait upon the Right Hon. R. E. Prothero, President of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, as we go to press, to urge that the evolution and general direction of a fisheries policy for the whole nation should be entrusted to a Minister of the Crown who will be able to give to the subject his undivided interest. The industry is of prime im- portance, and a strong case can be made out for the constitution of a separate Ministry to be concerned with its interests and development. Mr. Hoover, the United States Food Administrator, whom we welcome among us, has warned us time and again of the fact that for many years to come the world must go short of beef. The impending meat famine, he tells us, started in 1907. In meat-eating countries the population increased. The demand for meat rose; prices rose; stockmen yielded to the temptation, and slaughtered cows, heifers, and calves which should have been kept as reproducteurs. The herds have further been diminished by periods of drought in Argentina, Australia, and North America, and by internecine strife in Mexico and Europe. Whatever happens, we shall be short of meat for years to come. That is one ground on which the National Sea Fisheries Protection Association bases its claim for reform of the fisheries administration of this country. The other considerations are: that fishermen will not undertake the catching of fish—a herculean labour of unending toil—unless there is a good living to be made out of fishing; that their industry has been so disorganised during the war that nothing short of national assistance can save it; and (a self-evident proposition) that these islands must maintain their fishermen communities or ‘go under.”’ Such, in brief, is the case which the associa- tion presents to the Government. It has been worlxed out in detail in a printed memorandum which we commend to the study of our readers. Copies can be obtained from the secretary of the association at Fishmongers’ Hall, E.C.4. We wish well to the deputation and to Mr. Prothero. Meanwhile, we note that there is a great degree of unanimity in the demand of the industry for a central Ministry to supervise the work of the English and Scottish ' fisheries services, and that the fishermen of Canada, e NovemBER 28, 191 8| France, and Germany are demanding similar con- solidation of effort from their respective Governments. Fishermen know their business, and there is a strong presumption that their demands are reasonable. Tue Times for November 25° gives an interesting forecast of the report of the Civil Aerial Transport Committee, which has now been presented to Parlia- ment, but will not be published until the New Year. It will be remembered that this Committee was ap- pointed in May, 1917, to consider the regulation of commercial air traffic and the possibility of employing existing machines and personnel for commercial pur- poses after the war. The Committee has divided itself into various sub-committees, dealing with various issues, and the main conclusions reached, as foreshadowed in the Times, are here summarised. With regard to the sovereignty of the air, it has been recommended that any country must exercise sovereign rights over the superincumbent air if commercial aviation is to be properly regulated and controlled. Such points as the qualifications for using aircraft, registration, and the problems arising in connection with damage caused by aircraft have been thoroughly discussed. In dealing with the possibilities of exist- ing machines, four types have been considered, repre- sented by the Handley-Page, the de Haviland, the R.E.8, and the Sopwith “ Pup.’ The first two types are naturally the most interesting, being both capable of carrying considerable loads. The lighter machines may, however, be of much assistance to commercial activities in connection with the rapid transport of passengers and small quantities of goods. Tue Committee referred to above expresses the opinion that speed of aircraft is probably the chief factor for commercial success, especially for inland routes, where an express train service is avail- able as an alternative. For isolated spots and sea passages speed will not be so important. A speed of too miles per hour is suggested, and this is sufficiently difficult to attain with heavy machines’ on account of the high landing speed involved, especially if the wing- loading is high. The Committee directs attention to this point, stating definitely that a high loading is a necessity for commercial success, and suggesting that a development of air-brakes or arresting devices may meet the difficulty. Night-flying is considered essential, particularly in relation to mail services, and the development of existing facilities should be en- couraged. Those interested in commercial aero- nautics will await with interest the publication of the full report, but the above brief remarks will suffice to show that the difficulties to be surmounted are considerable, and will tax the powers of designers to the utmost. The wonderful progress that has been made with military aircraft should prove a great stimulus, and if similar facilities for experimental re- search can be applied to the commercial problem, we may well look forward to a period of rapid develop- ment and success. Raprp strides have been made by the Meteorological Office in weather knowledge during the progress of the war, and the information available for the news- paper Press is vastly superior now to that of four years ago. The rapid development of the Air Service has entailed a more minute study of the upper air, and facts of really scientific value are being secured. It is now suggested that the changes in atmospheric pressure at the earth’s surface are controlled by the atmospheric pressure at the elevation of about five or six miles. Pilot-balloon observations are now made daily in many different parts of the British Isles, and these are charted for the several elevations up to 10,000 ft. or 15,000 ft. Since the weather has again NO. 2561, VOL. 102] NATURE i ! 249 become public information, the pilot-balloon observa- tions have shown many points of interest. During the progress of a storm area on its north-easterly course to the westward of Ireland on November 20 the surface- wind at Valencia was travelling at twenty-nine miles an hour, whilst at 2000-ft. elevation it was travelling seventy miles an hour. On November 22, with a surface-wind of thirteen miles an hour, the rate per hour at 4000 ft. was fifty-three miles, the direction in both cases being south-easterly. Tue Registrar-General’s return for the week ending November 16 shows a very decided decrease in the | deaths in London from influenza, the number being 1665, while for November 9 it was 2433, a decrease of 768. At many places in the English provinces the complaint is still virulent, and the deaths show no abatement. The death incidence at the several ages is well maintained, the deaths between the ages of twenty and forty-five being 46 per cent. of the total, and the deaths below forty-five years being 77 per cent., whilst abcve forty-five years the percentage is only 23. Influenza was responsible for 49 per cent. of the deaths from all causes during the week, pneumonia for 14 per cent., and bronchitis for 7 per cent. For the whole six weels of the epidemic influenza has caused 48 per cent. of the deaths from all causes, pneumonia 12 per cent., and bronchitis 6 per cent. Chicago, with nearly two-thirds of the population of London, had 571 deaths from influenza in the week- ending October 12, when London had eighty deaths only, showing that the disease was rampant earlier | in Chicago. AN appeal has been issued by the president of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, supported by representatives of other associations interested in Irish antiquities, on the subject of an inventory of the local archeological remains. The writers point out that the antiquities of Ireland possess more than local interest, and that in comparison with those of Great Britain they are more numerous. In recent years, owing to the changing conditions of land tenure, the abandonment of old superstitions, the imperfection of the system of local education, the extension of tillage, and other causes, much damage has been done to these monuments. It is pointed out that in 1908 three Royal Commissions were appointed for the purpose of making detailed inventories of the ancient monu- ments of England, Scotland, and Wales, as a result of which a large mass of important information has been collected and published. But, so far, no steps have been taken to institute a similar survey in Ireland, and an appeal by the Royal Society of Antiquaries and the Royal Irish Academy has been rejected. The request of this important body of antiquaries is clearly reasonable, and will, we have little doubt, receive hearty support from antiquaries in Great Britain. Ir has long been recognised that whilst the open fire is at once attractive, and furnishes practically the } only means of ventilation of ordinary dwellings, its heat efficiency is remarkably low. The shortage of coal and its high price—the latter a Jegacy which will probably remain to the householder—furnish ample incentive to improve the efficiency of the domestic grate, but the replacement of even a small part of the number by more scientifically constructed appliances is obviously out of the question. Landlords will not go | to the expense to save tenants’ pockets, and tenants are equally averse to incurring expense which in most cases would benefit others. Means may, however, be found to improve the efficiency of existing grates, and Prof. C. V. Boys has invented an economiser in which the flue-gases are diverted on their way to the 250 — --—+ chimney through two upright cylinders, standing one on each side of the fireplace, each cylinder surround- ing a concentric pipe which is open above and below. The flue-gases pass through the annular space thus formed on their way to the chimney, heating the inner tube and causing a current of warm air to be dis- charged into the room; also-the surrounding air is warmed by contact with the exterior of the flue-gas chambers. The fire remains visible and radiates as usual. It is admitted that such a device is not alto- gether ornamental, but people may be willing to accept this disadvantage in view of the advantage of added warmth for a given consumption of fuel. Tue death is recorded in Science of Prof. W. L. Hooper, head of the department of electrical engineer- ing at Tufts College, Mass. Prof. Hooper had been a member of the faculty at Tufts for thirty-five years, and was acting president in 1912 and 1913. ; Tue death is announced, in his seventy-fourth year, of Prof. William Main, formerly professor of chemistry in the University of North Carolina. Prof. Main was one of the pioneers in copper and lead mining in the United States. He invented the lead-zine storage battery, and is said to have been the first to apply the storage battery commercially to the pro- pulsion of street-cars. In recent years he had been chiefly employed as an expert in technical cases before the courts. Lr.-Cor. LLEWELLYN LonGstarrF, whose death at the age of seventy-seven is announced by the Times, was known to geographers chiefly for his generous support of Antarctic exploration. The funds for the projected national expedition were growing so slowly that there seemed little hope of enough being col- lected to equip even a modest expedition when in March, 1899, Col. Longstaff sent a contribution of 25,000l., which, with contributions already in hand, guaranteed the sailing of the ship. Two years later the expedition sailed in the Discovery under Capt. Scott. Col. Longstaff also contributed to Capt. Scott’s last expedition. Most of his life he devoted to busi- ness, and he was keenly interested in volunteering. _ For more than forty years he had been a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, and served for some time on its council. His eldest son, Capt. T. G. Long- staff, is well known for his travels and explorations in the Caucasus, Himalayas, and Tibet. Tue success of the British Scientific Products Ex- hibition, held at King’s College, London, during the past summer, has led the British Science Guild to decide to organise another exhibition next year. The main object of the new exhibition will be to stimulate national enterprise by a display of the year’s pro- gress in British science, invention, and. industry. Further particulars will be available in due course. A large part of the recent exhibition has been trans- ferred to Manchester, where it will be on view at the Municipal College of Technology in a few weeks’ time. Tue Cecil medal and prize of 1ol. of the Dorset Field Club will be awarded in May next for the best essay on ‘explosives used in warfare from the time of the Crusades to the present war, giving details (un- objectionable from a military point of view) of each invention, and the chemical proportions of the sub- stances used in each case, commencing with gun- ‘powder and Greek fire.” The competition is open to persons between the ages of seventeen and thirty- five on May 1, 1919, either born in Dorset or resident not less than a year between Mav 1, 1017, and May 1, 1919. Particulars are obtainable from Mr. H. Pouncy, Midland Bantk Chambers, Dorchester. NO. 2561, VOL. 102] NATURE i [November 28, 1918 - Tue Museum Journal, published by the University of Pennsylvania (vol. ix., part 2, June, 1918), is largely devoted to a study of works of art from the Far and Nearer East. In primitive Chinese ritual bronze vessels were used to hold the food and drink offered to the spirits of the earth and air and the manes of departed ancestors. Two valuable specimens of this class of vessel, one belonging in all probability to a period well back in the first millennium before our era, the other dated during the twelfth or eleventh century B.c., are described. Of these the orna- mentation, though bizarre, is singularly effective in conforming to the exigencies of the space to be covered. ~The Bronze age in China is believed to have drawn to a close about the middle of the first mil- lennium before our era. For religious purposes, how- ever, bronze continued to hold its own, and it was not for another millennium, or until the sixth or seventh century A.p., that the art of the bronze-worker may be said to have attained its apogee with the casting of those wonderful gigantic statues which characterised the religious enthusiasm prevailing in China of the Northern Wei (a.p. 386-535) and T’ang (a.p. 618-907) dynasties, of which the sole remaining example in the world to-day is the’ great Daibutsu at Nara, the ancient capital of Japan. FuRTHER light. on the respiration of larval dragon- flies is afforded by Mr. Joseph H. Bodine in the Pro- ceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Phila- delphia (vol. Ixx., part 1). The author shows that these larvae breathe by means of the rectum from the time of hatching until transformation. The so-called tracheal ‘‘ gills” serve but as rudders during locomo- tion, and take no part in respiration, as is shown by the fact that they may be removed with impunity. That respiration takes place through the skin of the larva he regards as improbable, since any oxygen thus absorbed would be quite insufficient for respira- tory purposes. : THE significance of specific structural characters as between nearly related species is variously interpreted by evolutionists, who are prone, in discussing this theme, to neglect the work of the systematists who immense store of material for are providing an analysis. Larval characters are especially interesting in this regard, as will be manifest on a careful examination of the enlarged figures of the mouth- parts of tadpoles given by Dr. N. Annandale in his papers on ‘‘Some Undescribed Tadpoles from the Hills of Southern India’? and on “The Tadpoles of the Families Randidz and Bufonidz Found in the Plains of India’ in the Records of the Indian Museum (vol. xv., part 1). As is well known, surgeons insert grafts of living bone to supply defects cased by destructive injuries, but there is a difference of opinion as to the fate of such bone grafts. The opinion most usually held is that they always die, and that they merely help re- covery by supplying a framework which is invaded by neighbouring living-bone cells. The view that grafts ~ are purely passive in their action is supported by experiments reported by MM. J. Nageotte and L. Sencert (Comptes rendus, October 21). So far as all forms of connective tissue are concerned, the authors find that grafts which have been preserved in formalin or alcohol for a month or more serve all the purposes of a living graft. The dead fibre of the graft unites with the living fibre of the host, so that the point of union cannot be detected. The authors excised from the common extensor tendon of a dog’s foot a piece 2-5 cm. long, and stitched in its place a corresponding piece of tendon which had been kept in alcohol for NoveMBER 28, 1918} a month. When the dog was killed three months later it was found that the dead graft had become so perfectly united with the original tendon that its posi- tion could be detected only by the marks of the stitches. It is unnecessary to emphasise the import- ance of these observations to military surgeons. Tue Eskimo of Greenland have a term, “‘ savssat,” to denote the crowding of animals in large numbers into a small space. This phenomenon has been referred to by several writers on Greenland. Mr. M. P. Porsild, director of the Danish Arctic Station at Disko, has some notes on the subject from personal observations in Disko Bay in the Geographical Review for September, 1918 (vol. vi., No. 3). In the winter of Igt4-15 the ice-covering began to form at the outer end of Disko Bay, and the inner parts were closed later. This resulted in many narwhals being caught at the head of the bay and in Waygat Sound. The Eskimo discovered belts of thin ice in which the nar- whals had broken breathing-holes. Around these holes the Eskimo collected and slaughtered the animals as they appeared. Allowing for carcasses lost, Mr. Porsild calculates the total number of narwhals killed at two “ savssats"’ at more than a thousand. It is interesting to note that Mr. Porsild, who has had good opportuni- ties to judge, denies that the male narwhal uses his tusk to make breathing-holes in the ice. These, he insists, are made by the top of the head. Eskimo confirm this view. Tue October issue of the Journal of the Board of Agriculture is essentially a women’s work number, and gives an interesting survey of the great contribu- tion made by women to the national food production effort of the past two years. Separate articles descriptive of various phases of the work of the Women’s Branch of the Food Production Department are contributed by Miss Meriel M. Talbot, the Hon. Mrs. Alfred Lyttelton, and Miss M. M. McQueen, the principal officers of the branch. The work of the women of Wales is described by Mrs. M. S. Roberts; the work of women’s institutes by Miss G. Hadow, vice-chairman of the National Federation of Women’s Institutes; whilst Miss S. C. Hamlyn contributes an interesting account of a successful Devon experiment in the running of a farm entirely by women. The series is prefaced by a very suggestive article by Sir Daniel Hall on the position of women in agriculture. The problem of providing suitable openings for the many trained women who are now determined to remain upon the land and take up farming as a career he believes can best be solved by large farms worked entirely by women upon co-partnership lines. The small holding he regards as too speculative for the woman with little capital, and demands, moreover, an expenditure of physical energy which is beyond the powers of the average woman. The return to the small-holder is probably no greater than can be secured for the individual woman worker on the large co-partnership, farm, provided it is carefully selected Paid well managed. He suggests that a trial should be made with a farm of about five hundred acres, devoted mainly to fruit-growing and market-gardening. Estimates are given which indicate that with reason- able success, after making due provision for interest on capital, management, wages, and reserve, a surplus should be available for distribution which would raise the weekly wage from 25s. to gos. The provision of living accommodation and social amenities for the women workers is considered, and suggestions are given for the establishment and organisation of a community system, including communal buildings and cottages. NO. 2561, VOL. 102] ‘ NATURE a 251 We have received a copy of the first issue of the South African Geographical Journal, which is the publication of the South African Geographical Society formed last year at Johannesburg. The journal is edited by Mr. J. Hutcheon, of the School of Mines and Technology, who contributes an introductory article on the aims of the society. It is hoped ‘to raise the standard and to safeguard the interests of the subject and those teaching it, to encourage geo- graphical research,’ and to arouse interest in geo- graphy in South Africa. The society has in view the institution of travelling scholarships and the organisa- tion of long-vacation excursions to India, Australia, Europe, ete. The journal is mainly occupied with reports of lectures delivered before the society, but contains an important article by Prof. J. W. Bews on “South African Phytogeography.”’ The author gives the characteristics and distribution of fifteen types of vegetation, which he suggests as the basis of a botanical map of South Africa. In the Scientific American for October 12 Mr. E. C. Horst describes a new industry which has sprung up in California with the support of the American Government. This is the drying of vegetables for export. It is done by placing slices of cleaned fresh vegetablés, grown in the vicinity, on perforated trays packed in a room through which a current of warm, dry air is driven by fans. This slowly extracts the 65 to 85 per cent. of moisture the vegetables contain without, it appears, destroying their flavour when water is afterwards added to them. The dried vegetables are packed in cartons and tins of about to lb. weight. Millions of these tins have been sent to France, and one of the establishments on the Pacific coast now employs several thousand persons. Tue Board of Science and Art, New Zealand, has decided on the bi-monthly publication of a New Zea- land Journal of Science and Technology, together with additional bulletins in which papers too long for the ordinary journal will appear. This is an extension of the scheme authorised by the Government for the co-ordination of all papers and reports of a. scientific nature. Already the official issues include the Journal of Agriculture, and bulletins and palzontological bul- letins of the Geological Survey Department, and the bulletins of the Dominion Museum. The first of the new series of bulletins records the investigations of H. Rands and W. O. R. Gilling, national research scholars of the Canterbury University College, Christ- church, on the use of New Zealand brown coals, of which Prof. Park estimated the reserves at 521,000,000 tons, and of which only about 13,000,000 tons had been mined to the end of 1913. The two sections of Bul- letin I. deal with the use of these brown coals in gas producers and the products yielded by low-temperature distillation. A pampHLet describing the Fahy permeameter has been received from Mr. E. H. Alexander, of Coleshill Street, Birmingham, who is the agent for their sale in this country. The great commercial importance of a knowledge of the magnetic qualities of samples of iron and the time and labour tnvolved in testing them by the standard ring method has led to the invention of numerous permeameters. Searle’s mag- netic square was one of the earliest types, and modi- fications of Ewing’s yoke method have been exten- sively used. The Burrows permeameter has been officially adopted by the American Society for Testing Materials. In the Fahy permeameter we have an H-shaped piece of iron, the magnetising coil sur- rounding the horizontal bar, and the magnetic flux 252 returning by the two gaps at the top and bottom of the vertical lines. One of these gaps is spanned by the sample steel bar to be tested, and the magnetising forces across this sample and across the remaining air-gap are adjusted by means‘of compensating and test coils until they have the same value. Hence the magnetising force on the bar—which is always the difficult thing to measure—can be found. The mag- netic induction is measured in the ordinary way by reversing the current in the magnetising coil and noting the deflection produced on a ballistic galvano- meter in series with a search coil. It would appear from the tests made by the U.S. Bureau of Standards that the accuracy of the permeameter is of the order of 5 per cent. Since the magnetic properties of a strip of transformer steel usually vary by this amount at different parts along its length, the accuracy ob- tained is satisfactory. So far as we know, however, the Drysdale permeameter is the only one that pro- fesses to test the magnetic properties at different parts of a large block of iron. In this a special tool is used to bore into the iron, so that parts of it can be tested in situ, Tue line of the New Zealand Government railways between Christchurch and ‘Timaru is the easiest stretch in New Zealand; it is straight and almost level for nearly the whole distance, but express trains frequently involve loads of more than 400 tons behind the tender, and the prevalent north-west gales make flange resistance heavy. The gauge is 3 ft. 6 in., and the trains were formerly worked by four-cylinder balanced, compound locomotives of the Pacific type. Engineering for November 22 contains an illustrated account of some new non-compound engines for this service, designed by Mr. H. H. Jackson, chief mechanical engineer. Superheated steam of 180 Ib. per sq. in. pressure is used, with 54-in. coupled wheels and 17 in. by 26 in. cylinders. The valve gear is of the Walschaert type, with piston valves. The new engines have been tested against the best compound engines available, and show a saving of 20 per cent. in water and 33 per cent. in coal, including coal used in making up the fire each morning and during the two hours’ stand over at Timaru. Part of the saving is undoubtedly due to the boiler, which is easily the best steaming boiler seen on a locomotive in New Zealand, and of this saving part again is directly due to superheating. The records of the hauling perform- ances are also very good. Tue current issue of Mr. C. Baker’s quarterly list of second-hand instruments for sale or hire will repay careful examination by scientific workers. The cata- logue contains descriptions of more than 1500 pieces of scientific apparatus, nearly all of which can be examined at 244 High Holborn, W.C.r1. Great pro- minence is given in the list to microscopes and acces- sories, astronomical and terrestrial telescopes, theodo- lites, spectroscopes, projection and photographic ap- paratus, as well as to general physical apparatus. OUR ASTRONOMICAL COLUMN. Comets: WOtr’s anpD BoRRELLY’s.—Ephemeris of Wolf’s comet for Greenwich midnight :— R.A. S. Decl. Log y Log A hes emo, Ss ote Daca 2. 22 19.27 2.153 0:2003 0-1204 6 22 30 22 3 17 01996 O-1294 10 22 41 26 3, 36 O-1994 0:1367 I4 22 52 34 3 51 01992 01480 18 pas 47 4 1 0:1995 01576 22 Ry alb a2 4 6 02000 01672 26 23 26 19 4 § 0:2008 0-1769 30 23 37 34 4 5 0:2019 0-1867 NO. 2561, VOL. 102] NATURE [NoveMBER 28, 1918: The comet reaches perihelion on’ December 13, but, owing to its increasing distance from the earth, it is not likely to be brighter than the 12th or 13th magni- tude. The following is an approximate ephemeris of Borrelly’s comet for Greenwich midnight :— R.A. N. Decl. Log » Log a ie SS 2 - Dec. 4 7 313 3146 01497 96795 8 7 Ls ED 36 20 12 Fe 2 a2 40 45 O-1545 9°6832 16 FeUOTAS Caras) 20 Onnous 48 55 o-1610 9°7043 24 6 54 11 52 25 28 6 49 50 55 29 01687 —-g-7382 The comet is less than half an-astronomical unit from the earth during the first half of December. . It should be an easy object in small telescopes. The high north declination renders the comet observable throughout the night. THe Oreir oF 83 AQUARI.—For the second time Dr. R. G. Aitken has deduced the orbit of a visual binary star, all the work on which, including the dis- covery and measurers, has been carried out by himself (Lick Observatory Bulletin No. 317). The star in question is 83 Aquarii (=A 417), and was noted as a close pair with components of equal brightness in rg02. Until r912 the angular motion was nearly uni- form, but in the last few years the motion has been extremely rapid, and the apparent distance so small as to make the pair difficult to measure even in. the 36-in. telescope. The provisional elements of the orbit, with their computed probable errors, are as follows :— P=23°82+1°37 years | T=1917'68+0 20 year e =0'404+0°016 @=0'245" +0'005” @ =261°3°+ 5°4° em. Sp Orage ae Q=21°6 £274° THE SPECTRUM OF Nova AouiLa:.—An important contribution to the spectroscopic study of Nova Aquilae has been made by Dr. J. S. Plaskett, who has ob- tained a large number of photographs with a single- prism spectrograph attached to the new 6-ft. reflecting telescope of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory at Victoria, B.C. (Journ. R.A.S. Canada, vol. xii., p- 350). Some of the photographs are remarkable for their great extension into the ultra-violet, as many as nineteen lines of the hydrogen series having been measured on June 19. The description of the changes recorded agrees closely with the accounts given by other observers. A change towards the nebular stage was noted on June 20, when the lines 5007, 4685, and 4363 began to show, and on July 11 the nebular stage was strongly marked. The displacement of the first set of hydrogen absorption lines increased at Hy from 20:5A on June to to 25-4A on June 24, and from June 10 to June 15 there was a second set having a displacement of 33 to the violet at Hy. The measured positions of these lines agree with the positions computed by Balmer’s formula when the constant is changed from 3646-13 to 3625-78 for the first. and to 36184 for the second component on June 15. The positions of some sixty-five metallic lines, identified chiefly as enhanced lines of Ti, Fe, Cr, Sr, Sc, and V, were measured on the spectra from June ro to! June 15, and it has been shown that the displacements of these were also proportional to the wave-length, and were exactly the same as those of the hydrogen absorption lines. Dr. Plaskett con- siders it more likely that the displacements are due to some physical cause acting in the same manner on the molecules of all the elements involved than to velocity. a «> J ‘ “4 . NoveMBER 28, 191 8] ORBITAL DISTRIBUTION OF THE ASTEROIDS. . ROF. K. HIRAYAMA has published further papers on this subject (Annales de L’Observatoire Astronomique de Tokyo, Appendices 2, 4, 5, and 6), which was referred to in a note in Natur for March 21 last (vol. ci., p. 53). These papers may be divided into two parts: (1) an examination of the various kinds of libration that may take place; (2) a study of the effect of a resisting medium on the asteroid motions. The first portion is based on Prof. E. W. Brown’s paper in Monthly Notices, R.A.S. (vol. Ixxii., p. 609). Taking 1, n, «a, e as the mean longitude, mean motion, mean longitude of perihelion, and eccentricity of an asteroid nearly commensurable with Jupiter, and denoting by accented letters the corresponding elements of Jupiter, m, is a quantity nearly equal to n, such that n,/n’=s/s’, where s, s’ are small integers. Then n/n,—l is denoted by x, and s‘l—sl'+(s—s')a is denoted by 6. In the cases of the first order s—s’=l, it is shown that the angle @ may either revolve through the whole circle or librate over a limited arc, accord- ing to the values of the constants; there are three types for either revolution or libration, viz. they may be on the negative side of x, on both sides of x, or on the positive side of x. These rules are applied to a large number of orbits, and the following general results are given :—(1) All the asteroids with 7 less than 500” librate, forming groups near the commensurable points 1/1 (the Trojan group), 3/2, and 4/3. The last case is that of Saturn’s satellites Hyperion and Titan, the conjunctions of | which always take place near Hyperion’s apo- saturnium, thus avoiding near approaches. (2) The asteroids with n above 500” generally avoid the libra- tion, and thus the gaps at 2/1, 3/1, 5/2, etc., are produced. The author then proceeds to consider the effect. of cosmic dust revolving in circular orbits about the sun on the asteroids. He points out that such dust is likely to be pretty dense in the sun’s neighbourhood, and less dense with increasing distance. It is prob- ably eliminated from the regions near the orbits of the planets, but may be present in the asteroid zones. Assuming the resistance to an asteroid to vary as the square of the relative velocity, it is shown that the perturbation of a varies as e*, that of e as e*, those of the other elements being insensible. me Developments of the Theory of Relativity. ... 242 Our Bookshelf Cee RRS Caen re Skis col orGn ae ee Letters to the Editor :— Zeiss Abbe Refractometer.—L. Bellingham . 244 British Iron-ore Resources. By Prof. H. Louis ig 3 Tropical Queensland. (lIllustrated.). ByJ. S. G.. . 245 Agricultural Research in Australia .... Pee ea Reginald Philip Gregory. By Prof. A, C. Seward, FIRS. ah. ey Ceo RRO aD Tots», 340, Seg Notes . 46 js eirek ec e Ore eee Mis | o_o 3's, pe Se Our Astronomical Column :— Comets, Wolf?siand Borrelly’s. 7. 1. .,. «00 ua meneye The Orbitiofi $3vAqnartenmameme |.) -) alimeememmene The Spectrum of Nova Aquile ......... . 252 Orbital Distribution of the Asteroids ...... . 253 Officers’ University and Tecanical Classes. By Prof. J. Wertheimer . . milion = pes .et (eine) eens mm A Scientific Research Association ....... 254 Science and the Future. By A. A, Campbell Swinton, F.R.S. .. RE ob bere) ae 2 Ss cee 25 University and Educational Intelligence... .. 258 Societies and Academiess.). ©... i> sipeemeanon CuenG Books: Received cra terae)- * 5-15. be eee 260 Diary of SocieticSmemee msi. uo) -) «le mcncneeee 260 Editorial and Publishing Offices: MACMILLAN AND CO., Ltp., ST. MARTIN’S STREET, LONDON, W.C.z. Advertisements and business letters to be addressed to the Publishers. Editorial Communications to the Editor. Telegraphic Address: Puusis, Lonpon. Telephone Number GERRARD 8830. A WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF SCIENCE. \ “To the solid ground “AS Vey Of Nature trusts the mind which builds for aye.”"—WorpsworRTnh. ‘Caal ‘Meuse No. 2562, VOL. 102] | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1918 [Price NINEPENCE. _ Registered as a Newspaper at the General Post Office. ] = [Al Rights Reserved. OPTICAL PROJECTION APPARATUS VITREO Si. EVERY DESCRIPTION. ae (Pure Fused Silica.) LABORATORY WARE Finely Glazed Crucibles, Basins, Capsules Beakers, Tubes for Carbon Estimation, and Heat Treatment of Metals. Superior to any Porcelain made. LOW POWER PROJECTION MICROSCOPE for attaching to any Optical Lantern. NEWTON & CO. THE THERMAL SYNDICATE, Ltd., (late of 3 Fleet Street), WALLSEND-ON-TYNE. 72 WIGMORE STREET, LONDON, W.1. 28 VICTORIA STREET, S.W.x1. ACCURATE AND RELIABLE THERMOMETERS. DUROGLASS L®: 14 CROSS STREET, HATTON GARDEN, E.C, | | Manufacturers of Borosilicate Resistance Glassware. Beakers. Flasks, Ete. Soft Soda Tubing for Lamp Work. || General Chemical and Send a note of your requirements to any of our addresses, and we Scientific Glassware. will offer you the best types we ‘have in stock. Special Glass Apparatus Made to Order. i ———————————— 2 rere DUROCLASS gece WALTHAMSTEM NEGRETTI & ZAMBRA, BAIRD & TATLOCK (LONDON) LTD. 38 HOLBORN VIADUCT, Ba ad S 14 GROSS ST., HATTON GARDEN, E.c.1, | | °‘PAPENTAIL ST’ LONDON. 177 RAYE Sh 2 Our City Branch is at 5 Leadenhall Street, EC. 3 cvi NATURE NOTICE. In consequence of the greatly increased cost of production it has been found necessary to raise the price of NATURE to 9d. The Subscription rates are now as follow :— For residents in the British Isles, Yearly oe Half-yearly Quarterly... For residents Abroad, Yearly is Half-yearly Quarterly... ST. MARTIN’S STREET, LONDON, W.C. 2. INSTITUTE OF CHEMISTRY OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND. FounvED 1877. INcoRPORATED BY RoyAL CHARTER, 1885. QUALIFICATIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL CHEMISTS. The Institute of Chemistry was founded in October, 1877, and incor- porated by Royal Charter in June, 1885, to provide qualifying diplomas (F.1.C. and A.1.C.) for professional analytical, consulting, and technological chemists. Regulations for the Admission of Students, Associates, and Fellows, Gratis. Examination Papers—Annual Sets, 6d. each (by post, 7d,). History of the Institute: 1877-1914, 5s. APpPpoINTMENTS RecisTER.—A Register of Fellows and Associates of the Institute of Chemistry who are available for appointments is kept at the Office of the Institute. _ A Register of Chemists whose services are available for Government industrial work is maintained at the Office of the Institute. This register is not restricted to Fellows, Associates, and Registered Students of the Institute, All communications to be addressed to THe Recistrar, The Institute of Chemistry, 30 Russell Square, London, W.C. x. SWINEY LECTURES ON GEOLOGY, 1918-19. Under the direction of the TrusTeEs of the British Museum A course of Twelve Lectures on ‘‘Man AND HIS ANCESTRY” will be delivered by Dr. THOMAS J. JEHU, F.R.S.E., at the Royal Society of Arts, 18 & 19 John Street, Adelphi, at 5.30 p.m., on December 10, 12, 13, 19, 20, 30, 31, and January 2, 3, 7, 9, 10. The lectures will be illustrated by lantern slides. British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell Road, London, S.W.7. IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, SOUTH KENSINGTON, S.W. 7. DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY. Courses in Entomology are now being given. apply to the REGIsTRAR, Imperial College. ROYAL HOLLOWAY COLLEGE. (UNIVERSITY OF LONDON.) a ne College prepares Women Students for the London Degrees in Science and. Arts. Twelve ENTRANCE SCHOLARSHIPS, from £50 to £60 a year, and a certain number of Bursaries of not more than £30, tenable for three years, will be offered for Com: etition in June, 1919. Inclusive fee £108 a year. For further particulars apply to the SEcrerary, Royal Holloway College, Englefield Green, Surrey. Admission Free. For details [{DeEcEMBER 5, 1918 UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL. DEMOBILISATION. SPECIAL REGULATIONS have been made to allow intending students who have served in the war or in the scientific service of the war to be ad- mitted to matriculation by vote of Senate on their educational qualifications, without formal examination ; and also to allow of such students entering the University in January if candidates in Arts ;in January, or between January and May, if candidates in Science, Medicine, Dental Surgery, or Engineer- ing ; and if grounds be shown, counting their first year's attendance as though it had commenced in October. Engineering students in special cases may be allowed to count one whole year's attendance. Applications to the REGISTRAR. APPOINTMENTS REGISTER. A Register of Fellows and Associates of the Institute of Chemistry who are available for seeking appointments is kept at the Offices of the Institute. Applications for the services of chemists should be forwarded to the RuGisTraR, The Institute of Chemistry, 30 Russell Square, London, W.C. 1. ROYAL SOCIETY. Government Grant for SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATIONS.—APPLICATIONS for the year 1919 must be received at the Offices of the Royal Society not later than January 1 next, and must be made on printed torms to be obtained from the CLERK TO THE GOVERNMENT GRANT COMMITTEE, Royal Society, Burlington House, London, W.1. COUNTY BOROUGH OF WEST HAM. The Education Committee invite applications for the appointment of a PRINCIPAL of the MUNICIPAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, Romford Road, Stratford, E., at a salary of £600 per annum, rising by two annual increments of £50 to £700. Particulars of duties and forms on which application must be made may be obtained at my office. Canvassing members of the Education Committee is prohibited, but printed copies of application and testimonials may be sent to them. Applications must reach me not later than 12 noon on Tuesday, January 21, 1919+ GEORGE E. HILLEARY, Town Clerk. Education Department, 95 The Grove, Stratford, E. 15, November 28, 1918. UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF SOUTH WALES AND MONMOUTHSHIRE. (CoLEG PRIFATHROFAOL DEHEUDIR Cymru A Mynwy.) The Council of the College invites applications from both men and women for the post of TEMPORARY ASSISTANT LECTURER AND DEMONSTRATOR IN HISTOLOGY, who will also be required to assist in demonstrating to the first-year students in Zoology. Further applications may be obtained from the undersigned, by whom applications, with testimonials (which need not be printed), must be received on or before Saturday, December 14, 1918. D. J. A. BROWN, University College, Registrar. Cathays Park, Cardiff. CAMBRIDGESHIRE EDUCATION COMMITTEE. CAMBRIDGE AND COUNTY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS, CAMBRIDGE. WANTED, a JUNIOR MATHEMATICAL MISTRESS with Mathematics up to Degree standard. Initial salary not exceeding £150. Forms of application, which should be returned immediately, may be obtained of the EpucaTion SECRETARY, County Hall, Cambridge. November 22, 1918. ROYAL ALBERT MEMORIAL. UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, EXETER. The Governors invite applications for the post of LECTURER in PHYSICS, to begin work in January next. Salary from £250 to £300, according to qualification. Applications received till January r. Particulars may be ascertained from the REGISTRAR. UNIVERSITY OF LONDON. UNIVERSITY READERSHIP in BOTANY tenable at King s College: Salary £300 ayear. Applications (10 copies), in envelope marked ‘‘ Reader~ ship in Botany,” should reach the Vice-CHANCELLOk, University of London; South Kensington, S.W.7, not later than first post on December 21, 1918- Further particulars on application. MERCHANT VENTURERS’ TECHNICAL COLLEGE, BRISTOL. TEACHER for WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY (Theory and Operating). £250-10-£300, For particulars and form of application send stamped, addressed foolscap envelope to the REGISTRAR. NEAT URE 261 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1018. J BRITISH SANDS. (1) A Memoir on British Resources of Sands and Rocks used in Glass-making, with Notes on certain Crushed Rocks and _ Refractory Materials. By Prof. P. G. H. Boswell. With Chemical Analyses by Dr. H. F. Harwood and " A. A. Eldridge. Second edition. Pp. xi+183. (London: Longmans, Green, and Co., 1918.) Price 7s. 6d. net. (2) A Memoir on British Resources of Refractory Sands for Furnace and Foundry Purposes. Part i. By Prof. P. G. H. Boswell. With Chemical Analyses by Dr. H. F. Harwood and A. A. Eldridge. Pp. xii+246. (London: Taylor and Francis, 1918.) Price 8s. 6d. net. IN pre-war days large quantities of Continental sands were used in both the metallurgical and glass industries, the low prices at which they were delivered at our seaboard being mainly due to their transport as ballast in returning coal- boats. Quite early in the war the stocks of these »sands were exhausted, and it had become a matter of urgency to replace them by home supplies. Owing to the difficulties of transport, it was essential that, wherever possible, deposits of sand easily accessible to the industrial centres should be utilised. Much of the success which has attended the efforts to utilise our home resources of sand is unquestionably due to the survey made of them by Prof. Boswell at the instruction of the Ministry of Munitions, and in its earlier stages under the auspices of the Imperial College of Science and Technology. The author’s contention that many sands were unnecessarily imported, and others equally unnecessarily moved about the country, cannot be gainsaid, and in view of the industrial importance of sands it is remarkable that hitherto there has been little or no systematic investigation of our native resources of them. (1) The rapid exhaustion of the editions of the author’s two earlier memoirs on our native re- sources of sands suitable for glass manufacture is an indication of the appreciation they received from the glass industry. Prof. Boswell has ren- dered further service by gathering into one volume the results of his investigation, and it is unques- tionably the most important contribution which has been made to our knowledge of the sands of this country. The rapid and efficient manner in which the large amount of work entailed has been carried through and presented for use has been no inconsiderable factor in enabling glass manufac- turers to replace by home supplies the imported sands previously used. It is not too much to say that one result of these investigations will be that imported sands will no longer be used except for the highest qualities of glass, and even for these there is a possibility of the sand from Muckish Mountain, Co. Donegal, proving suitable, although its inaccessibility may be a bar to its use. ' In discussing in detail the methods for the NO; 2562; VOL. 31032) mechanical analysis and grading of sands, the author points out the advantage of elutriation processes over sifting or screening, and describes a single-vessel elutriator of simple construction. The mechanical composition of a large number of sands is represented graphically, a method which brings out many useful points. Attention is directed to the value of aluminiferous sands, and_ it is unfortunate that the majority of our native sands carrying a high proportion of alumina are also high in iron, and therefore useless for all but the commonest varieties of bottle glass. A chapter is devoted to the methods in use fer the improvement of sands by special treatment, and it is of considerable interest to note that sand- owners are now giving increased attention to this important matter. For purposes of comparison notes are given of a number of largely used Con- tinental and American sands. Useful sketch-maps are appended showing the outcrops of the geo- logical formations in which glass sands occur, and the location of the chief British resources in rela- tion to the glass-making areas. The author is to be unreservedly congratulated on a piece of work of the utmost value to our rapidly reviving glass industry. (2) The memoir on British resources of sands suitable for furnace and foundry purposes will be invaluable to the iron and steel industries, as it for the first time places on record the information necessary to enable manufacturers to select sands for trial and subsequent utilisation, The, purely scientific investigation of these materials must come first, but the ultimate tests must be in the works themselves, and investigations of the type of the present memoir will do much to link up the work of the man of science with that of the manufacturers. The author’s lines of laboratory work comprise chemical analysis of the bulk sand and its in- dividual grades, mineral analysis, and mechanical analysis; and, again, many important points are brought out by the excellent graphical method of expressing the results of the mechanical analyses. In dealing with moulding sands the author adopts. the plan of exhaustively examining a sand which works experience has shown to be highly suitable, and by deduction from the laboratory results noting what appear to be the desirable qualities. The special feature of a good moulding sand is its property of absorbing water without becoming really wet, and further investigation of this water- holding capacity is desirable because of its im- portant bearing on the “bonding ’’ qualities of the sand. It will be readily gathered from a perusal of this memoir that we have still much to learn respecting the properties of sands, and there is room for much interesting research work in connection with both naturally bonded sands and synthetic moulding sands made by admixing a high silica sand with clays and other bonding materials. There is much valuable empirical knowledge in the hands of foundry foremen which requires translating to a scientific basis. To avoid delay in making the results of the I 262 survey available, the present part i. of the memoir deals mainly with the extent and character of our chief resources available. The author can be assured a particular welcome for part ii., dealing with further resources, and discussing the results of other important laboratory and works tests. The sketch-maps are of interest, but in the chief of them, showing the location of the main British resources of refractory sands in relation to the metallurgical areas, it may be pointed out that such important iron-producing areas as the West Coast of Scotland, Frodingham, Workington, and Brymbo have been omitted. Wee ake GOADS FOR THE PHYSICS TEACHER. A Calendar of Leading Experiments. By William S. Franklin and Barry Macnutt. Pp. vili+ 210. (South Bethlehem, Pa. : Franklin, Macnutt, and Charles, 1918.) Price 2.50 dollars. EADERS of Prof. Franklin’s book, ‘ Bill’s School and Mine,’’ will open the present volume with zest, and their anticipation of enjoy- ment will be increased by the remark on the title- page: “The authors are teachers, and they con- sider teaching to be the greatest of fun; but they never yet have been helped in their work by any- thing they have ever read concerning their pro- fession.’’ Bacon mentioned a “calendar of lead- ing experiments for the better interpretation of Nature’’ as one of the things most needful for the adyancement of learning, and it would seem that the authors, having failed to find assistance with regard to physical lecture demonstrations, have boldly set about filling the gap. Perhaps this method of statement is a little unfair to the excel- lent volume published under the auspices of the French Physical Society! The authors state that their book has to do primarily with class-room experiments in physics; secondarily it is intended to set forth the possibilities of an extended course in elementary dynamics, including the dynamics of wave motion. The writer is of opinion that most teachers will find the most stimulating part of the volume to be the humorous interludes, criticisms, and questions with which the book is filled from beginning to end. ‘“‘So many things in teaching are funny, from our point of view.” “Precision of thought is not dependent upon pre- cision of measurement.’’ ‘Science, even in its elements, presents serious difficulties.’? The fol- lowing problem was given to a group of engineer- ing students :—‘‘A cart moves due northwards at a velocity of 54 ft. per sec. A man pushes verti- cally downwards on the cart with a force of 200 |b., and a mule pulls due northwards on the cart with a force of 50 lb. Find the rate at which the man does work, and the rate at which the mule does work.’’ In answer to the question 44 per cent. of the young men found that the man developed 2 h.p. and the mule developed $ h.p. “Truly, mule-driving would be strenuous labour for our pampered college students!”’ Prof. Franklin is a formidable controversialist, but one statement by the authors is certainly open NO. 2562, VOL. 102 NATURE _[DecEMBER 5, 1918 /to question. “It is conceivable that the atomic conceptions of electrical phenomena may some time come to be important in everyday life and in everyday engineering, but that time is certainly not yet’’ (p. 117). Putting aside Faraday’s laws of electrolysis, the Coolidge tube and the therm- ionic appliances used in wireless telegraphy can scarcely be ignored at the present time. To the experiments described it is impossible to refer at length; some are old, many are new. “The best experiments are those that are homely and simple, and suggestive rather than informing. The physics lecturer should pull ideas out of things like a prestidigitateur.’’ The authors sug- gest that colleges and technical schools should have fully equipped ‘Visitors’ Laboratories of Physics,’? and every member of the department, including Clarence and Pete, may take a share of the fun of edifying visitors. ‘‘The entire equip- ment need cost no more than four or five thou- sand dollars.’’ Let our millionaires please note ! A book for physics teachers to read and ponder over. H. S. ALLEN. APPLIED ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY. Treatise on Applied Analytical Chemistry. By Prof. V..Villavecchia and others. Translated by T. H. Pope. Vol. ii. Pp. xv+536. (Lon- don: J. and A. Churchill, 1918.) Price 25s- net. ‘he is pleasant to have in English a work like the present, emanating from Italian chemists. Such a book would be welcome at any time, but is especially so just now, when Italy is allied with us against a foe who has grossly misused his knowledge of chemical science. Prof. Villavecchia’s treatise deals with the analysis of foodstuffs and the principal industrial products, including, therefore, both organic and inorganic substances. As regards general scope and design, the book is of an intermediate char- acter: it is not a mere summary, but neither is it so comprehensive as works like those of Allen or Post and Neumann. It does not, for example, treat of alkaloids, drugs, or pharmaceutical chemicals. The present volume (ii.) is chiefly concerned with organic products. About one-half of the matter is devoted to foodstuffs, and the remainder to various industrial commodities, . including essential oils, varnishes, rubber, tanning materials, inks, leather, colouring matters, and _ textile articles. A very good selection of modern analytical methods has been made. The directions for carry- ing them out are clear and concise. Difficulties are pointed out, and the limitations of particular processes indicated. Methods are not merely out- l lined, but reasonably full descriptions are given, allowing of determinations being made with the requisite certainty and precision by any competent operator. On looking through the various sections one finds little to criticise, and much that leaves a DECEMBER 5, 1918] NATURE 263 favourable* impression. Sugar analysis, for ex- ample, which is often treated much too scantily in general treatises, receives adequate attention in the work under review. This chapter, in fact, is excellent, and one of the best in the book. The section on milk is quite good generally, but for use in this country it would have been improved by including the standard requirements and adapt- ing it to English practice, much in the same way as the chapter on beer has been treated. Of the other sections, those on spirituous liquors, colour- ing matters, and textile articles may be singled out for commendation. The Allen-Marquardt method of determining higher alcohols, however, is not included in the first-mentioned group; pre- sumably it is not in favour with Italian chemists. Occasional references are given, but more might well be included, for the benefit of readers who may wish to consult the original descriptions. [Tor example, both the Denigés colorimetric and Thorpe and Holmes’s gravimetric method of esti- mating methyl alcohol are described, but without reference either to the authors or to the original papers. These omissions, however, are minor matters. The work, as a whole, will be found useful and practical; it well deserves a place in the analyst’s library. A meed of praise is certainly due to the translator, who has done his work very well indeed. C. Srmonps. OUR BOOKSHELF. Contouring and Map-reading. By B. C. Wallis. Pp. 48. Price ‘2s. Macmillan’s Geographical Exercise Books: VII.— Physical Geography. With Questions. By B. C. Wallis. Pp. 48. (London: Macmillan and Co., Ltd., n.d.) Price 1s. 6d. Tuese books, which form parts of a series by the same author, have the advantage of being com- piled by a teacher of wide experience who has given much thought to the presentment and map- ping of geographical data. Mr. Wallis has shown considerable ingenuity in devising some of his exercises, and to a great degree has managed to avoid the trivial and merely mechanical tasks which often make such work irksome and of little value. In the volume on contouring and map- reading, which is specially to be recommended, advantage has been taken of the interest the war has given to geographical study in making use of many excellent war-maps in setting questions. Attention should also be directed to the exercises in making sketches from contour maps, though perhaps the method requires rather more explana- tion than is offered. In the glossary in the volume on physical geography the definition of barometric gradient requires revision. But the feature that gives the books great value is that every exercise has to be done on an accompanying map or dia- gram. The maps are clear and well printed, even to the smallest details. These books should give pupils an excellent grounding in the use and construction of maps. NO. 2562, VOL. 102] | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. {The Editor does not hold himself responsible for opinions expressed by his correspondents. Neither can he undertake to return, or to correspond with the writers of, rejected manuscripts intended for this or any other part of Naturr. No taken of anonymous communications. | notice is The Perception of Sound. I WOULD first thank those correspondents who have replied to my difficulties with respect to certain theories of the function of the cochlea. Unfortunately, the fundamental physical difficulty has not received the consideration that I hoped for, probably because it was not made sufficiently clear. Sir Thomas Wright- son (NarurE, November 7) gives a quotation from Helmholtz which does not,seem to me to meet the case, but perhaps it was written in connection with a different aspect of the problem. It is not obvious how the dimensions of the space filled with liquid in relation to the wave-length of the vibrations affect the nature of the process. If it were the case, the conduction of sound in liquids should be of a different nature according to the dimensions of the vessel and the pitch of the note. May I, therefore, put the question in another way? When sound-waves impinge on water and are con- ducted through it, there could not be the necessary condensations and rarefactions unless the mass of water in front of the advancing wave offered sufficient resistance by its inertia to enable the local compres- sion to take place. If the column of water moved as a whole in the way assumed by Sir Thomas Wright- son’s theory, it could not conduct sound-waves as such, since there would be no possibility for the forma- tion of any local differences of density. Now the impulses impressed by the stapes on the liquid of the cochlea are identical in time-course with sound-waves, and the nature of the disturbances in this liquid must be the same as if it were conducting sound. Of course, the column of liquid moves as a whole to relatively slow rates of incidence of energy. If a short, sharp tap be made on a membrane at one end of a column of water, the ear at the other end does not perceive the sound at the moment at which the blow is given; the transmission is by a wave. If it were necessary that the whole column of water should be moved, a large expenditure of energy would be required. It seems to be assumed that the force available is too small to do anything but move the liquid column in the cochlea as a whole, unequal to effect anything in the nature of a compression. But is this so? The force is concentrated into a very minute space. On the whole, I can see no alternative but the conclusion that the waves to which the organ of Corti responds are the same as sound-waves. I regret that Lord Rayleigh in his letter (NaturrE, November 21) has overlooked this point, about which his statement would have carried so much weight. It is important, how- ever, that he does not see so many difficulties in the resonance theory as others do. I cannot quite follow Sir Thomas Wrightson’s explanation how there is produced a difference of pressure between the two sides of the basilar mem- brane. It seems to assume that there is a wave of pressure—that is, a sound-wave. Although the helico- trema is small, the volume of liquid moved through it is very minute (0-075 cub. mm. as a maximum, p. 96 of Sir Thomas Wrightson’s book), and the — existence of a difference of mechanical pressure 1s difficult to believe. The hairlets would not be bent | unless there were such a difference. 204 NATURE |DecEeMBER 5, 1918 When Sir Thomas states that the! strongest argument against the “string instrument theory”’ is that the basilar membrane does not con- sist of separate strings, he forgets that this is not an essential part of the resonance theory. Helmholtz made his calculations en the assumption that the membrane is homogeneous, but has a greater tension laterally than longitudinally. Prof. Keith (Narure, October 31) has pointed out that the work of Keith Lucas and Adrian on the “all-or-nothing” character of the nerve impulse was done on motor nerves only. I am obliged to him for doing so, and apologise for omitting to mention the fact. At the same time, we know of no such differences in the properties of motor and sensory nerves as to suggest a fundamental contrast of the Ixind required. ‘There seems no inherent difficulty in the performance of similar experiments on sensory fibres, using the reflex as an indicator. Perhaps Dr. Adrian. when freed from his military duties, may find it possible to undertake the work. The results would be of great value. I admit that the title of Sir Thomas Wrightson’s book implies that the internal ear has analytical func- tions, but it is not easy to see what these are on his theory. In fact, Prof. Keith states on p. 159 of the book that the relegation of the powers of analysis to the cerebral cortex is the hypothesis advanced by Sir Thomas Wrighison. With regard to the necessary function of all struc- tures found in an organism, I think Prof. Keith must have misunderstood my words; for he would scarcely claim a functional importance for the details of. such structures as the splint-bones of the modern horse. It is to be remembered that Helmholtz did not profess to account for the whole of the mechanism of the internal ear. He would no doubt have been the first to recognise the necessity for modifications and addi- tions to his theory. When we find a particular mode of effecting a given object in living organisms, it by no means follows that this is the simplest or best conceivable. Structures already present, of ancestral origin, are taken into use. As Lord Rayleigh points out, the crux of the matter is the applicability of Miller’s law. The parallel between sound and light is not so much that between the perception of pitch and colour as the perception of the elements of an image on the retina, each of which must be transmitted by its own special nerve-fibre. This circumstance, together with Lord Rayleigh’s difficulty of admitting the capacity of nerves to transmit 10,000 vibrations per second and that of the “all-or-nothing”’ property of motor nerves, shows that physical and anatomical considerations alone. cannot decide the question, which is, in the end, one of physiology. It does not seem impossible that investigations with ‘the Einthoven galvanometer might throw light on the form of the impulses in the auditory nerve. Even if the wave-form were beyond the capacity of the instrument, the number of impulses per.second in relation to those of the pitch of the note and the refractory period of the nerve might be deter- mined. Dr. Perrett’s difficulties (Naturr, November 7) relate to the extent of spread of a resonant vibration and to the perfection of damping. It seems to me to be unreasonable to bind Helmholtz to exact numerical data, considering the enormous difficulties involved in the determination of the physical constants of the auditory apparatus. Nor are the numerical values used by Helmholtz for approximate calcula- tions to be regarded as the ‘‘Ikevstone of his theory.” NO. 2562, VOL. 102] Wrightson | i} At any rate, the amplitude of a resonant vibration in a membrane decreases very steeply as the maximal point is departed from, and the fact that below a. certain intensity of stimulus a nerve-fibre is not excited at all suggests the possibility that the amplitude of vibration may be sufficiently great to be effective only in immediate proximity to the maximum. The sudden cessation of the perception of a sound when its source ceases, as required by phonetics, is, as Dr. Perrett is aware, a question of the perfection of damping. I fail to see why we are necessarily limited to any particular value of the reduction in a given time by the cochlear apparatus, be this value one-tenth or otherwise. The fact that-a resonant vibration may be practically ‘‘dead-beat’’ was made clear to me in a recent experience at an orchestral concert. The floor-board on which one of my feet rested resounded by vibration to a particular note, especially to the powerful one of the trombone or drum. But the interest lay in the fact that this vibration ceased instantaneously as soon as the ex- citing note ceased, doubtless owing to the effective damping by the benches and the feet of the audience- There is one phenomenon which has not been referred to hitherto in the present discussion: the disputed question as to whether the different com- pound wave-forms produced by different phase rela- tions of the same component tones affect the quality of the sound heard. Helmholtz stated that they did not, but other observers have stated the contrary. Sir Thomas Wrightson’s theory would be able to account ‘for a difference, but the resonance theory would not. Unfortunately, the statements are very contradictory, and it does not appear that the experiments made by those who found phase relation to be effective were such as to exclude differences other than those of phase in the complex tones produced. : The desirability of a decision of the question at issue, if possible, may serve as excuse for a further letter on my part, for the length of which I beg to apologise. W. M. Bayriss. University College, London. International Prize for Scientific Work. I HAveE recently received from one of the secretaries of the Royal Academy of Turin a printed Latin notice of the conditions prescribed for the next award of an international prize of the net value of 9000 Italian lire founded by Cesare Alessandro Brussa, M.D. The prize is to be awarded to the vir doctus who has produced that which, in the judgment of the academy, is the most important and most useful invention or the most important work during the four years between January 1, 1915, and January 1, 1919, in any of the following departments of study :—Physics, or other branches of experimental science; natural history; mathematics (pure or applied); chemistry; physiology ; pathology; geology; history; geography, or statistics. Those who are proposing to compete for the prize are requested to send their inventions or their works to one of the secretaries of the academy (Prof. C. F. Parona, secretary for physical, mathematical, or natural sciences, or Prof. E. Stampini, secretary for moral, historical, or philological sciences) before January 1, 1919. Any works sent must be printed, but will not be returned (works in manuscript or type- written are inadmissible). The academy may also award the prize to one who has not submitted any work. The prize is open docto viro cujuslibet nationis, but Italian members of the academy are not eligible- Cambridge. J. E. Sanpys. DECEMBER 5, 1918| SCIENTIFIC GLASSWARE. HE manufacture of scientific glassware must be regarded as a single industry rather from the point of view of its markets than from that of the processes employed. It includes, in the first place, several branches of the glass trade. Light *hollow ware, such as beakers and flasks, are blown in the glasshouse, the mass of glass on the blowing iron being rotated during the process of blowing in the mould, so that no mould marks appear on the finished article. _ In this respect the processes are identical with those employed in the manu- facture of lighting ware, and differ essentially from those of common bottle-blowing. Mechanical methods are largely employed in the finishing pro- cesses. The manufacture of heavy goods, such as desiccators, which may be pressed, blown in moulds, or partly or entirely made by hand, belongs to other branches of the trade. Tube drawing is an entirely different branch of the in- dustry, important in itself and furnishing the raw material for the manufacture of light and delicate pieces of apparatus at the hands of the lamp- worker. Finally, we have the accessory trades of grinding, polishing, and graduating, and others of minor importance. Prior to the outbreak of the war the blowing of light hollow ware in this country was practically con- fined to the manufacture of electric-lighting bulbs and gas globes, of which vast quantities, including the whole of the resistance lighting ware, were also imported. Beakers, flasks, and similar articles were entirely imported. Though the British glass- worker is probably the most highly skilled handi- craftsman in the world, the whole of our heavy chemical hollow ware came from Germany and Austria, an occasiOnal piece only, to a special pat- tern, being made in an English glasshouse. Tube drawing, principally for gauge glasses, was prac- tised to a certain extent; but the whole of the high-grade glass for the lamp-worker came from Germany. Finally, our means of production of glass instruments, graduated or otherwise, stop- cocks, ete., were insignificant compared with our requirements, even in peace-time. It is probable that in the month of August, 1914, and for many months later, no Government Department appreciated the fact that the successful carrying on of the war depended in a large measure on the maintenance of the supply of scien- tific glassware. In this case, as in the case of other essential goods or materials which had previously been imported from enemy countries, no attempt was made to organise production, which was left to private enterprise. The manufacture of such goods as beakers and flasks was not an attractive enterprise, particu- larly as a four-year war appeared to be outside the bounds of possibility, and there seemed little prospect of retaining the industry after the con- clusion of peace. However, not many weeks had elapsed before Messrs. Baird and Tatlock (Lon- don), Ltd., Messrs. Moncrieff, of Perth, and Messrs. Wood Bros., of Barnsley, decided inde- NO. 2562, VOL. 102] NATURE | existing glassworks. 265 pendently to venture in the national interest, the first-named by building a new glassworks (Duroglass, Ltd.), the others by extending their Within a year of the declaration of war British flasks and beakers were on the market. _ Those of us who are interested in chemical hollow ware must have a painful recollection of the exhibition -held in the rooms of the Chemical Society in November, rors. It showed that beakers, flasks, ete., were being made in this country, and from resistance glasses, and gave hope for the future; but the goods exhibited can scarcely have been said to show either the regularity in thickness or the finish to’ which chemists had been accustomed. The exhibit of the British Chemical Ware Manufacturers’ Asso- ciation at the British Science Guild’s Exhibition at King’s College in August last will, we hope, wipe out the memory of the earlier days. While scientific literature contains scant in- formation on the subject of glass, a good deal of information was available to those who knew where to look for it. The dealers in glassware possessed extensive information as to the varieties of German and Austrian glass which had been imported. Samples of the glasses were easily acquired, and when these were analysed informa- tion was obtained which, combined with a working knowledge of commercial materials, was sufficient to enable a chemist to work out formule for the glasses. The formule might be slightly modified after trial in the glasshouse, but the actual pro- duction of glasses identical with, or even superior to, those which had previously been imported presented no particular difficulties. At every stage in the manufacture of light hollow ware new processes and methods of work- ing had to be devised, and old prejudices of the British glass trade fought down. The design of moulds, the working of the glass on the iron, and the blowing in the mould had to be studied carefully so as to ensure uniformity of production. The annealing of the glass, which differed in its | behaviour from the usual British glasses, required particular attention. The finishing of the goods | was at first carried out by skilled men in the glass- /house, but it soon became necessary to replace | the week while the goods are being made. the man by the girl and the machine. Success in every trade depends largely upon organisation. In the English glass trade the furnace has been used as a means of melting glass during the week-end, and of keeping it hot during In modern glassworks practice a furnace is looked upon as a machine for melting glass, the pots _ being worked out as fast as possible, any reheat- ing of articles during working being performed in subsidiary furnaces, called glory holes. In the most modern type of furnace the glass is melted by night, and the pots are worked out every day and filled again, so as to be ready for the next day. This is probably the best kind of furnace for working light scientific and lighting hollow ware, and in working other classes of goods the 260 furnace must be suited to the work, so as to reduce the furnace charges, one of the heaviest costs, to a minimum. Next, it is important that the lehrs, or annealing ovens, should be suitably designed and placed near the furnaces, for on the efficiency of the annealing much depends. The annealing loss carries with it the whole of the NATURE corresponding labour and furnace charges, and it’ may make the difference between success and failure. On the efficiency of the annealing will depend the loss in the processes of “cutting off ”’ and finishing. To the second annealing, during which the strains introduced in the finishing processes are removed, close attention must be paid, for if the flanges crack off flasks while in use, chemists are inclined to show irritation. Finally, the organisation of the handling of such fragile goods is of the first importance, for casual breakage may easily run away with the whole of - the profits. The exhibits of the British Chemical Ware Manufacturers’ Association and of the Flint Glass Makers’ Association show what progress has been made during the war in the manufacture of heavy hollow ware, but the processes employed can scarcely be said to be new to this country. These associations, and the British Lamp-blown Scien- tific Glassware Manufacturers’ Association, have also turned their attention to the manufacture of lamp-blown goods and graduated glass instru- ments, the supply of which has risen in both quality and quantity to meet the national needs. In ‘these branches of the industry some progress has been made in introducing new and improved machinery; but as for some time past it has been very difficult to get machinery constructed, even the most progressive firms have been considerably hampered. ; In spite of all the difficulties which he has had to face, the British manufacturer may claim that he has gone a long way towards solving the new problems of glass manufacture, and making the country self-supporting in the matter of scientific glassware. It is true that prices are high. But the cost of manufacture is practically three times as high as it was before the war, and all branches of the industry are burdened by heavy capital charges on account of new works erected or old works modified and improved. Heavy taxation has not tended to cheapen production. This is a heavy handicap at the outset, and it must not be forgotten that the majority of works in which the goods are being made were not designed for the purpose to which they have been applied during the war, and much new construc- tion has been carried out with a view rather to rapidity of execution than to ultimate efficiency. Also, though much has been learned, there remains much for the British glass manufacturer to learn if he is to compete on equal terms with his foreign rival. Finally, wages and expenses in Great Britain are likely to remain at a higher level than on the Continent and elsewhere. No one supposes, that the cost of manufacture on the Continent will fall to anywhere near pre- NO. 2562, VOL. 102] [DeceMBER 5, 1918 war rates, but, all other things being equal, the Continental manufacturer will still have the advan- tage of having his furnaces and plant in good repair, while those in British works will have been worked for five years up to the limit. He will also be burdened by smaller capital charges, and will be in a very advantageous position from the point of view of cheap production. It is clear, » therefore, that this industry, which is the key to every other industry, cannot be maintained in the country without adequate protection and effective assistance from Government. The establishment of the Department of Optical Munitions and Glassware Supply, Ministry of Munitions, not only for the purpose of organising the manufacture of munitions of war, but also with a view to the future development of the in- dustry, may be taken as indicating the policy which the Government proposes to adopt. Assured of the support of the State, the manufacturers are prepared to do their utmost to hold on to what they have won; and through their trade associa- tions, as well as the newly formed Society of Glass Technology, with its headquarters in Sheffield University, they are doing their best to organise for the future. Morris W. TRAVERS. A “MINISTRY OF WATER.” DEPUTATION representative of the National Sea Fisheries Protection Asso- ciation and of other fishery interests waited on Mr. Prothero, President of the Board of Agricul- ture and Fisheries, on Wednesday, November 27, and made proposals for the establishment of a British Ministry of Fisheries, marine and fresh- water. A memorandum published by the Fish- mongers’ Company was submitted. The proceed- ings of the conference are fully reported in the Fish Trades Gazette of November 30. The memorandum is a careful, and even scholarly, piece of work. *Beginning with a concise account of the development of the modern fishing industry, it proceeds to summarise the conditions that existed on the outbreak of war, and then traces the effects that may be expected when demobilisa- tion is complete. In 1913 there were about 3700 steam- and motor-driven vessels, besides a larger number of smaller boats. About a million and a quarter tons of fish were landed in that year, and rather more than half was exported, about 600,000 tons being consumed in this country. Of this quantity about 18 per cent. was dis- tributed by the fried-fish shops (the ‘ National Kitchens ’’). During the progress of the war about 3000 of the steam vessels, with 40,000 to 50,000 men, joined the Royal Naval Reserve. They “saved the Navy and the Navy saved Britain,’’ while those who were left continued to feed the people. Exports largely ceased, and the smaller vessels increased their production, with the result that, in 1917, about 400,000 tons of fresh fish were still available as human food. “The public,’’ says the memorandum, “are voluble in their expressions of gratitude to the fishermen,’”” DEcEMBER 5, 1918] and it then proceeds to set out the ways in which this gratitude can best be expressed—and future favours ensured. The beginning of demobilisation sees the almost complete breakdown of the pre-war conditions of production and distribution. The fish docks and harbours were inadequate in 1913, and they are still more inadequate to-day; there are unfair rail- way rates, and delays and inconveniences in trans- port and handling (there are not enough fish-boxes in the country at present to contain the catch to be expected in a few months) ; while the machinery for retail distribution has broken down as_ the result of the Military Service Acts. Already there are powerful competition from Norway and an almost unbelievable reorganisation and extension of the German sea fisheries (see appendix v. of the memorandum). Obviously there must be in- creased production here; new means of capture; discovery of new grounds and regeneration of old ones; policing and regulation, both international and national; industrial experiment, training, edu- cation, and research. There must be an end of the “Victorian fallacy that science can be hired for the wages of unskilled labour’’; reliance by the trade on the results of investigation; co-ordina- tion of commercial and consular activities; search for new markets; and salvation “from the inanities of doctrinaire politicians.’’ All these objects are clearly unattainable as things are. Why? A glance at appendices i. and ii. of the memorandum will show. There are a multitude of authorities, national, central, and local, each of them “doing its bit ’—or not; each more or less unco-ordinated with the rest. To secure effective joint action by this com- plex is obviously impossible. So there must be a Ministry’ of Fisheries with an Imperial General Staff, and strengthened and_ simplified English and Scottish authorities. (The inclusion of Ireland-is, apparently, hopeless as yet.) The memorandum outlines a scheme for a Ministry, adopting, to a large extent, that of the United States Bureau of Fisheries. Disregarding sectional jealousies, the scheme cannot fail to obtain approval by anyone who knows the conditions. Now for Mr. Prothero’s reception of it. The Minister was, doubtless, dis- appointed by the presentation of the case by the deputation. About an hour was set aside for speeches, and most of this time was taken up by the chairman and vice-chairman, by Sir J. Crichton-Browne, who spoke about rearing pedi- gree cod, and by Mr. J. Arthur Hutton, who dealt with river pollution and the national importance of the salmon fisheries (which yielded o'2 per cent. of the 1913 total catch). That was about all. The fishermen themselves were unrepresented, and NATURE (judging from the speeches reported) so were the | fish-friers, the retail trade, and the preservation and canning industries. Mr. Prothero’s reply must have been equally disappointing. The Board of Agriculture and Fisheries was, he indicated, almost powerless with regard to many important matters, and a united NO. 2562, VOL. 102] 267 Ministry of Fisheries for the United Kingdom would probably be the best authority. But it would be expensive; it would add to the number of officials and to bureaucracy generally—and we had had too much of that. He could not speak for Scotland or Ireland. He could not see that a Ministry of Fisheries could free itself from the Board of Trade or Admiralty, nor would it be of “sufficient calibre’’ to carry weight. So as an alternative he suggested the formation of a “Ministry of Water.’’ ‘‘Why not sever land from water?’ Then, after some wholesome platitudes as to the national services of the fisher-folk, the Minister pleaded other engagements. So the matter remains, awaiting the attention of some statesman who can put aside other engagements—or that of some wholly independent organisation which can influence the public and so supply the driving force without which poli- ticians seem unable to move. THE PROMOTION OF SCIENTIFIC AGRI- CULTURE. HEN, in his recent speech at Wolver- hampton, the Prime Minister spoke of the need for promoting scientific agriculture, he touched upon a subject of great national import- ance, and it may be profitable to attempt to give significance to his words. As was pointed out in the last issue of Nature, it may be that what Mr. Lloyd George had in mind was merely the extended use of artificial manures, the discovery and methods of use of which were undoubtedly scientific discoveries of the first magnitude, with which the name of Lawes and his experimental station at Rothamsted will ever be honourably associated. But we should like to think that the passages in the speech to which attention was directed are evidence that the Prime Minister has advanced to a position which few of his political forbears ever reached, namely, that progress in the arts and industries is indissolubly bound up with the progress of science; and science in this connection should not be limited to the “natural ’’ sciences. The application of the scientific method to technical problems may well be as potent an element in progress as the adoption of the results of scientific research properly so-called. The field | experiment in agriculture may not be research, but it is futile as an experiment unless it is con- ducted under the conditions and interpreted with the precautions which science dictates. If, then, the Prime Minister has resolved that agriculture shall benefit from science, his first task is to take such measures as are likely to be fruitful of results. It will not suffice merely to provide unlimited funds even on the scale of a “day’s cost of the war,’’ if at the same time a well-con- sidered plan of operations has not been framed. Scientific research in agriculture in the past has suffered from a failure to attract a_ sufficient number of men of first-class scientific talent. This failure has been largely due to the fact that agri- cultural research offered no career. Not only were 268 such posts as were available inadequately paid, but essential needs, such as well-equipped labora- tories with adequate provision for maintenance, had not been provided. In the forefront, therefore, of the measures that should be taken to link together practical agri- culture and science should be placed the recruit- ment of the best scientific talent that the country can provide, ‘and this can be secured only by pro- viding suitable openings with reasonable prospects of advancement for the best of the graduates in science turned out annually by the universities. Programmes of research avail nothing in the absence of competent men to carry them out. We should like to see a scheme inaugurated under which promising graduates in science would be attracted to the study of the agricultural sciences by the provision of special fellowships under a - guarantee that a certain number would eventually be selected for permanent posts carrying adequate salaries. It is true that in the past most of the great discoveries have been made by men actuated merely by a love of knowledge for its own sake,. and no doubt the future will not differ from the past in this respect; but the real point is that, if anything is to be accomplished by State action, an appeal must be made to the motives by which the majority of men are actuated in choosing their life career.. There can be no question that if emoluments were placed upon a basis which would enable workers to live in reasonable comfort, while prospects of advancement were also improved, the fruits of the vineyard would be ample. Agriculture and horticulture are still in the main ruled by empiricism and tradition, and while it is true that many of the more recent advances in science go to confirm the wisdom of the ancients, no one can doubt that we are still far from possible ends in many directions. Scientific methods of plant breeding alone are capable of indefinite expansion. Scientific methods of controlling plant diseases can be foreshadowed with considerable confidence. The crop-bearing capacity of the soil may, as Mr. Lloyd George suggested, be increased by scientific means, and in the region of diseases of live stock the possibilities of progress have scarcely been explored. The Prime Minister’s declaration should not be forgotten. If agriculturists are alive to their interests they will see that it is not allowed to lapse into the oblivion which so ruthlessly overwhelms many of the platform promises of politicians. NOTES. / In a letter to the Times of November 28, under the heading of “Gas Warfare,” appears a plea for the establishment of ‘fresh safeguards” to prevent any nation from ever again employing gas as a weapon. The letter is signed by eight of the most highly placed members of the medical profession, who know from experience what immense suffering has been caused from the employment of asphyxiating gas in the present war. Those who have knowledge of the operations of our own gas offensive service will tell us that there must be very many of our present NO. 2562, VOL. 102| NATURE | enemies who will heartily agree with the views ex- [DeceMBER 5, 1918 pressed in this letter, so that on this point opinion would no doubt be unanimous. One of the objections raised in the letter to the Times, that gas is not a controllable weapon the effects of which can be limited to combatants, canrot be regarded as more true for gas when used under modern conditions than for shrapnel or high-explosive shells. There remains the view that the use of gas involves needless suffering ; this argument applies with equal force to all the opera- tions of war. If in the coming comity of nations mutual confidence can extend so far as to agree to the abolition of a form of warfare which has now been removed from the realm of theory (and in theory gas warfare is at least a century old) to that of accomplished fact, surely it can go one small step further and so abolish war altogether. This would be a more practicable measure; preparations to arm would attract attention, while preparations for this particular form of armament could be carried on in secret by any Power so inclined. In past wars the issue has been determined almost solely by military skill and valour; in the present war there has been an increasing application of scientific knowledge. Science has not merely striven to destroy enemy life; it has striven, and with equal success, to save British and Allied lives. The British pattern of gas respira- tor is the triumphant product of much exceedingly careful work, and has probably saved more lives than any other contrivance or procedure adopted during the war. Whether it is decided to drop the use of gas or not, it would be extremely unwise for us to discontinue to train our men in anti-gas measures unless general disarmament is agreed upon. Ir might reasonably be expected that by now most people would know more about the aims and ideals of science than to repeat the old formula that science is in opposition to religion and detrimental to culture, yet in the Scientific Monthly (vol. vii., No. 5) Mr. E. P. Lewis finds it necessary to protest in an article entitled *‘The Ethical Value of Science” against the attitude of many current writers who directly or indirectly express such views. He quotes from various recent articles to the effect that science is largely responsible for the extirpation of culture and the growth of materialism; sdéme writers attribute the war to the suppression of spiritual values by the influence of scientific doctrines, and its horrors to malignant investigators who spend their lives devising agencies of death and destruction. Such people overlook the fact that the statesmen immediately responsible for the outbreak and conduct of war are not scientific men. Science has nothing whatever to do with conquest, with commercial exploitation, or with upholding the divine right of dynasties. The end of all scientific investigation is to discover the truth about all things, including man, his instincts and impulses, his organisation in society. Were economists and politicians imbued with the scientific spirit it would be of incalculable benefit to the effective organisation of society. Science has no intention of decrying genuine religion, or of denying the import- ance of the so-called humanities, but it does maintain that the habit of mind developed by scientific studies is at least as important as an ethical agency. With the completion of the war it will be in a large measure the mission of science to rebuild a shattered civilisation; it will restore industries, house the home- less, feed the hungry, and cure the sick, and, not least, must aid in healing the deep-seated ills of society, the consequences of past social misconduct. If men will use for destruction the discoveries of science, it is not the scientific worker who is to blame. DECEMBER 5, 1918] NATURE 269 In his recent speech at Wolverhampton Mr. Lloyd | George, when referring to agriculture, spoke of the ossibility of providing a national supply of fertilisers. t seems likely that a scheme has been put before him for the continuance of the present arrangements under which the Ministry of Munitions controls the manufac- | ture of artificial fertilisers. In fact, it may be that the intention is that the State should actually undertake the manufacture of certain fertilisers. It is common knowledge that there are now in existence a number | of State-owned sulphuric acid factories, and, further, | that, inasmuch as the State has agreed to purchase a | large proportion of the Australian output of zinc ores containing sulphides of the metal, it will be in a posi- | tion to control the sulphuric acid output of the country. A State-owned supply of sulphuric acid naturally sug- | gests the State manufacture of superphosphate and sulphate of ammonia in the interests of increased food production. Schemes of this nature for State trading of many kinds are likely to be put forward, but whether they will survive the opposition of manu- | facturers is perhaps doubtful. Ix London the Registrar-General’s returns show a very substantial decrease in the number of deaths from influenza in each of the two weeks ending Novem- | ber 16 and 23. The climax of the epidemic was attained in the two weeks ending November 2 and a, in both of which influenza caused 57 per cent. of the deaths from all causes, whilst for the weelc ending November 23 only 42 per cent. of the total deaths were due to influenza. The epidemic has caused 9441 deaths in London during the seven weeks | ending November 23, which is 47 per cent. of the deaths from all causes, whilst the percentage of deaths from pneumonia was 12, and from bronchitis 6. Chicago during the two weeks ending October 19 had respectively 571 and 1242 deaths from influenza, whilst in London the deaths were 80 and 371. In Paris the deaths for the week ending November 9 were 6209, which is a decrease of 490 on the preceding week, whilst in London the decrease of deaths was 25 for the corresponding week. The closing weel= af, Novem- ber experienced a return of milder and more humid weather, and this possibly may lessen the continued decrease in the deaths from the epidemic. The re- issue of the weather tables in the Registrar-General’s returns is a welcome feature. The meteorological results for certain towns are already recommenced, and the table of Greenwich daily values is promised from the beginning of next year. WE regret to learn from Science of the death of | Mr. H. S. Coe, agronomist in the United States Department of Agriculture, and author of numerous botanical and agricultural papers, on October 25, at thirty years of age; and of Prof. W. G. Mallory, associate professor of physics in Oberlin College, on October 19. We regret to note that the death of Mr. Edmund Sharer is recorded in Engineering for November 29. Mr. Sharer, who was sixty-two years of age, was, up to a few years ago, shipyard director at the Dalmuir naval construction works of Messrs. William Beardmore | and Co. He was responsible for the construction of many notable naval and mercantile vessels, and was a | member, since 1894, of the Institution of Naval Archi- tects. By the death on December 3, at eighty-four years | of age, of Dr. John Percival, formerly Bishop of | Hereford, the nation has lost a vigorous worker and in- dependent thinker whose whole active life was devoted to the furtherance of progressive aims. Dr. Percival was the first headmaster of Clifton College, and NO. 2562, VOL. 102] | to the Westminster Ophthalmic Hospital. during his fifteen years’ work there he brought this public school to the high position which it occupies. He was one of the founders of University College, Bristol, and took a leading part in all educational matters, particularly the education of women and the extension. of university teaching. From Clifton Dr. Percival went to Oxford in 1878 as president of Trinity College, and in 1887 he became headmaster of Rugby School, where he had formerly been an assistant master. He was nominated Bishop of Here= ford in 1895, and while in the Upper House he main- tained on all occasions the broad principles and courage in expressing them which distinguished his career. He was the author of ‘‘The Universities and the Great Towns,” and was president of the Educa- tional Science Section of the British Association at the Cambridge meeting in 1904. THE death is announced of Mr. G. P. Rose, OBIE Sas who began his caree. on the Indian State railways, and afterwards acted as executive engineer in the construction of the Chappar Rift works and bridge in the sand-swept, tortuous defiles of the river gorge on the Sind-Peshin ra‘!lway. Mr. Rose also won the respect and confidence of the gangs of wild border men —Afridi, Waziri, and Baluch—upon whose assistance the success of the work depended. He superintended works on the line from Quetta to New Chaman and the Khojak tunnel. After acting as deputy manager of the North-Western State railways, his services were lent to the Nizam’s Government, and he afterwards be- came junior consulting engineer to the Government of India, After his retirement in 1904 he joined the board of the Hyderabad (Deccan) Mining Co. Tue death is announced, at the age of eighty-six, of Mr. N. C. Macnamara, consulting surgeon to Westminster Hospital, and vice-president of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1893 and 1896. Mr. Mac- | hamara was appointed assistant surgeon in the Indian Medical Service in 1854, and became surgeon-major in 1873. During his career in India, which ended in 1876, he wrote on diseases of the eye, the history of Asiatic cholera, and other medical subjects. Return- ing to this country, he was ‘< due course appointed surgeon and lecturer on clinical surgery at the West- minster Hospital, and later became consulting surgeon He pub- lished, among other works, ‘‘ Lectures on Diseases of Bones and Joints’? and ‘Instinct and Intelligence,” which was published in 1915, when he was eighty- three years of age. In addition to numerous other activities, Mr. Macnamara was a member of the Departmental Committee on the Army and Navy Medical Service appointed by the War Office in 1889, a member of the Government of India Commission on Leprosy, and president of the Commission of the British Medical Association on Medical Education and a Teaching University for London. Tue last of the first series of lectures arranged by the’ Industrial Reconstruction Council will be held in the Saddlers’ Hall, Cheapside, E-C.2, on Wednesday, December 11. The chair will be taken at 4.30 by the Marquess of Salisbury, K.G., and a lecture on “Science and Industry” will be delivered by Sir William S. McCormick, of the Department of Indus- trial and Scientific Research. Applications for tickets should be made to the Secretary, I.R.C., 2 and 4 Tudor Street, E.C.4. A GENERAL discussion on ‘*‘The Relation of Science to the Non-ferrous Metals Industry” will form the central feature of the forthcoming annual general meeting of the Institute of Metals. At that meeting 270 there will also be presented several important papers, the publication of which has been withheld owing to the operation of the censorship. ‘The meeting is, therefore, to be anticipated with interest, as is also the annual May lecture, which will be delivered by Prof. F. Soddy on the subject of ‘‘ Radio-activity.” A local section of the Institute of Metals has been formed in Sheffield, the recently dissolved Sheffield Society of Applied Metallurgy forming the nucleus of the new section. The roll of the institute has increased by more than two hundred during the cur- rent year, and, in view of the probable advent of peace, it is expected that a total of 1200 members will soon be recorded, and that within a few months of the institute’s tenth birthday. THE first part of what will prove an extremely valu- able report on the mammals of equatorial East Africa has just been issued by the United States National Museum (Bulletin No. 99). This is the work of Mr. N. Hollister, and embraces the Insectivora, Cheiroptera, and Carnivora. While great attention has been paid to synonymy and tables of measurements—matters of very real importance—a considerable amount of space has been devoted to notes on life-histories furnished by the various field collectors on expeditions sent out by the Museum during the last few years. No fewer than sixty type skulls are figured here for the first time. Furthermore, those interested in the pheno- mena of variation and in the skeletal changes wrought by captivity will find in this report some very striking facts. SomE very disconcerting figures anent the slaughter of penguins for the sake of their oil appear in the Victorian Naturalist (vol. xxxv., No. 6). We are assured that, though as many as 1,500,000 are an- nually killed for this purpose, the colonies show no diminution in their numbers. We are glad to know that a representative of the Australian Ornithologists’ Union is to visit the islands during the coming slaughtering season to investigate the charges of cruelty made against those engaged in this traffic, and also the assurances which have been given that, though the birds are slain by the million, their numbers show no reduction. This scarcely seems credible. Ornithologists the world over look with grave misgivings on the continuation of this devas- tating work, to which we trust an end will speedily be put. THE observations on the nesting habits of the bull- finch by Miss Frances Pitt, which appear in British Birds for November, deserve the careful attention of students of animal behaviour as well as of ornitho- logists. During incubation, Miss Pitt remarks, the female is fed entirely by the male, and for the first six days after the hatching of the young he feeds both his mate and their offspring. He also, for the first few days, attends to the cleaning of the nest, passing some of the excrement to the female to swallow, and disposing of the rest himself. After the first day or two both parents undertake the removal of the excre- ment, which is no longer eaten, but carried off and dropped at a distance. At first the young are fed at intervals of about fifteen minutes, but by the time they are ready to fly nearly an hour elapses between each meal, As with so many young birds, the nest- lings are greatly distressed by the midday heat, and lie gasping for breath, with their heads hanging over the edge of the nest. Each parent has its own path, which it invariably uses in returning to and departing from the nest—a trait which appears to be common to most birds. By the eighth day the nestlings show signs of developing feathers, and begin even to at- NO. 2562, VOL. 102] NATURE _ [DEcEMBER 5, 1918 tempt to preen the growing stumps, probably to allay slight uneasiness, akin to itching, due to the ferment of vigorous growth. Dr. A. L. pu Torr (Trans. Geol. Soc. S. Africa, vol. Xxi., p- 53, 1918) describes an interesting intru- sion of aplite into serpentine in Natal. The aplite has become overcharged with alumina, which has separated as corundum, while the serpentine has become penetrated by silica and-locally converted into talc. The ferrous iron of the serpentine has separated out completely as minute octahedra of magnetite during the process. The same paper describes the occurrence of two sheets of magnetite containing ilmenite in a gabbro in the Tugela Valley. These cannot have separated by gravitation from the gabbro, and are regarded as intrusive bodies which retained their fluidity and oozed upwards-under squeezing pro- cesses from the lower portion of the cauldron, leaving behind a residue of pyroxenes, and corroding and including silicates that had already separated in the overlying gabbro. Tue report of the fifth Indian Science Congress held at Lahore in January last, published in the Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal for August, consists of the usual presidential addresses and short abstracts of upwards of ninety papers; but with a few exceptions, notably in the sections of physics and zoology, the addresses and papers deal mainly with matters of economic, agricultural, and commercial interest. Without disparagement, the report may be said to illustrate chiefly the interested official view of science, which is fixed steadfastly on material benefits rather than lifted into the grand realms of creative imagina- tion. From a considerable mass of such useful in- formation we extract the interesting statement that, as one of the results of the war, several distilleries for the extraction of essential oils have been estab- lished in Southern India, and that experts now have confidence in the ability of India to supply the world’s demand for sandal-oil and thymol. In the papers of purely scientific interest Messrs. Southwell and Baini Prashad have followed out the life-history. of a new tapeworm of a shark, which passes its larval stage in the muscles of fhe Indian shad; Mr. M. J. Narasimhan mentions the isolation of a bacillus from root-nodules of Casuarina, which behaves like the nitrogen-fixing bacillus of the root-nodules of Leguminosz; Messrs. E. Vredenberg and Das Gupta report the discovery at last of Upper Palaeozoic fossils in the Krol beds of the Simla region; and Mr. C. A. Matley gives a brief description of Dinosaur remains from the Lameta beds of Jubbulpore. Tue forty-seventh annual report of the Deputy Master and Comptroller of the Royal Mint has just been issued. It refers to the operations of the year 1916. The total number of coins struck was 265-5 millions, which was nearly 59 millions more than in 1915, and is the highest figure on record. Owing to the con- tinued withdrawal of gold from circulation, the great demand for silver coin which arose in the previous year was continued, and no fewer than 127 million pieces were struck, against an average of 49 millions for the previous ten years. A very great increase in copper coinage also took place, and 136-8 million coins were struck. On the other hand, only 1-5 million gold coins were struck, as compared with an average of 24 millions in the previous ten years. The sterling value of the total coinage in 1916 was 10,386,137/., as compared with 29,385,5681. in 1915. During the vear the Mint, Birmingham, Ltd.. struck 33-7 million coins, under the supervision of the Royal Mint, for British Colonies and Dependencies. This firm also DECEMBER 5, 1918] supplied the Royal Mint, for Imperial coinage, with silver and bronze blanks. The ‘general account of expenses and receipts shows a profit of 4-51. millions, as against 4-7l. millions in the previous year. The principal item included is the profit on the silver coinage, but although the issue of silver coins in 1916 was greater than in 1915, the higher cost of the bullion resulted in a reduction in the net profit under this head. Receipts of worl: done for the War Office show a considerable increase in value, but the suspension of Colonial coinages has resulted in the disappear- ance of any item on this account. As was to be expected, general expenses were decidedly higher than in previous years. Tue important bearing on the food supply of arti- ficial manures containing phosphorus lends particular interest to a communication by Dr. C. Doelter in the Oesterreichische Chemiker- und Techniker-Zeitung for September 15 and October 1 regarding the mineral wealth of the Ukraine. Phosphorite is found there in many districts, in some parts in great abundance. Large quantities are said to be obtainable from open- cast workings at low cost. Ground phosphorite was exported to Austria in considerable quantities before the war. It generally contains a high percentage of calcium phosphate, while analysis shows 27-5 per cent. of phosphoric acid. To derive the full value from the deposits they should be worked systematically, and not by the primitive methods employed formerly. Dr. BecKMANN recently gave an account before the German Institution of Electrical Engineers of the pro- gress that has been made in training disabled soldiers to enable them to carry out work in engineering fac- tories. A number of photographs are reproduced in Elektrotechnische Zeitschrift for September 19 and 26 (in which the account is published) showing the methods adopted to enable such men to operate machine-tools: Particular stress is placed on the suc- cess of a method, devised by Dr. Krukenberg, to enable soldiers who have suffered amputation of the forearm to work machines. A further communication by P. Perls refers to the employment of the blind in factories. The photographs show men at work on a variety of machining operations and the means of protecting them from accidents. It is stated that blinded soldiers have been employed with success in twenty-six occupations. Tue law of decay of phosphorescent light emitted by a body after stimulation has hitherto been taken to be of simple form. If I is the intensity and t the time since stimulation, I was taken inversely propor- tional to (a+bt)?. According to a communication to the National Academy of Sciences of America by Prof. E. L. Nichols and Mr. H. L. Howes, which appears in the October issue of the Proceedings of the Academy, the law of decay is not so simple. They find that there are two types of decay for the phos- phorescence of short duration. If the inverse square root of the intensity as ordinate is plotted against the time as abscissa, in the first type the curve rises as the time increases, but the rate of rise decreases as time goes on; and in the second the curve rises, and the rate of rise increases with the time. The first type of phosphorescence the authors propose to call the “persistent,” and the second the ‘‘ vanishing,”’ type. The two types may be exhibited by the same material, e.g. calcite, stimulated by ultra-violet light, gives phos- phorescence of the vanishing, and, when stimulated by cathode rays, of the persistent, type. Amonc forthcoming books we notice ‘‘ Technical Handbook of Oils, Fats, and Waxes,” P. J. Fryer and F. E. Weston, vol. ii. (Cambridge University Press); NO. 2562, VOL. 102] NATURE a7 | ‘Lice and their Menace to Man,” Lieut. Ll. Lloyd, with a chapter on “Trench Fever,’ by Major W. Byam, R.A.M.C., illustrated (Henry Frowde and Hodder and Stoughton); ‘‘The Iron Circle: The Future of German Industrial Exports,’ Prof. S.. Herzog, translated (Hodder and Stoughton); “ Text- book of Military Aeronautics," H. Woodhouse (T. Werner Laurie, Ltd.); ‘‘ Boiler Chemistry,” J. H. Paul, a new edition of Bale’s ‘‘ Handbook for Steam Users’’ (Longmans and Co.); and ‘tThe Mechanics’ and Draughtsmen’s Pocket-book,’’ W. E. Dommett, and a new edition of Poole’s ‘‘ Telephone Handbook” (Sir Isaac Pitman and Sons, Ltd.). OUR ASTRONOMICAL COLUMN. DISTRIBUTION OF GLOBULAR CLUSTERS.—In continua- tion of his previous investigations of the distances of globular clusters, based upon the interdependence of absolute luminosity and period in the case of Cepheid variables, Dr. Harlow Shapley has reached important conclusions regarding the extent and arrangement of the sidereal system (Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci., vol. iv., p. 224). The clusters appear to form a large flattened system, the centre of which is in the galactic plane, at a distance of between sixty and seventy thousand light-years, in the general direction of the siar-clouds of Sagittarius and Scorpio. The arrangement of the clusters and the relative densities of various parts of the Milky Way clouds strongly suggest that the whole sidereal system is roughly outlined by the globular clusters, and that stars, nebulz, and clusters are all members of a single unit. The mean diameter of the proposed system appears to be at least 300,000 light- years. A further investigation has verified the exist- ence of a local cluster of stars having a diameter of about 2500 light-years, and containing most of the brighter B stars, a majority of the A stars, and many stars of redder spectral types. The motion of the cluster as a whole is in the galactic plane, and nearly radial from the galactic centre. The observed sys- tematic motions of the stars may be cxplained by the movement of the cluster through the general field of | stars. A New Type oF NesuLtar SpectruM.—Dr. V. M. . Slipher has made the interesting discovery that two of the variable nebulz give an emission spectrum which’ is quite unlike that of the ordinary gaseous nebula (Lowell Obs. Bull. No. 81). The spectrum of Hubble’s variable nebula, N.G.C. 2261, was photo- graphed in December, 1917, with a total exposure of nearly thirty-seven hours, the slit being placed north and south over the nebulosity and nucleus. In most essentials the spectrum of the nebula is identical with that of a new star in the early bright-line stage, when the majority of the lines, other than those of hydrogen, are identical with enhanced lines. The resemblance to the typical nova spectrum is’ further emphasised by the presence of absorption bands on the more refrangible sides of the bright lines of hydrogen. The variable nebula N.G.C. 6729 reaches only a low altitude at Flagstaff, but, so far as can be judged from the photograph obtained, its spectrum is a duplicate of that of MHubble’s nebula. The latter is of ““cometic’”? form, and the nucleus is the variable star R Monocerotis, which was of the 12th magnitude when the spectrum photograph was obtained. The light of the nucleus is identical with that of the nebula, and it is therefore probable that the nebulosity derives its light from the star. The further study of these objects may well be expected to throw consider- able light on the nature of temporary stars. 272 . SpECTRUM OF THE Corona.—Several additional faint lines have been found in the spectrum of the corona by the Rev. A. L. Cortie, S.J., on photographs taken at Hernésand, Sweden, during the total eclipse of the sun on August 21, 1914 (Monthly Notices, R.A.S., vol. Ixxviii., p. 665). In the region extending from 6615-7 to 4780A thirty-six lines were measured, of which twenty-four do not appear in any previous records. The wave-length of the prominent red line which was first noted at this eclipse is given as 6373'3- AGUE IN ENGLAND. jie 1g17 there were reported 136 military, 19 naval, and 23 civilian cases of malaria contracted in England, 7.e. in people who had not been out of the country. Fifty-three of the mihwary cases occurred in the Sheerness and Sheppey areas, and fifty- three in the Sandwich area. As these cases, all of simple tertian malaria, began to arise, the attention of medical officers of health and other medical men was directed to the matter by the Local Government Board, and the problem of the possible danger to the civilian population of the influx of malaria-infected soldiers from abroad was considered. This report records the action that was taken to deal with the situation, and that it is proposed to take should the cases assume any serious magnitude in 1918. It would appear from the information collected that the evidence is fairly clear that malaria had not com- pletely died out in this country, as was generally thought to be the case, perhaps, with very rare excep- tions; but, on the other hand, the cases in 1917 were a new phenomenon, and there can be no reasonable doubt that the cause of these cases was the new supply of infection, viz. soldiers from overseas. Whether the whole official action as recommended in this report has not been “much ado about nothing” _it is, perhaps, a little premature to say, but it was noticeable in some areas in 1917 that, aithough there were numerous infected soldiers, the number of in- digenous cases that occurred amongst the surrounding non-infected population was in some instamces a soli- tary one, giving ground for the hope that in 1918 the number of cases might still be small, and not such as to be dignified by the term ‘epidemic.’ Should, however, an epidemic occur, the problem of the best line of action has to be faced. We agree with the view expressed in the introduction of the report, that “ com- prehensive anti-mosquito work is impracticable,’ and believe that the use of quinine would make such work unnecessary. It is true that we cannot by the use of quinine “disinfect,” i.e. destroy all the parasites in a person’s system, but we can readily do so partially— i.e. we can, in these cases of simple tertian malaria, by adequate doses of quinine, render the blood com- pletely free from all parasites, sexual as well as asexual, for long periods (months), so that, as regards Anophelines, such cases are _non-infective, and, of course, equally so are the Anophelines. We believe that civilians would readily acquiesce in such treat- ment, all the more when they appreciated the fact that thereby they were kept free from fever and got a better chance of ultimate recovery. The report con- tains a special article on the microscopic diagnosis of malaria, but medical men can be taught this only by practical work in a laboratory. The map showing the distribution of Anophelines in England, prepared by the British Museum authorities, contains some omissions which might have been filled had inquiries been made in likely quarters. 1 Reports to the Local Government Board on Public Health and Medical Subjects. (New Series No. 119.) Reports and Papers on Malaria contracted in England in 1917. (London: H.M.S.O., ror.8) Price 4s. net. NO. 2562, VOL. 102| NATURE [DECEMBER 5, 1918 NATURAL INDIGO MANUFACTURE. | a ‘Indigo Publication No. 3,” issued by the Agri- tural Research Institute at Pusa, Mr. W. A. Davis, indigo research chemist to the Government of India, directs attention to a method of avoiding the loss of dyestuff which frequently occurs in the manu- facture of natural indigo, due to finely divided particles _ of the dye remaining suspended in the large volume of extraction water (seet water) which is run off after “beating” is finished and the indigo has apparently settled. In indigo factories where working conditions are good the water running from the filtering tables is of pale sherry colour, but where fermentation in the vats is unsatisfactory, or the quality of the indigo plants grown in the neighbourhood is poor, the water finally run off may be distinctly green in colour, due to finely divided, suspended indigo. Of the two kinds of indigo plant grown in Ineia the loss from this cause is greater with the Sumatrana than with the Java variety, as the former requires a large volume of water for extraction. The settling agent which Mr. Davis suggests for general use is Dhak gum, a ruby-coloured gum _ pro- duced by the Dhak or palas tree (Butea frondosa). This material has occasionally been employed for the purpose in the United Provinces, and was first brought to Mr. Davis’s attention by Mr. Kenyon, of Sultanpur. Trials of the gum as a settling agent were made at a number of indigo factories in Bihar last season, and gave excellent results, the yield from Sumatrana plant at one factory being increased by 373 per cent., and from Java plant at another fac- tory by 16 per cent., these being average increases throughout the working period. The results of analyses of indigo made at various factories, with and without the use of Dhak gum, showed that the addition of this material to the settling-vat had no appreciable effect on the quality of the -dyestuff pro- duced. Further, it was at the factories where the fermentation conditions were unfavourable, or the quality of the plant used was poor, that the use of Dhak gum gave the best results, both in facilitating settling and filtration and in Increasing the yield of dyestuff. DYES AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF BRITISH CHEMICAL INDUSTRY. HE Association of British Chemical Manufac- turers sent to the President of the Board of Trade on November 1 the following memorandum, setting forth the views of the executive council of the association on the present situation in that section of chemical industry directly concerned with the pro- duction of dyes :— (1) A wider and more comprehensive scheme of a completely national nature is immediately requisite if a supply of the colours, in variety and quantity essential to the conduct of our great textile industry, is to be forthcoming within a reasonable period of years, and especially with a view to the early elimina- tion of all dependence on overseas supplies. (2) The fundamental error which resulted in an in- adequate policy in British dye production is the failure on the part of the originators of that policy to recog- nise the fact that the manufacture of dyes is not, bv itself, an industry apart; but is precisely an integral part of, and is dependent upon, the operations covered by the chemical manufacturing industry as a whole— i.e. the manufacturer of heavy chemicals, of fine chemicals, of tar products, and of explosives have each and all separate functions to perform in develop- ing a successful dye-producing industry in this country. ee December 5, 1918] (3) The apparent failure to grasp the essential condi- tion set forth in paragraph (2) has been the cause of the otherwise incomprehensible unwillingness on the part of the Governmental officials concerned to consult this entirely representative association of chemical manufacturers, and even to refuse the conference offered by an expert committee of the association some months ago (4) The general trend of what Lord Moulton said at Manchester in December, 1914, is correct when he pointed out that, broadly speaking, the manufac- ture of the greater proportion of essential intermediates should be conducted at the existing chemical works of the country, leaving the actual production of the finished colours to be in some measure centralised. (5) No such comprehensive scheme has yet been formulated, with the result that firms capable of adding useful weight to dye production have had insufficient opportunity for doing so; and unless such opportunity is created, not only will time be lost, but unnecessary capital expenditure will also be in- curred in the erection of plant which already exists in whole or in part at the chemical works of the country. (6) The past and present schemes have not included the whole of the country’s resources of knowledge in actual colour production; in short, there are potential dye-makers who have not been used sufficiently, and whose powers of production have not been developed to the extent of which they are capable. (>) The problem of distributing to the best advan- tage the large sums of money recently voted by Par- liament for the development of the dye industry is one upon which this association should advise. It is also felt that the questions of priority for the purchase of dve-making plant and the utilisation of materials are matters in which the wide knowledge of this association can be used effectively; and it is urged that unless measures of co-operation of this nature are adopted, the danger of duplication of plant and of overlapping in processes will be seriously increased. (8) Unless co-ordinated action can be brought about to a much greater extent than is at present indicated, the problem of meeting external or overseas com- petition in peace-time will be more difficult and dan- gerous than is at present foreseen. (q) The development of a British organic chemical industry, capable of keeping abreast of industrial achievements in the synthetic production of dyes, drugs, explosives, poisons, etc., is essential to the safety of the Empire. In this connection it is clear that the dye industrv. should be intimately co-ordinated with the other sections of organic chemical industry if the success of the whole is to be secured. (10) To sum up, it is considered that :— (a) An immediate co-operative effort is called for, and that a wider interest should be appealed to. (b) The formation of those companies on which colour production will fall should not be confined in any sense. : (c) The whole chemical industry should be en- couraged to assist, with both knowledge and money, an enterprise which is so vital to the maintenance and development of some of the country’s mest important industries. As a consequence of this, the directing or controlling body should be representative, not only of colour- producing interests and colour users, but also of those other and equally important factors in chemical manu- facture, the goodwill and assistance of whom are of paramount importance in the national effort which has become essential. Sir Evan Jones, the Dyes Commissioner, to whom the memorandum was referred by the President of the NO. 2562, VOL. 102] NAD RE 273 Board of Trade, has replied to the secretary of the association that ‘‘ full details of the scheme which his Majesty’s Government propose to adopt for affording further assistance to the dye industry were presented to Parliament on the 6th inst. in the form of a White Paper, from which it will be observed that repre- sentation of your association on the Trades and Licensing Committee which is to be set up under the scheme has been provided for.” This White Paper was summarised in Nature of November a1. it! appears that only, one of the points referred to in the memorandum of the Association of British Chemical Manufacturers has been met, and that solely to the extent of the appointment of one representative of the association out of nine members of the Trades and Licensing Committee. ANNIVERSARY MEETING OF THE ROVAL SOCIETY: HE anniversary meeting of the Royal Society was held on Saturday last, November 30, being St. Andrew's Day. The officers and other members of council whose names were given in Nature of November 14 (p. 213) were duly elected. The address delivered by Sir J. J. Thomson, president of the society, is abridged below, and also the report of the council. Prof. Lorentz was unable to attend to receive the Copley medal awarded to him, and it was handed to a representative of the Netherlands Minister to be forwarded to him. Similarly, a representative of the French Ambassador received the medals awarded to Dr. A. Perot and Prof. C. Fabry. Dr. H. F. Osborn and Mr. I. Langmuir were also un- able to attend in person to receive their medals. Appress By Sir J. J. THomson. With the cessation of the war, problems arise which are certainly no less difficult than those produced by the war itself. To repair the waste and heal, so far as possible, the wounds caused by the war, nay, even to be able to bear the burden of the vast debt which it has created, the country must produce on a much larger scale than it has ever done before. How is this to be brought about? The number of workers has been sadly diminished; the hours of work before the war were quite as long as is compatible with the health and happiness of the workers; in fact, no considerable increase in production seems possible with the methods in use before the war. I do not forget the magnificent contribution made by women to the work of the country during these years of stress, and it is quite possible that there may be a considerable permanent increase in the work done by women. There are few, however, who would think it satis- factory that women should bear through the long years of peace to which we look forward the heavy burden they have shouldered during the war, and no one would regard an increase in the burden on women as a tolerable solution of our difficulties. But though the amount of labour cannot be very materially increased, it is certain that it can be made more efficient, and that with the same amount of labour more can be produced. This can be done by greater application of scientific methods to industry. It is gratifying that the Government realised the im- portance, of this at an early stage in the war, and by establishing the Advisory Committee of the Privy Council for Scientific and Industrial Research created a department which is now organised and active, and to which we look forward with hope and confidence. But, for this work of reconstruction to be adequate, something more than the creation of a new department is necessary. Sympathy with, and an i 274 ~~ “tet intelligent appreciation of, the importance of science in this work are required through all the Govern- ment Departments, civil and military, in the country. It is unfortunate that in these departments the number of permanent officials who have received the training which would ensure this appreciation is very. small, and I venture to direct attention to the recom- mendation in the report of the Committee on the Position of Science in Education that steps should be taken to introduce into the Civil Service, at a later age than is possible on a scheme based solely on com- petitive examination, men who have had training in science and experience in research, and would be able to represent efliciently in the various offices this funda- mentally important side of Government activity. To give a training in science to all who will need it for the work of reconstruction will increase the strain on the universities at a time when some of them are faced with a difficulty which will soon become acute. In not a few of our universities, especially the older ones, the stipends of many of the teachers come from endowments which yield incomes of fixed value; but now, and there seems no chance of any immediate improvement in this respect, money has not much more than half the value it had before the war; the salaries of the teachers were certainly never excessive, they are quite imadequate under present conditions. In some way or other increased help must be given to the universities if they are to maintain their efficiency. To increase the resources and equipment of the universities would, I think, be the most effective way of aiding research in pure. science. If the grants for this have to come from a fund which has also to provide those for industrial research, there is, I think, no inconsiderable danger that the latter may be regarded as the more urgent, and that the claims of pure science may be crowded out. To pass on to another point, unfortunately we cannot yet assume that war will be impossible in the future, and that an army and a fleet are luxuries that we shall be able to do without. If our Army or our Fleet is to be effective, it must not be behind others in its equipment with the application of science to war. In the course of the present war, however, practically all such applications have been disclosed, so that all countries are at present in this respect on the same level, and unless we continue our researches we shall be left behind. The experience of the war has shown us the importance of science, and we have seen how the most unexpected and unexplored branches of science have furnished methods which have been of critical importance. Now a large number of men with scientific training have been working during the war on the application of science to naval and military purposes; some of these have done remarkably well, and know the kinds of problems that have to be solved and the limitations imposed by service conditions. It would be deplor- able if all this knowledge should be wasted. It seems to me most important to establish for each Service research departments for promoting applications of science to that Service. In the laboratories of these departments new methods would be sought for and investigated until their peculiarities were thoroughly understood; they would then be handed over to the technical departments of the Services, which would carry the thing from the stage of what might be called a piece of laboratory apparatus to that of an instrument which could stand the wear and tear of service con- ditions. They would also carry on experiments until the difficulties of manufacture had been so thoroughly overcome that this was a matter of routine. , time it would not be necessary to manufacture in any NO. 2562, VOL. 102] NATURE _ideas. In peace- | [DECEMBER 5, 1918 quantity, but when war came and they were wanted they could be made without delay. Officers in the Service with special scientific apti- tude might at some stage or stages in their career pass some time in such a pioneering laboratory. This would not only improve their own knowledge, but also tend to diffuse a scientific spirit through the Service and make it more ready to welcome new But for this to happen I am convinced that each Service should have its own establishment. Many of the Services—the Navy, for example—would not, I feel sure, make much use of, or be much influenced by, large establishments for general scientific research, whereas if- they had one which could be looked upon as an integral part of their own organisation it would, I think, have a good chance of success. The Medallists. The CopLey Mepat is awarded to Henprik ANTOON Lorentz, For.Mem.R.S. Lorentz is generally recognised as one of the most distinguished mathematical physicists of the present time. His researches have covered many fields of investigation, but his principal work deals with the theory of electrons and the constitution of matter considered as an electro-dynamic problem. When Zeeman had discovered the effect of magnets on spectroscopic lines, he perceived at once the theoretical bearing of the effect, which led to the discovery of the circular polarisation of the components of the lines split up by magnetic force. Lorentz’s name is also associated with that of Fitzgerald in the independent explanation of the Michelson-Morley effect, from which far-reaching consequences have been derived. An important optical relationship between the density of a medium and its index of refraction (independently by L. Lorentz) was published in 1878, and he has been an active and fruitful investigator ever since. A Royat Mepat is awarded to Pror. ALFRED FOWLER. Prof. Fowler’s investigations have been, in_ the main, on spectroscopy, and one of his specialities has been the identification and reproduction of celestial spectra in the laboratory. His extraordinary success in identification of this kind is attributable in part no doubt to a special intuition, but also to a great and laboriously acquired knowledge of detail. For instance, the origin of the bands dominating the spectra of stars of Secchi’s third class remained a mystery for many years. Fowler showed that they were due to titanium oxide. He accounted for many of the band-lines in the sun-spot spectrum by showing that they belonged to ‘magnesium hydride,” and several other instances of scarcely Jess importance might readily be given. Another important branch of his work is connected with spectrum series. The lines of many elements which appear in the arc spectrum have long been classified into series, and empirical relations have: been obtained between the position of a line in the series and its frequency of oscillation. Those lines which are characteristic of the spark, and require higher stimulation, were not included in the scheme. Fowler was the first to show that the spark-lines form series at all. For this purpose he had first to work out experimentally the conditions for obtaining an adequate number of lines belonging to these series. Helium and magnesium were the elements chiefly studied. It was found that the spark-line series could be represented by formula similar to those which hold good for the arc lines, but with a fourfold value of the universal constant holding for the arc-line series of all the elements. a i DECEMBER xa 1918] Apart from these investigations, leading to results so simple and definite, there is much descriptive work on spectra standing to the credit of Prof. Fowler and his pupils, which is highly appreciated by specialists for its accuracy and technical value. A Royat Mepat is awarded to Pror. Gow Lanp Hopkins. Prof. Hopkins was among the very earliest, if not _actually the earliest, to recognise and announce that minute quantities of certain bodies, the nutritive value of which had hitherto been unsuspected, exert an enormous influence upon growth and upon normal adult nutrition. He showed that without these acces- sory factors—vitamines—a diet otherwise full and seemingly complete is incapable of allowing growth, and even of maintaining body-weight or life. He has also made important researches into what may be styled the determination of the specific nutritive values of individual main components of the protein molecule ; he has, for example, shown that when, from a certain diet which was proved to maintain nutrition satisfac- torily, the two amino-acids, arginine and histidine, were together removed, the diet, though amply suffi- cient in energy and fully assimilable, failed to main- tain life. More recently Hopkins has attacked the question whether an animal’s life can be maintained under the condition that, in place of protein or of the entire set of amino-acids constituting protein, a limited few of the several representative types of these constituents are provided in the diet. He shows that when, in- stead of the eighteen different amino-acids composing the protein, five only are administered, death rapidly ensues if those five be selected from the simpler aliphatic components, e.g. leucine, valine, alanine, glycine, and glutamic acid, but that, on the other hand, nutrition and life are satisfactorily maintained, at least for a considerable period, if the five amino- acids given be chosen from the more complex types, such as tyrosine, tryptophane, histidine, lysine, and cystine, which experiment has shown to lie outside the range of the synthetic power of the animal body. The Rumrorp Mepat is awarded to Dr. A. PERor and Pror. CHarLEs Fasry. MM. Perot and Fabry have introduced a new method of measuring wave-lengths by an ingenious method of utilising the luminous rings formed by interference between two reflecting plates. Their re- searches have proved of fundamental importance :— (1) In comparing accurately the wave-lengths of different spectroscopic lines with that of some standard line. (2) In comparing directly the wave-length of the standard line with that of the standard unit of length. This comparison has confirmed in a remarkable way the previous measurement of Michelson, whose method is less direct and more liable to certain errors. The independent confirmation thus obtained has there- fore placed the subject on a much firmer basis. The Davy Mepat is awarded to Pror. F. Srantey KippPiING. Prof. Kipping has worked with distinction during the past thirty years on a great variety of problems connected with organic chemistry, involving fatty acids, derivatives of hydrindone, camphoric acid and its halogen compounds, the z-derivatives of camphor, racemism and pseudo-racemism, derivatives of quin- quevalent nitrogen, organic compounds of silicon, in- cluding derivatives having optical activity due to the asymmetry of the silicon atom. The Darwin Mepbat is awarded to Dr. FarrRFIELD OSBORN. Dr. Osborn’s chief work has been in palzontology, and, in connection with it, he has organised many collecting expeditions to the early Tertiary rocks of NO. 2562, VOL. 102] FREDERICK HENRY NATURE Ae the West. One of the results of his work is the more precise determination of the relative ages of the ex- tinct mammals in North America, and that has led to a correlation between the order of succession of the Mammalia in Europe and in America. A good deal of this work was summarised in his book. ‘The Age of Mammals in Europe, Asia, and : North America,’ published in 1910. In 1900 Osborn had come to the conclusion that the common ancestors of Proboscidia, Sirenia, and Hyracoidea would be found in Africa; and the correctness of this view has since been confirmed by Dr. Andrew’s discoveries in the Egyptian Fayum. Amongst the more important of Osborn’s contributions to our knewledge of extinct Vertebrata are his memoirs on the rhinoceroses,- the horses, the titanotheres, and the dinosaurs. In addi- tion to all the work he has done personally, Dr. Osborn has had a wide and most beneficial influence upon biological research in North America, and he has produced a flourishing school of younger vertebrate paleontologists. ; The HucGues Mepat is LancGmurr. Mr. Irving Langmuir is a distinguished worker in the physics and methods of production of high vacua. He has studied the vapour pressure of platinum and molybdenum by heating fine wires in vacuo and noting the loss of weight. He has investigated the speeds of chemical reaction of different gases on various metals at very low pressures. He has investigated also the dissociation of hydrogen and its apparent abnormal heat conductivity, and the dissociation of chlorine and oxygen; also the chemical activity of dissociated hydrogen. His work on the emission of electrons from hot metals in high vacua led to the evolution of the “kenotron” and ‘“pliotron,” and of the ‘half- watt” lamp. His determination of the melting-point of tungsten is generally accepted. Much of his worl, such as the investigation of the cause of blackening of tungsten lamps, is of commercial as well as of academic scientific value. awarded to Mr. Irvine REPORT OF THE COUNCIL. Several matters referred to in the report of the council have already been dealt with in these columns. Among these are the resolutions as to enemy aliens and foreign membership of the society, brought for- ward. in June and July last, and the question of the future of international scientific organisations. The former matter was referred to the Inter-Allied Con- ference, held at the Royal Society in October last (see Nature, October 17, p. 133, and November 14,. p- 212), and it has been further considered by_ the conference which has just met in Paris. Other sub- jects dealt with in the report include the following :— Bureau of Longitude. At the request of the Admiralty the council has had under consideration a proposal that a body corre- sponding to the French Bureau des Longitudes should be established in this country, which should form an- authoritative body to which any administrative ques- tions involving scientific consideration of time or posi- tion could be referred. The following recommenda- tions of a committee appointed by the council were forwarded to the Admiralty :—‘‘(1) That the constitu- tion of an advisory board such as that contemplated would present sufficient advantages to justify its estab- lishment. (2) That the functions of the board cannot be so extensive as those of the French Bureau des Longitudes, or identical with those of the previous Board of Longitude in this country. (3) That it should be formed by representatives of various Govern- ment Departments and scientific societies, together 276 with a few ex-officio members. (4) That it should meet not fewer than three times a year, and that some safeguard should be introduced preventing its meetings from becoming mere formalities. (5) That the exact definition of its functions should be left to further consideration by consultation.’ The Admiralty, being of opinion that it would be desirable to proceed with the proposal, suggested that representatives of the Home Office, War Office, Board of Trade, Board of Agriculture, Ordnance Survey, Royal Society, Royal Astronomical Society, and Royal Geographical Society should confer with the Hydrographer and_ the Astronomer Royal as to the establishment of the suggested board, and its functions if created. The council concurred in the proposal, and appointed Prof. Schuster to represent it at the conference. The matter is still under consideration. Meteorological Office and Air Board. At the beginning of the year the council was informed that a scheme was in contemplation for merging the Meteorological Office in the Air Ministry. The council approached the Treasury on the subject, pointing out that, while it appreciated the import- ance of extending the meteorological organisation so as to render it more effective in dealing with problems of aeronautics, the intimate connection of the science with agriculture, public health, and certain depart- ments of the Admiralty, as well as with the general problems of geophysics, might, in its opinion, be endangered by handing over the Meteorological Office entirely to a department which necessarily concen- trates its attention on a single branch of the work. As the result of a conference held in May last, the Treasury has agreed that it is not desirable to change the existing form of the constitution of the Meteoro- logical Office, ‘* which should remain, as in the past, the central institution devoted to the progress of the science of meteorology, and forming the focus for the activities of all departments interested in the various aspects of the science throughout the Empire.” In view of the special interest in meteorology of the Air Ministry and of its great importance for the development of aeronautics and the problems connected therewith, the Ministry is now represented on the Meteorological Committee. The National Physical Laboratory. Important changes have taken place during the year under review in the relations between the society and the National Physical Laboratory. On April 1 last the transfer to the Department of Scientific and Industrial j Research of financial responsibility for the laboratory took effect, and in the future the expenditure incurred in the work of the laboratory will be carried on the Vote of the Department. While the normal extension of the scope of its work has been in many directions retarded or stopped by the war, in certain sections work already in progress has greatly increased in volume owing to the special condi- tions which have arisen, and during the past year it has been necessary to provide further accommodation for work of pressing importance. Three additiona) permanent buildings are, in consequence, at present in course of erection; two of these provide for extension of the aerodynamics researches and of the gauge work; the third will be devoted to the testing of volumetric glassware—largely made and tested in Germany before the war—and to work on optical instruments. The standardisation of scientific glassware is being carried on at present in temporary premises adjoining the laboratory. Temporary buildings have also been put up to accommodate other special war-work. With the return of peace conditions provision must NO. 2562, VOL. 102] NATURE -[{DeceMBER 5, 1918 be made for the development of branches of technical research which hitherto, for lack of facilities, have received little or no attention. A scheme for the estab- lishment of a National Electrical Proving House has been prepared by the committee of the Institution of Electrical Engineers. This provides that the proving house should be set up at the laboratory, and that a representative advisory committee should be appointed to assist the executive committee in its management. ° Proposals have been made that the laboratory should in some form undertake the responsibility for testing gauges and for other standardisation work in Birming- ham. Similar proposals for the establishment of standardising laboratories have been brought forward in other centres of industry. With the assistance of the Research Department, industrial associations are being formed to promote research and investigation in connection with impor- tant national industries. Research laboratories will, no doubt, be established at the principal centres of these industries working in immediate touch with associated manufacturing firms. Some of the worl can best be done in the central laboratory more com- pletely equipped for dealing with the more complex problems, and the laboratory has been invited in many cases to co-operate in the work. UNIVERSITY AND EDUCATIONAL INTELLIGENCE. ‘CAMBRIDGE.—Lord Rothermere, who, as Sir Harold Harmsworth, gave 20,o00l. for the endowment of the King Edward VII. professorship of English litera- ture in the University, has now offered a like sum as an endowment fund for a professorship of naval history, to be called the Vere Harmsworth chair of naval history, in memory of his second son, who was killed in the Battle of the Ancre while serving with the Royal Naval Division. j LiverpooLt.—The Vice-Chancellor, Sir Alfred Dale, has sent in his resignation, to take effect in September next year. In his letter to the President of the Uni- versity Council he says:— ‘Our superannuation scheme, as you know, requires me to retire from nsy post in December, 1920, two years from now, but I am convinced that the University would suffer if I held on till then.” The University Council, in accepting the resignation with regret, has placed on record its appreciation of Sir Alfred’s in- valuable services during nineteen years, first as Prin- cipal of University College, Liverpool, and afterwards as Vice-Chancellor of the University. War conditions have depleted the technical schools in Germany, and the supply of trained engineers after the war is jeopardised. To meet this difficulty, a committee of engineers and manufacturers proposes (Elektrotechnische Zeitschrift, September 12) that special facilities should be given to students who renew their interrupted studies, and that the curricula and examinations should be modified to meet their require- ments. Scholarships should be provided on a liberal seale to promising students. The Army should con- tribute to the relief of the situation by demobilising prospective students’ as early as possible. i A copy of the report for last session, 1917-18, of the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Bristol, which is provided and maintained in the Merchant Venturers’ Technical College, has been re- ceived. The number of tests on materials made for various industrial firms in the district in which the University is situated has grown very much in recent ’ reference books. DECEMBER 5, 1918| years. Some idea of the growth of this work of national importance may be gathered from the fact. that in the department of civil engineering 53 tests were made during the session 1914-15, while during the session 1917-18 the number was 3661. As indi- cating the improvement in the general education of students taking up engineering, it may be stated that of the 102 day students, 83 are matriculated students of the University; the percentage of matriculated students is $1, as compared with 4o in the first session of the faculty. Tue trustees of the Carnegie Trust have sent a cheque for 300l. to the library of the Rothamsted Experimental Station for the purchase of important This is the second donation made by the Carnegie trustees to the library, a cheque for a like amount having been given two years ago. The purpose of their donation is to afford agricultural students and experts using the library the opportunity of consulting the most recent and important treatises on agriculture and allied sciences. Two other valu- able gifts have been received, both from Capt. the Hon. Rupert Guinness. The library is fortunate in possessing an unusually good collection of early printed books on agriculture of the fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth centuries. To these Capt. Guinness has now added perfect and beautiful copies of the first and second printed books on the subject, viz. the great volume on agriculture by Crescentius, printed in 1471 at Augsburg, and Jensen’s edition of the Latin agricultural writers, printed at Venice in 1472. Tue following list shows the number of seats in the House of Commons of the University con- stituencies of the United Kingdom, and the candidates for them at the General Election on December 14. Representatives of the constituencies in the late Par- liament are indicated by an asterisk :—Oxford (2): Mr. R. E. Prothero* (President of the Board of Agricul- ture), Lord H. Cecil,* Prof. Gilbert Murray, and Mr. H. S. Furniss. Cambridge (2): Mr. J. F. P. Rawlin- son,* Sir Joseph Larmor,* and Mr. W. C. D. Whetham. London (1): Sir P. Magnus,* Mr. Sidney Webb, Mr. A. A. Somerville, and Sir Wilmot Herring- ham. Wales (1): Mr. Herbert Lewis* and Prof. Joseph Jones. Northern Universities (2): Mr. H. A. L. Fisher,* Sir Martin Conway, Mr. H. G. Williams, and Mr. J. A. Hobson. Scottish Universi- ties (3): Sir Henry Craik,* Sir Watson Cheyne,* Mr. D. M. Cowan, Dr. P. Macdonald, Dr. J. Dunlop, Mr. T. M. Watson, and Prof. W. R. Smith. Irish Universities —Dublin (2): Dr. A. W. Samuels* and Capt. Stephen L. Gwynn. National: Mr. J. P. Boland and Mr. J. MacNeill. Queen’s (Belfast): Sir William Whitla. An abridged calendar for the current session has been issued by University College (University of London). It contains in a conveniently arranged form full particulars as to the courses arranged for students wishing to graduate in the different faculties of the University, details of the scholarships and exhibitions offered for competition, as well as a his- tory of the college. In the various departments of science every encouragement is given to the study of the technical aspects of the science, in addition to the more academic side of the work. Thus, in the chemical laboratories courses are provided in applied chemistry and chemical engineering, the worl: being done in close co-operation with the department of engineering. Similarly, instruction is offered in the economic aspect of geology and in applied physiology, to name two of many instances. Every facility, too, is afforded to properly qualified students to take up original research in science under the guidance of the NO. 2562, VOL. .102| NATURE | | | 277 professors. The departments of civil and mechanical engineering—with sub-departments of graphics, sur- veying, and heating and ventilating engineering—and of electrical and municipal engineering provide students wishing to become engineers with a systematic training in the application of scientific principles to industrial purposes. The very complete arrangements described in the calendar should be studied by all persons who find themselves responsible for selecting a college for boys and girls entering upon university work, ‘ Tue council of the Sheffield Association of Metal- lurgists and Metallurgical Chemists appointed a com- mittee last May to ascertain what educational facili- ties exist of interest and value to the association, and to recommend to the council any desirable modifica- tions and extensions of such facilities. The com- mittee has now issued a short report recommending that all students entering upon any specialised course of applied science should first have passed a general examination of matriculation standard. The report suggests that the present low status of assistant chemists can be traced to their not having received the amount of general education indicated by the examination, and recommends the council to endeavour to arrange for the provision of educational facilities in the evening with the view of remedying this defect. Assistant chemists who are not up to a matriculation standard in mathematics and experimental science are urged to qualify in these subjects so as to be ready to take up special courses in science and mathematics, ' which itis hoped to get arranged. This movement to secure for future workers in applied science a sound general education on which to build the superstructure of technical knowledge deserves every encouragement, and it may be hoped that the example of the Sheffield metallurgists will be followed in other industrial centres. The First School Examination recently insti- tuted by the Board of Education for pupils of between sixteen and seventeen years of age in State-aided secondary schools should in a large measure ensure a good supply of youths suitably educated for later work in pure and applied science. SOCIETIES AND ACADEMIES. LONDON. Optical Society, November 14.—Prof. F. J. Cheshire, president, in the chair.—T. Smith: Some generalised forms of an optical equation. The paraxial equation for refraction at a spherical surface p’/x’—p./x=(p’—p)/7 connecting the distances x and x’ of conjugate points on the axis from the vertex may be made an exact equation for all rays by the inclusion of an additional factor. Any ray which intersects the axis is com- pletely specified by two of three angles, a, y, 6, some one of which vanishes when the rays are refracted without axial aberration. The angle @ is the semi- angular aperture at which the ray is refracted; y is the angle made with the axis by the line joining the centre of curvature of the surface to the intersections of the incident and refracted rays with the aplanatic surfaces; and 6 is the deviation suffered by the ray. The correcting factor may be the product of the tan- gents of the halves of any two of these three angles. The form taken by the equation depends upon which pair of angles is selected.—H. S. Ryland: Notes on the design and manufacture of binoculars. The author discussed the faults which usually develop in binocu- lars from rough usage and ordinary wear; also the changes of design necessary to overcome them. It was shown that by small changes of design, the use of die-castings and press work could with advantage 278 NATURE | DECEMBER 5, 1918 be developed. The more extensive use of moulded blanks for lenses and prisms was advocated, and the methods of moulding (or pressing) glass were described. Types of optical construction were shown, and it was suggested that ‘ta three-piece cemented objective appeared to give a more brilliant image than those of the usual two pieces "’ construction, while, owing to the flatter curves, it was probably but little more expensive to produce. Various methods of ad- justment were described suitable far use where instruments are, and where they are not, available. Finally, various methods of testing definite and light transmission were shown, including methods for the rapid comparison of binoculars with a measured standard. Zoological Society, November 19.—Dr. A. Smith- Woodward, vice-president, in the chair.—Miss K. Lander: Method of preparing skeletons by the use of trypsin. A number of successful examples from the society’s prosectorium were exhibited.—E. Hatschek ; The forms assumed by drops and vortices of gelatin in various coagulants. A series of the formations was shown which simulated animal structures, and the author demonstrated the method by which he obtained his results. —Prof. F. Wood-Jones : A cast and a set of Rontgen-ray photographs taken from a chimpanzee belonging to the society. The animal had _ recently died from pulmonary tuberculosis, and attention was directed to the possibility of diagnosing tubercle in living subjects by the method described.—Dr. D. M. Sh Watson : Seymouria, the most primitive known reptile. Royal Microscopical Society, November 20.—Mr. J. E. Barnard, president, in the chair.._R. Paulson and Miss A. Lorrain Smith ; Paper on microscopic preparations which were mounted during an investigation, in colla- boration with Somerville Hastings, respecting the actual penetration of the living algal cells (gonidia) of a lichen by the fungal hyphze. Reference was made to the papers of Schneider, Elenkin, Elfving, and Danilor in order to show that there was no agree- ment regarding the details of the penetration ob- served. Methods of fixing, staining, and mounting were explained. Bonney’s was found most useful for differentiating alga and fungus, and for showing the various structures of the algal cell as the chromatophore, the so-called pyrenoid, and an eccen- tric body. Some slides illustrated the method by which gonidia increase in number, numerous daughter gonidia being shown within the mother- cells. The average diameter of gonidia was 12u, and that of hyphae 3u to qu. During the whole pro- gress of the worlx no clear case of penetration, and very few doubtful cases, were observed. Penetration of the living gonidia by fungal hyphz occur so seldom that a theory of parasitism based upon its occurrence has very little evidence to support it. Geological Society, November 20.—Mr. G. W. Lamplugh, president, in the chair—R. H.. Worth: The geology of the Meldon valleys, near Okehampton, on the northern verge of Dartmoor. The area dealt with lies between the London and South-Western main railway line, from a point a little east of Meldon viaduct to near Sourton, and the ridge of Dartmoor occupied by Black Tor, High Wilhays, Yes For, and West Mill Tor, being the greater part of the valley of the Redaven anda portion of the valley of the West Okement. The southern extreme of this area is occupied- by the Dartmoor granite, north of which are shales, in which occurs a patch of limestone, and these are intersected by numerous bands of igneous rock. The shales as a whole, with but slight local deviations, strike north-east and south-west and dip NO. 2562, VOL. 102] north-westwards, the mean angle of dip being about 50°. The sedimentary rocks are divisible into :— (1) An alumino-arenaceous series, extending from the granite northwards for a breadth of somewhat more than half a mile; (2) a caleareous series, abruptly but conformably succeeding the first; (3) a limestone, which occurs a short distance south of ne railway ; (4) radio- larian cherts a little above and a little below the horizon of the limestone; and (5) an aluminous bed north of the railway. In the sedimentary series planes of weakness have developed, the surface-traces of which are broadly coincident with the strike, but which frequently lie counter to the dip. These planes have been more or less successfully invaded by at least three series of igneous rocks, the order of w et commencing with the earliest, is as follows :—(a) felsite with phenocrysts of micropegmatite, and vari which shows good » rhombohedral cleavage. tb) series called the ‘‘dark igneous rocks.’ (c) Gas toid veins, subdivided into (1) the Meldon aplite and- its associates, and (2) fine-grained granites of the - ordinary Dartmoor type. Linnean Society, November 21.—Sir David Prain, president, in the chair.—E, S. Goodrich: A fatherless frog, with remarks on artificial parthenogenesis. The author remarked on the artificial development of echinoderm eggs by special treatment into living examples, and that it had been found that frogs’ eggs could follow a similar course. A female frog, care- fully prepared’ to guard against previous impregnation, was employed, the eggs obtained by dissection were placed in rows upon glass slips, and punctured by fine glass needles of microscopic tenuity; blood was then “applied, and the treated eggs placed in water. A certain number developed into tadpoles, and a few into complete frogs. It was found that the leucocytes in the blood were essential; the serum or ordinary red corpuscles were useless—Miss Muriel Bristol: A review of the genus Chlorochytrium, Cohn. From investigations it appeared certain that the genera Chlorocy stis, Reinh. ; Stomatochytrium, Cunn. ; Endo- sphera, Klebs ; Scotinosphzera, Klebs; and Centro- sphera, Borzi, were slight variations of Cohn’s genus. Thirteen species were characterised in detail, and three doubtful species of Schroeter were mentioned.—A. S. Kennard and B. B. Woodward: The Linnean species of non-marine mollusca that are represented in the British fauna, with notes on the specimens of these and other British forms in the “Linnean collection. There now seems some chance of approximate finality being attainable in the matter of nomenclature on the basis of prioritv—at least, in the case of the British post-Pliocene non-marine mollusca, with which the authors are particularly concerned. Accordingly, they are attempting a more thorough revision of their synonymy than was essayed by them in 1903 (Journ. of Conch., vol. x., pp. 352-67) and 1914 (‘List of the British Non Matin Mollusca,’ Svo, pp. 12). MANCHESTER. Literary and Philosophical Society, November 12.—Mr. W. Thomson, president, in the chair.—Capt. D. M. S. Watson ; Biology and war. After referring to the use of much of the theory of natural selection in the apologies for militarism, and pointing out the confusion always present in the minds of those who so use it, the speaker referred very briefly to the various types of evolutionary changes exhibited by phylitic series of animals known from paleontological evidence, and pointed out that such evidence of this kind as is avail- able suggests that natural selection has played only a very limited part in the actual progress which has occurred in animal structure. DECEMBER 5, 1918] . Dustin. Royal Irish Academy, November 11.—Mr. T. J. Westropp, vice-president, in the chair—Mrs. L. Porter: The attachment organs of some common Parmeliz. The author continues her investigations of the attachment organs of corticolous lichens by examining selected species of the Parmeliw—viz. P, physodes, conspersa, saxatilis, borreri, ompha- lodes, olivacea, caperata, and perlata—and concludes that, except in the case of the first-named species, the organs are rhizines, t.e. strands of hyphz holding the thallus more or less clesely to the substratum; the rhizines, as a rule, expand at their apices into cup- or disc-like outgrowths, which may fuse to form a complete layer covering the substratum, and from which hyphz may enter and disintegrate the bark.— R. W. Evans: Some types of cave formation. That limestone caves owe their origin to the enlargement of rock joints either by the solvent or by the mechanical action of water is a well-known fact. Either the one cause or the other may have been predominant in the formation of any particular cave. After reviewing the different types of cave formation Mr. Evans en- deavours to show which of the above-mentioned forces has played the most important part in the special instances cited. Mr. Evans’s examples of the types of cave galleries are almost entirely derived from Irish caves. LEEDs. Society of Glass Technology, November 20.—Mr. fF. W. Branson in the chair.—W. J. Rees: Silica refractories for glassworks use. The author first out- lined the various uses to which silica refractories could be put in glassworks, and dealt briefly with the provisional specification that is being set up by the Glass Refractories Committee. He next dealt’ with the raw materials required in the manufacture of silica bricks, etc., and the methods employed in this manufacture. He showed that the presence of iron in the form of magnetic oxide of iron was not detri- mental to the properties of a silica brick. The lowest silica limit was put at 94 per cent., and it was shown that the presence of much alumina or more than 2 per cent. of lime was not advisable. Lime is certain to be a constituent of the silica brick, as lime slurry is used as a “bind.” It is of interest to note that In some cases lime has a bleaching action, and masks any colour likely to be set up by the presence of iron compounds. Some users of silica bricks insist on a white or light-coloured brick, and reject dark-coloured -reddish bricks. It has been proved that the colour of a brick is not the least criterion of its refractoriness. Silica bricks may be either coarse or fine in texture, but the texture must be uniform throughout. Coarse- textured bricks are better for withstanding sudden temperature changes, but they are worse from the point of view of attack by chemical fumes. Great advantage is gained in the manufacture of bricks if 25 per cent. of the materials are in the form of im- palpable silica powder and the remainder in the form of grains with a maximum diameter of 3 in.—J. H. Davidson, S. English, and Dr. W. E. S. Turner: The properties of soda-lime glasses. I., The annealing temperatures. A series of fourteen allied glasses had been made, beginning with a simple soda-silicate, and the effect of adding increasing amounts of lime on several of the properties of glass had been studied. The batches used were communicated, and the results obtained for the annealing temperatures. It was shown that the annealing temperatures increased with an increasing amount of lime. Increasing the lime NO. 2562, VOL. 102| NATURE 279 percentage also improved the durability, and caused ‘ the glass to “‘set’’ more quickly. A batch for a bottle- glass was given, which showed little or no tendency to ‘“‘crizzle,’ thus being different from the majority of soda-lime silicate glasses. Paris. Academy of Sciences, Noyember 4.—M. P. Painlevé in the chair.—H. Douvillé: The breccia of Salles and of Sére-Argeles.—H. Parenty: The genesis of a Cartesian agitation in a jet of steam of which the velocity is limited to the velocity of sound.—M. Balland: The rapid alteration of palm-oil. Palm-oil intended for consumption by colonial troops should be used as soon as possible after its preparation, since it undergoes a sort of spontaneous saponification which, after some months, prevents its use for culinary purposes.—Sir Philip Watts was elected a_corre- spondant for the section of geography and _naviga- tion in succession to the late Lord Brassey.—E. Gau: The characteristics of partial differential equations of the second order.—P. Séve: Magnetic gear-wheels. Application to electric clocks.—A. Sanfourche ; The Curie point in pure iron and _ferro-silicons. The specially purified iron was melted in a quartz tube under a layer of boiling common salt, air and other gases being thus excluded. A mass of 80 grams of fused irdn showed a point at 1310° C. on cooling, and 1365° C. on heating. These points were lowered by the addition of silicon, iron with 2-5 per cent. of silicon giving 11959 C. as the Curie point (cooling).—P. Combaz: The end of the glacial period in the Guiers valley and the Chartreuse massif—A, Nedon: An electro-magnetic storm.—P. Bertrand : The - cline palzontological divisions of the Stephanian in the Loire basin.—E. Gadeceau: The submerged forests of Belle-Ile-en-Mer.—M. Mirande: A hydrocyanic acid- producing fern, Cystopteris alpina. The leaves of this fern contain a glucoside giving hydrocyanic acid py enzyme action. Benzaldehyde is also a product of the hydrolysis of this glucoside.—F. Gaud ; Some Boia on the biology of the microfilaria.—S. + aa Specific vaccino-therapy in dysentery.—C. Cépeéde: tt curative vaccine for pulmonary tuberculosis. Meee Lespinasse: The application of the Cépéde method Q the staining of the leprosy bacillus. This sae tOe gives results more rapidly and certainly than the usua Ziehl-Neelsen method. November 11.—M. P. Painlevé : hair. Barrois, P. Pruvost, and G. Dubois : The pase ee from the Silurian to the Devonian in the aa de Calais coal basin.—A. Blondel : ‘The harmonic ana yt of alternating currents by the resonance galvancnea —Marshal Foch was pee fee Acad iS ete ssion to the late Léon Lobbe.—M. 4 wee : B eeittie the simultaneous photography (einer two different regions of the Spectra ates ae Constitution of the nucleus and atmosp ee oF He sun.—M. Francois: A method of estimating oi one electrolytic deposit without the use of me eee af energy. The solution to be electrolysed is Leer a platinum crucible, and a rod of zinc or a sae: im suspended in the liquid in such a manne a si +7 metallic contact with the crucible outside the e re forms a miniature battery. in the chair.—Ch. trolvte. The arrangement 10 tu al The method has been applied to the estimation of mercury, gold, and silver.—L. Gentil : The pis chronism of the deposits and of the orogemtc moves ments in the North Beetica and South ees Busts (southern Spain and Morocco).—C. pi a ae genus Parkinsonia (generic characters, a S, 280 NATURE [DEcEMBER 5, 1918 species).—J.Chaine: Remarks on the metamerism of the Vertebrates.—C. Cépéde; A curative vaccine for influenza. The vaccine is made from three species, Pneumococeus, Enterococcus, and Streptococcus, the exotoxins are removed by washing, and the colonies killed by thirty minutes’ exposure at the boiling-point. Details of three cases are given in which the injection of the vaccine caused marked improvement.—R. Douris: Modifications of normal or syphilitic human serum under the influence of time. MELBOURNE. Royal Society of Victoria, September 12.—Miss Janet W. Raff: Abnormal development of the head appendages in the crayfish, Parachaeraps bicarinatus, Gray. The chief irregularity was in the position of the mandibles, these being situated at different levels, it thus being impossible for one to bite against the other. The antenne and antennules also were ab- normal in position. BOOKS RECEIVED. Hygiene of the Eye. By Profi W. €.. Posey: Pp. x+344+11 plates. (Philadelphia and London: J. B. Lippincott Co.) 18s. net. The Wellcome Photographic Exposure Record and Diary (Northern Hemisphere and Tropics). Pp. 256. (London: Burroughs Wellcome and Co.) ts. 6d. Highways and Byways in Northamptonshire and ‘Rutland. By H. A. Evans. With illustrations by F. L. Griggs. Pp. xv+367. (London: Macmillan and Co., Ltd.) 6s. net. Annales de la Clinique Chirurgicale, du Prof. P. Delbet.. No. 6. Biologie de la Plaie de Guerre. By Prof. P. Delbet and N. Fiessinger. Pp. v+460+ iv plates. (Paris: F. Alcan.) 30 franes. Hindu Achievements in B. K. Sarkar. Exect Science. Pp. xiii+$2. (London: Longmans and €o.) 1 dollar net. The Evolution of the Earth and its Inhabitants. By J. Barrell and others. Pp. xi+208+iv plates. (New Haven: Yale Univetsity Press; Milford ) tos. 6d. net, Memoirs of the Geological Survey. London: H. England and Wales. The Water Supply of Essex from Under- ground Sources. By W. Whitaker and Dr. J. C. Thresh. The Rainfall. By Dr. H. R. Mill. Pp. iv+ 510+4 plates. (London: H.M.S.O.) 15s. An Introduction to Tradé Unionism. By G. D. H. Cole. Pp. vi+128. (London: The Fabian Research Department and G. Allen and Unwin, Ltd.) 5s. net. The Payment of Wages. By G. D. H. Cole. Pp. vit155. (London: The Fabian Research Depart- ment and G. Allen and Unwin, Ltd.) 6s. net. Pioneers of Progress. Men of Science. Galileo. By W. W. Bryant. Pp. 64: The Life and Dis- coveries of Michael Faraday. By Dr. J. A. Crowther. Pp. 72. (London: S.P.C.K.). 2s. net each. Forced Movements, Tropisms, and Animal Con- duct. By Dr. J. Loeb. (Monographs on Experi- mental Biology.) Pp. 209. (Philadelphia and Lon- don: J. B. Lippincott Co.) tos. 6d net. The Origin of Consciousness. By Prof. C. A. Strong. Pp. viii+330. (London: Macmillan and Co., Ltd:) “xs. net. On Society. By F. Harrison. Pp. xii+444. (London: Macmillan and Co., Ltd.) 12s, net. NO. 2562, VOL. 102] By Prot. ‘DIARY OF SOCIETIES. THURSDAY, Decemper 5 Rova Society, at 4.30.—Dr. C. Chree: Electric Potential Gradient and ~ Atmospheric Opacity at Kew Observatory.—E. Nevill: The Value of the Secular Acceleration of the Mean Longitude of the Moon.—S. B. Schryver and Nita E. Speer: Investigations Dealing with the State of Aggregation. Part IV.—The Flocculation of Colloids by Salts contain- ing Univalent Organic Jons.—Emil Hatschek: A Study of the Forms assumed by Drops and Vortices of a Gelatinising Liquid in Various Coagulating Solutions. InstiruTION OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS, at 6.—Prof. Miles Walker: The Supply of Single-phase Power from Three-phase Systems. LINNEAN SOCIETY, at 5.—Prof. W. A. Haswell: A Revision of the Exo- gonida.—C. D. Soar: Exhibition of Coloured Drawings of British Mites. —The General Secretary : The Tulbagh-Linné Correspondence. CuEemicaL Society, at 8 MONDAY, DECEMBER 9. Roya GroGRAPHICAL Society, at §.—Sir Martin Conway: The Political Status of Spitsbergen. Royat Society oF Arts, at 5.—Prof. J. C. Philip: Physical Chemistry and its Bearing on Chemical and Allied Industries. ARISTOTELIAN Society, at 8.—Prof. John Laird: Synthesis and Dis- covery. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11. Roya Society OF ARTS, at 4.30.—Major-General Sir Frederick Smith : The Work of the British Army Veterinary Corps at the Fronts. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12. Roya Society, at 4.30.—Prodable Papers: Dr. M. C. Stopes: The Four Visible Ingredients in Banded Bituminous Coal.—H. C. Bazett : Observations on Changes in the Blood Pressure and Blood Volume following Operations in Man. Optica Soctety, at 8,—Instructor-Commander T. Y. Baker and Major L. N. G. Filon: An Empirical Formula for the Longitudinal Spherical Aberrations in a Thick Lens.—Major E. O. Henric: Spirit Levels. INSTITUTION OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS, at 6.—Discussion on Electric Welding. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13. Rovat ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY, at 5. INSTITUTION OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS, at 6. CONTENTS. PAGE British Sands}iGByaWierhatk., (oss cease wee eee Goads for the Physics Teacher, By Dr. H. S. Allen: 5. (Pb ap meristem Applied Analytical Chemistry. By C. Simmonds . 262 Our Bookshelf... 341 .« 1 when hi ate eles ca ees Letters to the Editor:— The Perception of Sound.—Prof. W. M. Bayliss, Bu Sree ees cil <. San Nici Ree - 263 International Prize for Scientific Work.—Sir J. E. Sandys /.. eles Se Lee Rah al nesZOat Scientific Glassware. By Dr. Morris W. Travers, F.R.SE Woo ieee |.) aobdnoars Wee isms ene ROUmZ ESS A ‘‘Ministry of Water” . ake ei Ades ede Ala The Promotion of Scientific Agriculture eee Notes : , are &: Leen Our Astronomical Column ;— Distribution of Globular Clusters . .......-. 271 A New Type of Nebular Spectrum ....... . 27% Spectrumiohthe\Corona) Seeeeiaeenis = -. -- tienen Ague-in England). = |-Aemenraed =. =.=.) nee Natural Ind:go Manufacture .. . 272° Dyes and the Development of British Chemical Industry i275.) 6.) 2 see oye op an Anniversary Meeting of the Royal Society .... 273 3 University and Educational Intelligence. . . . . 276 Societies And jAcademieseuse:. . . . °c en crema Books Received! (sya kieeree - <5 slot ee een Diary of Societies, Ayes f) ; <.~ 7 Ce eo Editorial and Publishing Offices: MACMILLAN AND CO., Ltp., ST. MARTIN’S STREET, LONDON, W.C.z. Advertisements and business letters to be addressed to the Publishers. Editorial Communications to the Editor. Telegraphic Address: Puusis, Lonpon. Telephone Number GERRARD 8830. A WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF SCIENCE. “To the solid ground Of Nature trusts the mind which builds for aye."-—WorDSWORTH. No. 2563, VOL. 102] THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12. 10918 [Price NINEPENCE. Registered as a a_Newspaper_ at the General Post O Office } BUY DIRECT FROM FE.BECKER & CO,#ATTON WALL (W. &J. GEORGE. trp. succ%?) Graphite-Selenium Cells FOURNIER D’ALBE’S PATTERN. Great Stability and High Efficiency. With a sensitive Se surface of 5 sq. cm. and a voltage 20 the additional current obtainable at various illuminations (in metre-candles) is :— At 1 m.c. ... .. } milliamp. ACT Ses, :.: a ea | 9 At BOG) vy. «+: ae 2 ay For particulars and prices apply to the SOLE AGENTS: P P Pp'y John J. Griffin & Sons, Makers of Physical and Electrical Apparatus, Kemble Street, KINGSWAY, LONDON, W.C, 2 _ {AN Rights “Reserved. _ | REYNOLDS & BRANSON, Ltd. Chemical and Scientific Instrument Makers to His Majesty's Government (Home and Overseas: Dominions). LABORATORY FURNISHERS and MANUFACTURING CHEMISTS. WORKS AND OTHER LABORATORIES equipped with Benches, Fume Chambers, Apparatus and Chemicals. Designs and quotations submitted on application BRITISH-MADE Glass, Porcelain, Nickel Ware, and Filter Papers. Apparatus in Glass, Metal, or Wood made to customers’ own Designs. CATALOGUES POST FREE. Enquiries for Technical Chemicals in quantity solicited. 14° COMMERCIAL STREET, LEEDS. ACCURATE AND RELIABLE THERMOMETERS. Send a note of your requirements to any of our addresses, and we will offer you the best types we have in stock. 'NEGRETTI & ZAMBRA, | | 38 HOLBORN VIADUCT, E.C. 1 5 LEADENHALL ST. LONDON. "2? REGENT ST- a Our City Branch is at 5 Leadenhall Street, E£. 3 cxiv IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, SOUTH KENSINGTON, S.W. 7. DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY. Courses in Entomology are now being given. apply to the REGISTRAR, Imperial College. THE TECHNICAL COLLEGE, LOUGHBOROUGH, LEICESTERSHIRE. H. SCHOFIELD, M.B.E., B.Sc. (Hons.) Lond., A.R.C.Sce. Lond., Assoc.M.Inst. C.E., PRINCIPAL. For details ‘DEPARTMENTS OF MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING. Complete Courses of Training are arranged in both Theory and Practice of Mechanical Engineering. The Workshops of the College provide accommodation for 500 students working at the same time. The equipment is on most modern and comprehensive lines, and comprises plant for turning, fitting, milling, grinding, automatic lathe operating and tool setting, tool and gauge making, foundry work, pattern making, drawing office work, heat treatment, viewing and testing of all kinds. None but first-class work of a productive character is under- taken by the students, working under the skilled supervision of a fully qualified technical staff. The complete course covers a period of five years, during which works training in all the above sections will be given, and this will be accompanied by a full theoretical course of instruction in the College Lecture Rooms and Laboratories. Intending students should be at least sixteen years of age, and have had a good Public School or Secondary Education. The fee is £5 5s. per term, and the next term will commence on January 14, 1919. Boarding accommodation is provided in Hostels attached to the College, full particulars of which, together with illustrated Prospectus, will be forwarded upon application to the Principal. W. A. BROCKINGTON, O.B.E., M.A., Director of Education. UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM. FACULTY OF SCIENCE. PROFESSORSHIP OF PHYSICS. The Council of the University invites applications for the CHAIR of PHYSICS, formerly held by the late Professor J. H. PoynvinG, F.R.S. The stipend offered is £1,000 a year. Applications may be accompanied by testimonials, references, or other credentials, and should be received by the undersigned, on or before February 8, rgrg. Further particulars may be obtained from GEO. H. MORLEY, Secretary. UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM. FACULTY OF SCIENCE. PROFESSORSHIP OF CHEMISTRY. _ The Council of the University invites applications for the CHAIR of CHEMISTRY, vacant by the resignation of Professor Percy F. FRANK- LAND, F.R.S. The stipend offered is £1,000 a year. Applications + e accompanied by testimonials, references, or other credentials, and should be received by the undersigned, on or before February 8, 1919 Further particulars may be obtained from GEO. H. MORLEY, Secretary. ROYAL ALBERT MEMORIAL. UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, EXETER. post of LECTURER in Salary from £250 to £300, The Governors invite applications for the PHYSICS, to begin work in January next. according to qualification. Applications received till January 1. Particulars may be ascertained from the Recistrar. NATURE [DECEMBER 12, 1918 BIRKBECK COLLEGE, BREAMS BUILDINGS, CHANCERY LANE, E.C. 4 COURSES OF STUDY (Day and Evening) for Degrees of the UNIVERSITY OF LONDON in the c FACULTIES OF SCIENCE & ARTS (PASS AND HONOURS) Under RECOGNISED TEACHERS of the University. SCIENCE.—Chemistry, Physles, Mathematics (Pure and Applied), Botany, Zoology, Geology. ARTS.—Latin, Greek, English, Freneh, German, Italian, History, Geography, Logie, Economies, Mathematies (Pur and Applied). , Evening Courses for the Degrees in Economies and Laws. Geography Diploma and Matriculation. POST-GRADUATE AND RESEARCH WORK. = Day: Science, £17 10s.; Arts, £10 10s, SESSIONAL FEES { Evening: Science, Arts, or Economics, £5 5s, Prospectus post free, Calendar 6d. (by post 8d.), from the Secretary. SOUTH-WESTERN POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, CHELSEA, S.W.3. Day and Evening Courses in Science and Engineering. Technical Courses in Analytical and Manufacturing Chemistry. Pharmacy, Dispensing, and Food and Drug Courses. Metallurgy, Assaying, and Foundry work. Botany, Geology, and Zoology Couzses. Three years’ college course in Physical Education. SIDNEY SKINNER, M.A., Principal. Telephone: Western 899. SWINDON EDUCATION COMMITTEE. SWINDON AND NORTH WILTS SECONDARY SCHOOL AND TECHNICAL INSTITUTION. Principal—Mr. G. H. BurKHARDT, M.Sc. Immediate application is invited from qualified Teachers for the following josts :— mG) HEAD OF ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT. (2) TEACHERS (two) OF CHEMISTRY, PHYSICS, AND MATHEMATICS. (3) ASSISTANT MANUAL INSTRUCTOR. Salary in each case according to new Scale, which embodies the chief recommendations of the Government Committee. Applications to be sent before Saturday, D EE ae GS cit Soca Our Astronomical Column :— Dwarf) Stars! oc) cee et ot eee OEE The Sun’s Rotation . < s (eeeae The Canadian 72-in. Reflecting Telescope ©) Seceu totes 22 The Education Act of 1918 and its Possibilities . . 293 The Public Health. By R, T. HH... | in) ane eae An Institute of Physical and Chemical Research for Japan 2) ue 3 5 294 The Laboratory in the Service of the Hospital. By Dr. C.-H. Browning”) see: | fea 5 University and Educational Intelligence... . . 298 Societies: and Academies%.. ... . .. = « a) s8/298 Books Received ...... seeps 300 Diary of Societies . . a Jia) Shs PRE 300 Editorial and Publishing Offices: MACMILLAN AND CO., Ltp., ST. MARTIN’S STREET, LONDON, W.C.z. Advertisements and business letters to be addressed to the Publishers. Editorial Communications to the Editor. Telegraphic Address: Puusis, Lonpon. Telephone Number - Garrarn 8830. tones asonvan bins. JANI 3 19K A WEEKLY: ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF SCIENCE. “To th lid ground : ' o the so groun Se tal Manufacturers of Laboratory Fittings and Furniture, OPTICAL LANTERNS Chemical Apparatus and Chemicals. “RYSTOS” CHEMICAL BENCH, as supplied to the National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, and important Chemical and Munition Works for throughout the country. Educational, Welfare, Scientific, and other WORK of NATIONAL IMPORTANCE NEWTON & CO., Mak Optical Projection A alus of every descriptior Beas Op pn ees ag eel ga us of every descenor CHEMICAL, PHYSICAL, and TECHNICAL LABORATORIES age eg = Biceandd ‘ully equipped with Benches, Fume ambers, etc. 72 WIGMORE STREET, LONDON, W.1. Designs and quotations submitted on application. i4 COMMERCIAL STREET, LEEDS. ACCURATE AND RELIABLE THERMOMETERS. DUROGLASS L™: |) 14 CROSS STREET, HATTON GARDEN, E.C. Manufacturers of Borosilicate Resistance Glassware. Beakers. Flasks, Ete. Soft Soda Tubing for Lamp Work. Send a note of your requirements to any of our addresses, and we will offer you the best types we have in stock, General Chemical and Scientific Glassware. Special Glass Apparatus Made to Order. DUROCLASS pee PAA NEGRETTI & ZAMBRA, BAIRD & TATLOCK (LONDON) LTD. 36 Ge ee ES Ed 14 CROSS ST., HATTON GARDEN, E.C.1, | | 5 ©4PENHALL ST T ONDON. "77 BAVEDT S™ @@- Our City Branch is at 5 Leadenhall Street, EC.3 an *QNIVERSITY OF LONDON, UNIVERSITY COLLEGE. CXxil NATURE [DECEMBER 19, 1918 NOTICE. In consequence of the Christmas Holidays NATURE for next week will be published on TUESDAY, Dec. 24. The office will be closed from Tue-day night, Dec. 24, until the morning of Monday, Dec. 30. ST. MARTIN’S STREET, LONDON, W.C. 2. : FACULTY OF ENGINEERING. Arrangements have now been completed :— (1) ‘Yo enable students, whose courses have been interrupted by war service, to resume them as nearly as possible at the point at which they left off, by rejoining at the beginning of the second term, January 13, 1919. (2) To enable students, who were unable to begin their Engineering Studies last October owing to war conditions, to begin them by entering next term, January 13, 1910. For both classes of stud-nts additional work will be provided during parts of the Easter and Long Vacations, so as to enable them to get in a full Session’s work between January and August, 1919. OTHER FACULTIES. Arrangements of a like kind are in contemplation in the other Faculties, and will be made if a sufficient number of entries are received on or before January 6, 1919. Students in either of these categories in any Faculty should apply at once to the Provost, University College, London (Gower Street, W.C. 1). UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL. DEMOBILISATION. , SPECIAL REGULATIONS have been made to allow intending students who have served in the war or in the scientific service of the war to be ad- mitted to matriculation by vote of Senate on their edn cational qualifications, without formal examination ; and also to allow of such students entering the University in January if candidates in Arts; in January, or between January and May, if candidates in Science, Medicine, Dental Surgery, or Engineer- ing ; and if grounds be shown, counting their first year's attendance as though it had commenced in October. Engineering students in special cases may be allowed to count one whole year's attendance. The Special Army Education Certificate qualifies for Matriculation. Applications to the REGISTRAR. ————— THE SIR JOHN CASS TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, JEWRY STREET, ALDGATE, E.C: 3. The following Special Courses of Instruction will be given during the Lent and Summer Terms, 1919 :— FUEL ANALYSIS. By J. S. S. BRAME. A Course of ro Lectures, with associated Laboratory work, Tuesday evenings, 7 to 10 p.m., commencing TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 1919. TECHNICAL GAS ANALYSIS. By CHARLES A. KEANE, D.Sc., Ph.D., F.I.C. A Course of Laboratory work, Wednesday evenings, 7 to 10 p.m., com- mencing WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 1919. A detailed Syllabus of the Courses may be had upon appli- cation at the Office of the Institute or by letter to the PRINCIPAL. a KENT EDUCATION COMMITTEE. ERITH TECHNICAL INSTITUTE. Principal— WM. NeaGie, B.Sc., A.M.I.M.E. REQUIRED, _ full-time ASSISTANT to teach ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING and MECHANICS. lnitial salary up to £250, according to qualifications, and thence by scale now under the consideration of the County Committee. Service counts towards pension under the Teachers’ Pension Act. Further information and application forms from A. T. FLux, Esq. Education Office, Picardy, Belvedere, Kent E. SALTER DAVIES, December, 1918. Director of Education. ROYAL INSTITUTION OF GREAT BRITAIN, ALBEMARLE STREET, PICCADILLY, W.1. LECTURE ARRANGEMENTS BEFORE EASTER, rog19. CHRISTMAS COURSE (adapted to a Juvenile Auditory). (IHustrated.) Professor D'Arcy W. Tuompeson, C.B., F R.S.—Course of Six Lectures on ‘THe FisH oF THE Sea.” (1) “ Jutty-Fisnes,” (2) ‘‘ STAR- Fisues,” (3) “ Cray-Fisues,” (4) “ Currie-Fisnes,” (5) ‘* THE HERRING Fisnery,” (6) “THe WuHace Fiswery.”” On Dec. 3r (Tuesday), Jan. 2, 1919 (Thursday), Jan. 4 (Saturday), Jan. 7 (Tuesday), Jan. g (Thursday), Jan. 11 (Saturday), at Three o'clock. TUESDAYS. Professor SPENSER WILKINSON.—Three Lectures on ‘‘ LESSONS OF THE Great War.” On Tuesdays, Jan. 14, 21, 28, at Three o'clock. Professor J. T. MacGrecor-Morris, M.1.E.E.—Two Lectures on “Tue Strupy oF Exvecrric ARCS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS.” On Tuesdays, Feb. 4, 11, at Three o'clock. Captain G. P. THomson.—Two Lectures on (1) ‘‘ THE Devetopmenr oF AEROPLANES IN THE GREAT War,” (2) “‘ THe Dynamics oF FLy- 1nG.” On Tuesdays, Feb. 18, 25, at Three o'clock. Professor HeLe-SHaw, F.R.S.—Two Lectures on ‘‘CLurcues.” On Tuesdays, March 4, 11, at Three o'clock. Professor ARTHUR Keirn, M.D., F.R.S., Fullerian Professor of Physi- ology.—Four Lectures on ‘‘ B-irisH ETHNOLOGY, THE PEOPLE oF Scortanp.” On Tuesdays, March 18, 25, April 1, 8, at Three o'clock. THURSDAYS. Professor J. Norman Cottie, F.R.S.—Three Lectures on “‘ CHEMICAL Srupies oF OrienTAL Porcgvain.” On Thursdays, Jan. 16, 23, 30, at Three o'clock. Wittiam Witson, M.B., F.R.A.S.—Two Lectures on ‘‘ THE Move- MENTS OF THE Sun, EARTH, AND Moon" (illustrated by a new Astronomical Model), on Thursdays, Feb. 6, 13, at Three o'clock. Professor H. Maxwertt_ Lerroy.—Two Lectures on (1) ‘‘ Insect ENEMIES OF CUR Foop. Supply,” (2) ‘‘How Sitk 1s Grown AND Mave.” On Thursdays, Feb. 20, 27, at Three o'clock. Cuarves AITKEN, Director of the Netional Gallery of British Art.— Two Lectures on (1) ‘‘ Rossetti,” (2) *‘ WHISTLER AND SARGENT.” On Thursdays, March 6, 13, at Three o'clock. Professor CHARLES H. LEEs, F.R.S.—Two Lectures on “‘ Fire Cracks AND THE Forces PropucING THEM.” On Thursdays, March 20, 27, at Three o'clock. Professor ALEXANDER Finpiay, D.Sc.—Two Lectures on ‘‘CoLtomman MATTER AND ITS Properties.” On Thursdays, April 3, 10, at Three o'clock. SATURDAYS. Rev. Canon J.O. Hannay.—Two Lectures on ‘‘ THE TrisH LITERARY RENAISSANCE.” On Saturdays, Jan. 18, 25, at Three o'clock. Professor HuGH PrErcy ALLEN, Director of the Royal Academy of Music.—Three Lectures on ‘‘THE Works oF J. S. Bacu” (with musical illustrations by members of the Bach Choir). On Saturdays, Feb. 1, 8, 15, at | hree o'clock, The Hon. Joun Wititam Fortescue, C.V.O —Two Lectures on “ THE Empire's SHARE IN ENGLAND’s Wars.” On Saturdays, Feb. 22, March 1, at Three o'clock. Professor Sir J. J. THomson, O,M., Pres. R.S., Master of Trinity, Professor of Natural Philosophy, Royal Institution.—Six Lectures on ‘*SpecrruM ANALYSIS AND ITS APPLICATION TO ATOMIC STRUCTURE.” On Saturdays, March 8, 15, 22, 29, April 5, 12, at Three o'clock. Subscription (to Non-Members) to all Courses of Lectures, Two Guineas. Subscription to a Single Course of Lectures, One Guinea, or Half-a-Guinea. Tickets issued daily at the Institution, or sent by post on receipt of Cheque or Post-Office Order. The Fripay Eventnc MEETInGs will begin on January 17, at 5.30 p.m., when Professor Sir JAMES Dewar will give a Discourse on * Ligurp Air AND THE War.” Succeeding Discourses will probably be given by Lieut.- Col. ANDREW BatFour, Professor H. H. Turner, Professor J. G. Anant, Professor Carcitt G. Knott, Mr. A. T. Hare, Professor J. A. McCLELLAND, Professor H. C. H. Carrenter, Professor ARTHUR KeitH, Professor W. W. Watts, The Rt. Hon. Sir Joun H. A. Macvonatp, Professor Sir J. J. THomson, and other Gentlemen. ‘To these Meetings Members and their Friends only are admitted. Members are entitled to attend all Lectures delivered in the Institution, the Libraries, and the Friday Evening Meetings, and their families are admitted to the Lectures at a reduced charge. Payment: first year Ten Guineas, afterwards Five Guineas a year; or a composition of Sixty Guineas. Persons desirous of becoming Members are requested to apply to the SECRETARY. COUNTY BOYS’ SCHOOL, MAIDENHEAD. ADVANCED SCIENCE COURSE. WANTED, on January 13, a highly qualified SCIENCE MASTER, chief subject Chemistry. Salary £300 a year. Ihe school (190 boys) isa day school under the Berkshire County Council, within easy reach of London. Apply, with testimonials, to A. E. BROOKS, M.A. Oxon., Headmaster. € AN WET ORE THURSDAY, DECEMBER ae i 1918. wy ————— Sa CHEMICAL INDUSTRY, NOW AND HEREAFTER. Reports of the Progress of Applied Chemistry. Vol. ii., 1917. Pp. 536. (London: The Society of Chemical Industry, n.d.) Price 6s. 6d. Ohis annual reports of the Society of Chemical Industry on the progress of applied chem- istry ought to be, and no doubt are, much appre- ciated by all who are concerned in the develop- ment and extension of applied science. Next to the institution of their journal, no action of the society will more directly conduce to the interests of that branch of human activity which it is their special function to advance. These reports seek to bring to a focus, as it were, year after year, all additions to knowledge and to practice in the various departments of applied chemistry, as grouped in the fortnightly issues of the journal of the society. This journal was originally made up of (1) original contributions to the different local sections; (2) abstracts of papers bearing upon technical chemistry published elsewhere; (3) abstracts of chemical patent literature; and (4) reports of the annual meetings of the society, with occasional editorial reviews and notices on subjects of general interest to industrial chemists. During the present year this last item has been considerably enlarged, and placed under special direction. It is an extension, in fact, of the society’s activities, and the element of “news ’’ thereby imparted to the journal will pre- sumably increase the number of its regular readers and add to its popularity. It is, however, mainly upon the sections of the journal as hitherto con- A | chemistry.” stituted that these annual reports will continue to’ be based. The journal itself is so admirably in- dexed that at first sight it might seem that these apercus are in great measure superfluous. If they were simply amplified indexes—mere catalogues raisonnés—their value would be very limited. But the fact that each section has been entrusted to men of knowledge and discrimination, identi- fied with and professionally interested in the subject with which they are concerned, puts a particular value on the whole work and stamps it with a special utility. The present issue, dealing with the work of 1917, is the second volume in the series. The first volume suffered to some extent from the fact that it was the initial number. It was a new venture, and experience was needed in order to secure a reasonably high standard, comprehensiveness, and uniformity of treatment. A comparison of this volume with its predecessor shows that this to a large extent has been gained, and that the general lines of the work have now been satisfactorily settled. The new volume has been enlarged by the inclusion of several subjects which were not specially dealt with in vol. i., viz. “Plant and Machinery’; ‘Fibres, Textiles, Cellulose, and Paper’; ‘Bleaching ’’; “Dyeing ’’; “ Printing and Finishing ’’ NO. 2564, VOL. 102] | | on “Colouring Matters and Dyes,” “Metallurgy of the Non-ferrous Metals ’’; “Sugars, Starches, and Gums’’; and “ Electro- This to a large extent, although not wholly, accounts for the increased size of vol. ii. Some of the reports—e.g. that by Prof: Morgan and that by Mr. Ling on “Fermentation Industries ’’—have been considerably enlarged. But in the main the space needed for the treatment of the several sections is substantially the same in the two volumes, which seems to indicate that, in spite of the prolongation of the war, the activity of chemical industry as a whole, as indicated by additions to the literature of chemical technology, suffered no marked diminution, although particu- lar departments were no doubt affected. A valuable feature of these reports, which might have been more uniformly adopted, is the short, comprehensive introduction to their particular section in which certain authors review the more striking indications of change or progress during the twelve months which have elapsed since the previous reports were published. It is here that the knowledge, judgment, and critical skill of the reporter are needed, and it is the judicious exer- cise of these attributes that serves to differentiate him from the mere compiler. Your wisest clerk, as Queen Elizabeth, quoting Chaucer, once said, is not always your wisest man. It requires a certain flair, not always possessed by the bookish man, however wide his reading, to discern the true inwardness and trend of a movement, and it is not to be expected that all who contribute to this work should possess this faculty in equal degree. No doubt certain branches of chemical industry move slowly, and years are needed to perceive that any substantial change has over- taken them. Nevertheless, each branch affects, to a greater or less degree, every other, and pro- cesses, methods, and machinery and modes of management are transferred from one to the other. It is thus that the Society of Chemical Industry, through its journal and its annual reports, influ- ences the progress of the chemical arts as a whole, and it is for this reason that we shall continue to welcome each successive sign of its publishing activities. As was to be expected, the general character of the reports is affected, to a greater or less extent, by the war, and most of the contributors have something to say as to its influence upon the in- dustries with which they are concerned. Although, of course, there are exceptions, it cannot be said that the war, on the whole, has adversely affected the future of chemical industry in this country. On the contrary, under the stress of necessity, it has given an impetus in certain directions that will be maintained. New industries have been started, and old ones invigorated and ex- tended, and it can scarcely be doubted that with the establishment of peace and the re- sumption of undisturbed oversea communications a new era of prosperity will dawn upon chemical industry. It is perfectly obvious that Germany ; “Metallurgy of Iron and Steel ’’; has experienced a great set-back, and it may be R 302 doubted whether she will ever again attain the ascendancy in certain departments which she has now sacrificed by her unscrupulous greed, bad faith, and insatiable rapacity. It now rests with the manufacturers and workers in this country to determine how far they mean to share that pros- perity with America and Japan. MODERN DEVELOPMENTS IN METALLURGY. (1) Ingots and Ingot Moulds. By A. W. Brearley and H. Brearley. Pp. xv+218. (London: Longmans, Green, and Co., 1918.) Price 16s. net. (2) Industrial Electro-metallurgy, including Elec- trolytic and Electro-thermal Processes. By Dr. E. K. Rideal. Pp. xii+247. (‘‘ Industrial Chemistry.”?) (London: Bailliére, Tindall, and Cox, 1918.) Price 7s. 6d. net. (1) HE authors of this book are respectively the steel-maker and works manager at one of the large Sheffield steel works, and their book is dedicated to the workmen in appreciation of their efforts to reach the ideal in actual work. They state that a considerable part of it was prepared for teaching purposes, and that the manuscript sheets have been freely criticised by men whose business it is to make steel ingots. As they point out, there is no way of studying the conditions which lead to the production of good, and bad ingots more instructive than that of making ingots themselves, according to well- defined variations of the processes of ingot- making, and cutting or breaking them in order to observe their qualities. In former days a good opportunity for such observations was enjoyed at negligible cost by the crucible steel melter, when ingots were “topped ’? down until the pipe or other evidences of unsoundness were broken away. Such a man knew what the conditions of casting were; he was familiar with the state of the ingot mould; he saw daily perhaps from twenty to forty ingots “topped ’’ down to nearly half their length, and his eye was trained to notice minute differences in the appearance of the fractured surfaces. Such opportunities scarcely exist to-day, because ingots are only rarely “topped.”’ Undoubtedly the most trustworthy way of ascertaining the changes which occur in the cast- ing, freezing, and cooling of steel ingots would be to experiment with the steel itself. Such a method, however, involves a costly plant and an expensive material which would require handling by an experienced person. The authors, there- fore, set about discovering a material which is considerably more manageable, and they finally fixed on stearin wax, which, they maintain, ex- hibits a close resemblance to steel in much of its behaviour. They say: “With a few pounds of stearin, a pan of water, a beaker, a Bunsen burner, a spirit lamp, a few tin moulds, and a lot of patience, a great number of observations can be made to illustrate, extend, and also in some respects to correct prevailing notions about steel ingots ’’; and one of the objects of their book NO. 2564, VOL. 102] NATURE Se EE ee a LA ee [DeceMBER 19, 1918 is to commend the use of stearin for teaching purposes and to show how it may be applied to elucidate many of the difficulties relating to ingots and ingot moulds. By its aid they have studied the formation of pipe and secondary shrinkage cavities, the influence exerted on these by the shape and dimensions of the mould, the advantage or otherwise of feeder heads, the influence of cast- ing temperatures on the soundness and strength of the ingots, and the location and effects of segregation. Their use of stearin has been freely criticised by other steel experts, but it appears to the present writer that the authors realise the limitations .of the use of this material, and it is difficult to be otherwise than favourably impressed by the confession in their preface that they are ‘Jess confident than formerly that they are quali- fied to elucidate the art of ingot-making.”’ The book deals with the following subjects : (1) Crystalline structure and its effects; (2) shrink- age and contraction cavities; (3) casting tempera- tures; (4) ingot moulds; (5) methods of casting ; (6) sound ingots; (7) blowholes; (8) segregation ; (g) slag occlusions; (10) influence of ingot defects on forged steel. It is well written, plentifully illustrated, and deserving of careful study by those who desire to familiarise themselves with the subject. (2) Dr. Rideal’s book gives in succinct and well-written form an outline of modern industrial electro-metallurgy ; in fact, the scope of the work is even wider than the title suggests, for three out of its eight sections deal with products which are not metallic. After a brief scientific intro- duction the author deals with electrolysis first in aqueous solutions, and then in fused electrolytes. Then follows a brief section on the electrolytic preparation of the rarer metals, succeeded by one on electro-thermal processes, in which, as the title indicates, only the heat generated by an electric current is used in the extraction of the metal. After this comes a section on the preparation of carborundum, and the oxy-silicides of carbon, the carbides, and the electro-thermal fixation of nitrogen by metals and metallic compounds. The concluding section deals with iron and the ferro- alloys. Electro-metallurgy has undergone very important technical developments in recent years, and Dr. Rideal is to be warmly commended for his attempt to indicate the limits and the possi- bilities of the application of electrolytic and electro- thermal methods in the industry. He Cae: A NATURAL HISTORY A Monograph of the Pheasants. By William Beebe. In four volumes. Vol. i. Pp. xlix+ 198. (Published in England under the auspices of the New York Zoological Society by Witherby and Co., London, 1918.) Price 12l. ros, per volume. HIS stately volume is the first of four to be devoted to the life-histories of the beautiful and interesting birds included in the pheasant family. Its outstanding merits are the beauty of OF PHEASANTS. ’ DECEMBER 19, 1918| MATURE ) $53 its plates, which are charmingly reproduced direct from drawings by the best bird artists of the day, the extensive series of photogravures engraved from the author’s photographs of the haunts of the various species, and the graphic and popular descriptions of their habits from studies made amid their native wilds. These and other features render the work far in advance of all other books written on the subject, and make it welcome alike to the ornithologist, the aviculturist, and the sportsman. In order to carry out the author’s ideals of what a monograph should be, an expedition was organised to visit the metropolis of pheasantdom in temperate and tropical Asia, where, in Ceylon, India, Burma, China, Japan, the Malay States, Borneo, and Java, seventeen months in all were spent. That such an expedition should have been possible was due to the generosity of Col. Anthony R. Kuser, of Bernardsville, New Jersey, to whom and his wife the work is fittingly dedicated. But this is not all. With the view of supplementing first-hand knowledge, Mr. Beebe visited a number of the leading museums in Europe in order to study specimens in their cabinets and to consult their libraries. The scope of the work may well be described as exhaustive. The introduction embraces a general account, including the historical aspect of the subject from the earliest times, classifica- tion, distribution, comparative abundance, voice, flight and gait, daily round of life (food, roosts, friends and foes), protective coloration, home life, and relation to man. Under the last heading it is distressing to learn that even in their remote haunts amid the highest mountains of the Old World these birds, mainly from the remarkable beauty of their plumage, are rapidly becoming extinct through persecution. Mr. Beebe tells us that for many years they have paid a heavy toll to the millinery trade. It is known, for example, that some years ago 45,000 Impeyan pheasants had been slaughtered; Mr. Beebe himself has seen huge bales of feathers of the silver pheasant, and Nepal and China still export large quantities. Now that the Chinese have adopted a meat diet, pheasants are no longer immune, save where Buddhists and Hindus hold sway, and they are everywhere trapped, snared, pierced with poisoned arrows from crossbow or blowpipe, or slain by repeating shot-guns. It is gratifying to know that in the British-governed regions they are protected by well-regulated game laws, and the brooding hens and chicks are free from persecution. In this connection it is important to learn that the birds do very little damage to crops, and when they appear among them it is insect life which is the main attraction. As regards the classification of the family, the grouping of the numerous genera under sub- families has never been satisfactory. Mr. Beebe, however, after much careful study, discovered a new character—namely, the ‘regular sequence in the moulting of the tail feathers,’’ which holds good throughout the life of the bird, and agrees NO. 2564, VOL. 102] ’ also with ‘assumed relationships which had hitherto been taken for granted.’’ The following are the sub-families adopted: Perdicine, Phasi- anine, Argusianine, and Pavonine; and the vari- ous genera grouped under them are indicated. Since our author includes the Perdicinz in his scheme, yet treats of only two of its genera, namely, Ithagenes and Tragopan, omitting many others, the work can scarcely be regarded as, a complete treatise of ‘‘The Pheasants of the World.’’? It will deal, however, with nearly one hundred forms. The systematic treatment of the subject is on the same exhaustive lines. The volume already issued treats of twenty-one species: the blood pheasants (Ithagenes), the Tragopans or horned pheasants (Tragopan), the Impeyans (Impeyanus), and the eared pheasants (Crossoptilon). For each of these species are given the generic and specific characters ; scientific, English, native, French, and German names; full descriptions of the various stages of plumage, moults, variation, hybrids, parasites, internal anatomy, characteristics as observed in their haunts, geographical distribu- tion, migrations, food, nests and eggs. It is em- bellished with twenty-two coloured plates by Messrs. A. Thorburn, G. E. Lodge, C. R. Knight, and H. Gronvold, fifteen photogravures, and five maps. The volume is sumptuous in all respects except the binding, which does not come up to the standard of the rest. While Mr. Beebe’s fine work merits the highest praise, it is greatly to be regretted that its price (5ol.) places it beyond the reach of the vast majority of those who ‘would appreciate and use it. MB Aa (Ce OUR BOOKSHELF. An Elementary Treatise on Curve Tracing. By Dr. P. Frost. Fourth edition, revised by Dr. R. J. T. Bell. Pp. xvi+210. (London: Mac- millan and Co., Ltd., 1918.) Price 12s. 6d. net. Every mathematician will welcome this new edition of a classical work if only as an indication that the demand for it has not diminished since it was originally published, forty-six years ago. Although the modern tendency is away from the excessive zeal for examples and exercises of a past genera- tion, the mathematical student will derive much benefit from excursions on this “very pleasant path, on which he may exercise in an agreeable way all his mathematical limbs,’’ especially as, curve plotting is a necessity in all branches of modern science. A valuable feature of the book is the sketch of the inverse process of finding the equation of a curve the graph of which is given. Further work on this branch of the subject would be very useful. This is the first revised edition; the second and third issues were mere reprints of the first edition. The editor has discharged his duties with restraint, and he has introduced several improvements. The printing is more compact and the use of leaded type conduces to comfort in reading. Additional 304 NATURE [DeceMBER 19, 1918 explanatory matter has been inserted occasionally, and the examples have been much improved by the inclusion of hints for their solution. In one or two places the clearness of the original is some- what marred, as, ¢.g., on p. 91, where two dif- ferent notations are used simultaneously. It is not always obvious why formule have been ban- ished from the text to separate lines, and vice versa; but this is a question of taste. The plates have been touched up here and there, and occa- sionally corrections have been made, e.g. ix., 3, RNa, adohy ices It is surprising that the editor has retained the definition of curvature as measured by the diameter of curvature, whilst in at least one place he has used the first person in an interpolated remark. ' The index and the classified list of curves are welcome additions. S. BRovETSsKy. An Account of the Crustacea of Norwny. With short descriptions and figures of all the Species. By Prof. G.‘O. Sars. Vol. vi., “Copepoda, Cyclopoida.” Parts 9-14. Pp. 105-225+54 plates. (Bergen: Published by the Bergen Museum, 1915—18.) With the issue of the six parts noted above, Prof. Sars concludes the sixth volume of his great work on the Crustacea of Norway, the third of the series to be devoted to the rich and varied group of the Copepoda. This volume deals with the division Cyclopoida, which includes, for the most part, bottom-haunting species, many of them parasitic or semi-parasitic. Like the Har- pacticoida treated of in the preceding volume, they are rarely found in the plankton, and must be sought for by special methods of collecting demanding much skill and patience. For this reason they have received far less attention than the relatively few species that are captured in bulk by the tow-net, and the proportion of novel- ties described in these volumes is very high. It is scarcely too much to say that Prof. Sars is giving us, for the first time, the means of forming a just impression of the Copepoda as a whole, both as regards their structural diversity and_ their habitats and distribution in northern seas. The species living in fresh water were previously better known, but here also Prof. Sars’s accurate drawings will greatly facilitate the identification of species. Apart from the faunistic value of the work, however, the iconography which it provides for many groups hitherto sadly in want of illustra- ‘tion will be of the greatest value to the morpho- logist and taxonomist. Among the numerous points of interest touched on in the parts under review, it may be noted that Prof. Sars revives Thorell’s group of the Poecilostoma, although in a restricted sense and a subordinate position. In doing so he discards Claus’s interpretation of the mouth-parts and reverts to that originally given by. Thorell, according to which the mandibles, elsewhere so persistent, have entirely disappeared in the species composing this aberrant group. WD, 'G: NO. 2564, VOL. 102] LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. {The Editor does not hold himself responsible for opinions expressed by his correspondents. Neither can he undertake to return, or to correspond with the writers of, rejected manuscripts intended for this or any other part of Nature. No notice is taken of anonymous communications.] The Perception of Sound. I REGRET that I overlooked Prof. Bayliss’s letter in Nature of October 17, in which he made an appeal for my opinion. But, if I rightly understand, the question at issue seems to be mainly one of words. Can we properly speak of the propagation of sound through an incompressible fluid? I should answer, Yes. There may be periodic motion and_ periodic variation of pressure; the fact that there are no varia- tions of denstty seems immaterial. Consider plane waves, corresponding with a pure tone, travelling through air. In every thin layer of air—and thin means thin relatively to the wave-length—there are periodic motion and periodic compression, approxi- mately uniform throughout the layer. But the com- pression is not essential to the travelling of the sound. The substitution of an incompressible fluid of the same density for the gas within the layer would be no hindrance. Although there is no compression, there remain a periodic pressure and a periodic motion, and these suffice to carry on the sound. The case is even simpler if we are prepared to contemplate an incompressible fluid without mass, for then the layer need not ‘be thin. The interposition of such a layer has absolutely no effect, the motion and pressure at the further side being the same as if the thickness of the layer were reduced to zero. To all intents and purposes the sound is propagated through the layer, though perhaps exception might be talxen to the use of the word propagation. As regards the ear, we have to consider the behaviour of water. From some points of view the difference between air and water is much more one of density than of compressibility. The velocities of propagation are only as 4 or 5 to 1, while the. densities are as 800 to 1. Within the cavities of the ear, which are small in comparison with the wave- lengths of musical sounds, the water may certainly be treated as incompressible; but the fact does not seem to be of fundamental importance in theories of audition. RayYLEIGH. Terling Place, Witham. The Common Cause of Pure and Applied Science. A Goop deal of anxiety has been expressed recently in various quarters lest the great interest now being evinced in applied science may perpetuate, or even aggravate, the national neglect of pure science. As I do not share this anxiety, but, on the contrary, am strongly convinced that exactly the opposite effect will ensue; and as there seems to be some danger in the attitude that is being assumed by certain of my friends, I should like, with great respect, to ask for attention to the considerations which have led me to these opinions. For many years past there has been in this country what the late Lord Armstrong once well called “a vague cry for technical education,” a dim feeling on the. part of the industrial world, collectively speaking (there have, of course, been brilliant individual excep- tions), that there was some business-end of science that was worth getting hold of, and that should be got on easy terms of talent, time, and money. We know what it has failed to produce in institutions, in individuals, and in industrial efficiency; and we knew DECEMBER 19, 1918] it would. My working life has been passed in a great industrial region where this faint-hearted belief in the utility of science has been the one real obstacle to the progress of good science of every kind. At Leeds I have occupied “myself greatly with the promotion of applied science, as in duty bound. But it has also been in the sure and certain hope that applied science, worthy of the name and really worthy of acceptance by industry, was indissolubly linked in bonds of mutual benefit to ‘the purest and highest science that was ever dreamed of even by my chemical brethren, whose unworldly ‘stinks’ profane the cloisters of more sequestered seats of learning. It has been a hard fight, and though it would be unjust to say there have been no gains, | long since came to the conclusion that nothing short of a national cataclysm was likely to bring about anything approach- ing the change of heart that was so de sirable and so necessary. The cataclysm of war has, in fact, done this great thing for science. There is indisputable evidence of it, and I believe that at last British industry is generally, not exceptionally, on its way to use science well. That being so, I ask: Is there any possible escape for British industry and the British publie from promoting pure science, and promoting it handsomelv ? 1 do not see it. Of course, they will not begin by endowing professorships in radio- activity or relativity, nor yet, perhaps, in that very pure chemistry which is the dearest thing to me; but they will be obliged to do it, and to do it before long. In the first instance, they will ask for what they now-Know they want: first-rate men who can apply science to the practical problems of industry. Already to a large extent they know that such men must have in them the root of the matter in the form of real scientific knowledge and skill, and it will follow as the day the night (if you so regard it) that science, pure and simple, must also be the object of their self-interested or patriotic solicitude. I, for one, shall be glad to have it on those terms. For what, let us frankly say, are the alternatives for pure science? One I have just tried to set forth; the other, it seems to me, is a direct appeal for pure science, either because it is pure or because it is useful. If you extol it because it is pure, it is a worthy effort that I should honour with all my heart on one condition, and that is that you should avoid the incalculable mischief of trying to make out that there is in essence any distinction between pure and applied science, or that you should give just cause for the belief that there exists a brotherhood in science. who set themselves up as the elect and disdain the implica- tions of science in the practical arts that serve and preserve mankind. If you extol pure science simply because it is useful which by hypothesis you do not want to do—you embark on the task, long since essayed and long sus- tained, of teaching people by exhortation what at last they are in the way of finding out surely for themselves. To do that runs counter to all the pre- cepts I have drawn from my experience of teaching. I know very well what it is to be a prophet “of pure science, even if only a minor or a minimus one, crying. in the wilderness, and believe T can enter some- what into the feelings’ of the major and maximus ones who are anxious and impatient under the present aspect of affairs. But they may be asked earnestly to consider the other point of view also, and to bethink themselves whether, after all, a great deal of the Philistinism of our people is not due tu the detach- ment of locality, of interest, and of intercourse that in the past has been justly chargeable to the world of learning. The British Association for NO. 2564, VOL. 102] the Advancement of NATORE 305 Science was founded for the purpose of bringing a knowledge of science, its glories and its uses, among the people. It he 1s done. a great work, a much greater work than is known to those who will not sacrifice a week: of the Alps or the oceans to do their bit and to experience the stimulus and profit derivable from the meetings—chiefly, it must be admitted, outside the section-rooms. The British Association needs re- vitalising, and I believe it can be revitalised. If our men of science would rally to it, it might do much that seems either to be neglected or to be falling into the hands of new organisations, the number of which aloe to say nothing of their particular distinctions + their subscriptions, is becoming quite bewildering. “i is, of course, the British way to have a multi- plicity ‘of. disconnected organisations doing, or trying to do, much the same thing. We he we won the war (it is true some others ‘“‘also ran”), and Britain is justified in her institutions. To that no one subscribes more heartily than I, but we made some mistakes; and though organisation in the German way may be the mental path to inhumanity if followed far, I thinks we might profit by using a little more co-operation as we go our several ways. Chemistry, it has been said, is Be that as it may, the immortal Lavoisier, who did more than anyone to revolutionise chemistry, began to investigate combustion because he was interested in lighting the streets of Paris. So at least says M. Le Chatelier, who is, I think, a chemist assez pur. According to my reading of history, so much pure science has arisen, not from the heavens above, but from the earth earthy beneath, that I will never, if I can help it, be penned‘ off by any principality or power from the fraternity of applied science. Besides that, I owe them per: sonally more than can ever be acknow- ledged for heading me off certain great dangers that threaten the academic life, and for helping me in count- less ways with the promotion of pure science. We may rejoice without reserve in their temporary mono- poly of popular favour. ARTHUR SMITHELLS. a French science. The Theory of Hormones Applied to Piants. No one would have read Prof. Bayliss’s review (Nature of December 12, 285) of Dr. Jacques Loeb’s experiments on the “ chemical correlationship ” in plant growth with greater interest than John Hunter, for he had carried out many experiments on growing beans to elucidate the phenomena which are now explained on the theory of hormones. Hunter was familiar with phenomena of a similar kind in animals, and his experiments on plants were made primarily to elucidate that mysterious mechanism which went in Hunter’s time under the name of “sym- pathy.” An account of Hunter’s experiments, cafried out between 1772 and 1790, will be found in * Essays and Observations by John Hunter,” edited by Sir Richard Owen, and published in 1861 (vol. i., 367). These observations were saved from destruction by William Clift. ARTHUR KeirTH. Royal vee of rE London, W.C. RESEARCH ASSOCIATIONS AND OTHERS. ESEARCH is the cry in every direction, but the public still needs instruction as to what it means and the conditions requisite for progress. Discovery of new principles on which advance can be made in the fundamental knowledge of Nature will probably be accomplished in the future, as in the past, through the genius of the few gifted men, but the dissemination of the right kind of knowledge and the creation of widely 306 NATURE [Decemper 19, 1918 — a diffused sentiment of respect for science and for scientific work depend largely on the future educa- tion of the people generally. Since it will probably always be true that public opinion is dependent more or less on authority, the action of the Government in setting up the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research is a step of the utmost importance. The work done by this body so far, however, relates to direct applications of science to practical purposes as revealed by the report for 1917-18 noticed in NaAtuRE for October 17 last. The protection of the interests of pure science, regardless of immediate utilitarian application, is, however, a matter of serious importance, and a movement has been set on foot at Cambridge with this object in view. The ‘Scientific Research Association’? has been formed, and has put for- ward a scheme for its organisation and functions which at first sight appears not only very com- prehensive, but also somewhat complicated. It is believed that science requires larger endowments and more co-ordinated and informed allocation of those endowments than is provided by any exist- ing machinery. It is intended, therefore, to in- stitute a comprehensive system of intelligence as to the research that is actually being done in the various branches of science, and of new research as it is projected. By those who are familiar with the position of workers in science in the past, how largely the work done has been accomplished at the cost in time, labour, and money of private individuals or in the scanty leisure of professional men, it will be agreed that if the national life is to be increasingly vitalised and the scientific habit of mind cultivated, it is essential that an assured career should be open to the competent worker. It is, therefore, proposed to formulate an exten- sive scheme of endowment of research by the State which would afford inducements to the most promising students to continue their pursuit of scientific investigation. This means an addition not only to the grants now made to universities, but also to the various schemes now afloat for providing maintenance scholarships and fellow- ships on a more extended scale. It is not pro- posed to advocate the separation of teaching and research, which have been hitherto associated in sO many institutions with advantage to both. Finally, the association contemplates taking a leading part in impressing on the public the im- portance of scientific research in all its aspects, and the fundamental value of scientific method in every department of national life. A very strong list of supporters has already been got together, but an examination of the list reveals the fact that, so far, for reasons which are not obvious, the pro- moters have not succeeded in getting the co- operation of some of the most eminent men of science in their several departments. For ex- ample, the president and other officers of the Royal Society are conspicuous by their absence, and as the president is one of the most famous | physicists in the world, and Master of Trinity nection with any scheme originating in Cam- bridge. The fact is probably that while the time is cer- tainly ripe for movement in the direction indicated by the proposed association, the scheme as at present formulated requires time and _ further consideration to secure the complete approval and adherence of all the leading men of science of the country. Moreover, complete concurrence in any one scheme is scarcely to be expected as yet while sympathy is so much divided by the various proposals which are in the air. The endowment of research will have to be further considered by the Government, though it is pos- sible that in view of the money placed at the disposal of the Committee of the Privy Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, and the assignment of 100,000l. for research in connection with dyes, some people may feel that it will be well to watch the effects of this, and of other sources of endowment like that of the Salters’” Company mentioned in Nature for October 24, before proceeding further. It is true that there is in this country no institution corresponding with the Kaiser Wilhelm Institut near Berlin, or with the Wolcott Gibbs Institute at Harvard, but the establishment of a new college does not appa- rently enter into the programme drawn up by the promoters of the association. The Royal Institu- tion with its connected Davy-Faraday Laboratory is unique in both constitution and output of results. It must not be forgotten, moreover, that nearly all the British universities have adopted a scheme for the institution of degrees open to candidates from overseas to be awarded on the results of research work performed by the candi- date, and probably this will lead to further demands for assistance to these universities. In the meantime the idea of bringing together the whole body of British men of science has resulted in the formation of another association under the name of “The National Union of Scien- tific Workers,’’ concerning which a letter appeared in Nature of October 24. The draft rules declare that the object of the union shalt be, in the first place, “to advance the interests of science, pure and applied, as an_ essential element in the national life.’’ The second object is “to regulate the conditions of employment of persons with adequate scientific training and knowledge, and their relations to their employers and to other employees,’’ and among other things to set up a register of trained scientific workers and to establish an employment bureau. The pro- motion of scientific research is also mentioned, but it appears that the union assumes more the character of a professional body acting somewhat in the trade-union spirit than an association of persons interested in the promotion of scientific education and research. It will be evident, there- fore, that the National Union would be unlikely to obtain much financial support from the public for the promotion of research, whereas an organ- isation like the Scientific Research Association besides, he could not have been overlooked in con- | may do so. NO. 2564, VOL. 102] DECEMBER 19, 1918| There is evidently a certain amount of overlap- ping in these movements. There has been formed within the last few months in the North of England an Association of Chemists with a similar professed purpose, but this has been merged, at least so far as the principal leaders are concerned, in the Institute of Chemistry, the chartered body to which nearly all the well-qualified chemists in the country are gravitating. But another step is now being taken in the creation of a Federation of Chemists which will include not only the highly qualified, but also men of all grades, and this will probably assume the features of a club with libraries and meeting-rooms. Science is evidently not going to be overlooked, but it would be un- fortunate if any serious dissipation of energy should ensue before such compromises can be effected which will provide for the needs of all branches of science, pure and applied, and espe- cially those cases in which, as between the chemists, metallurgists, and engineers, mutual help and recognition are most desirable. THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINE. A BRILLIANT piece of analytical work has lately been given by Mr. H. R. Ricardo to the North-east Coast engineers and_ ship- builders.! Mr. Ricardo takes as the title of his paper “ High-speed Internal-combustion Engines,’’ and in it he compares the modern high-speed engine with the older slow-speed type, much to the disadvantage of the latter—not merely in relation to speed, but also in respect of the degree of skill shown in design. There is great force in the arguments used, and the truth which is evident in not a few of them may legitimately be regarded as one of the outcomes of the war. The war had the effect of drawing out and stimu- lating the hitherto hidden abilities of numbers of energetically minded and scientifically trained engineers—mainly quite young men—who in the highly inelastic system of pre-war days received but trifling encouragement for either their inven- tive or their organising powers. The State cared little for scientific or technical research, and the leaders of industry were in too many cases quite as conservative as the State. Then came the awakening. The perils and dangers of war re- quired that, for the supreme cause of the safety of the State, this attitude should be completely reversed—and reversed it was. Wide scope was at once given to all with inventive and scientific ability. One result we see in the amazing strides made in aviation—mainly the work of youth. When, therefore, Mr. Ricardo compares the older types of internal-combustion engine with the aero- engine of to-day he is comparing not merely two engines, but also two systems, two worlds in fact— one where the State is little concerned what tech- nical developments its nationals may or may not produce, and one in which the State, fighting for its life, calls anxiously for the help of all talent to be found anywhere within its borders. _ 1 Transactions of North-East Coast Institution of Engineers and Ship- builders, vol. xxxiv., October, 1918. NO. 2564, VOL. 102] | very valuable advantages. NATURE _ 307 But for the war aviation could not have devel- oped at a pace in the least approaching that actu- ally attained—and steadily maintained. This development is, as regards both numbers and. efficiency, the outstanding technical achievement of the past four years; naturally it has demanded intensely rapid, even drastic, changes in the power unit of such craft. The heavy loading put on such engines has caused their design to be far more difficult than that of other internal-combus- tion engines; they may be required to run at high power (and that involving unprecedentedly high brake mean pressures) for so long as twenty hours on end. ‘Types which have been constructed to weigh but two or three pounds per horse-power and yet run for hours on full load will afford a magnificent start to the aerial services of peace, especially since the less strenuous specifications of future operations will allow the engine to operate normally at powers quite appreciably below the maximum. The modern aero-engine is close to the highest perfection possible for its power and cycle. Any material further advance must, it would seem, be by change of cycle, change of fuel, or perhaps a break away to some new kind of prime mover altogether. | Mr. Ricardo correctly points out that “the design of internal-combustion engines in this | country has during the last twenty years pro- ceeded along two widely different lines directed by separated schools. On one hand, we have the designers of what may be termed the slow- speed type of engine, who have consistently had to compete with, and have based their designs upon, steam-engine practice; and, on the other, we have the designers of small high-speed | engines who have appeared with the advent of the motor-car. The latter have created a school of thought of their own, and have developed along lines which are distinctly enterprising.’’ The dif- ference between high- and low-speed engines is by no means confined to a matter of speed, since the former usually run on petrol and the latter on gas. This difference in fuel is very important, though perhaps not permanent—a small “suction pro- ducer ’’ added to a “petrol engine ’’ would enable the latter to be run on gas directly derived from coal fed into the producer. This may come, but it seems to be some way off at present. The difference between the use of petrol and gas is not merely one of supply and carriage, but is also of a more essential nature. Petrol has certain For one thing, a gas mixture suffers a chemical contraction on com- | bustion, whereas a petrol mixture shows an ex- pansion; the evaporation of petrol in the carbu- rettor lowers the temperature of the incoming charge, so that the weight-volumetric efficiency of the suction stroke is higher than with gas. The disadvantages of petrol are less pronounced, though they certainly exist; thus there is usually | some proportion of petrol which is not properly vaporised, and escapes combustion; and a stricter | limitation of richness of charge is necessary. These essential differences tend to complicate any comparison of the usual high-speed with the usual eae engine. Mr. Ricardo suggests that piston design in particular is looked on from such different angles by the two schools as to lead to very marked differences in engine types. A heavy piston means high inertia forces at the beginning and end of each stroke; this means a stout connecting-rod; both these in turn call for a strong and heavy crank requiring massive bear- ings, and at once we are led to the ordinary gas- engine of pre-war days. The aero-engine has developed a piston suitable for heavy loads and high speeds. It is surely unlikely that designers of other types of internal-combustion engine will fail to draw the obvious conclusion. The war may be expected to leave its mark on internal-combustion engine design in two ways: first, by greatly lightening the motor-car engine, so that its weight per horse-power may not com- pare so unfavourably with that of aero-engines ; and secondly, by making the slow- -speed stationary, or nearly stationary, gas- or oil-engine a much less cumbrous machine. Evolution in engine practice has long been towards ever-increasing speeds. The old beam- engines of the early part of last century gave place to-an engine of much higher speed with “hundreds, instead of tens, of revolutions per minute. The higher speed meant, for equal horse-power, less total force on the piston, hence a less diameter of piston, a smaller and lighter engine. Now again we find this same ev olutionary process.at w ork piston speeds are rising and the weight per horse- power ratio grows less. In view of the specially intense interest which the agricultural industry will have for humanity during the next term of years, it is intportant to consider how far our recent increase in knowledge of the potentialities of the internal- combustion engine may be harnessed to this work. Ford in America has done much—but mainly on what may be termed pre-war data. Much remains to be done in this coming post-war period. High piston speeds, light reciprocating parts, and the use of high-gré de steels should, combined, produce an agricultural machine as efficient for its purpose as the motor-car and aeroplane have become. The annual output of high-speed internal-combustion engines in this country is at present at the rate of some 10,000,000 h.p. annually. A large part of this has been for air work; a smaller action will suffice now. Here is to be found a great oppor- tunity for the internal-combustion engine in fresh enterprise in new fields. ‘EERE We HABITS OF TERMITES. RECENT paper by Mr. W. M. Wheeler, in the Proceedings of the American Philo: sophical Society, Philadelphia, gives some interest- ing details of the behaviour of certain ants in the care of their offspring. The larve of the primi- tive subfamily Ponerine are fed, not, as in the case of the most highly specialised ants, with food regurgitated by the workers, but with frag- ments of insects. Speaking of a species of this NO. 2564, VOL. 102] NURSING ANTS AND 308 . , NATURE ‘Casper, {[DecemBER 19, 1918 subfamily common in central Texas, Mr. Wheeler says :— These larvee are placed by the ants on their broad backs, and their beads and necks are folded over on to the concave ventral surface, which serves as a table or trough on which the food is placed by the workers. In the case of another species, as soon as the food is in place it is sometimes covered by the larva with a copious discharge of a secretion con- taining a proteolytic ferment, by means of which the food undergoes extra-intestinal digestion. Mr. Wheeler adds the curious observation that this liquid is eagerly lapped up by the nurses. The larve of four species of ants belonging to the subfamily Myrmecinz were collected by Mr. Lang in the Belgian Congo. In three of these, remarkable exudatory appendages exist, some of which consist of a basal enlargement filled with fat-cells, and a slender, tubular distal portion containing a granular liquid which the author thinks can only be interpreted as an exudate derived from the fat-cells, and capable of being filtered through the cuticula of the appendages by means of the pressure exerted by an elaborate system of muscles. That the chitinous envelope of these structures is not necessarily impervious to the passage of a secretion is shown by the researches of Holmgren, Biedermann, Kapsoy, and others. From the ontogenetic and phylogenetic history of these appendages, and especially from the fact that they appear to be developed in inverse ratio to the salivary glands used in extra-intestinal digestion, Mr. Wheeler concludes that their secretion, like that of the salivary glands in the Ponerine, is capable of furnishing nutriment to the nurses, the benefit of the feeding habit being therefore reciprocal. This conclusion he considers to be supported by the observations of Wasmann on the Staphylinid beetle Nenogaster inflata, which inhabits the nests of termites. In this larva the fat-body produces an exudation which, after passing through a layer of hypodermis, reaches the surface through the cuticle. Similar phenomena are present in other beetles and Hymenoptera which frequent the nests of ants or termites, as recorded by Tragardh ; while Holmgren has found that, quite apart from their guests, termites feed to a large extent on the exudation furnished in different degrees by the several castes of their own species. For this reciprocal feeding, whether within or without the limits of the same species, Mr. Wheeler proposes the term “trophallaxis.’’ The practice has, he considers, an important bearing on the substitution of the social for the solitary habit in various species of Hymenoptera. The various trophallactic relations existing in communities of ants are grouped by him as follows: (1) Trophal- laxis between mother or adult worker and larval brood; (2) between adult ants (mutual regurgita- tion); (3) between ants and true guests ; (4) betwéen ants of different species. Besides these reciprocal relations there is the ordinary trophic connection between ants and other insects outside the nest (as aphides and certain Lepidopterous larve), and DECEMBER 19, 1918] NATURE 399 also between ants and various plants known as Myrmecophytes. The author takes occasion to combat Was- mann’s view as to a special symphilic instinct in ants and termites. The latter observer adduces certain ascertained facts regarding Lomechusa strumosa, a beetle parasitic in the colonies of Formica sanguinea. The adult beetles are fed and licked by the ants, but the beetle larvee devour the larve of their hosts; moreover, in some colonies the presence of the parasite leads to the development of pseudogynes—i.e. forms inter- mediate between workers and females, which are incapable of performing the functions of either caste. The infection of an ant colony by Lome- chusa is therefore presumably detrimental to the hosts. This is admitted by Wasmann, who never- theless contends that Formica sanguinea has acquired a special symphilic instinct, not under the influence of natural selection, but in connection with the use of a process analogous to artificial selection as practised by man. Mr, Wheeler holds, on the other hand, that the beetle is the aggressor, and that the fact that it is licked and tended by the ants is a mere incidental result of the nursing habits of the latter with regard to their own offspring. Bees. PHYSICS IN SCHOOLS > opening the discussion described in the report before us, Prof. C. H. Lees, president of the Physical Society, stated that the meeting was the outcome of the desire of the society to help those engaged in science teaching in public and secondary schools to carry out the extension of their work which will probably ensue in the course of the next few years. We may begin our notice of the report by congratulating those responsible for the idea of such a meeting and those to whom the credit of its skilful organisation belong's. Sir Oliver Lodge opened-with a characteristic- ally direct remark :—‘ Mr. President, I very much agree that it is desirable that the average man should know more physics than he does at present. He could hardly know less.’’ But the speaker did not pursue the delicate question as to the responsi- bility for this state of things, whether the average man or the teacher of physics is to blame. Nor need we inquire, since the one clear, unmistakable inference from the discussion as a whole was that teachers of physics are tackling with much thoughtful energy the problem of providing courses of physics which will suit these who will get in schools the only knowledge of physics they are ever likely to possess. It is worth noting that Sir Oliver Lodge con- siders it best to begin with the biological sciences, for cultivating the faculty of observation. Why this should be so was not explained; nor was any- thing said as to how the power of observing gained in natural history studies was to be transferred to the field of physics. Here we touch on the 1 “The Teaching of Physics in Schools.’ Report of a discussion at a meeting of the Physical Society, June 14, 1918. Pp. 43. (London: Fleetway Press, 1918.) Price 15. 2d. post free. NO. 2564, VOL. 102] weak side of the discussion—there was too in- secure a ‘basis of psychological knowledge, too little recognition of the imperative primary need to find out how the boy’s mind will work with~ spontaneity as well as under discipline. There are several clear statements in this report on the distinction between physics for the boy who will specialise in science and “Physics for All,’’ the contribution of Prof. R. A. Gregory being particularly clear and weighty. The need for inspiring courses was well emphasised by both the opening speakers; the Harrow syllabus sub- mitted by Mr. C. L. Bryant was an able effort to meet this need. Every schoolmaster feels one great difficulty in carrying out his ideals, viz. the narrow limits of time within which his work has to be carried out. Dr. T. J. Baker brought this point clearly before the society, and from this point of view criticised the recommendation of Sir J. J. Thomson’s Com- mittee to lower the school-leaving age from nine- teen to eighteen. Probably the majority of school- masters, not excluding Dr. Baker himself, would be satished with an ‘Advanced Course ’’ which ended with the end of the school year in which the age of eighteen was reached. Mr. A. T. Simmons showed the further diffi- culties which arise when the school course ends at sixteen. Too often electricity and magnetism are left out, so far as the majority of the boys are concerned—a serious matter. We may point out that this means not merely the loss of a study of fascinating interest to most boys, but the further result is that school-work and the life of the world remain divorced. Mr. Simmons did another service to the discussion by indicating things . which could be left out with advantage; we sug- gest that one of the most necessary things to do at present is to scrap useless topics of the Nichol- son hydrometer type. If we take a longer view, it is obvious that for future progress the training of teachers of physics is of first-rate importance, and the remarks of Prof. T. P. Nunn will be read with interest. The | two main theses were (1) the need for the teacher to have studied his subject critically, (2) the benefit which results from a sound appren- ticeship to the teacher’s art. We agree that “the way of wisdom with regard to training colleges is not to suppress or to ignore them, but to take serious pains to strengthen them for the better performance of their indispensable duties.” In our opinion, the training of science teachers is one of the vitally important items of educational reconstruction, and this might well be impressed upon local education authorities during the coming year. The need for “refresher courses ”’ for teachers who have been at work for several years, possibly in a remote school, has been recog- nised by the more progressive authorities; but such courses rarely include physics or chemistry. Mr. J. Nichol was only too well justified in direct- ing attention to the financial difficulty of the science master who wishes to keep up to date (this applies especially to those whose school is 310 NATURE [DECEMBER 19, 1918 far from a large town), and he was on equally | fields are estimated to have a content of at least sound ground when he urged that the teaching of physics should be revivified and kept in touch with everyday life, so as to defeat any attempt to standardise it and use it merely as a training in logical method (cf. Euclid). The meeting was saved from the peril of a tame - unanimity by a difference of view as to approach- ing the subject synthetically, e.g. by building up a theory of heat from observations of the dissected phenomena of expansion, etc., or analytically, e.g. by starting with a steam-engine and inquiring how it works. The difference was somewhat unreal—at least, the real issues were not clearly defined. Surely the problem is how to harness the “wonder ’’ and “utility ’’ motives, and this has to be solved for each method-unit according to the characteristics of each class and teacher and of the method-unit itself. -Here it may be said that the existence of a method-unit was only once referred to, when Mr. F. B. Stead directed attention to the fault that the laboratory exercise that can be done in one lesson period tends to become the unit of teaching. We are of opinion that teachers should give more attention to sectioning their -subject into natural method-units, using them for revision, forthe pupil’s more elaborate note-taking, and for essays. Perhaps the simplest example is “‘ex- pansion by heat,’’ which is so obvious that in practice regard to this topic as a method-unit is fairly well observed. It is not possible within the limits of this article to refer to many useful practical suggestions which teachers may gain by reading this report. We have no doubt that many will be grateful to the Physical Society and to the speakers, not for- getting Dr. H. S. Allen, who organised the symposium. GRD THE mineral resources of Spitsbergen have lately been receiving much attention. The signing of the armistice has allowed the two British companies which hold the principal mining estates in that country to make plans for resuming operations. A correspond- ence in the Times, initiated by Prof. F. Haverfield, of Oxford, has dealt with the value of the coal and iron- ores. Prof. Haverfield, who seems to prefer the German spelling of Spitsbergen with a ‘‘z,” quotes Swedish geo- logists as denying the existence of high-grade iron-ores, and he characterises the attempts to utilise Spitsbergen commercially as a long series of failures from the time of the Dutch onwards. In these respects he has been misinformed. The Dutch and English whalers, and later the Russian and Norwegian trappers, did a rich trade in Spitsbergen produce. Mining ventures have not always been successful, but cases of failure have been due, not to lack of mineral ores, but to ignorance of Spitsbergen, to lack of political control in the country, and, in some instances, to mismanage- ment and amateur effort. During the war various Norwegian and Swedish companies, in several cases trespassers on British estates, mined large quantities of coal. This year about 100,000 tons of coal were sent to Scandinavian ports. It is merely a question of effort to make Spitsbergen one of the chief coal- producing countries in Europe. The accessible coal- NO. 2564, VOL. 102] 4,000,000,000 tons of good steam-coal. The iron-ore deposits have yet to be examined by competent geo- logists and mining engineers, but the samples brought to this country promise well. Other mineral resources include gypsum in enormous quantities, asbestos, copper-ore, oil shale, and probably free oil. The mineral prospects of Spitsbergen are great, but, with the exception of coal and gypsum, need to be thoroughly prospected by qualified men before com- mercial development can proceed. Meanwhile, it is essential that Great Britain should keep a watchful eye on the fate of this terra nullius, in which British subjects have the principal claims. Wirn the view of meeting the growing demand for technical literature, the council of the Chemical Society decided early in 1917 to increase the scope of the library of the society by a more liberal provision of suitable technical works and journals. It was also thought that by placing the existing library of 23,000 volumes and the proposed extension at the disposal of members of other societies and associations they might relieve themselves of the necessity of collecting and maintaining the literature relating to their special subjects, and assist in the formation of a representa- tive library of chemical literature, such as would be difficult to obtain by individual effort. A conference of representatives of societies and associations con- nected with chemical science and industry was held to consider the means by which other societies, etc., might co-operate in this extension, and financial assist- ance was afterwards offered by the following societies, etc. :—Association of British Chemical Manufacturers, Biochemical Society, Faraday Society, Institute of Chemistry, Society of Dyers and Colourists, and Society of Public Analysts. Members of these con- tributing societies, etc., will be permitted to consult the library and borrow books from January 1, 1919. The hours of opening the library will be as follows :— Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesdays and Fridays, from 10 a.m, to 9 p-m.; and Saturdays, from to a.m. to 5 p.m. In the Fortnightly Review for December “Fabricius ’’? refers to the manifesto in support of Germany’s policy and action relating to the war signed by ninety-three university professors in that country in 1914, and widely distributed. Among these professors were several occupying scientific chairs, and they must share the righteous condemnation which has been given by the intellectual world out- side Germany to their misuse of authority on behalf of dishonourable dreams of conquest. As, however, most of the sigaatories of the manifesto were repre- sentatives of theology, law, literature, and like branches of knowledge, and not of science as it is usually understood, it is misleading to refer to them as a group of “scientists,” as ‘‘ Fabricius’? does in the following extract from his article :—‘‘ Scientists are supposed to devote themselves to the promotion of science and of truth, for science is incompatible with untruth. However, the unceasing advocacy of a robber-policy and the exaltation of a robber-morality had so completely destroyed the instinct of respon- sibility and of truth amongst Germany’s intellectual leaders that ninety-three of Germany’s most eminent scientists, among them many prominent theologians and legists, disgraced themselves and German science for all time by issuing in 1914 a manifesto to the world in which they mendaciously proclaimed that the other Powers had forced a war upon innocent and peaceful Germany; that upon France, England, and Russia rested the blood-guiltiness; that Germany DECEMBER 19, 1918] fought a clean war of self-defence.’ We note that the Brussels correspondent of the Times reports on Decem- ber 1o that the Belgian Surgical Society, at its first meeting since July, 1914, solemnly repudiated the notorious manifesto, and resolved to break off all relations with German men of science until the calumnies, especially against Belgian medical men, are publicly disavowed. We learn with regret of the death on December 9 of Dr. Reginald Percy Cockin, a member of the staff of the London School of Tropical Medicine. Dr. Cockin was educated at Caius College, Cambridge, and the London Hospital. After graduating in arts and medicine in 1906 he entered the Colonial Medical Service, passing “with distinction” in the qualifying course at the London School of Tropical Medicine. , In 1908 he proceeded to West Africa, and saw active ser- vice as medical officer with the Cross River Expedi- tion into the Munchi country. In 1910 he transferred to Cyprus as district medical officer, and held the post of examiner under pharmaceutical law. During 1913 Dr. Cockin was bacteriologist and resident surgeon at the Colony and Yaws Hospitals in Grenada. He then returned to the London School of Tropical Medicine, ‘occupying successively the posts of demonstrator, assistant in the helminthological department, and _assistant entomologist. In 1916 he inaugurated one of the venereal clinics under the Seamen’s Hospital Society, and as its director and pathologist organised the clinic at the Albert Dock Hospital with brilliant suc- cess. Dr. Cockin’s contributions to medical literature were chiefly clinical, dealing with yaws and its treat- ment, rat-bite fever, and ankylostomiasis. His M.D. thesis on “Ankylostomiasis in Grenada’? was of special importance in definitely associating with this infection a series of hitherto obscure cardiac symp- toms. Dr. Leiper writes :—‘‘In him we have lost one of peculiarly charming personality, wide sympathies and interests. Knowing as he did the risk of over- strain, which actually proved fatal, he courageously discharged until within a day of his death, not only his own duties, but also those of others, away on active service.” A CuristMas course of juvenile lectures will be delivered at the Royal Institution by Prof. D’Arcy Thompson on ‘The Fish of the Sea,’ beginning on December 31 at 3 o’clock. The following courses of lectures will be given before Easter :—Prof. Spenser Wilkinson, Lessons of the War; Prof. MacGregor- Morris, Study of Electric Arcs and their Applications ; Capt. G. P. Thomson, The Development of Aero- planes in the Great War and The Dynamics of Flying; Prof. Hele-Shaw, Clutches; Prof. Arthur Keith, British Ethnology: The People of Scotland; Prof. Norman Collie, Chemical Studies of Oriental Porcelain; Dr. W. Wilson, The Movements of the Sun, Earth, and Moon; Prof. H. M. Lefroy, Insect Enemies of our Food Supplies and How Silk is Grown and Made; Prof. C. H. Lees, Fire Cracks and the Forces Producing Them; Prof. A. Findlay, Colloidal Matter and its Properties; and Sir J. J. Thomson, Spectrum Analysis and its Application to Atomic Structure. The Friday discourses will begin on January 17, when Sir James Dewar will give a lecture on Liquid Air and the War; and discourses will also be delivered by the following gentlemen :—Lt.-Col. A. Balfour, Prof. H. H. Turner, Prof. J. G. Adami, Prof. C. G. Knott, Mr. A. T. Hare, Prof. J. A. McClelland, Prof. H. C. H. Carpenter, Prof. A. Keith, Prof. W. W. Watts, Sir John H. A. Macdonald, and Sir J. J. Thomson. INFLUENZA is very decidedly on the wane in England and Wales. The Registrar-General’s return for the NO. 2564, VOL. 102] NATURE 311 week ending December 7 shows that for the ninety- six great towns the deaths from the epidemic were 3574, Which is less than one-half of the deaths in either of the two weeks ending November 9, when the com- plaint was at its climax. In the eight weeks ending December 7 there were 41,053 deaths from influenza in the ninety-six great towns. The Times of Decem- ber 7 gave the following from its New York corre- spondent :—* Deaths among the civilian population of the United States from Spanish influenza and pneu- monia since September 15 have totalled approximately 350,000. In military camps the number of deaths has exceeded 20,000." In London the deaths from influenza for the week ending December 7 were 660, which is lower than any week since that ending October 10, and is little more than one-quarter of the deaths in either of the two weeks ending November 9. The age incidence of the deaths is higher than in any previous week of the epidemic, 42 per cent. of the deaths occurring at ages above forty-five. The pro- portion of deaths in London from pneumonia has been smaller than the deaths from bronchitis throughout the epidemic until the weels ending December 7, when the deaths from bronchitis were slightly the greater. Tue death is announced, at thirty-five years of age, of Dr. A. E. Stansfeld. From the British Medical Journal we learn that Dr. Stansfeld entered St. John’s College, Cambridge, with a major scholarship in 1902, and gained First Class honours in both parts of the Natural Sciences Tripos, graduating B.C.in 1909, and proceeding to the M.D., degree in 1915. At St. Bartholomew’s Hospital his career was exceptionally brilliant. He won there an entrance scholarship, the Kirkes scholarship and gold medal, the Burrows prize, the Brackenbury medical scholarship, and the Law- rence scholarship and gold medal. After holding the post of house physician he was appointed casualty physician and assistant demonstrator of pathology in the medical school; and at the date of his death on November 25 he was senior demonstrator of pathology at St. Bartholomew’s, and physician to the Metro- politan Hospital. In 1911 Dr. Stansfeld obtained the membership of the Royal College of Physicians, and he was elected to the fellowship this year. Tue Kinc has been pleased to approve the appoint- ment of the Rev. E. W. Barnes, F.R.S., Master of the Temple, to the Canonry of Westminster, vacant owing to the death of the Right Rev. William Boyd Carpenter, D.D., K.C.V.O. Dr. Barnes went to Cambridge from King Edward’s School, Birmingham, as a scholar of Trinity, and graduated in 1896, being bracketed as Second Wrangler. In the following year he was placed in the first division of the First Class in the Mathematical Tripos, part ii., and became first Smith’s prizeman in 1898. He was president of the Union in 1897, and in 1898 was elected a fellow of his college, afterwards becoming assistant lecturer (1902), junior dean (1906-8), and tutor (1g08-15). He was elected a fellow of the Royal Society in 1909. WE notice with regret the death on December g, at Basle, of Mr. F. G. Aflalo, at forty-eight years of age. Mr. Aflalo was well known as a traveller, an angler, and author of numerous popular writings on natural history, especially that of fishes. He travelled widely, among other places visiting every fishing port of note. He was the editor of the ‘Encyclopedia of Sport” and the ‘‘Anglers’ Library.” In 1893 Mr. Aflalo founded the British Sea Anglers’ Society, which is now a flourishing association. Mr. CiirrorD C. Paterson is resigning his position in the physics department of the National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, and is joining the General 312 NATURE [DecemBer 19, 1918 Electric Co., Ltd., as director of research labora- tories as from January 1, 1919. Pending the erection of the necessary laboratory buildings the temporary offices and address of the research laboratories of the General Electric Co., Ltd., will be at the Osram Robertson Lamp Works, Hammersmith, London. ALL the exhibition galleries of the Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, S.W., are now open to the public on weekdays as in pre-war times. The hours of opening during December, January, and February are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Durinc the present year the Irish newspapers reported the discovery of the apparition of a black pig in the district of Kiltrustan, Co, Roscommon, which caused much alarm, and was supposed to fore- bode some serious national disaster. The question has been fully discussed by Miss Eleanor Hall in Folk-lore (vol. xxix., part 3, September, 1918). The writer shows that the legend of the appearance of * the black pig is as ancient as anything we possess in these islands, and that it is specially connected with the great ditch known as the “Black Pig’s Dyke,” which can be traced in fragments all across the north of Ireland from Bundoran to Donegal Bay, and probably formed the boundary in ancient times of southern and eastern Ulster. The pig seems to have been a sacred animal in ancient Ireland, possibly the representative of the corn spirit, and the hunt of magical boars or swine is the theme of many tales. It is remarkable that it should recently have been resuscitated in Ireland for purposes of religious or political propaganda. . In the November issue of Man Prof. G. Elliot Smith discusses an exhibit now in the Liverpool Free Public Museums obtained in excavations in Honduras. It represents an alligator or crocodile, from the open mouth of which a human face protrudes. The writer identifies this with various forms of the dragon in India, Japan, and Indonesia, and arrives at the con- clusion that “‘no one who conscientiously studies the mythology of the Old World, and appreciates the fortuitous circumstances which determined the arbitrary forms assumed by many of the beliefs and ideas, can refuse to admit that the confused mosaic of the identical elements of culture in America must have come from the other side of the Pacific, and, for the most part, received the impress of Indian civilisation before the fragments were rearranged and built up again into a new pattern in Mexico and Central America.” In recent years several discoveries of remains of ancient man in North and South America have been announced, which are critically reviewed by Dr. Ales Hrdlitka in Bulletin No. 66 of the Bureau of Ameri- can Ethnology. The La Brea skeleton, found in Cali- fornia in 1914, is now shown to possess no charac- teristics representative of any Americans earlier than the Indians. A long and careful review of the ‘* fossil” man of Vero, Florida, leads to the conclusion that the remains of modern Indian type, and represent intentional burials. Dr. Hrdlitka adds the useful warning that “those in whose worl credulity and fancy have no part, and who possess sufficient hard- earned experience in these matters, can be convinced of geologically ancient man in America only by facts that will make all conscientious doubt on the subject impossible. As chances of peculiar associations of human bones or human artifacts are infinite, anthro- pology in this country must expect to be called upon again and again to pass on alluring claims of the antiquity of such objects. But the burden of proof NO. 2564, VOL. 102] are of antiquity of such finds lies, and will always lie, with those who may urge such claims. They must show clear, full, conclusive evidence acceptable to © anthropology; and no beliefs, opinions, or convic- tions, even though advanced by men otherwise deserv- ing, can ever take the place of real and sufficient evidence. Our colleagues in collateral branches of science will be sincerely thanked for every genuine help they can give anthropology, but they should not clog our hands." 3 AN interesting account is given by Mr. Y. Nishilado (Ber. d. Ohara Inst. {. landwirtsch. Forsch., Bd. i., Heft 2, 1917) of the rice blast fungus (Piricularia), which causes serious damage to rice in Japan as well as in other countries. Various strains of this fungus were isolated from rice, Italian millet, green fox-tail grass, crab grass, Zingiber mioga and Z. officinale. By infection, cultural experiments, and morphological study it was shown that these strains exhibited a marked degree of specialisation to their host, as well as showing other differences of a morpho- logical and physiological character. The author, therefore, distinguishes four species from ‘one another, viz. (1) Piricularia oryzae, Br. and Cav. Emend., on rice; (2) P. grisea (Cke), Sace. Emend., on crab grass; (3) P. setariae, sp. nov., on Italian millet and green fox-tail grass; and (4) P. singiberi, sp. nov., on Zingiber mioga and Z. officinale. All the above species grow readily as saprophytes upon artificial media, such as rice-decoction agar. On media con- taining carbohydrates the fungal growth becomes deep olive to olivaceous-black, according to the species; but, grown without carbohydrates (such as on bouillon agar), the hyphe remain white. The physiological relationship of the four species of Piricularia to various culture media, temperature, oxygen, etc., was carefully recorded. Piricularia species were found to exhibit a long vitality (of more than four hundred days) in cultures; moreover, in dry conditions the spores of P. oryzae maintain their vitality from the autumn until the next summer (about eight months). Therefore the spores may be a source of early infection. We have received the year-book and annual rain- fall returns of the Norwegian Meteorological Institute for the year 1917. The mean temperature of the year, taking the country as a whole, was in close agreement with the normal, but there was a rather marked deficiency of warmth north of the Arctic Circle, the mean temperature at Alten (lat. 70° .N.) being 14° C. under the average. January and July were remarlsably warm in all parts, while, on the other hand, April and October to November were unusually cold. An interesting summary of the climatic conditions for 1916 is given for Green Har- bour, Spitsbergen, the most northern meteorological station in the world, situated in lat. 78° 2’ N. The mean temperature of the year was —t1o01° C. (138° F.), with extremes of 10:8° C. (515° F.) on July.1 and —45-7° G. (—50-2° F.) on January 6. Only in August did the temperature remain above freezing- point. Precipitation was scanty, and amounted to only 11-36 in. Hourly values of temperature and pressure at Green Harbour are given for the year ended June, 1917, along with the tri-daily readings of the various climatic elements. Full particulars of rainfall and other forms of precipitation during 1917 are given for 475 stations, the daily readings being shown for most stations. Monthly and annual values expressed as a percentage of the average are shown for sixty- four stations, the greatest excess, 45 per cent., oc- curring at Engset (lat. 62° 14’ N., long. 7° 15/ E.), and the maximum deficiency, 41 per cent., at Lille- DECEMBER 19, 1918| hammer (lat. 61° 7’ N., long. 10° 28’ E.). The isohyetals are drawn on two large-scale maps, which show clearly the sharp variations in rainfall peculiar to a mountainous country like Norway, the extremes ranging from 3400 mm. to 300 mm. of rain in the year. Tue importance of the refractometer to the technical chemist and physicist is being realised to an ever- increasing extent. "The determination of the refractive index of a liquid can be made quickly and accurately by means of such an instrument, thus affording valu- able information as to the purity of oils, fats, or drugs, or the concentration of solutions. The investigation of the optical properties of glasses and singly and doubly refracting crystals can be carried out with the same instrument. It is highly satisfactory to learn that British manufacturers are paying considerable attention to the construction of refractometers. We have received from the firm of Messrs. Adam Hilger, Ltd., a well-illustrated booklet describing their Abbe refractometer with water-jacketed prisms for the measurement of refractive indices from 1-3000 to 1-7000, The instruments are standardised, and not only the mechanical, but also the optical, parts are interchange- able. We have also received an account of the im- proved type of Abbe refractometer designed and made by Messrs. Bellingham and Stanley, Ltd. An interest- ing comparison is made between the features of this instrument and the corresponding features of the German type, and it is claimed that the increased efficiency results in a saving of time of about 50 per cent. in the determination of refractive indices and dispersions. Pror. Mites WaLKER read an interesting paper to the Institution of Electrical Engineers on December 5 on the supply of single-phase power from three-phase systems. In this country the advantages of three- phase distribution of power are thoroughly appre- ciated, and many of our large power-stations generate electrical power on this system. At the present time there is a great demand in the Midlands for electric » power for smelting furnaces. As these furnaces make an excessive demand on the supply station, the com- panies insist that the load taken by the furnaces must be a “balanced"’ load, and that suitable precautions are taken to prevent resonance effects, which have on several occasions caused a breakdown of the system. For reasons which are not fully stated in the paper, Prof. Walker urged the adoption of the single-phase furnace. He described the various methods that could be used to operate this furnace without upsetting the balance of the mains. He gave full particulars of the design of a ‘“‘ rotating balancing transformer” for this purpose. The tests made on this machine show that its efficiency was more than go per cent. This is a very satisfactory achievement. We are not convinced, however, that it is best to use a single-phase furnace when the supply is three- phase. We know several excellent types of three-phase furnace, and it is possible to connect them with the three-phase transformer, so that the power factor on the primary windings is nearly unity. But even if a single-phase electric furnace was essential, why not use a choking coil, a transformer, and a rotary. con- denser separately? There is no need to combine them into a single machine. An interesting paper on the air supply to boiler- rooms was read by Mr. Richard W. Allen at the Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders in Scotland on October 22. The paper deals with the closed- stokehold system, and a large part of it is taken up with the losses in the ducts and fan chambers, due to unscientific design. Records are given of experi- NO. 2564, VOL. 102] NATURE 323 ments conducted on new types of deck intakes, weather flaps, gratings, etc., designed in such a manner as to secure stream-line flow in the currents of air, and the results of experiments carried out on older patterns of the same appliances are also in- cluded. For example, a grating having bars of rectangular section produced a drop in pressure of from 0-065 in. to 0-22 in. of water, whilst another having “stream-line ’ bars showed no perceptible drop in pressure. ‘The delivery through these gratings with the fan running at the same speed was respectively 29,000 and 31,500 cubic ft. of air per minute. The paper constitutes a valuable illustration of the ap- plications of science to engineering design, and as such is to be commended to any engaged in the design and installation of fans. Tue salvage of the St. Paul forms the subject of an interesting article in the Engineer for December 6. It may be remembered that this ship heeled and sank in New York harbour in April of the present year. The hull settled upon the river-bed with the decks nearly vertical, and penetrated through the bed of silt into the underlying hard soil. This rendered the matter of the removal of guns, etc., @ process of considerable difficulty for the divers. Excavational work was done by means of jets of compressed air, thus blowing away the mud which had accumulated round the guns. The ooze also entered the ship through numerous open ports, and hampered the work greatly. The dead-weight of the ship is about 13,000 tons, and the ship had to be rolled forcibly back towards the normal upright position without damage. This was accomplished by use of surface pontoons, of A-frames attached to the uppermost side of the ship, and of pumps which cleared the water partially out of the ship. Four pontoons were used which exerted, on the rising tide, a lift of 1200 tons, and produced a righting moment on the ship. The rolling operation took about seven days to accom- plish. The final operation comprised the pumping out of the entire vessel. It is of interest to note that the engineers responsible adapted the oxy-acetylene torch for under-water service, and employed it for cutting drainage openings in various parts of the ship. The entire salvage operation*has been accom- plished with conspicuous success. THE poisonous character of some cargoes of Burma beans having been noticed, it was suggested that the Burma Department of Agriculture should encourage the cultivation of varieties containing less hydrogen cyanide than does Phaseolus lunalus. It has been found, however, that imported Madagascar beans were not suited agriculturally to replace Pe-gya and Pe-byu- gale, and that the prussic acid content increased dur- ing two years’ cultivation. As bearing on the same problem, the agricultural chemist of the Government of Burma has studied the hydrogen cyanide content of the commonest Burma bean, Pe-gya. The results ob- tained are described in Bulletin No. 79 of the Agri- cultural Research Institute, Pusa, by Messrs. F. J. Warth and Ko Ko Gyi. It was found that the metho of estimating hydrogen cyanide by distillation (after hydrolysis of the glucoside with acid) into sodium hydrogen carbonate solution and titration with iodine solution could not be used owing to the presence of a substance which gives a slight iodine reaction. The prussic acid was therefore estimated by conversion into Prussian blue, which was ignited and weighed as ferric oxide. Details of the method are given in the bulletin. From about one hundred single-plant samples collected in the cultivators’ fields of the Sagaing district ten samples of seed were selected, including two of the highest hydrogen cyanide con- 314 two of the lowest, and four intermediate. ‘These were grown in Hmawbi (high rainfall), Tatkon (inter- mediate rainfall), and Mandalay (low rainfall). From the results of the analyses of the seeds obtained the following conclusions are drawn:—(1) That the hydrogen cyanide content is an inherent character of pure single-plant cultures; (2) the content varies con- siderably with the soil and climatic conditions ; (3) that cultures giving low amounts of hydrogen cyanide in one locality give low figures under all the conditions tested; (4) that differences in the colour of seeds from a single culture are not correlated with the different hydrogen cyanide content of their progeny ; and (5) that the best cultures hitherto found contain prussic acid, but only half that present in the originally imported Madagascar bean. Messrs. STANDLEY BELCHER AND Mason, Lyip., Church Street, Birmingham, writing with reference to the article on scientific glassware contributed by Dr. M. W. Travers to Narure of December 5, state that “already by November, 1914, we were supplying beakers, etc., made in our own moulds, from a for- mula supplied by us.”’. In Dr. Travers’s article those firms only were mentioned which mark their glass with the name of the maker and the words “ British made,’ and that accounts for the omission of the names of other firms. No injustice was intended, but it must be admitted that, by displaying and selling glassware which does not bear the maker’s name, cer- tain dealers fail in their obligations to British industry and belong to a different category from firms con- cerned solely with ware distinctly shown to be of British manufacture. y ASTRONOMICAL COLUMN. DECEMBER 6.—At gh. 36m. a very was observed at Bristol, Weston- super-Mare, and Falmouth. The object lit up the partially clouded sky like a vivid flash of lightning. From the descriptions already to hand it appears that the meteor moved slowly from a radiant at 133°+69°, and fell from a height of 67 to 24 miles along a path of 67 miles. The position was from above Rhayader to sauth-east of Carmarthen, in South Wales, but further observations are necessary for the determination of very trustworthy results. Comer 1918d (ScHorr).—A new comet, of feeble luminosity, was discovered at Bergedorff (Hamburg) by Dr. Schorr on November 23. From observations made on November 23, 24, and 25, Messrs. J. Braae and J. Fischer-Petersen have calculated the following orbital elements :— T=1918 August 7°906 G.M.T. tent, OUR FIREBALL ON fine meteor @ =230° 42° 18°) 92 =129° 16°90’ + 1918'0 ae 27-21') log g=0'19222 The following is an extract from the ephemeris :— R.A. Decl. 1918 19180 19180 Log » Log 4 ho ms é DWery21 3 58) 15 +12 54:3 0°3749 0: 1666 25 3 57 41 +13 103 03816 01844 29 3 57 30 +13 27°71 0:3883 02024 During December from the 14th to the SPECTRA OF Binary Stars. the American Astronomical Society (Pop. Ast., vol. xxvi., p. 635) Dr. R. G. Aitken summarises the results of a comparison of his list of close double- stars with the unpublished new Draper Catalogue of stellar spectra. The spectral classes of 3919 pairs, NO. 2564, VOL. 1025 the computed brightness ranges 15th magnitude. —In a communication to NATURE [DECEMBER 19, 1918 ' - including practically all those as bright as 85 B.D. magnitude, were identified, with the results shown in the following table, which also includes the 605 spectro- scopic binaries (in the entire sky) which were known in October, .1917 :— Spectral Visual Binaries Spectroscopic Binaries Class Numbers Percentages Nuinbers Percentages o-B8 157 4 198 33 Bo-A3 1251 32 = 161 26 As-ha 532 14 a 61 10 I'5-Go 1093 28 ar 71 12 Gs5-Ke2 837 21 35 95 16 KK5-Md 49 I a 19 3 Totals 3919 100 605 100 The figures show that while spectroscopic binaries are most numerous among stars of class B, the visual binaries are relatively most numerous among stars of class G. A New “Soran Constranr” Osservarory.—The Smithsonian Institution has established an observing station at Calama, Chile, for further investigations of the apparent variations of the solar radiation, to which so much attention has been given by the director, Dr. C. G. Abbot (Pop. Ast., vol. xxvi., p. 633). The site is 2250. metres above sea-level, and, according to several years’ records, is the most cloudless station in the world. For the two years 1913-14 the average number of wholly cloudless days at 7 a.m. was 228, at 2 p.m. 206, at 9 p.m. 299, and of completely cloudy days none. The precipitation is zero, and the tem- perature seldom falls below o° C. or rises above 25° C. The observational conditions would thus appear to be extremely favourable for the work con- templated. MEDICAL RESEARCH, UCH has been said of late as to the importance of encouraging research work in the applied sciences. In the fourth annual report of the Medical Research Committee! we have ample illustration of the enormous field presented for research worl in medical science under conditions both of peace and of war. The diversion of scientific research to war purposes has nowhere led to more marked service than in the sphere of medical research. When considered front the point of view of mere economy of expendi- ture, and quite apart from the enormous saving of life and suffering, medical research is shown to pay; thus, by improved methods in the treatment of heart cases at the Colchester Hospital, cures were effected more rapidly, with a consequent saving of 50,0001. in a single year. Although attention has naturally been focussed on the magnitude of pain and on the toll of life inyolved in war casualties, it must not be forgotten that in times of peace the volume of avoidable suffering and loss is measurable in terms of similar magnitude to those which obtain in war. Among the grave problems with which we are now faced is that of the low standard of our national physique, the statistics of which have recently been described by the Prime Minister as ‘‘staggering.”’ The investigations carried out under the auspices of the Medical Research Com- mittee on problems connected with tuberculosis, rickets, growth factors, industrial diseases, industrial fatigue, etc., are a step towards the scientific estab- lishment of a healthy race, and have already reached important results. A remarkable feature of medical research since the 1 Fourth Annual Report of the Medical Research Committee, 1917-18. (London: H.M. Stationery Office, 1918.) Price 4d. net. ‘ DECEMBER 19, 19 18] NATURE. 345 commencement of the war, and especially during the present year, has been the increasing prominence of the work of physiologists; thus the problems of war by poison gas, of aviation, and of surgical shock call for solution on the lines of experimental physiology. It has often been said in the past that British physio- logists, though second to none, have not established and maintained sufficiently close contact with clinicians, and this statement, like its converse, is incontestably correct. In this connection, however, fine distinctions cannot be made between academic and practically applied science; it is for the academic worker to discover, and for the practical worker to apply. This is strikingly shown by the application of the researches of Prof. Bayliss on colloids to the treat- ment of surgical shock, which takes the practical form of the injection of gum solutions to restore the deficient circulation underlying shock. Practical sur- gery has thus profited in an unexpected way from the results of purely academic labours. Conversely, in the investigation of the restricted breathing and distress following exposure to poisonous gases, Mr. Barcroft and Dr. Haldane have not only been able to suggest valuable lines of treatment, but have also revealed important new facts in the physio- logy of respiration. The work reported in the present publication is divided into three sections, viz. the work of the Cen- tral Research Institute, the researches framed before the war, and the work in connection with the war. These researches are, to a great extent, interdependent. It is impossible to give here even a brief summary of the important work which has been carried out, or of the valuable results which have followed from such work carried out, under the auspices of the Medical Research Committee. The present report is itself such a brief summary of work done or projected, and in it reference is made to more than 150 fublished papers and reports on these various subjects. It is to this annual report and to the publications therein men- tioned that the reader should refer for detailed accounts. Among the subjects of investigation which have yielded important results are those connected with problems of national physique mentioned above, with diseases of the heart and nervous system, and with the study of diabetes. These are researches commenced or framed before the commencement of the war. In connection with the war the information which has been elicited is often of a confidential nature, but much of it has already been made current. Valuable ser- vice has been rendered by the Committee to research workers at home and abroad, both by the provision of special apparatus not procurable through the usual channels of Army supply, and by the dissemination of information. With regard to the latter, the monthly * Medical Supplement,” containing abstracts of foreign (including enemy) scientific medical work, which have been supplied by the Committee for publication by the War Office General Staff, has been much appreciated. The most important investigations carried out in connection with the war are those dealing with the medical history of the war, the treatment of in- fected wounds, of gangrene, dysentery, typhoid, cerebro-spinal fever, trench nephritis, soldiers’ heart, chest wounds, surgical shock, ‘‘ gassed”’ cases, brain injuries, T.N.T. poisoning, etc. Special mention should also be made of investigations of medical problems connected with flying, and, with the testing of aviators as to suitability for flight. Investigations connected with the manufacture and administration of salvarsan are also in progress. Researches into the epidemiology of phthisis, measles, whooping-cough, plague, and influenza are also occupying the atten- tion of various workers under the Committee. NO., 2564, VOL. 102] THE BRITISH GLASSWARE INDUSTRY. HE British Chemical Ware Manufacturers’ Associa- tion, the British Flint Glass Manufacturers’ Asso- ciation, the British Lamp-blown Scientific Glassware Manufacturers’ Association, and the British Laboratory Ware Association—organisations representing the manufacture and distribution of scientific glassware— have jointly addressed the Inter-Departmental Glass Trades Committee, representing the Board of Trade and the Department of Optical Munitions and Glass- ware Supply (Ministry of Munitions), setting forth their views as to the steps which should be taken to secure the permanent establishment of the trade in this country. They point out that in 1914 the shortage of scientific glassware threatened disaster. Indus- tries such as agriculture, food production of all kinds, and the manufacture of armaments, iron and steel, non-ferrous metals, gas, dyes, explosives, leather, and oil, also our military and civil medical services and the public services responsible for public health and hygiene, which could not be conducted without efficient scientific control, were in danger. The “master key’? to the maintenance of our position, and to ultimate victory, was for the moment in the hands of our enemies. During the war the energy and enterprise of our manufacturers have enabled them to build up the industry and to supply all the. requirements of the country, but having always before them the immediate needs of the country rather than the future of the industry, the position in which they now find them- selves is highly unfavourable compared with that of manufacturers in enemy and neutral countries. Since the outbreaks of the war the cost of materials has risen threefold and wages have doubled. The cost of ex- perimental worl, the payment of excess profits duty, and the heavy charges on capital account have made it impossible to accumulate the funds necessary for the proper financing of the industry; and even so far as money has been available, there has been great difficulty in procuring material for the construction of buildings and furnaces suitable in quantity and quality. The labour difficulty and the calling up of all lads of eighteen years of age have seriously ham- pered the industry. In view of the importance of the industry, the associations petition the Government to prohibit the importation of scientific glassware into the country, subject not only to licences being granted in the case of articles not manufactured in the country, but also to the control of prices, and later to impose a duty upon imported goods. They also direct attention to the need for financial assistance, and for aid in carrying out those scientific and technical investigations which are essential if the industry is to be established per- manently in the country. THE ANTARCTIC ICE-CAP AND ITS BORDERS.' HOUGH much of the foundation of the Antarctic ice-cap is certainly elevated land, it is quite possible that elsewhere the dome rests upon a floor actually below sea-level. In any case, it is most probable that the smooth ice-surface masks a very irregular rock-basement. The thickness of the ice may, therefore, be expected to be extremely variable, no doubt reaching a maximum of several thousand feet. An_ ice-formation of such magnitude introduces questions relating to the flow of its substance and 1 Introduction of a discussion at the Geological Society on November 6, y Sir Douglas Mawson. 1 316 ; ' the abrasion of its foundations which do not enter into the physics of ice-masses of smaller dimensions. Here the static pressure on the lower zones of the ice may reach 1 ton per sq. in. At the same time, the temperature may be so increased by ground heat as to be much higher than that prevailing above. As a consequence, when the ice-formation is very thick a more plastic base must be admitted. The outflow of the inland ice is principally deflected at the coastal margin into depressed areas outlining the heads of gulfs and bays. In such localities the rate of movement and the volume of ice entering the sea are both great—so great, indeed, that extensive floating “glacier tongues” are a feature of such situations, often extending forty to fifty miles from the shore. Along other stretches of the coast less well placed for receiving contributions from the interior of the continent the outflow is so much less that the destruc- tive influences at work on reaching the sea easily maintain its boundaries at approximately the true coast-line. As exceptions to this latter prevailing condition, however, there are known already two notable locali- ties where the general overflow from the land main- tains itself as an immensely thick floating structure extending far out over the sea—a veritable oceanic ice-cap. To this type of formation we apply Prof. Nordensijéld’s term “shelf-ice.” The formations referred to are the Great Ross Barrier at the head of the Ross Sea, and the Shackleton Shelf off the coast of Queen Mary Land. The former occupies what is really the head of the Ross Sea—a somewhat triangular area. From apex to base it measures five hundred miles, with a base- length of about four hundred miles. This great raft of ice presses forward to the open sea at the rate of a few hundred yards per annum. The available figures, quoted by David and Priestly, show that, at the present rate of advance, the ice now appearing at the sea-face must have left the inner extremity of the floating sheet at some time during the seventh cen- tury. A survey of the ice-cliff forming the sea-face indicates by its changing height that the Ross Barrier is of varying thickness. This has been explained by the presence, in localities where it is thickest, of the remnants of the miassive-ice contribution received during its course from certain of the large tributary glaciers. The ice from these glaciers, in fact, con- stitutes a strong framework which stiffens and con- tains the more crumbling structure derived from the consolidation of the annual snowfall. To a great extent this must certainly be so; but the influence of a varying snowfall, and the effect of violent periodic winds—a feature of the region—in sweeping the loose snow from certain areas and de- positing it im other favoured localities, must be reckoned with. The snowfall is lighter on the eastern side than on the west. Furthermore, the snow tends to accumulate on the western side owing to the fact that the winds regularly blow from the quarter south to east, and not from the west. In the of the Shackleton Shelf, this is the more remarkable because it maintains itself as a pontoon stretching into the open sea, even across the drift of the prevailing ocean current. ‘ The deluge of ice, after descending to the sea, presses northwards as an integral whole, at first touching bottom at intervals, then forcing its way past several islands, and eventually reaching an extreme distance of 180 miles from the land before it is mas- tered by the swell and currents of the Southerh Ocean: Tt is somewhat triangular in form, with the apex out to sea. The base against the land, though not com- NO. 2564, VOL. 102] case NATURE [DecemBER 19, 1918 pletely charted, extends in all probability for a dis- tance of about two hundred miles. The main body of the shelf-ice advances rather slowly, but the Denman Glacier, which contributes to’ it, has a much mere rapid movement, very well illus- trated by the fact of its ploughing through the other shelf-ice with such force that a shatter-zone some miles wide is developed. The wall of the shelf-ice on the west side offers an excellent example for study, as it is a section from the point of its departure from the land to its crumbling apex. In the case of the Ross Barrier, the cliff-face is a section across the direction of movement. At the land end the Shackleton Shelf, from the sur- face down, is hard glacier-ice breaking with a charac- teristic fracture. A few miles farther out, away from the influence of the winds descending from the land slopes, a névé mantle commences to make its ap- pearance over the original ice formation. As one steams along the face away from the land this capping is observed to increase steadily in thickness. The overburden of névé is arranged in regular bands, each of which corresponds with a single year’s addition. This being so, it is possible to make some sort of estimate of the age of the formation. The weight of these additions depresses the top of the original ice below the surface of the water. Though there is a regular annual addition above, it must not be imagined that the total thickness of the pontoon is correspondingly increased; for the solu- tion of the lower surface by the sea has also to be reckoned with. Very often, however, in the névé sections of glacier-tongues the cliff-face above the water is observed to stand higher than in the wholly ice zone at the land end. This is to be expected on account of the lighter nature of the névé ice added, there being a larger proportion of air sealed up in it. The observed height above sea-level of Antarctic shelf-ice so far recorded ranges from about 20 ft. to more than 200 ft. A common figure is from go ft. to 120 ft., suggesting a total thickness of 600 ft. to 1000 ft. : Although the height of the cliff-face presented by shelf-ice gives some idea of its total thickness, a reallv accurate method of determination badly needed. The Australasian Expedition hit upon a method which gives positive results. in some cases at least. This consists in taking serial temperatures of the sea-water in depth near the face of the shelf-ice. As there is alwavs a current flowing beneath the ice, the bottom of it is likely to be marked by a sudden slight change in the water temperature, easily observed when the observations are plotted as a graph. is UNIVERSITY, AND EDUCATIONAL INTELLIGENCE. CampBripGE.—The titular degree of M.A., honoris causa, has been conferred upon Mr. Frederic William Harmer, of Norwich, in recognition of his researches in geology, especially the geology of the Eastern Counties. Mr. Harmer is the father of Dr. S. F. Harmer, Keeper of the Department of Zoology, British Museum (Natural History). Lonpon.—At University College arrangements have now been completed in the faculty of engineering to enable students whose courses have been interrupted by war service, or those who were unable to begin their engineering studies last October owing to war conditions, to resume or begin their studies by enter- ing next term, January 13, 1919. For both classes of students additional work will be provided during parts of the Easter and Long Vacations, so as to enable ber 4, DECEMBER 19, 1918 | NATURE 317 them to get in a full session’s work between January | November 22. Mrs. Sage was the widow of Mr. and August, 1919. Arrangements of a like kind are in contemplation in other faculties. Oxrorp.—On December 3 the honorary degree of D.Se. was conferred on Mr. William Crooke. In pre- senting Mr. Crooke, the Public Orator referred to his admirable work as a member of the Indian Civil Service, and especially to his continuation of the re- search on the anthropology of the native races of India so ably begun by the late Sir Herbert Risley, whose chief work Mr. Crooke had lately edited. The recipient of the degree, it was added, was recognised as a leading authority on the important subject of caste and tribal groups in India generally, and par- ticularly in the N.W, Provinces and Oudh. Magdalen College has long been honourably noted for the support that it has given to natural science in the University. Two recent elections by the presi- dent and fellows of that society have worthily carried on the tradition. Mr. E. S. Craig, of University College, Assistant Registrar of the University, has for many years been well known as a successful teacher of mathematics and physics, especially in the elec- trical department, where he acted for some time as demonstrator under Prof. Townsend. His election to a fellowship at Magdalen is widely welcomed in the University as a well-merited recognition of excellent scientific work, as well as of capable and courteous administration. Mr. E. G. T. Liddell, of Trinity Col- lege, has been elected to a senior demyship in the same college. Mr. Liddell, who was recently placed in the First Class in*the final honour school (physiology), has been engaged in research work at the Lister Institute of Preventive Medicine. Tue annual meeting of the Association of Public School Science Masters will be held at the London Day Training College, Southampton Row, on Decem- ber 31, 1918, and January 1, 1919, under the presi- dency of Sir Ronald Ross. The subject of the presi- dent’s address will be ‘Observations on the Results of our System of Education.” A lecture on poison- gas warfare will be given by Lt.-Col. Smithells. There will be discussions on the importance of restricting specialisation in university scholarship examinations and giving weight to general education, opened by Mr. F. S. Young; science in the general education of boys, opened by Mr. W. D. Eggar and Mr. C. V. G. Civil; and courses in general science for classical Sixth Forms, opened by the Rev. S. A. McDowall. The annual meeting of the Geographical Associa- tion will be held on Friday, January 3, and Saturday, January 4. In the afternoon of the former day Mr. A. R. Hinks will give an address on war-maps at the Royal Geographical Society’s house, Kensington Gore, S.W.7. A collection of captured maps and maps made by the R.G.S. will be on view; and there will alsa be an exhibition of war maps, kindly lent by the authorities, at the London Day Training College, where the remaining meetings will be held. An address will be given by the president,. Prof. Grenville A. J. Cole, on the narrow seas and the Aretic route to Muscovy; and other subjects to be brought forward are:—The historical geography of West Africa, by Mr. W. H. Barker, and when and how often should we teach the geography of the British Isles to our pupils, a discussion led by Miss D. D. Adam and Mr. C. B. Fawcett. Deraits of the bequests under the will of Mrs. Russell Sage, whose death was announced on Novem- are contained in the issue of Science for NO. 2564, VOL. 102] | | | Russell Sage, who died in 1906, bequeathing a for- tune of about fifteen millions sterling almost entirely to her. Her will disposes of an estate estimated at 10,000,000l., of which more than 8,o000,000l. is to be distributed among charitable, educational, and _ re- ligious institutions. It is said that since the death of her husband Mrs. Sage had given between seven and eight millions sterling to various insfitutions and chari- ties, using part of the principal, as well as the income, of the Sage estate in these benefactions. Certain sums given by Mrs. Sage in her lifetime to institutions are to be deducted from the bequests under the will. Among the benefactions under the will may be men- tioned :—Russell Sage Foundation, 1,120,000l. ; Metro- politan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History, 160,o000l. each; the New York Botanical Garden, New York Zoological Society, Troy Polytechnic Institute, and Union College, Shenectady, 160,000l. each; Syracuse University, 320,000l.; and 160,0001. each to thirteen other colleges and universities in the United States. Smaller bequests are made to six other educational institutions. Av the annual prize distribution on December 7 of the Northampton Polytechnic Institute, St. John Street, London, E.C.1, the principal, Dr. R. Mullineux Walmsley, read a full report of the many activities of the institution during the session 1917-18. In the Engineering Day College the manufacture of high- class munitions upon a commercial scale, commenced on July 1, 1915, was continued uninterruptedly during the whole session. During its existence this workshop has produced 14,720 high precision gauges, many of them accurate to two ten-thousandths of an inch, and 43,511 gun parts for Woolwich Arsenal— a record which is believed to be in excess of the record of any similar educational workshop in the metropolis. In the Technical Optics Department the worl of training women students in full-time classes in lens and prism grinding was vigorously prosecuted through- out the whole year. This work was pressed forward, with the result that an almost continuous stream of women workers in the industry was available for the development and extension of existing optical work- shops, not only in England, but also in Scotland and Ireland. The training of disabled sailors and soldiers to take their place in the life of the country was con- tinued. During the session nine complete courses for training suitable men as electrical sub-station atten- dants were held, and the whole of the men trained were placed out. This brought the total number of such courses held since they were started in June, 1916, to twenty. The number of individual students who joined the Colours during the war was 2052, including twenty-five members of the staff; of these 237 obtained commissions, go gave their lives in the service of their country, and t90 names occur on the Roll of Distinction. AN announcement has been published by the Depart- ment of Demobilisation and Resettlement of the Ministry of Labour in connection with the. higher education and training for men who have served in the Forces. In order to restore the supply of men of higher scientific, professional, and business attain- ments whom the nation needs for every profession and industry, the Government has decided in suit- able cases to provide financial assistance for ex- Service men who desire to resume suitable education and training, with a view to their resettlement in civil life, but who cannot otherwise afford to meet the expenses involved. The scheme sanctioned applies equally to officers, warrant officers, non-commissioned officers, and men in the ranks, provided they are of ars NATURE 3 _ [DecemBER 19, 1918 suitable educational promise. The amount of the assistance to be granted will be limited to the actual sum deemed sufficient to meet the necessary fees and the expenses of maintenance of the candidate, after due account has been taken of his private means, if any. It is intended, however, that the amount of the istance shall be such as will enable a candidate to take his course of training under reasonably adequate conditions. The types of training for which assistance may be granted are :—(1) Courses of higher education in institutions approved by the Board of Education or by.the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, or by the corresponding Departments for Scotland or Ireland; (2) such practical training in offices and works and professional employments as may be approved by the Ministry of Labour; and (3) such practical training on farms, ete., ax may be approved by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, or by the corresponding Department for Scotland or Ireland. The Ministry of Pensions will co-operate in the working of the scheme on behalf of disabled officers and men, who will be eligible for assistance under the scheme, subject to compliance with the prescribed conditions. ‘The exist- ing provisions of the Royal Warrants as to training the disabled will remain in force, so far as they may be more beneficial to candidates than the provision made by this scheme. SOCIETIES AND ACADEMIES. LoNnpDoN. Royal Society, December 5.—Dr. J. \W. L. Glaisher, vice-president, in the chair.—Dr. C. Chree: Electric potential gradient and atmospheric opacity at Kew Observatory. It has been the practice for many years at Kew Observatory at the ordinary hours of meteoro- Jogical observation to record the most distant of a selected series of objects which is visible at the time. Separate notes are also made of the presence of mist or fog. Thus a large amount of information has accumulated as to the greater or less opacity of the atmosphere. The present paper utilises the data for a comparison of atmospheric opacity and the potential gradient of atmospheric electricity. It is found that eyen for the smallest amount of opacity which the observation scheme is able to disclose, the value of the potential gradient increases with the opacity. The effect of mist or fog on the potential gradients re- corded in winter is great, and, there being a large diurnal variation in the incidence of mist or fog, there is consequently a noteworthy influence on the char- acter of the diurnal variation of potential gradient.— FE. Nevill: The value of the secular acceleration of the mean longitude of the moon. It is shown that where the observed errors of the tabular place of the moon are properly corrected for the observed errors in the values of the principal coefficients employed in Hansen’s Lunar Tables, the residual errors are such as to show that the true value of the coefficient of the secular acceleration in the mean motion of the moon cannot differ sensibly from the value 6-2” assigned to it by theory, so that it affords no evidence from observation of any tidal retardation in the rotation of the earth.S. B. Schryver and Nita E. Investigations dealing with the state of aggreg Part iv.: The flocculation of colloids by salts con- taining univalent organic ions. The theories dealing with the mechanism of the action of salts in floc- culating colloids is discussed. According to one theory the adsorption of the discharging ion of the floc- culating salt is the predominant action. If this is the case, it might be expected that salts which cause the greatest lowering of the surface tension of water would exert the greatest flocculating action where NO. 2564, VOL. 102] water is the dispersion medium. A series of salts containing organic ions was chosen, of which the normal solutions exhibit a wide range of surface ten- sions, and their flocculating action on a number of colloids was investigated. In general, no relation- ship was found to exist between this action and the surface tensions of the solutions. In one case, how- ever (that of mastic), there was a marked parallelism. Attention is directed to the fact that two classes of suspensoid colloids might exist. The first class com- prises those colloids which owe their charge to an ion of the salt from which the colloid is prepared, as, for example, the chlorine ion attached to a ferric hydroxide sol prepared by the hydrolysis of ferric chloride. The second class includes colloids in which the charge is due to a dissociated labile ion belonging to the colloid proper, held electrostatically to a less labile ion, as, for example, the mastic colloid, when a hydrogen ion (of the carboxyl radicle) is held electrostatically to a large anion. It is proposed to designate colloids of the first class exionic, and those of the second class endionic.—E. Hatschek : A study of the forms assumed by drops and vortices of a gelatinising liquid in various coagulating solutions. The paper describes a series of experiments in which drops of gelatin sol are allowed to fall into various solutions. Conditions can be so arranged that gelation takes place when any desired shape of the hanging drop or vortex thus produced has been attained. The result is permanent models of what are only transient forms when two liquids are employed, as in the experimental methods practised ‘hitherto. If the solutions have a de- hydrating effect on gelatin, a number of features not produced at all with liquids appear, such as radial ribs and membranes, or, generally speaking, cross- sections other than circular. The conditions can further be varied by the use of solutions, or of salts added to the gelatin sol, which leads to the production of permeable or semi-permeable membranes on the gelatin drop. By these means a further range of forms can be obtained, such as bi-concave discs of the shape of the human red blood corpuscle, hanging drops showing abnormal profiles and superficial seg- mentation, and vortex forms greatly modified by general shrinkage. Many of the forms obtained in these experiments show a close resemblance to those of the simpler organisms, both as regards general out- line and secondary features. Geological Society, December 4.—Mr. G. W. Lamplugh, president, in the chair.__[_t.-Col. Wheelton Hind and Dr. A. Wilmore; The Carboniferous succes- sion of the Clitheroe province. The tectonic structure of the province consists of three dissected parallel anti- clinal folds in beds of Carboniferous Limestone, Pendleside, and Millstone Grit age. Dissection has exposed the lower beds of Z, C, and S age, as the tectonic axes and beds of D, P, and Millstone Grit age occur on the flanks. The authors give the following table of Goniatite zones :-— “ Middle" Coal Measures Lower Coal Measures Upper Millstone Gnt Sabden Shales Gastri certs carbonarium, von Buch Castrioceras carbonarium, yon Buch Gavtrioceras listert, Matin Glyphioceras diadema, Beyrich a Shales below Millstone Grit £8 Glyphioceras brilingne, Salter = FG Bowland Shales 4} Glyphioceras reticulatium, Phillips es 4 Glyphioceras spirale, Phillins LEG Giyphioceras striatum, Phillips = x Postdonomva becheri | Nomismoceras votiforme, Phillips Shales \ Prolecanites compressus, Sowerby Carboniferous Limestone, M2 Glyphioceras crenistria, Phillips Linnean Society, December 5.—Sir David Prain, president, in the chair.—Prof. W. A. Haswell: The Exogonew. The author gives a detailed account of the species occurring at Port Jackson of this group of small Polychate worms, belonging to the family DECEMBER 19, 1918 | NATURE o29 Syllide. After discussing the histology of the mus- cular gizzard, the author describes the reproductive organs, the modification of the nephridia at maturity, and the fixation of the ova on the ventral or dorsal surface of the mother, where they undergo develop- ment. One species, Grubea pusilloides, is described as hermaphrodite. The paper closes with an account of the early cleavage of the ovum and the later development.—C. D. Soar: Coloured drawings of British mites. The drawings illustrate the whole of the Hydracarina found and recorded for the British area. In all, there are 246 species, re- presenting forty-two distinct genera. More than forty species and four genera were figured and described for the first time as British, and of these only four or five have since been recorded on the Continent. Mathematical Society, December 12.—Mr. J. E. Campbell, president, in the chair.—G. H. Hardy and J. E. Littlewood; Applications of the method of Farey dissection in the analytic theory of numbers :—(1) A new solution of Waring’s problem. (2) Proof that every large number is the sum of at most thirty-three biquadrates. (3) The Riemann hypothesis and the expression of a number as the sum of a stated number of primes.—N. M. Shah and B. M. Wilson : Numerical data connected with Goldbach'’s theorem.—Prof. M. Fréchet : Integrals in abstract fields. MANCHESTER. Literary and Philosophical Society, November 26.—Mr. W. Thomson, president, in the chair.—Prof. H. Lamb: The movements of the eye. The theory of the movements of the eye, as developed by Helmholtz, includes some results of great interest to mathe- maticians as well as to physiologists. Unfortunately, they have scarcely become familiar to mathematicians, who have been apt to regard the whole matter as outside their province. The analytical investigations of Helmholtz are, moreover, long and intricate, and have doubtless been an obstacle to mathematicians and physiologists alike. The author had found that with the help of one or two propositions in the theory of rotation, now well known, the whole question can be treated in a simple and purely geometrical, manner, without the use of a single mathematical symbol. The paper consisted of an exposition of the subject from the above point of view. By the aid of diagrams the classical theorems of Euler and Sir W. Hamilton on rotation were explained and used to illustrate Listing’s law, which governs the positions of the eye- ball when the gaze is directed to various parts of the field. Finally, the apparent distortion of straight lines and the theory of those lines which are apparently straight were considered. The eye is necessarily im- perfect in these respects, and in obeying Listing’s law effects a compromise, which is probably the best admissible. DUBLIN. Royal Irish Academy, November 30.—H. Ryan: and P. Ryan: The action of nitric acid and nitrous acid on diphenylamine. The action of the oxy-acids of nitrogen on diphenylamine in carbon tetrachloride solution is similar to that which takes place between the same bodies in acetic acid solution. The products isolated in the various stages of the reaction at the ordinary temperature and at low concentrations of the inter- acting substances were: DiphenyInitrosoamine, 4-nitro- diphenylamine, 4-nitrodiphenylnitrosoamine, 4: 10- and 2: 10-dinitrodiphenylnitrosoamines, 4: 10-, 2: 10-, and 2 : 8-dinitrodiphenylamines, 2: 4: 8-trinitrodiphenyl- amine, and 2:4:8: 1o0-tetranitrodiphenylamine.—H. Ryan and W. O'Riordan: The action of bromine on some NO. 2564, VOL. 102] derivatives of diphenylamine. Diphenylamine is generally estimated by converting it by means of bromine into its tetrabromo-derivative, and either weighing this or determining the amount of bromine absorbed during the reaction. The assumption that the only product formed from diphenylamine by interaction with a cold solution of bromine is tetrabromodiphenylamine is not entirely justified, inasmuch as hexabromodiphenyl- amine is also formed. In this connection the action of bromine on some nitro-derivatives of diphenylamine was also examined. Bromine reacted with 4-nitro- diphenylnitrosoamine, forming a dibromo-4-nitro- diphenylamine melting at 216° C., with 2: 4-dinitro- diphenylamine giving a dibromo-2 : 4-dinitrodiphenyl- amine melting at 195-5° C., with 2: 10-dinitrodiphenyl- amine or 2: 1o-dinitrodiphenylnitrosoamine forming a dibromodinitro-derivative melting at 185° C., and with 4: 10-dinitrodiphenylamine or 4: 10-dinitrodiphenyl- nitrosoamine yielding a dibromo-q : 10-dinitrodiphenyl- amine melting at 247° C. At the ordinary tempera- ture bromine did not react on a_ solution of 2:4:8: 10-tetranitrodiphenylamine. EDINBURGH. Royal Society, December 2.—Dr. John Horne, presi- dent, in the chair.—Prof. J. Stephenson and Dr. Baini Prashad : The calciferous glands of earthworms. The simplest condition of these calciferous glands is that in which there occur slight segmental bulgings of the cesophageal canal, within which are a number of transverse folds of the epithelium. In many forms these bulgings become diverticula, such, for example, as in Octochaetus barkudensis, where the glands are large lobed sacs communicating with the cesophageal canal only by a narrow neck or “duct.” The condi- tion in Eutyphceus may be considered as having arisen from the fusion, along their edges, of a series of parallel epithelial lamella. In. the Lumbricida the condition originated in a_ series of longitudinal lamella. The mode of evolution has been similar to what has happened in Eutyphoeus, the inner edges of ‘the lamella having fused. The epithelium of the glands is in all cases continuous with that of the cesophagus, and comparative anatomy _shows that the various forms of glands are essentially due to various forms and degrees of complexity of the epithelial folds. The glands are, therefore, not meso- dermal in origin, and are not merely the walls of blood-vessels, as has recently been contended.—Prof. J. Stephenson and H. Ram: The prostate glands of the earthworms of the family Megascolecidz. Typical examples of the lobate and tubular prostates of the Megascolecidze have been studied in detail. In both, the cells of the gland disintegrate to form the secre- tion, which takes the form of granules; in the func- tioning gland, therefore, cell outlines are largely lost. Regeneration takes place in both by the formation of discrete cells at the perivhery of the gland. In the tubular form all the cells probably reach the lumen of the gland, and discharge directly into it. In the lobate form it appears that a large number of cells never reach the lumen of the intralobular ductule. Evidence of various kinds was supplied in proof of the fact that the glandular mass is in neither case an invagination from the surface, but is derived from tissues of mesoblastic origin——Dr. A. M. Williams : The adsorption isotherm at low concentrations. It ‘was shown that for very small adsorptions the adsorp- tion law, both for gases and solutions, may be expressed in the form a=a,c, where a is the amount adsorbed and c the equilibrium concentration. The general form of the adsorption curve for solutions was deduced from the above conclusion and found ic NATURE to agree with the results of different observers.— | Pp. vi+215. Lieut. J. Logie: The origin of anticyclones and de- pressions. In this paper importance was laid on radiation as the chief cause of the differences between cyclones and anticyclones. Cyclones are caused by the local cooling of the air, and anticyclones by heat- ing, and not “the reverse, as commonly believed. These facts were in harmony with the theory pre- sented, which was developed in mathematical form in accordance with the ordinary gas laws. It was found that the entropy of the air would be increased in the region of origin, which, from the data as to upper-air temperatures prov ided by Mr. W. H. Dines, was estimated as being at a height of four to six kilometres. The effect. of differing density of the air under the same pressure gradient was shown to intensify the pressure differences. The radiative effect might be obtained by the movement of air from equator to pole, by changes of diathermancy due to formation of thin haze, or by the covering of a large tract of country by cloud, and these causes were con- sidered adequate in giving the variation of radiative effect required. MELBOURNE. Royal Society of Victoria, October 10.—Mr. J. A. Kershaw, president, in the chair.—W. M. Bale: Further notes on Australian Hydroids. Part iv. In this paper the author describes several new species from Victorian waters. Lytocarpus urens, Kirchen- pauer, from Moreton Bay specimens, is proved to be the female form of L. phillipsinus, K. Notes are added regarding the specific relationships of the Aus- tralian brown Hydras, generally referred to H. olig- actis (H. fusca). It is possible that they belong to other, European and American, species, which further research will determine. SYDNEY. ‘ Royal Society of New South Wales, October 2.—Mr. W. S. Dun, president, in the chair.—R. H. Cambage : Acacia seedlings. Part iv. The author described the seedlings of twelve species, and pointed out that although bipinnate leaves are the dominant form in seedlings of this genus, yet one species, A. alata, so far as his tests had gone, did not appear to produce a bipinnate leaf at all, but had simply pinnate leaves and phyllodes. He stated that seeds of A. melan- oxylon and A. penninervis had germinated after having been in sea-water for 469 days, and of A. farnesiana after 1375 days. BOOKS RECEIVED. Mnemonic Notation for Engineering Formule. Report of the Science Committee of the Concrete Institute. With explanatory notes by E. F. Etchells. Pp. 116. (London: E. and F. N. Spon, Ltd.) 6s. net. Life of Frederick Courtenay Selous, D.S.O. By J. FE. Millais. Pp. xi+387. (London: Longmans and Co.) 21s. net. The Science and Practice of Manuring. By W. Dyke. Revised and enlarged edition. Pp. iv+157 (London: The Lockwood Press.) 2s. net. British Rainfall, 1917. By Dr. H. R. Mill and C. Salter. Pp. 240. (London: E. Stanford, Ltd.) 10s. Modern Chemistry and Starch and Cellulose-(with Reference Prof. T. C. Chaudhuri. Pp. viii+156. London: Butterworth and Co.) Chemical Industry of to India). By (Calcutta and 3-12 rupees net. Bureau of Education, India. Progress of Educa- tion in India, 1912-17. By H. Sharp. — Volver: NO. 2564, VOL. 102] [DrEcEMBER 19, 1918 (Calcutta :° 3-10 rupees, or 58. 6d. The Next Step in Religion. By Dr. R. W. Pp. 228. (New York: The Macmillan Co.; Macmillan and Co., Ltd.) 1.50 dollars. Wild Life of the World. By R. Lydekker. 3 vols. Vol. i., pp. Xiv+472; vol. ii., pp. xii+440; vol. iii., pp. xi+457- (London: F. Warne and Co.) 4 guineas the three vols. An _ Introduction to the Study of Biological Chemistry. By Prof. S. B. Schryver. Pp. 340. (London and Edinburgh: T. C. and E. C. Jack, Ltd.) 6s. net. The Grasses and Grasslands of South Africa. By Prof. J. W. Bews. Pp. vi+161. (Pietermaritzburg : P. Davis and Sons, Ltd.) 7s. 6d. net. Supt. Govt. Printing, India.) Sellars. London : Tables of Refractive Indices. Vol. i.: Essential Oils. Compiled by R. Kanthack. Edited by Dr. J. N. Goldsmith. Pp. 148. (London: Adam Hilger, etd.) rss. met DIARY OF SOCIETIES. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10. CuEmicat Society, ‘at 8.—Prof. F. Soddy: The Conception of the Chemical Element as Enlarged by the Study of Radio-active Change. InstTrruTION OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS, at 6.—P. Hunter-Brown : Carbon Brushes, Considered in Relation to the Design and Operation of Elec- trical Machinery. ILLUMINATING ENGINEERING Society, at 8.—Discussion opened by the President : Summary of Progress in Photometry, with Special Reietuee to War Problems. CONTENTS. PAGE Chemical Industry, Now and Hereafter . . . 301 Modern Developmentsin Metallurgy. By H.C. H.C. 302 A Natural History of Pheasants. By W. E.C. . . 302. Our Bookshetiy. (> ee.) fee wcaciey Sota Aste Pa SY Letters to the Editor:— The Perception of Sound.—Rt. Hon, Lord ee leigh, O.M., F.R.S.. 304 The Common Cause of Pure and Applied Science. = Lt.-Col. Arthur Smithells, F.R.S. 304 The Theory of Hormones Applied to Plants. —Prof. Arthur Keith, F.R.S. ... : 395 Research Associations and Others... 305 The Future Developmen. of the Internal- combus- tion Engine. By H.E.W. . 3097 Nursing Habits ote Ants and Termites. By F.A. D. 308 Physics in Schools. fei Fo Dee ee Tie. a: eae Notes (J. Sova eee acy yi. Sie Our Astronomical Column :— Fireballon Decemberi6) 2) 302 3. 3s). Renee tae Comet 1918d@ (Schorr) . 4. RP SL? F ares Le Spectra of Binary Stars i a eee A New “Solar Constant” Observatory . eee Medical Research ie, Se ae ee oe 7 The British Glassware Industry ; sige Sis The Antarctic Ice-cap and its Borders. by Sir Douglas Mawson . . een: University and Educational Intelligence . toa Societies and Academies . Rens etc 3 Books Received 3 > Diary of Societies Editorial and Publishing Offices: MACMILLAN AND CO., Ltp., ST. MARTIN’S STREET, LONDON, W.C.z2. Advertisements and business letters to be addressed to the Publishers. Editorial Communications to the Editor. Telegraphic Address: Puusts, LONDON. Telephone Number Gzrrarp 8830. : o. 0 ian In. ts n ’ S JAN 18 1: SERRE dae on ee Mos Ls The Meteoric Shower of December.—W. F.Denning 325 Lady Roberts’s Field Glass Fund.—Countess Roberts 325 Inter-allied Conference on International Organisa- tionsiin'!Sciencels Byj@niGn ka) ene ener see 325 Our Roads 3, 12 CRN 9s Act AVE eee : AS / The American Chemist in Warfare. By Sir T. E. Thorpe}.C7B., BR Saeeicasene ae - ie) ree Notes otc oe « Sid pie diel tet ayy. 's' tet co aan 330 Our Astronomical Column :— The) Planet; Meccttry sasaki cies oiee «a een 334 The January: Meteors eae nn. - . 334 Opposition of Vesta a OSM oe Sra 334 Distribution of Luminosity in Star Clusters. . . - 334 Prize Awards of the Paris Academy of Sciences for 1918 : 334 A New Theory of the Ice Age. By W. w. B. ik : 335 Report of the Development Commissioners. . . . 336 University and Educational Intelligence . ... 337 Societies ‘and Academresic 7). . 5. . 2) ne =e ease Books |Receivedh, ] meta. se 349 Editorial and Publishing Offices: MACMILLAN AND CO., Lrtp., ST. MARTIN’S STREET, LONDON, W.C.z2. Advertisements and business letters to be addressed to the Publishers. Editorial Communications to the Editor. Telegraphic Address: Puusis, Lonpon. Telephone Number GeErrRarn 8830. rr Py, ‘? . wv “onal Muse A WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF SCIENCE. “To the solid ground Of Nature trusts the mind which builds for aye.” —WoORDSWORTH. No. 2566, VOL. 102] THURSDAY, JAN UARY ae 1919 _ _ [PRICE “NINEPENCE. z _Registere i as a Newspaper at the General “Post oneal = ae 3 ze we LE All Rights S Reserved. OPTICAL PROJECTION APPARATUS BASINS, BEAKERS, BOATS of : : : EVERY DESCRIPTION. | CAPSULES, CONDENSERS, | CRUCIBLES, FLASKS, specialise RETORTS, ra ell TRIANGLES, facture of apparatus to cus- tomers’ own designs. LOW POWER PROJECTION MICROSCOPE List free on application to for attaching to 20% Optical Lantern. THE SILICA SYNDICATE, Ltd., NEWTON & co. 28 VICTORIA STREET, (late of 3 Fleet Street), WESTMINSTER, S.W.1 je" WIGMORE STREET, LONDON, Ww. 1. Telephone: Central 2729. DUROGLASS L”: 14 CROSS STREET, HATTON GARDEN, E.C, Manufacturers of Borviadiene Resistance Glassware. | | Beakers. Flasks, Etc. Soft Soda Tubing for Lamp Work. General Chemical and ACCURATE RELIABLE THERMOMETERS. Send a note of your requirements to any of our addresses, and we will offer you the best types we have in stock. Scientific Glassware. Special Glass Apparatus Made to Order. DUROCLASS WORKS, WALTHAMSTOW. | . eens; STOW | NEGRETTI & ZAMBRA, BAIRD & TATLOCK (LONDON) LTD. ee EC: TY 14 CROSS ST., HATTON GARDEN, E.c.1, | | 5 “ADENHALL ST. | ONDON. 17? REGENT ST. | M€- Our City Branch is at 5 Leadenhall Street, EC. 3 CXXXVIill IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY. TECHNICAL OPTICS DEPARTMENT. Courses for full-time students. eS .. Owing to the circumstances due to the cessation of hostilities special courses of instruction are now being arranged for full and part-time students for the new term commencing on Jan. 15, 1919. The needs of each student will be separately considered by the Director of the Department. The lectures and practical classes previously announced for the fyesent session will also be continued. — General Optics— Professor F. J. CHESHIRE, C.B.E., Optical Designing and Computing— Professor A. E. CoNnRADY, Practical Optical Computing— Professor A. E. CONRADY, Workshop and Testing Room Methods— Professor A. E. CONRADY, A.R.C.S. Construction Theory and Use of Optical Measuring Instruments— Mr. L. C. Martin, D.I.C., A.R.C.S., B.Sc. A Course of Ten Weekly Lectures, commencing on Thursday, Jan. 16, 1919, at 5 p.m., on PHOTOGRAPHIC OPTICS, will be given by Professor A. E, Conrapy, A.R.C.S. These lectures are intended for users of photographic appar- atus generally, and will deal with the optical properties of photographic objectives, as far as possible non-mathematically. The principles of stereoscopic photography will be dealt with. Fee 5s. For further particulars and for admission tickets apply to THE REGISTRAR OF THE IMPERIAL COLLEGE, Imperial Institute Road, South Kensington, S.W. 7. THE TECHNICAL COLLEGE, LOUGHBOROUGH, LEICESTERSHIRE. H. SCHOFIELD, M.B.E., B.St. (Hons.) Lond., A.R.C.Sc. Lond., Assoc.M.Inst. C.E., PRINCIPAL. A.R.C.S, A.R.C.S. A.R.C.S. DEPARTMENTS OF MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING. Complete Courses of Training are arranged in both Theory and Practice of Mechanical Engineering. The Workshops of the College provide accommodation for 500 students working at the same time. The equipment is on most modern and comprehensive lines, and comprises plant for turning, fitting, milling, grinding, automatic lathe operating and tool setting, tool and gauge making, foundry work, pattern making, drawing office work, heat treatment, viewing and testing of all kinds. None but first-class work of a productive character is under- taken by the students, working under the skilled supervision of a fully qualified technical staff. The complete course covers a period of five years, during which works training in all the above sections will be given, and this will be accompanied by a full theoretical course of instruction in the College Lecture Rooms and Laboratories. Intending students should be at Jeast sixteen years of age, and have had a good Public School or Secondary Education. The fee is £5 5s. per term, and the next term will commence on January 14, 1919. Boarding accommodation is provided in Hostels attached to the College, full particulars of which, together with illustrated Prospectus, will be forwarded upon application to the Principal. W. A. BROCKINGTON, O.B,E., M.A., Director of Education, NATURE | } [January 2, 1919 UNIVERSITY OF LONDON, KING’S COLLEGE, AND KING’S COLLEGE FOR WOMEN. FACULTY OF SCIENCE. In this Faculty a Course of Study in Science is provided suitable for general education or for the Examinations of the London and other Univer- sities. Students are admitted either as Regular or Occasional Students. Several valuable Scholarships and Prizes are red. The Laboratories of the College are open to post-Graduates and Research Students. ‘The fol- lowing are the Departments under the charge of the various Professors, assisted by the Junior Staff :— Prof. S. A. F. Wiurre, M.A., and Prof. Mathematics J. W. Nicnotson, M.A., D.Sc., F.R.S. Physics ate ny < eR W. RicHarvson, D.Sc., { Prof. A. W. Crosstey, C.M.G., D.Sc., Chemistry... «3, F.R.S., and Prof. P. H. KirKkapy, ric: Botany... awe Prof. W. B. Botrom.ey, Ph.D., F.L.S. Zoology Prof. AkTHUR Denby, D.Sc., F.R.S. Geology and Mineralogy Dr. W. T. Gorvon, F.R.S.E. es { Prof. W. D. Hatiipurron, M.D., LL.D., Physiology A “1 BRS. { Dr. W. Brown, M.A., M.D., and Prof, Psychology “*\ Wirpon Carr. The next TERM begins WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 1919. For particulars as to this and other Faculties of the College—Engineering, Medicine, Arts, Laws, and Theology—apply to the SEcrETary, King’s College, Strand, W.C. 2. UNIVERSITY OF LONDON. KING’S COLLEGE, AND KING’S COLLEGE FOR WOMEN. Complete Courses of Study are arranged for Degreesin Arts, Laws, Science, Preliminary and Intermediate Medical Studies, Public Health and Bacterio- logy, Engineering. Women Students are admitted to the Faculties of Arts, Science, Laws, and Medicine. Facilities for research. Arrangementsmade for attending special or isolated courses. Evening Classes as well as Day in most Faculties. Students’ Hostels: The Platanes, Denmark Hill, and Vincent Square, Westminster. DEMOBILISATION. Spec’al arrangements are being made for students returning from the Army to commence or to resume their courses in January, 1919, and to complete a full session’s work by the end of September. The LENT TERM COMMENCES JANUARY 5s, roro. Apply to Secretary, King's College, Strand, W.C. 2. UNIVERSITY OF LONDON. KING’S COLLEGE. * EVENING CLASS DEPARTMENT. Courses are arranged for the Intermediate and Final Examinations for the B.A. and B.Sc. Degrees of the University of London. Students taking the full course pay composition fees and rank as internal students of the University. The separate classes are also open to occasional students. Next TERM will begin on WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1s. For full information and prospectus apply to the Dean (Mr. R. W. K. Epwarps) or to the Secrerary, King’s College, Strand, London, W.C. 2. THE SIR JOHN CASS TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, JEWRY STREET, ALDGATE, E.C. 3. The following Special Courses of Instruction will be given during the Lent Term, 1919 :— BREWING. By ARTHUR R. LING, F.LC. A Course of 20 Lectures and associated Laboratory work, Tuesday, evenings, 7 to 10 p.m., commencing TUESDAY, JANUARY 1g, 1919. THE MECHANICAL TESTING OF METALS AND ALLOYS. By E. M. BOOTE. A Course of Lectures with associated Laboratory work, Thursday evenings, 7 to ro p.m., commencing THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, ro19. Detailed Syllabus of the Courses may be had upcn application at the Office of the Institute, or by letter to the Principat. THURSDAY, JANUAL INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION OF SCIENCE. "T°HE formation of a considerable number of international organisations for the pro- motion of scientific observation and research is the result of the recognition of the fact that inter- national co-operation is highly desirable in all directions, and is even indispensable in many cases. A memorandum prepared by the Royal Society early in 1918 gives a list of about seventy-five such associations of scientific workers, and there are many more. The Royal Society list is divided into five groups, which include such subjects as standards of weight and measure, atomic weights and_ physico-chemical constants, problems in geodesy, seismology, meteorology, and explora- tion of the sea, the chart of the heavens, an inter- national chart of the world, and the cataloguing of scientific literature. Eighteen congresses which meet periodically are concerned with vari- ous departments of pure and applied science, from mathematics to medical radiology, while the Inter- national Association of Academies aims at unify- ing international work and the avoidance of dupli- cation. There are many other associations, some of which have been long in operation, while others have been called into existence by modern develop- ments, as, for instance, in relation to aviation. Since the beginning of the war it has become increasingly obvious that direct communication between the Allied Powers (including the United States) and the Central European Powers was no longer possible. Neither did it seem probable that the Allies would consent to personal communica- tion with the German peoples, even after the cessation of hostilities, until the latter had adopted an entirely new attitude towards the rest of the world. Of this change of mind and heart there is but small indication at present, and consequently the time when cordial assistance and co-operation can be mutually exchanged between the Allied Powers and the German-speaking peoples seems indefinitely postponed. The problem, then, is, What can be done with these international organ- isations? They must be freed from German mem- bership and influence, and to accomplish this either the Germans must be excluded or new and independent associations must. be formed by the Allies, together with such neutral Powers as, after deliberation, choose to dissociate themselves from Teutonic combinations. The latter appeared to be the only practicable course, and at. the con- ference recently held in Paris, of which an account NO. 2566, VoL. 102] 341 was given in NaTuRE of December 26, resolutions were carried affirming the necessity for the forma- tion of new international associations in place of the old. These associations will provide for the development of international action in relation to all the subjects mentioned above, but leaving to diplomatic agency the merely administrative rela- tions between public services, such as those regu- lating navigation, railways, telegraphs, weather reports, etc. The representatives of science in the United States propose to go further. An executive order by President Wilson under date May 11, 1918, refers to the National Research Coun- cil which was called into existence in 1916 by the U.S.A. National Academy of Sciences, with an eye especially to national requirements in time of war. The work of this council having proved so valuable, it is now constituted on a permanent basis, with duties specified in a series of para- graphs. These duties include not merely the task of bringing into co-operation for national purposes the industrial, naval, and military agencies. The council is expected to stimulate research in every department of science, to survey the larger possi- bilities of science, to formulate comprehensive pro- jects of research, and to develop effective means of utilising the scientific and technical resources of the country for dealing with these projects. Needless to add, co-operation, national and inter- national, is to be freely invoked. At the Inter-Allied Conference held in London in October, and at the later Conference in Paris, the idea developed into the proposal not only to form a National Research Council in each country, but the meeting itself assumed provisionally the title of “The International Research Council,’’ with an executive committee of five members and an administrative bureau to be established in Lon- don. The president of the new body is M. E. Picard, one of the permanent secretaries of the French Academy of Sciences, the other members being Prof. G. E. Hale, representing the United States; Prof. Volterra, representing the Acca- demia dei Lincei of Rome; Major Lecointe, repre- Belgium; and Prof. Arthur Schuster, representing the Royal Society. It will be the duty of this executive committee to work out the details of the organisation to be ultimately adopted, and to submit its proposals to the various bodies concerned. Among the subjects discussed at the conference in Paris were the proposals, already under con- sideration by many universities, for adding to the facilities offered to students of one nationality by teaching institutions in Allied countries. Ques- tions relating to biblisgraphy, the publication of sy senting 342 NATURE [JANUARY 2, I9I19 | abstracts of scientific memoirs, and the cata- loguing of scientific papers were also considered, as well as the serious international problem re- lating to patent laws in different countries. Anyone who has followed the course of events in the scientific world during the last twenty years or more will perceive that subjects of this kind have not been neglected, and that many prepara- tory steps have been taken, but it is also obvious that in regard to nearly all these matters we have been drifting gradually towards a chaos more and more confounded, The establishment of the system of international councils seems to be the only hope of ultimately arriving at some state of order. Readers of Nature have been informed of the establishment in this country of the Committee of the Privy Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, and the existence of several subsidiary boards, such as those for fuel research, food investigation, and several others, with related advisory boards, as well as the National Physical Laboratory. But the co-ordination of the whole remains to be accomplished, and, so far as this country is concerned, movement in this direction is not yet in view, though it has long been urged by the British Science Guild and in these columns. The British Government is too fond of leaving things at the disposal of its per- manent officials in Whitehall, who, however able they may be as officials, are in nearly all cases laymen in respect to questions involving scientific knowledge and experience. The Presi- dent of the United States proceeds on a different principle in placing the whole task of organisa- tion in the hands of the National Academy of Sciences, with power to select such representatives of the Government as are required for administra- tive work. Perhaps it will be useful to add a few remarks on the subjects which are intended for investiga- tion by these National Research Councils. Broadly speaking, there is no limit; all Nature is to be reviewed, experimented on, sounded, tested. It requires no great foresight to perceive that, on the whole, results which are expected to be immediately useful will especially be looked for by the expectant world outside. | Now research may be of kinds, one of which falls easily within the province of co-operative inquiry : the investigation of the origin, properties, and qualities of‘ natural materials of all kinds—coal and other minerals, fibres, woods, dyes, medi- cinal agents, and the cultivation of medicinal plants; investigation of problems in connection with agriculture, the strength of metals, corrosion or rusting of metals and decay of afl kinds of materials, such as timber, cement, and building- NO. 2566, VOL. 102] two stone. To such inquiries may be added the accu- rate determination of many physical constants which are at present imperfectly known, such as melting-points, boiling-points, specific heats, or electrical conductivities, all of which may come to be very valuable, or even indispensable, in the improvements to be made in machinery and engines of all kinds. Here are fields wide enough and full enough to occupy whole armies of workers for generations to come, and they afford examples in every direc- tion where co-operative labour is likely to accom- ‘plish that which might defy altogether the un- assisted effort of the individual worker. It is also quite possible that in the resulting enlarged and more accurate view of natural materials and re- sources phenomena will present themselves among which the eye of genius may perceive the way to generalisations of incalculable importance. It was the careful and accurate estimation of the densities. of gases by Rayleigh which led to the discovery of the argon series of gases. It was the study of the crystalline form of the tartrates which led Pasteur by successive steps to discoveries which resulted later in the development of the entire department of science known as stereo-chemistry. For ages the fact has been known that certain substances—e.g. calcined oyster-shells—exhibit a feeble luminosity; but it was the systematic study of phosphorescent phenomena by Becquerel which led, in the hands of the Curies, to the discovery of radio-activity, with all its amazing consequences. Similarly, it may be expected that research on a large scale will lead to the observation of pheno- mena which the international worker may not be able to interpret, but which will remain for study by the exceptionally endowed worker, who, like the poet, invokes the aid of imagination, while at the same time he has the skill, patience, and wide knowledge which enable him to derive assistance from analogous cases in departments other than his own. This kind of specialist is not to be found every day, and will not be developed even by co-operation on international lines. This is the natural genius who appears, like a Newton or a Faraday, once in a century or Individual freedom in fields open to re- search must not be controlled or impeded by schemes of organisation, nor must the public inquire too closely what is the use of this or that discovery. In course of time the study and con- templation of natural phenomena in the light of more extended knowledge will come to be acknow- ledged as the source of a pure joy and satisfaction to many, as art is a recognised source of happiness to others. This view of the matter should be kept sedulously in mind by every teacher. two. JANUARY 2, 1919 | HIGH EXPLOSIVES. High Explosives: A Practical Treatise. By Capt. E. de W. S. Colver. Pp. xxix+830. (London: Crosby Lockwood and Son, 1918.) Price 3 guineas net. APT. COLVER has written this large volume with the object of filling ‘‘a marked gap in English technical literature, which is sadly de- ficient in recent information on the subject of high explosives.’’ Though one may not entirely agree with his statement that there is “yery little col- lected information regarding the manufacture, properties, and use of modern high explosives,” there is no such complete account as the author gives in this very comprehensive treatise, espe- cially on the manufacture of these important com- pounds. In dealing with this subject the author very naturally directs attention to the present difh- culties which must be encountered by a writer owing to the impossibility of publishing certain information, so that it became necessary to restrict the work in many important particulars. Similar restrictions must also apply to criticism of the work for fear of transgression. In the interesting introductory chapter the old controversy over the use of picric acid as an explosive crops up, and the author’s statements are contradictory, for on one page it is stated that its detonating properties were discovered by Turpin in 1885, whilst two pages later Sprengel’s address before the Chemical Society in 1873, in which he stated that ‘it is an extremely powerful explosive provided that it is ignited by a powerful detonator,’’ is quoted. Again, later, Capt. Colver writes that it was Turpin’s discovery which had given the explosive industry a particularly valu- able new explosive. The following section deals with raw materials and outlines the separation of the primary pro- ducts. Although petroleum as raw material is not of great importance, more recent records of production than those for 1911 might have been given. No reference is made to the presence of aromatic hydrocarbons in certain petroleums, although for Russian petroleum “benzene’’ is twice mentioned as the first distillate, when it should obviously have been ‘‘benzine’’ (the specific gravity being 0°725). In dealing with synthetic phenol, a raw material that has been made on a large scale, only one process of manufacture is referred to, the benzene-sulphonic acid method. Very complete chapters deal with the nitro-com- pounds of the aromatic hydrocarbons and of the phenols and naphthols. ‘Trinitrobenzene is stated to be the most suitable of the highly nitrated aromatic hydrocarbons for use as a detonating explosive, the proportion of oxygen giving it advantage over trinitrotoluene, as also does the maximum density attainable, 1°67 as against 1°62 for the toluene derivative. Although slightly more sensitive than T.N.T., it is less so than picric acid. Trinitrobenzene is not at present ex- NO. 2566, VOL. 102] NATURE 343 tensively used, probably owing to the difficulty and expense of manufacture. Attempts to nitrate | T.N.T. more ‘highly are shown to result in the formation of trinitrobenzoic acid, or even rupture | of the benzene ring with the formation of tetra- nitromethane, the intense odour of which has been perceptible where decompositions have occurred during manufacture. Less extensively employed nitro-derivatives, including hexanitrodiphenylamine and the poly- nitroanilines, and others which have scarcely reached the stage of practical application, are described. Tetranitroaniline is stated to have proved by practical tests the most powerful of all the explosives hitherto used. Several explosives of this class have been employed for aircraft bombs; thus mixtures of two parts of T.N.T. with one part of tetranitroaniline, or of hexanitrodiphenyl- amine (dipicrylamine), are stated to have been used by the Germans. Search for suitable raw materials outside the pure chemical compounds has naturally engaged attention, principally in the directions of utilising tar products boiling over a wide range, and petroleum hydrocarbons. Naturally the nitro- products are complex in character; thus from coal-tar naphthas mixtures of solid and liquid nitro-products are obtainable, those from fractions boiling above 200° C. containing many nitro- derivatives of the naphthalene series. The nitro- products from petroleums are stated to consist generally of uncrystallisable masses of reddish- brown colour suitable only for certain plastic explosives. The possibility of obtaining generally useful materials by direct nitration does not appear promising. A sounder procedure would appear to lie in “‘cracking’’ the oils for the pro- duction of aromatic hydrocarbons which can be separated and then nitrated. Indirectly prepared nitro-derivatives of parafhn hydro-carbons are of considerable interest, and the author considers that here is a profitable field of research. The remarkable substance tetranitro- methane [C(NO,),] has been patented as an oxidiser for other organic compounds, as in the Sprengel type of explosives. This compound is comparatively non-volatile, has no acid properties, is completely stable, insoluble in water, and not affected by it. Hexanitroethane [C,(NO.)¢| forms colourless crystals, which are extremely insensitive to percussion and friction. Considerable space is given to the German rules and regulations governing the manufacture, etc., of explosives, the author considering that the ripe experience of the Germans justifies this. British regulations are not dealt with. There is a useful section on the toxic effect of raw materials and products. Some contradiction is evident over the relative liability of more or less highly nitrated products to produce ill-effects, for the general | statement is made that the toxic effect of the & grades of T.N.T. is greater than that of | the pure substance, whilst in a previous passage the statement occurs that in general with the various nitrobenzenes (and nitrotoluenes), “as the 344 number of the nitro-groups increase, the com- pounds have a proportionally greater toxicity.’ A useful section deals with the manipulation and working up of the finished explosives, grind- ing, mixing, the filling of shells by plain casting, casting under pressure to increase the density of the charge, and by pressing the solid charge. The later chapters are devoted to questions on the use of explosives, the measurement of pres- sures, energy, etc.; then follows an appendix containing a comprehensive review of patents (which is supplemented later by a “Patents Register ’’). A short further appendix deals with specifications. This last section is extremely meagre, but possibly restrictions were placed on the author in respect to British specifications, and moreover those handling the materials have to be familiar with the requirements. The volume is inconveniently large; much space might have been saved with advantage. For example, graphic formule are unnecessarily large; in one instance three formule almost fill one page; subdivision into separate chapters where collec- tion under one heading was possible has led to much blank space, and some very simple en have a whole page devoted to each. IS PSYCHOLOGY ONE OF THE NATURAL SCIENCES? — Psychological Principles. By Dr. James Ward. (The Cambridge Psychological Library.) Pp. xiv+478. (Cambridge: At the University Press, 1918.) Price 21s. net. s* CHOLOGY, ever held in high honour as a philosophical science, is to-day claiming to be one of the natural sciences. Sometimes it is distinguished as the new psychology. It regards its subject-matter as amenable to treatment in laboratories, and in two directions, one educa- ‘tional and industrial, the other medical and thera- peutic, it appears to have established its claim to be assigned a special realm of scientifically classi- fied facts. Since 1884, the year in which Dr. Ward wrote the famous “Encyclopedia Britannica ’’ article, the output of this new psychology in books and journals and society proceedings has been enor- mous, its variety almost defying classification. It ranges from statistics and correlations to elabo- rate hypotheses of the fundamental nature of the reality of psychical phenomena. Throughout this whole period Dr. Ward’s “‘ Ency clopedia ” article has stood almost unchallenged in its authority as the exposition of the principles which must govern every science of the soul. There are only two books which can compare with it in this respect — namely, James’s “ "Principles of Psychology ’’ and Stout’s “Manual,” and these are in no sense rivals, for each of the three is unique. Yet we cannot help sympathising with Dr. Ward’s disap- pointed feeling that the conditions necessarily attaching to an article in an encyclopedia are a serious handicap to its usefulness compared with the unrestricted form of the separate treatise. NO. 2566, VOL. 102] NATURE [JANUARY 2, I9I9 At last, however, we are allowed to have this important work in a volume, and the wonderful thing is that it appears, not as an overdue promise in the fulfilment of which we have lost interest, but as a new work with all the freshness of youth; and the large additions to the original article are not makeshift appendages, but natural developments. No one who reads this book can fail to appre- ciate the significant service Dr. Ward has rendered to psychology. It is evident alile in the paths he follows and in those which he avoids as side- tracks, or turns away from as false routes. We are not invited, for example, to begin with a more or less detailed description of the nervous system, and we are therefore spared altogether that illusion which so powerfully influences the psychologists whom it fascinates, the illusion that it is only a little gap in our science, an unfortunate hiatus we have not yet succeeded in bridging, which pre- vents us passing directly from physiology to psychology, from the science of the nervous system to the science of the mind. Again, with a clear conception of its utter futility, Dr. Ward rejects the notion that psychical facts belong to the same order of reality as physical facts, differ- ing from them only in their diaphaneity and elusiveness, but capable of being mathematically treated by cunningly devised psycho-physical apparatus. Dr. Ward’s attitude towards such method is shown in a characteristic note in the preface, in which, apologising for the retention of the chapter on “‘ Memorising, Rhythmising, and Reading,”’ originally inserted “by way of illus- trating the so-called new psychology,’’ he adds: “Tf there is one chapter more than another in the book which may be ‘skipped,’ it is this.’’ The greatness of this book is not in its nega- tions, but in the clear and masterly way in which it sets forth the principles that govern psychology. No development of the science, or possible dis- covery, can affect these. First and foremost is the principle of the unity of the subject of experi- ence with his experience. This is fundamental in Dr. Ward’s view, and insisted on in striking arguments and clear expressions. The point of view of psychology is individualistic. Psychology is the science of individual experience: As _pre- sented to an individual, “the whole choir of heaven and furniture of earth ’’ may belong to psychology. In close connection with this definition of the subject-matter and scope of psychology is the principle of the indissolubility of the subject- object relation in experience, and the insepara- bility of its factors into subjects of experience on one hand, and objects of experience on the other. The subject-object relation is not a dualism of two terms, but a duality in unity. The importance of this principle in regard to the status of psychology as a science can be easily seen. In the physical sciences we select among the objects of experience special groups and classes and treat them on the assumption that they are in their essence what they are known to January 2, 1919] be, that they are independent of the knower, and that they interact among themselves according to laws of nature. The whole success of physical science depends upon the justification in experience of thisassumption. We cannot delimit the subject- matter of psychology in any such way. Subjects of experience are not a class of objects, and do not interact with objects in the way we assume that objects interact with one another. Psycho- logy, therefore, is not one of the sciences in the sense that it possesses its own section or has its own department of the general stuff of reality. It deals with the whole of reality, but in a par- ticular aspect and from a particular point of view. The other fundamental principle on which Dr. Ward insists is closely allied to this, but still far from receiving general recognition. In psychology we are studying the activity of monads. The essence of this concept is that every subject of experience mirrors the whole universe from an individual point of view. There is no common universe which all subjects of experi- ence share; the interaction of monads must be explained by a different scheme from that which serves us in physical science. One-third of this book (chaps. xii.—xviii.) is new matter which had no place in the original “En- cyclopedia ”’ article. It is not new to those who have followed the vigorous development of Dr. Ward’s thought in his Gifford lectures and occa- sional articles, and especially in the striking Henry Sidgwick lecture on “Heredity and Memory ”’ (1913). It is no small compensation for the years during which we have had to resort to a reference library in order to study Dr. Ward’s views that we have now in a single complete volume the gathered fruit of his life-work in its maturity. H. Witpon Carr. ORGANIC AND APPLIED CHEMISTRY. (1) The Chemistry of Synthetic Drugs. By Dr. Perey May. Second edition, revised and en- larged. Pp. xii+250. (London: Longmans, Green, and Co., 1918.) Price 10s. 6d. net. (2) Organic Chemistry for Advanced Students. By Prof. Julius B. Cohen. Second edition. Part i., “Reactions,’’ pp. viii+ 366; part ii., “Struc- ture,’’ pp. vii+435; part iii., “Synthesis,” pp. vii+378. (London: Edward Arnold, 1918.) Price 54s. net. oe is a healthy indication of the increased interest which is being taken in applied chemistry that so much of the literature published at the present time deals with questions connected with the future development of chemical industry in this country. It is, of course, well known that at the outset of the war we experienced considerable difficulty in maintaining the supply of many of the synthetic drugs which up to that time had been procured almost entirely from Germany, and, but for the voluntary work done in many of the educational laboratories, there would have been no supplies whatever of some of the most valuable local anesthetics. (1) The publication of the second edition of Dr. NO. 2566, VoL. 102] NATURE 345 | May’s well-known book is, therefore, to be wel- comed in the hope that it may help to attract workers to a branch of chemistry which has not hitherto received in this country the attention which it merits. The text of the new edition does not differ materially from that of its predecessor, but we note that the chapter on ‘‘ Organic Antiseptics ’’ now contains a short account of Ehrlich’s work on the trypanocidal dyes trypan blue and trypan red, as well as a mention of the flavines and their use in the treatment of wound infections. The inclusion of the chloramines in chap. xii. is also a new feature, and the section on salvarsan and its related compounds has been extended and brought up to date. The book contains much useful and interesting information, and will no doubt continue to be freely consulted by those engaged in the manu- facture of synthetic drugs. (2) The publication of the second edition of Prof. Cohen’s well-known book, however, serves as a timely reminder that no real progress can be made without a scientific foundation, and that the future of chemical industry is dependent upon the supply of scientifically trained chemists who must be conversant with the fundamental prin- ciples underlying the modern developments of their science. Since the publication of the first edition of this book in 1907 it has undoubtedly played a very important réle in the training of students of chemistry in this country, and has been freely consulted both by students and by their teachers. The present edition has altered somewhat in out- ward form, consisting as it does of three volumes instead of two. The three volumes are devoted to “Reactions,’’ “Structure,’’ and “Synthesis ”’ respectively, and by this arrangement it has been found possible to group together allied subjects and link them, so far as possible, in a consecu- tive form. Considerable additions have been made to the subject-matter throughout the book; thus, for ex- ample, a useful chapter on ‘Abnormal Reactions ”’ has been added to Part i., while in Part ii. the chapter on ‘“‘Isomerism and Stereoisomerism ”’ has been considerably improved by the inclusion of an account of recent work on the Walden in- version. The most important additions, however, | have been made in Part iii., which deals with “Synthesis’’?; here we find considerably more space given to the carbohydrates for the discussion of the structure of glucose, the glucosides, and disaccharoses, as well as the chemistry of fer- mentation. The chapter on “ Proteins’’ now con- tains a section on “Chlorophyll,’’ but, curiously enough, no mention is made in the list of references to Willstatter and Stoll’s book on this subject. The chapter on “Alkaloids ’’ has been brought up to date by the inclusion of an account of Perkin’s work on cryptopin and protopin, as well as a reference to Robinson’s recent synthesis of tropinone. Considerable additions have also been made to the chapter on “Terpenes and Cam- phors.”’ The new edition will-be welcomed by all serious students of organic chemistry, and its success is assured. 346 OUR BOOKSHELF. Studies in Primitive Looms. By H. Ling Roth. Part iv. (Bankfield Museum.) (Halifax: F. King and Sons.) Four parts, price 3s. each, Mr. Linc Roru has now completed his important technological monograph, of which four parts have recently appeared in the Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute. In the introduction to the series he remarks that “weaving is generally considered to be the outcome of basketry and mat- making, and in most cases probably it is so.”’ The arrangement of the monograph is geo- graphical, and Mr. Ling Roth discusses the inte- resting problem of the origin of these varied types. Some, he thinks, were invented on the spot, and do not owe their origin to copying or to contact with other races. But this is not always the case. The African varieties—fixed heddle, pit treadle, and horizontal narrow-band—are all probably of Asiatic origin, the last having undergone so many modifications that, compared with its prototype, it is almost unrecognisable. The warp-weighted loom was used in ancient Greece, in the Swiss lake dwellings, and at the beginning of the Bronze age. It appears in Scan- dinavian saga in the eleventh century, and was probably in use by the Northern peoples many hundred years before that time. Mr. Ling Roth has illustrated his monograph with excellent sketches, drawn from all available sources, and his technical knowledge has helped him in discussing the various types. extend his collection of papers, and republish them in a more accessible form. Alfred Russel Wallace: The Story of a Great Dis- | coverer. By L. T. Hogben. gress: Men of Science.) Pp. 64. (Pioneers of Pro- (London : Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, | 1918.) Price 2s. net. Tue name of Alfred Russel Wallace is rightly held in honour as that of one who with few advantages of birth or education made for himself a dis- tinguished position as naturalist and traveller, and who, besides adding largely to the acquaint- ance of scientific men with certain regions previ- ously little known, and making extensive collec- tions of their fauna, achieved independently the discovery of natural selection, the most illuminat- ing principle ever enunciated in the history of bio- logical study. It is obvious that the life of such a man cannot be treated adequately in a small book of sixty-four pages, and Mr. Hogben’s volume does not pretend to be more than a sketch. In view, however, of his necessary limits, it is to be regretted that the author has not observed a better proportion in the selection of facts to be recorded. Details of Wallace’s early life are interesting in their bearing on his later develop- ment, but we could have spared the account of the arrangement of desks and fireplaces in the gram- mar school at Hertford if Mr. Hogben had given us in its place a few more particulars of the ex- ploration of the Amazon and of the Malayan islands. On the subject of geographical distribu- NO. 2566, VOL. 102]| NATURE It may be hoped that he will | [JANUARY 2, 1919 tion the tone of the book is scarcely fair; and on p. 47, besides some careless punctuation, there is a distinct error of fact. With such amiable weaknesses as anti-vaccination and _ spiritualism we are not concerned, but we greatly miss a more extended account of the work that really made Wallace’s reputation. F. A. D. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. {The Editor does not hold himself responsible for opinions expressed by his correspondents. Neither can he undertake to return, or to correspond with the writers of, rejected manuscripts intended for this or any other part of Nature. No notice is taken of anonymous communications.] Fuel Economisers. I can corroborate Mr. R. C. Parsons’s remarks in Nature of December 26 with regard to the ad- vantages of economisers connected with stoves, as I have had them in use for the last twenty-six years with very satisfactory results, the heating being better with a greatly reduced consumption of fuel. My economisers differ from those of Mr. Parsons only in being arranged symmetrically behind the stove, and not to one side of it; and in having an opening in the dividing partition in the box, which is usually closed | by a damper, but can be opened so as to provide a | direct passage for the gases from the stove to the chimney, so giving a better draught to the fire when it is being lit. During these years I have had two stoves and economisers in use here; one is a Gurney slow-combustion stove, which has an economiser of about the same heating area as itself. This stove goes day and night during the cold season. The other is a common cylindrical slow-combustion stove, and its economiser has got about twice the heating area of the stove, and is only occasionally used. When the Gurney stove was first fitted in, it had no economiser, and the result was unsatisfactory. All the hot air went to the top floor, and the ground floor was but little benefited, as it received only the radiated heat. After the economiser was added condi- tions were entirely changed; all the ground floor was now much better warmed. The reason for the change is evident when we consider what takes place under the two conditions. With the stove alone a good fire had to be kept up, and the highly heated air ascended to the highest part in the house, and tended to remain there, where it lost its heat to the ceiling, which is the coldest part of a top room; but when the econo- miser was added there was double the heating sur- face, so a much larger amount of air was heated, though not to so high a temperature. The hot air did not now have the same tendency to keep near the ceiling and lose its heat there, and the larger volume of hot air put into circulation enabled all the air in the ground floor to be heated. These things are better understood in Switzerland, and in other countries where fuel is dear, than is the case here. There one frequently sees stoves built of bricks and tiled, 4 ft. or 5 ft. in diameter, and from 6 ft. to 8 ft. high, with a small wood fire burning in the centre of them. ; With regard to the common cylindrical stove above referred to, another advantage of the economiser is that after the fire is lit it at once begins to warm the room, whereas the outside of the stove takes an hour or two to heat through the fire-brick lining, while the economiser is heated and begins to warm the | room almost at once. JanuARY 2, 1919] If coke is used in the stoves there is no trouble with soot in the economisers, such as was found here with economisers used in connection with ordinary coal-stoked room fires. The stove economisers here require to be cleaned only once-a year, principally for dust. When the Government undertook the control of coal, plans and descriptions of the above economisers tere sent to the Controller of Coal Mines. Joun AITKEN. ' Ardenlea, Fallirl, December 27, 1918. University Poverty or Parsimony? Suorrty before the war broke out there was some correspondence, in Nature and elsewhere, with reference to the pay offered to chemists in advertise- ments of the Research Department of Woolwich Arsenal. Exception was taken to the offer of little more than tool. a year to men who were supposed to have received training rendering them competent to undertake research work. As a result, I believe, the Department was led to attach a rate of pay to the posts not quite so inadequate as that first proposed. Apparently during the war some slight conception of the value of chemistry to the nation has been forced upon the public. So much has been said about the importance of research that we are almost as willing as the Americans to “talk big’ about it, and put emphasis upon the first syllable. We even recog- nise (on paper) an indissoluble connection between science and industry; in fact, so great is our advance that several literary men have been appointed, at high salaries, to supervise the expenditure of public funds on technical scientific inquiries, It is true the Board of Trade has systematically declined to associate science with the dyestuff industry, but only by way of being the exception to prove the rule. The Board, we know, is a superior body, and not to be led by any vulgar policy; the highest explosives would not cause its august officials to accept advice. The President of the Board of Education, too, has often discoursed eloquently on the value of intelligence ; moreover, the neéd of attracting intelligence, if not genius, into the chemical and other learned careers is a topic we never weary of airing in these days. My object now is to direct attention to the way in which the learned are living up to their own profes- sions, to urge that charity really should begin at home. I do this because my eye has casually fallen upon an advertisement in your columns in which applica- tions are invited by the Vice-Chancellor of the Uni- versity of London for a University chair of chemistry tenable at King’s College at the princely salary of 6ool. a year. Thus do we testify to our belief in our- selves. No man can fulfil the duties of such a chair adequately on such pay. It can only be supposed that the University desires to write down the value of King’s College chemistry in comparison with that taught at the South Kensing- ton and University Colleges. A more effective way could not well be found, and in the interest of the subject it would undoubtedly be better to concentrate, the teaching at two schools. If, however, chemistry be retained in existence in the Strand, and funds be not forthcoming for the proper endowment of a chair, at most a lectureship should be established; and it would be wise to pro- vide that candidates should not exceed about twenty- five years of age and should hold the appointment at most during ten years. , Let us hope that the profession will make no response to the invitation. Unless chemists themselves take some effective action to protect their interests, the position of chemical science in this country will not NO. 2566, VOL. 102] NATURE 347 only be worse than it was before the war, but must steadily degenerate as years go on. Henry E, ARMSTRONG. Inter-Allied Conference on International Organisations in Science. In the account of the Inter-Allied Scientific Con- ference at Paris published in Nature of December 26, reference ought, perhaps, to have been made to the status which it has been decided to give to the self- governing ‘British Dominions. These will be able to join any international association under the proposed scheme, on signifying their intention to do so, with the same voting power as independent States. ARTHUR SCHUSTER. Yeldall, Twyford, Berks, December 27, 1915. SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND PREVENTIVE MEDICINE. |e was stated recently in these columns that the toll of pain and death due to causes which are more or less preventable may be gauged in terms comparable with those demanded by the sufferings directly attributable to war. In order to reduce such sources of national loss it was considered important that in the evolution of schemes for the furtherance of research work in pure and applied science the question of the encouragement of research work in all branches of medical science should occupy a prominent place. The pandemic of influenza recently experi- enced may be taken as an illustration of the need for wide-embracing and _ well-organised research work in preventive medicine, and par- ticularly in epidemiology. That such an epi- demic would well deserve thorough and extensive investigation seems self-evident. According to the medical correspondent to the Times of December 18 and 19, i918, there is good reason to estimate the world’s death-roll from influenza and pneumonia at not fewer than 6,000,000 lives, at which rate he points out that this epidemic has been five times as deadly as the war during the same period of three months. Now a visitation on such a scale as this, in which many of the victims are in the prime of their lives, is compar- able with the great plagues of the Middle Ages, and, coming at such a time as the present, is catastrophic from whatever point of view it may be regarded. Epidemics of influenza have recurred at inter- vals for some hundreds of years, and in recent times have fallen on us in 1803, 1833, 1837-38, 1847-48, and 1889, when it became annual for several years. From 1860 to 1889 the disease became practically extinct, the mortality per 1ooo being about o'003. Even during these epidemics the case mortality was low when compared with that which has obtained in the present out- break, and was estimated at 1 to 1°6 per 1000. One of the most remarkable features of the recent epidemic is the tendency to the development of very acute toxic symptoms with such astounding rapidity that the body of the victim is overcome by the poison before defences can be put up; ip any case, the defence is of a very temporary 348 nature, so that there is always the possibility of further attacks overwhelming the enfeebled com-, monwealth of cells, if exposed to reinfection. It is possible that in earlier epidemics the causal relationship between influenza and fatal lung and heart failure was less clear than it is in the recent one, and might have been overlooked, although the coincidence between outbreaks of toxic pneu- monia and influenza has long been known. In some respects circumstances are now very favour- ‘able to the spread of such infectious disorders: overwork is a common condition; our national dietary, cleverly controlled though it be, cannot be regarded as a normal one, since freedom of choice is limited; overcrowding is in many areas inevitable, and doctors are» few. As is the case with other contagious diseases which have shown a tendency to increase of late years (diphtheria, for example), the fundamental causes of the epidemic are unknown, and are to be discovered only by widely organised co-opera- tive investigation. It is not even certain that we are dealing with the same organism as is responsible for the causation of so-called “influenza”? during non-epidemic times: if it is the same, then the causation of the sudden in- -crease in virulence remains to be explained; if not, then we are confronted with the problem as to the origin of the germ, or as to its lurking- place in the interim between epidemics, or as to the causes of the subsidence of the prevalence of its effects. It is known that passage through ‘hosts belonging to a different species may either augment or diminish the virulence of bacteria to man, and the relation of influenza to the some- what similar affection of cats and dogs and to the condition known as ‘“‘pink-eye’’ in horses is perhaps worth definitely clearing up. The ten- dency to recurrence, and especially to the re- currence of a particular variety of this polymor- phic disease in the same locality, has led to the view that the germ possibly lurks in the soil, or, as suggested by a correspondent to the Times En- gineering Supplement of December 19, in drains. The mode of spread of influenza along lines of traffic suggests that the disease is communicated by personal contact, and the success which has attended the wearing of gauze masks as a means of protection not only indicates the usual method by which infection is incurred, but also shows what can be accomplished by the adoption of simple measures of safeguard. The condition is known to be extraordinarily infectious, even in the early stages, and there can be ro doubt that it is often widely, though unwittingly, spread by those with slight attacks determined to ‘‘carry on’’; anyone so doing not only lays himself open to the possibility of fatal complications, but may also infect a large number of others in the mean- time, and the fact that his own attack was a mild one is no security that the disease transmitted to others will be of a similar degree of severity. We are not even certain that the disease may not be spread by ‘‘carriers’’ themselves in apparent health, although this does not seem likely. NO. 2566, VOL. 102] NATURE [JANUARY 2, 1919 The Medical Research Committee has already collected a good deal of information with regard to this epidemic, and it is sincerely to be hoped that a means will be found by some such organ- ised body of workers for preventing its further spread or repetition. Researches into this sub- ject will be valuable, not merely as contributions. to bacteriology, but also as useful material for the study of epidemiology in general. What applies to influenza applies with equal force to other infectious diseases; in all cases there is a pronounced liability to leave chronic organic diseases as _ after-effects. Although medical attention is necessarily attracted to these chronic states, it seems obvious that proper at- tention to their fundamental causation would not only be more worthy of the name of research, but also lead to results of permanent value in connection with public health. For example, regular and systematic examination of the heart by means of the electro-cardiograph and other appliances for the exact investigation of the heart _ in all cases of infectious disease would probably throw light on one of the underlying causes of disablement by chronic heart disease. The same is true of the investigation of the activity of the kidney on the lines of experimental physiology and experimental clinical medicine. The medical correspondent to the Times of December 24 has rightly directed attention to the fact that the influenza epidemic, ‘‘ with its 6,000,000 deaths and its incalculable disablement, is the price of public indifference to health affairs’; research into epidemics, he states, must begin in the fever hospitals and in general practice, where the cases are to be met. Such research must necessarily be organised, and its results integrated after careful sifting by some centralised body of ex- perts. The records of properly conducted investi-. gation into malaria, lala azar, syphilis, diphtheria, tetanus, trench fever, typhoid, and sleeping sick- ness have led to valuable results, although much more remains to be done. Who has heard of extensive research work on measles, scarlet fever, or whooping cough in recent years; yet ‘who doubts that these diseases may leave many and serious after-effects which often need very pro- longed treatment in after-life, and incontestably produce extensive disablement? The most stul- tifying of all attitudes is that which leads medical practitioners to “‘treat symptoms as they arise.’’ More attention should certainly be focussed on the causation of these symptoms, and in the in- fectious diseases we have very prolific sources of chronic disease. WIND CIRG@ULATION [ipa some twenty years ago meteorology was regarded as an elementary science founded on theories so simple that they might be taken as self-evident. Thus the cyclone was looked upon as a warm column of rising air with spirally inflowing winds at its base; the anti- cyclone, conversely, contained a cold core of de- OF THE GLOBE. es ie - JANuARY 2, 1919] scending air. Now we know that the opposite is in reality the truth; the cyclone has a cold core, the anticyclone a warm one. Another theory of equal simplicity and perhaps of even greater antiquity explained the general circulation of winds around the globe. It was argued that solar heating made the equator very much warmer than the poles; therefore there must be a rising current at the equator, a poleward flow of air in the upper layers of the atmosphere, a descend- ing current in polar regions, and an equatorial flow in the lower layers. To question the validity of such a theory would have been regarded as almost an impertinence. In a recent paper! Hildebrandsson has dealt in a comprehensive manner with this question of world circulation, avoiding preconceived theories, but collecting all available information on the subject. Incidentally he puts forward several very cogent reasons why the simple theory out- lined above is untenable, though there can be few meteorologists of the present day who regard it at all seriously. have for a long time been fairly well known, and it is with the upper winds of the troposphere that the greater part of this paper is concerned. The chief sources of information are (1) cloud observa- tions from the international network of stations which observe cloud motion, and (2) results of pilot-balloon and ballon-sonde ascents. The former afford the larger body of data, while the latter present more detailed information and pro- vide valuable confirmation of the general con- clusions otherwise arrived at. The main general system of world currents is made up as follows :—(1) Over the thermal equator there is a current from ‘east to west at all heights, weak near the surface of the earth, but very strong in the upper layers of the atmosphere. (2) In the temperate zones the currents are from west to east. In the lower layers of the atmosphere the intermediate regions between these two current systems contain the tropical anticyclones and the trades, which blow from N.E. in the northern hemisphere, and from S.E. in the southern. In the upper layers the easterly wind over the equator veers in the northern hemisphere successively to S.E., S., and S.W. as one passes northward, thus turning into the well-known counter-trades. These feed the upper part of the tropical anticyclone from the equatorial side, while the polar side is similarly fed by a deviation of the main westerly current to N.W. The above form the chief wind systems of equa- torial and temperate latitudes. In arctic and antarctic regions data are more scanty, and the wind currents do not seem to fall into any such simple system in these parts of the globe. It is interesting to learn that the great monsoon currents, which have such an important influence on the meteorology of many regions of the earth, are relatively shallow, being not more than 4 km. 1 “ Résultats des Recherches Empiriques sur les Mouvements Généraux de l’'Atmosphére,” Nova Acta Regiz Societatis Scientiarum Upsaliensis, ser. 4, vol. v., No. r. Pp. 50+plates. (Upsala, 1918.) NO. 2566, VOL. 102] NATURE The main surface currents. 349 to 5 km. in depth. They must be regarded only as great perturbations in the general system of circulation outlined above. Similarly, the cyclones and anticyclones of temperate regions are pheno- mena of the lower layers, above which blow in general the undisturbed westerlies at heights. A valuable feature of the paper is the numerous tables, which set out the data obtained from different parts of the globe. Mention must also be made of two charts showing ‘the upper wind currents which prevail above the North Atlantic “High ’’ in summer and winter. It is unfortunate that practically no velocities are given, wind direc- tions only being dealt with. The reasons for this are fairly obvious in the case of cloud data, but it would have added to the value of the discussion if in the tabulated pilot-balloon observations wind velo- city had been given as well as direction. Through- out the paper directions are indicated by degrees from one of the cardinal points, but no uniform plan seems to be followed. There appears little justification for denoting a direction as N. 70° W. in one place, and W. 20° N. in another, to quote one example. It is desirable to point out that the references on pp. 12-17 to the plates at the end of the paper are mostly in error. These detail | imperfections do not, however, appreciably detract from the great value of the paper as a compre- hensive study of world air currents. Tie See THE VISIT OF PRESIDENT WILSON: HE visit of Mr. Wilson to Europe, and to England especially, is an event of the highest moment, not merely because it is the first time that a President of the United States has left the shores of his great and powerful country, but also because he has come upon a mission of grave consequence—so - grave, indeed, that he has deliberately set aside all pre- cedent—to the civilisation of the world, and to help in the settlement of the public affairs of a continent plunged into a welter of confusion unparalleled in the history of man. He comes, though a participator, and in large measure a determining factor, in the victorious issue of the colossal efforts made to meet the imposing onslaught on men’s liberties on the part of a great autocracy backed by all the immense resources of modern science, with a message of reconciliation and goodwill to the nations concerned in the dreadful struggle of the last four and a half years. We are all now confronted with the arduous duty of laying the foundations of a new polity which shall assure the means, through long years of tribulation it may be, of a progressive, contented life in harmony with the well-being of humanity. Mr. Wilson comes armed with the spirit of right and justice; he will maintain the one and demand the other, and he trusts to the essential power of these two great principles to ensure the conditions of a firm, just, and lasting peace. He has shown himself, from the time he led his nation into the great, CLS struggle, to be a man of high courage, with a real grasp of affairs, and of unwavering loyalty to high ideals and to the truth; and his visit here has been hailed with delight by all men of goodwill. The State banquet given by the King and Queen at Buckingham Palace on Friday, December 27, in honour of the President and Mrs. Wilson marked an occasion of high — significance, not only to the two nations united by it, but also to all free peoples. It was the historic expression of a union formed in a common cause and strengthened by the common purpose of establishing peace and freedom among the com- munities of the world. ‘You come,’’ said the King to the President, in proposing the health of the principal guests, “as the official head and spokesman of a mighty Commonwealth, bound to us by the closest ties. Its people speak the tongue of Shakespeare and Milton. Our literature is yours, as yours is also ours, and the men of letters in both countries have joined in maintaining its incomparable glories.’’ In President Wilson the scholar is combined with the statesman, and knowledge is associated with the courage of con- viction. He has crossed the Atlantic to promote the spirit of brotherhood in the hearts of men, and “to make the right and the justice to which great nations like our own have devoted them- selves the predominant and controlling force of the world.’’? When these ideals are realised, a new epoch in the history of mankind will begin; they were advanced by the exchange of pledges at Friday’s banquet and by the hope expressed by the King that the brotherly spirit which brought the response to the call of humanity would ‘‘inspire and guide our united efforts to secure for the world the blessings of an ordered freedom and an enduring peace.’’ It is gratifying to notice that, in addition to members of the Government and other statesmen, the distinguished guests at the banquet included leading representatives of science, as well as of art and literature, among those present being Sir J. J. Thomson (president, Royal Society), Major- Gen. Sir George Makins (president, Royal Col- lege of Surgeons), and Dr. Norman Moore (presi- dent, Royal College of Physicians). NOTES. THe list of New Year honours includes the following names of men known in scientific circles :—Baronet : Sir Lewis Amherst Selby-Bigge. Knights: Dr. W. Leslie. Mackenzie, medical member of the Local Government Board for Scotland; Dr. G. D. Thane, principal inspector under Cruelty to Animals Act, Home Office; Dr. Prafulla Chandra Ray, Indian Educational Service, Bengal; and Col. Sir Almroth E. Wright, Army Medical: Service. K.C.V.O.: Sir George Anderson’ Critchett, surgeon oculist to the King. C.S.J.: Dr. H. H. Hayden, director of the Geological Survey of India. C.B.: Mr..C. E. Ash- ford, headmaster, Royal Naval College, Dartmouth; Mr. P. W. L. Ashley, assistant secretary (Department of Industries and Manufactures), Board of Trade; and Dr. R. B. Low, assistant medical officer, Local Government Board. C.M.G.: Mr. Frank Tate, Direc- NO. 2566, VOL. 102] NATURE ployed. — It j other. [JANUARY 2, 1919 tor of Education, Victoria. C.I.E.: Lt.-Col. J. T. Calvert, principal, Medical College, Calcutta; Dr. W. Crooke; Mr. C. G. Roberts, Chief Conservator of Forests, Burma; Mr. T. R. D. Bell, Chief Conservator of Forests, Bombay; Mr. W. F. Perree, Conservator of Forests, Kumaon, United Provinces; Mr. B. B. Osmaston, president, Forest Research Institute and College, Dehra Dun; and Prof. J. C, Lamont, pro- fessor of anatomy, Medical College, Lahore, Punjab. Ar the annual meeting of the English Forestry Association held on December 18, Major G. L. Court- hope, the president, gave some interesting details on the timber requirements of the Government and the available supplies existing in the country. The posi- tion is sufficiently serious to require earnest attention. The Timber Supply Department, the president said, was anxious to close down as soon as_ possible, but the Government looked to it to ensure the sup- plies which would be required during 1919. The demand alone next year, irrespective of commercial and trade demands, was expected to amount to 100,000 standards a month, There was nothing approaching that quantity in this country. The Department had rather more than a year’s supply on the stump, cal- culated on the basis of the existing rate of output. (The Controller of Timber Supplies had informed them that the shipping position was getting easier, but it would be some time before anything like adequate supplies of imported timber could be expected. There was a world shortage, and the countries which had supplies of converted material were holding them up for better prices. The foreign forestry workers (Portuguese, Finns, etc.) were being demobilised, and the demobilisation of the Canadian Forestry Corps was soon to tale place. In their stead 16,000 demobilised British soldiers would be em- was certain that this country would require from 300,000 to 350,000 standards for recon- struction purposes during the next twelve months. In the United Kingdom there were something like 44 mil- lion standards remaining standing. We imported 3,000,000 standards in 1913 alone. Lord Selborne said that if British landowners had not been far- sighted and public-spirited enough for generations past to carry on their plantings, in the absence of any public encouragement of any kind, this country would have been far more handicapped in carrying on the war than had been the case. The existence of the woods in Great Britain had saved the shipping situa- tion on one hand and the coal situation on the We regret to learn, from the Journal des Observa- teurs, that M. Luizet, assistant at the Lyons Observa- tory, died on November 20, 1918. M. Luizet’s special field was the observation of variable stars, and he prepared reports on this subject which have appeared from time to time in the Journal. We regret to notice the death on December 23, as the result of an accident, of Dr. Leonard G. Guthrie, distinguished by his worl: in nervous diseases and the history of medicine. Dr. Guthrie delivered the Fitzpatrick lectures at the, Royal College of Physicians in 1907-8, and as secretary and vice- president of the section of medical history at the Royal Society of Medicine he did much to further that branch of research. He’ was president of the Harveian Society of London in: 1913-14. Tue first lecture of the second series arranged by the Industrial Reconstruction Council will be held in the Saddlers’ Hall, Cheapside, E.C.2, on. Wednesday, January 8. The chair will be taken at 4.30 by the * January 2, 1919] A ‘Marquess of Crewe, K.G., and lecture entitled “Industrial Unity" will be delivered by the Right Hon. G. H. Roberts, M.P., Minister of Labour. Applications for tickets should be made to the Secre- tary, I:-R.C., 2 and 4 Tudor Street, E.C.q. Ar the general meeting of the Scottish Meteoro- logical Society, held on December 19, the following officers and other members of couneil were elected for the ensuing twelve months :—President: Dr. C. G. Knott. Vice-Presidents: Prof. T. Hudson Beare and Mr. J. Mackay Bernard. Council: Mr. D. A. Stevenson, Mr. R. Cross, Mr. S. B. Hog, Mr. G. Thomson, Dr. A. Crichton Mitchell, Mr. G. A. Mitchell, Mr. M. M‘Callum Fairgrieve, Prof. R. A. Sampson, and Capt. T. Bedford Franklin. Hon. Secretary: Capt. E. M. Wedderburn. Hon. Treasurer: Mr. W. B. Wilson. In Helvetica Chimica Acta, No. 4, appears an obitu- ary notice of Prof. R. Nietzki, who for many years occupied the chair of chemistry at the University of Bale, and had become noted for his work on the chem- istry of certain groups of dyestuffs. Prof. Nietzki was born in 1847, and studied pharmacy in his early career. Later he became an assistant to A. W. Hof- mann, and in 1876 held a similar position at Leyden, where he began the researches on colouring matters to which much of his life was afterwards devoted. He discovered nitranilic acid, and worked out the methods of preparing quinone and hydroquinone which are still employed for making these articles. In 1879 Prof. Nietzki accepted the post of research chemist with a firm at Biebrich, and signalised his appointment by the discovery of the dyestuff known as “‘ Biebrich Scarlet,’’ of which notable quantities are produced: at the present time. He went to Bale in 1884, and in association with his students continued his researches until ill-health brought about his retirement in r191t. The notice of his death, which occurred in September, 1917, is contributed by Prof. Noelting, who includes in it an important summary of Prof. Nietzki’s investi- gations on aniline black, the quinones, azo-derivatives, safranines, oxazines, thiazines, and other groups of organic compounds. Dr. Cuarcres R. Van Hise, long connected with the United States Geological Survey, died on November 19 last, aged sixty-one years. His work, aided by the liberal system of Government publication at Washing- ton, may be truly described as monumental. In 1883 he was called on to examine the iron-ore region of Lake Superior, under R. D. Irving, and five years later this work came under his control. His impor- tant summary of the grouping of the iron-ores ap- peared in 1897 (21st Ann. Rep., U.S. Geol. Survey, part 3), accompanied by a monograph on ‘The Mar- quette Iron-bearing District,’? in which W. S. Bayley co-operated. This monograph, No. 28, contains de- scriptions and an admirable series of coloured illus- trations of siliceous banded iron-ores, which are of fundamental importance for comparison with similar rocks throughout the world. Dr. Van Hise extended the petrography of this subject in rgtr in his mono- graph (No. 52) on “The Geology of the Lake Superior Region,’ in collaboration with C. K. Leith. We owe to this work the experimental investigation of Leith’s ‘‘ greenalite,’? a marine silicate distinct from glauconite, and a close consideration of how far the magnetite in the bedded ore-deposits is a product of reduction from iron carbonate or greenalite, or how far it may be ascribed to transference from intrusive basic rocks. Meanwhile, Dr. Van Hise had issued his great “Treatise on Metamorphism *’ (Mon. 47, 1904), in which he reviewed all the changes undergone by rocks since their first stage of deposition or consolidation. No. 2566, VOL. 102] NATURE | 35 Such varied subjects as the disintegrating action of white ants, the decomposition of silicates, and the flow of rocks under pressure, come within the range of this comprehensive worl. Pre-Cambrian forma- tions naturally attracted much of Dr. Van Hise’s atten- tion; but his range of reading was wide, and his duties as president of the University of Wisconsin brought his experience as an administrator into a high educational field. WE regret to announce the death of Mr. J. P. Johnson at Johannesburg from pneumonia, following an attack of influenza, at the early age of thirty- eight. Mr. Johnson was born in London in 1880, and was educated at Dulwich College and the Royal School of Mines, In 1902 considerations of health compelled him to emigrate to the Transvaal. On the outbreak of the war he was living in Tasmania, where he intended to settle, but returned to South Africa, where he died on October 18, 1918. At an early age Mr. Johnson was an enthusiastic student of the Pleistocene deposits of England and of stone implements, and several papers were contributed by him to the Proceedings of the Geologists’ Association, the Geological Magazine, the Essex Naturalist, and Science Gossip. He was a born hunter, and made many important additions to the Pleistocene faunas of West Wittering and Ilford and the Eocene fauna of Walton-on-the-Naze. In South Africa he found an almost virgin field, and the results of his work were embodied in ‘The Stone Implements of South Africa” (1907, second edition 1908), ‘‘ Geo- logical and Archeological Notes on Orangia” (1910), “The Prehistoric Period in South Africa’ (1910, second edition 1912), and numerous papers published by the Geological Society of South Africa, the South African Association, the British Association, and in the columns of Nature. Mr. Johnson was a member of the council of the Geological Society of South Africa, and was appointed by the South African Government a member of the Commission to report on the petro- glyphs and rock-paintings of South Africa, many of which are reproduced in ‘‘The Prehistoric Period in South Africa’’ (second edition). He was also a keen student of the ethnography of South Africa, and his conclusions are embodied in the same work, of which a third edition was in hand at the time of his death. In his profession as a mining expert Mr. Johnson was greatly respected, and his services were urgently sought for by prospecting syndicates, whilst his works on ‘The Mineral Industry of Rhodesia” and ‘‘ The Ore Deposits of South Africa’’ are standard books. THE party of American’ technical journalists recently on a visit to this country as guests of the Government was entertained by the Master and Wardens of the Worshipful Company of Stationers on December 18, together with a _ gathering of British colleagues. The meeting had been arranged by the Institute of Journalists’ Circle of Scientific, Technical, and Trade Journalists, and, in spite of the unavoidably short notice arising from some uncer- tainty regarding the return of the American party after its tour in France, a considerable number of editors of technical papers in London were present. After tea and a reception a meeting was held, at which Mr. H. C. Parmelee, Mr. S. O. Dunn, Mr. H. Cole Estep, Mr. H. M. Swetland, and Mr. A. J. Baldwin delivered short addresses on behalf of the American technical journalists, while Mr. L. Pendred, Prof. R. A. Gregory, and Mr. A. C. Meyjes responded for the British technical Press. It was very pleasant to note, in the addresses of our friends from the United States, that they were entirely at one with / us in their appreciation of the importance of the duties which the technical Press can perform. Some 357 NATURE - : [JANUARY 2, 1919 striking instances of the services rendered in connec- tion with the war and their influence on the industrial development were given, and stress was laid on the value of wide and thorough training, with the view of raising the status of technical journalism as a pro- fession. A resolution was moved by Mr. H. C. Parmelee, seconded by Mr. A. C. Meyjes, and carried unanimously, urging the desirability of closer co-opera- tion and periodical exchange of views between the trade and technical Press in the two countries. Mr. L. Gaster, chairman of the circle, who presided, voiced the pleasure of the meeting in welcoming the guests, and Mr. A. J. Baldwin expressed the hope that British technical journalists would reciprocate by sending a deputation to the United States in the near future. In the Scientific Monthly for November (vol. vii., No. 5) Dr. Philip A. Means describes the social condi- tions of the Piura-Tumbes region of northern Peru. The population is divided on ethnic lines into three groups: pure Indians, pure whites, and mestizos (i.e. those of mixed ancestry). The landowners are, for the “most part, of the white races; the Indians are engaged either in agriculture for the landowners or on the coast in fishing; while the mestizo class is occupied in shop-keeping, hotel-keeping, and kindred employments. In spite, however, of the excellent climate and the abundance of fruits and vegetables, the condition of most of the people is far from idyllic; their houses are often wretched huts indescribably dirty, while their personal habits are so unclean as to encourage disease. The author makes a plea for a benevolent paternalism in government, aiming at building up a wholesome, sane, and virile peasantry. The people have a peculiar aptitude for hand-weaving, which, if rightly en- couraged, might both make the region world-famous for woven fabrics and help to develop the inhabitants. Excellent cotton and wooi are already produced there, and with proper scientific study sillx and flax could be * grown in large quantities. Dr. Means suggests that the genius of the people for hand-weaving should not be suppressed by the introduction of mechanical methods, but encouraged, and in time, with the right sort of loom, the inhabitants would quickly show the world new kinds of cloth by new combinations of material. Tile-making he would also encourage. Other interest- ing suggestions for the development of this region are put forward in the article—suggestions which are pertinent to regions other than that of Piura-Tumbes. Tue rapid increase and spread of the great crested grebe in Warwickshire forms the subject of a short paper by the late Mr. Geoffrey Leigh in British Birds for December. On the majority of pools already in use the number of breeding pairs is increasing yearly, whilst fresh sheets of water are being constantly occupied. The author expresses the opinion that this species is, as a rule, double-brooded. This increase apparently dates from about the year 1900, and it is to be hoped that it will receive no check. In the Jrish Naturalist for November-December Mr. R. F. Scharff expresses the opinion that the red deer found in Ireland to-day are the descendants of the indigenous stock of the island, and casts doubt on the trustworthiness of the statement that red deer were imported into Ireland during the thirteenth cen- tury from England. There can be no room for doubt that in prehistoric times the red deer roamed in great numbers all over the island, and the author holds that it is unlikely that in the thirteenth century this native race would have been so reduced as to need reinforce- ment. NO. 2566, VOL. 102] Tuar the Zoological Society of London has come — through a time of severe stress and anxiety with re- markable success there can be no question, even though, as announced at the monthly general meeting held on December 1, there has been a great falling off in admissions to the gardens during 1918 as compared with the corresponding period for 1917. There has also been a similar decrease in the number of fellows elected and re-elected. We may, however, anticipate a steady and lasting improvement now that the dis- turbing factors are disappearing. The most important addition to the gardens during December was a Kea parrot (Nestor notabilis). 2 Many years ago it was pointed out by Prof. Bryan in Science Gossip that the pollen-grains of certain plants exhibit marked ‘‘black-cross” effects in polarised light. The Journal of the Royal Micro- scopical Society for September last contains an abstract of a paper by Mr. F. J. Keeley in the Pro- ceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Phila- delphia dealing with polariscopic effects produced by certain diatoms. These effects, which were previously discussed by Mr. E. M. Nelson, are prob- ably attributable to internal reflections, an explanation which may, perhaps, apply equally well to the pollen. The existence of these effects in Actinocyclus ralfsti has led to Mr. Keeley observing an exceedingly deli- cate secondary structure in this optically remarkable diatom. Tue preservation of game-birds in its relation to agriculture has for some time past become a subject of political controversy, and it is therefore gratifying to find the subject treated in a scientific spirit by Dr. Walter E. Collinge, of St. Andrews, in Science Progress for October last. Dr. Collinge has con- ducted an extensive series of examinations of the con- tents of the crops of the three principal game-birds, namely, the pheasant, red grouse, and partridge. The proportions of animal matter are 37-4, 22-5, and 40'5.per cent. respectively, this consisting mainly of injurious insects, with very small percentages of worms, slugs, and non-injurious insects. Of the vegetable matter the percentages of grain are 2-4, 1-5, and 3:5, the great bulk being described as ‘leaves, stems, and seeds of weeds.’’ In view of the benefits which these game-birds are capable of conferring upon agriculture, Dr. Collinge contends that, apart from all other considerations, their preservation is a ques- tion of urgent national importance. On the other hand, he advocates the systematic destruction of other species of birds, such as the house-sparrow, rook, and starling, which are costing the country millions of money in the food products destroyed. In the Kew Bulletin, No. 7, a further instalment of “Notes on the Flora of Madras” is published by Mr. J. S. Gamble, the author of the flora now in course of publication. These notes deal with the natural families and genera which form part ii. of the flora, ‘“Celastraceze to Leguminosae—Papilionate,” which has recently been published. Among plants of un- expected occurrence in Madras may be mentioned Leea aequata, which is found in Bengal and Burma, and Turpinia nepalensis (Staphyleacez), a Himalayan mountain species found in the Madras mountains. Mr. Gamble proposes six species of the difficult genus Nothopegia; one of these, N. dalzelli, was originally described by Dalzell in 1849 as a new genus, Glycy- carpus, and about three of the others there has been considerable confusion, now admirably settled by Mr. Gamble’s careful researches. In the same issue he describes ten new species of South Indian Rosacex, Myrtaceze, and Melastomacez. pe ts « ria!” January 2, 1919] NATURE aS) Tuis year, 1919, which is the centenary of the founding of the settlement of Singapore by Sir Stam- ford Raffles, marks also the sixtieth anniversary of the establishment of the Botanic Gardens. In ‘the year 1859, on November 12, the Singapore Agri- Horticultural Society was formed, and received the support of the Governor, Col. O. Cavanagh, who afterwards became chairman of the committee of management. Within six weeks of the formation of the society some fifty-six acres of abandoned Govern- ment Jand were granted, as well as convict labour for setting in hand the cultivation of the garden site. The history of the establishment of the gardens is given in the Gardens Bulletin, Straits Settlements, vol. ii., No. 2, with a map showing the area granted to the Agri-Horticultural Society in 1859, and the further grant of land in 1866. The site is still occupied by the Botanic Gardens. Originally the society hoped to benefit local agriculture, but as its*first object it set about preparing a pleasure garden for public resort. Between the years 1870-74 the society appears to have lost interest in the gardens, and have got into difficulties, so much so that in 1874 it offered to hand over the gardens to the Government. This was done in December, 1874, and the advice of Sir Joseph Hooker, then director of the Royal Gardens, Kew, was sought as to a superintendent. In October, 1875, the new superintendent, James Murton, selected by Hooker arrived in Singapore with a large supply of plants, and carried on the able work done by Lawrence Niven, the first superintendent, to whom the general lay-out of the gardens is due. From Murton’s day to the present time the Singapore Botanic Gardens have become renowned as the centre of Great Britain's botanical activity in the Far East. Tue September issue of the Scientific Australian gives the results of the tests of New South Wales tim- ber made by Prof. Warren, of the University of Sydney, for the Defence Department of the Common- wealth Government. The three timbers tested gave the following mean values for the modulus of rupture in lb. per square inch :—Ironbark, 29,000; blue gum and spotted gum, each 22,000. These values compare favourably with those found in the United States Government tests of American hickory, of which seven varieties gave mean values of from 12,000 to 19,000, while each variety showed a wide range of quality. It seems desirable that the great strength of these New South Wales timbers should be’ known to engineers in this country. Sawpbust, chips, and shavings are largely utilised in Germany for the production_of alcohol. It is esti- mated that from half a million to one million tons of such waste material are produced annually in that country. Four distilleries are at present being run on these raw materials, each having fifty-one autoclaves of 1o00-kg. capacity. The cost of production is said to be high when the residue cannot be used as cattle fodder or the waste liquors used for other products. The material is heated in an autoclave with either sulphurous or hydrochloric acid for from twenty to forty minutes at 265° C. at a pressure of 7 atm., then quickly drawn off, neutralised, and run into the fer- menting vat, beer-yeast being used. Distillation com- pletes the process. Further particulars are given in Zeitschrift fiir angewandte Chemie for September 13 ‘last. In Elektrotechnik und Maschinenbau for Septem- ber 1 are given the results of some investigations by Gumlich on the magnetic properties and resistance of iron alloys. The samples consisted of pure electrolytic iron and four series of alloys with increasing carbon content (up to 1-8 per cent.). The density and specific NO. 2566, VOL. 102] resistance vary with the percentage of added material. The tests also showed that the magnetic properties of iron are not improved appreciably by the addition of silicon and aluminium. ‘The benefit derived by the pres- ence of these materials is only due to secondary causes by virtue of the removal of oxygen and neutralisation of the effect of carbon. LEddy-current losses are reduced by the addition of silicon and aluminium. The effect of the added materials on the coercive force is also examined. Good permanent magnets may be pro- duced by adding tungsten, chromium, or molybdenum. YHE second number of the Decimal Educator, a quarterly publication of the Decimal Association, con- tains extracts from several articles by prominent writers in favour of the metric system of weights and measures, including the article by “A. F. B.” which appeared in Nature for August 30, 1917. In connection with the misapprehension which is often to be found in industrial circles regarding the difficul- ties and expense that would be involved in the com- pulsory adoption of the metric system, it is pointed out that the proposals of the advocates of the system do not include any obligation to use metric measures in manufacturing operations, but only in commercial transactions. Many useful hints for lecturers on the metric system are to be found in the article on teach- ing the system, which is continued in this issue. The undesirability of over-elaborating the difference be- tween the values of corresponding metric and imperial denominations is insisted upon, and it is shown that in most cases there are simple approximate relations which will suffice for all practical purposes. An account is given of the present stage of the proposal for introducing decimal coinage, and from correspond- ence which appears in this issue it would seem that the movement is receiving considerable support throughout the country. WE have received a letter from Dr. G. C. Simpson, meteorologist to the Government of India, on the subject of aurora at low heights in. the atmo- sphere, supplementary to one from him which ap- peared in Nature of September 12 last (p. 24). Dr. Simpson now informs us that the Scott Antarctic Expedition of 1911-12, of which he was a member, had with it “‘a complete equipment for determining auroral heights by Prof. Stérmer’s photographic method, but, unfortunately, the experiments made were unsuccessful.’’ In some comments on Dr. Simp- son’s previous letter Dr. Chree expressed the hope that the observers of the next Arctic or Antarctic expedition would be familiar with what had been written on the subject, and be specially careful in dealing with any apparently low-level aurora. Dr. Simpson is apprehensive lest this should be supposed to imply censure on the observers of the Scott expedition. We can assure him that no reflection whatever was intended on the observers of any previous expedition. The subject, as Dr. Simpson’s letter alone would suffice to show, is beset with pitfalls for the unwary, and it is important that future observers should realise adequately the completeness of the evidence necessary to establish the existence of aurora at really low levels. Dr. Simpson’s own writings on the sub- ject form part of the literature the ‘study of which we should like to recommend. Tue Engineer of December 20 reviews the project known as the Georgian Bay Canal, which will prob- ably be undertaken by the Canadian Government at an early date, now that the war has ceased to impose a veto on civil engineering enterprise. The design of the waterway in question is to link up the arm of Lake Huron, called Georgian Bay, with the St Lawrence River at Montreal. It will undoubtedly. Bo4 NATURE [JANUARY 2, 1919 prove a great convenience for water-borne grain traffic, which at present is conveyed from Fort William and Fort Arthur on Lake Superior to Montreal via Lakes Huron, Erie, and Ontario. The new route, embracing a total distance of 440 miles from the entrance at the mouth of French River to the city of Montreal, will constitute a saving of 282 miles. There are naturally 346 miles of navigable lake and river and 66 miles of channel, in which the requisite depth can be ob- tained by dredging, leaving 28 miles only of canal to be constructed. There is a rise of 98 ft. between Georgian Bay and the summit level at Trout Lake, which will be surmounted by four locks from 21 ft. to 29 ft. in lift. Succeeding this there is a fall of 659 ft. to the St. Lawrence River, necessitating twenty-three locks from 5 ft. to 50 fl. in range. The intention is to provide a waterway 22 ft. deep, to accommodate lake boats 600 ft. long, 60 ft. beam, and 20 ft. draught. The estimated outlay is 100,000,000 dollars, and the worl of construction will probably tale ten years to complete. The canal project will materially alter the regimen of the Ottawa River, which forms the major portion of the route. At present it is a series of deep and wide basins, connected by narrow passages, which are broken by falls and heavy rapids. For the purpose of lockage, the falls are to be con- centrated and all the small rapids eliminated. The forty-five dams required for the regulation of naviga- tion (eighteen are of considerable size) will serve to concentrate the water-power at certain points, and it is computed that nearly a million horse-power will thereby become available, though possibly not more than 150,000 h.p. at minimum flow could be developed under existing conditions. Tue ‘Wellcome Photographic Exposure Record and Diary’’ for 1919 is issued by Messrs. Bur- roughs Wellcome and Co. as usual. Those who are in the habit of using this pocket-book will probably be surprised to find that the exposure calculator is improved, so that when set it shows the exposure required for all the ordinary apertures of lenses instead of one only, and that this is facilitated by printing the figures in different colours. The diary, the space for classified exposures, and the pages for notes and memoranda remain as before, while the tables of the sensitiveness' of the various plates and papers on the market and the general information on photographic procedure are brought up to date. The bool is a model of compactness and usefulness. OUR ASTRONOMICAL COLUMN. ScHorr’s Comet.—The following continuation of the ephemeris of this comet, for Greenwich midnight, is from the elements given in Nature for Decem- ber 19, 1918 :— R.A. N. Decl. Log » Log A he mes. aor, Jan. 2 357 47 -» 13 45 6 3)(§S820) "7.5 eurdee O*4015 0°2390 10 359 10s pc lage 14 4 0 33) c..0 (IA vay 0°4144 0°2751 18 4213) Sse Urea, 22 4: 4/52) ion UNS TS 04271 .... O°3104 26 MeON22) asso 30 4 853 15 57... 074394 0°3448 Magnitude 15. The following observations have been received :— G.M.T. R.A. N. Decl. © Observer Observatory ernie, 1S. o } a Nov. 29°8297 4 7 37°6 11 47 47 Burton Washington (Naval) 30°6602 47 4'2 II 49 47 ” ” ” 30°7466 4 6 59°5 11 49 56 Barnard Yerkes NO. 2566, VOL. 102] BorreELty’s Comer.—This comet was observed by Mrs. Freeman with a 3-in, telescope on December 23. It is now growing fainter, but should be observable until the end of January :— Ephemeris for Greenwich Midnight. . R.A. N, Decl. Log r Log 4 ye Ie Ss. > ‘ Jan. 5 o 41 18 60 19 0°1776 9°7803 0) =... KON3OuAy eeemmOz ee 071825 9°8026 13 6 32 34 63 20 01876 9°8256 17 6 29 43 64 30 0°1930 98485 21 ; 56 27827 65 16 O'1934 9°8717 25 6 26 38 65 48 0°2041 9°8947 29 6 26 50 60 7 0°2098 9°9171 “THe COMPANION TO THE OBSERVATORY, 1919."-— This useful work of reference is similar in form to recent issues. In addition to a summary of data from the Nautical Almanac, it contains Mr. Denning’s list of meteor radiants for every night of the year, and ephemerides of variable stars classified into five types (Long Period, Algol, # Lyre, Cluster, and Cepheid). The pages on double stars are due to Mr. Jonckheere; he gives recent observations of 128 pairs and ephemerides for 44. There are several tables of astronomical constants. The magnetic elements for Greenwich direct our attention’ to the increase in the rate of change in the westerly declina- tion. It is now diminishing at the rate of 1° in six years, and should reach zero about the end of the century. A misprint on p. 7 may be noted. The dates of planetary quadrature and station are all printed a line too high, opposite the wrong planet’s name. REDETERMINATION OF THE Orbit OF 588 ACHILLES.— Mme. Julie M. Vinter Hinsen undertook the rediscus- sion of the observations of this number of the Trojan group made during the decade succeeding its dis- covery in 1906 (Copenhagen Observatory Publications, No. 29). Some trouble was caused by the fact that the object observed in October, 1914, proved not to be identical with Achilles. Omitting this, all the remain- ing normal places could be satisfied with no errors exceeding 6". The following is the final orbit :— Epoch and Osculation 1907 May 28 Berlin Mean Noon. M= 84° 3° 1°9° CO) Snes fey Dov | § =315" 35 58°5” r1gI0‘0 ilove 13:7” Cys tse hey 12 # =295'96333" log @a=0'719179 THE MANCHESTER EXHIBITION OF BRITISH SCIENCE PRODUCTS. Ow Thursday, December 26, there was opened without ceremony, in the Municipal College of Technology, Manchester, a replica of the British Scientific Products Exhibition held in August and September last in King’s College, London, under the auspices of the British Science Guild. The London exhibition attracted much attention and commanded a large attendance of the public interested in the pro- gress of applied science in the United Kingdom, especially as a result of the circumstances induced by the war. It proved that much had been accomplished ~ despite unfavourable conditions as to the supply of certain products, some of them of prime importance, inasmuch as they rank as ‘‘key”’ products upon which certain great industries depend for their successful prosecution. It was felt that the exhibition should be brought January 2, 1919 | right to the centre of the great manufacturing areas of the country, and at Manchester’ a committee was formed under the presidency of the Lord Mayor with thisintention. .\ guarantee fund was raised from manu- facturers and others to meet the necessary expenses of organisation and equipment. The Education Committee willingly granted the free use of the spacious and convenient rooms and corridors of the College of Technology for the display of the exhibits, and every facility was afforded by the executive com- mittee of the British Science Guild with the view of inducing the exhibitors at King’s College to exhibit at Manchester. The total number of firms contributing to the present exhibition is about two hundred and _ forty, including some sixty which did not make any display at King’s College. These are chiefly textile firms and firms engaged in the manufacture of chemical or special engineering products. At Manchester, as might be* expected, there is a specially fine show of dyestuffs and of intermediate products necessary for their manufacture, together with a fine exhibit of British-made synthetic indigo, the most important of all dyestuffs. Along with these is shown a fine dis- play of goods dyed and printed therewith. There is also an excellent show of magnetos, exhibiting their dissociated parts, with specimens of the raw materials used, and arrangements are made to run the magnetos so as to show the ignition sparks produced for engines with various numbers of cylinders. The manufacture of these appliances, previously almost entirely in German hands, has been greatly stimulated by the requirements of the war, which has, without doubt, resulted in the establishment in this country of a highly essential branch of industry. The exhibition also includes an extensive display of gas- or oil-fired furnaces for hardening high-speed steel, for testing refractory materials, or for forging. In the large hall of the college is displayed a standard Avro aeroplane, on which 40,000 pilots have been trained. It was the first machine to make a long-distance raid in Germany—Friedrichshafen, November, 1914—and the first to bring down a Zep- pelin. Some beautiful specimens are shown of cotton- pile fabrics in successful imitation of Lyons silk velvets, and of printed cotton voiles and cretonnes and dyed cotton-threads. There is an extensive and typical collection of fine chemicals, and also of intermediate products used in organic syntheses for dye manufacture and for explosives. Some interesting chemical products are also shown prepared in the laboratories of the University of Birmingham according to the specifications of certain German patents or modifications thereof suitable for use as high explosives. The *‘Flatters’” method of water colloid doping is shown as applied to gas-proof cloths and to aeroplane-wing cloths, together with micro-photographs illustrating the ‘* permeability” of the acetate cellulose method as compared with the water colloid method of treatment. There is an excel- lent display of aluminium, showing its preparation from the ore to the finished material and its applica- tion to various uses, including automobile parts of all kinds and aeroplane parts, together with electrical equipment, with bare and insulated cables, bus- bars and feeders, traction motor and lifted magnet windings, etc. Precision machinery and measuring instruments and gauges to a high degree of accuracy are strongly in evidence, together with pressure gauges, aeroplane- radiator thermometers—many thousands of which were made during the war by women labour—and optical pyrometers for measuring temperatures of from 700° to NATURE 4000° C., formerly made exclusively in Germany, but | NO. 2566, VOL. 102] . 355 manufactured in this country since 1914. A notable exhibit is that of accelerine (paranitrosodimethyl- aniline), a powerful catalyst of the vulcanising process, the effect of which was discovered in 1914 by S. J. Peachey, working in the laboratories of the College of Technology, Manchester. The addition of 03 to o-5 per cent. of the weight of the material to a rubber mixing reduces the time of vulcanisation to one-third of the normal, and it is now being used by many of the largest rubber and cable works. Examples are shown of six-score *‘Diatrine” paper-insulated and lead-sheathed cable suitable for a working pressure of 11,000 volts, provided with Glover’s patent test sheath. There is also an exhibit of acid-resisting materials and vessels so necessary to meet the urgent demand which arose during the war for these indispensable require- ments. The War Office Aircraft Fabrics Department of Manchester displays aircraft and kite-balloon fabrics and apparatus for testing the permeability of aircraft fabrics. Interesting exhibits are also to be found illustrating various physical apparatus, such as polarimeters, wave-length spectrometers, Hilger vacuum spectro- graphs, aero-tensionmeters for the accurate and rapid measurement of the tautness of doped and var- nished fabrics for aeroplanes, projection comparators for the rapid testing of screw-threads, together with examples of photographic micro-scales and graticules made by grainless, filmless, ceramic, and metallic deposition methods, as well as other forms of micro- scales, which were before the war a German mono- poly, and a series of colour-films for scientific and technical purposes. The catalogue includes, by permission of the British Science Guild, the various valuable scientific and technical articles prepared by recognised authorities which appeared in the London exhibition catalogue, and added considerably to the value of it. In addition, a chapter is devoted to recent researches by the staff and advanced students of the College of Technology, which cover a wide range of subjects, including many investigations required for naval and military purposes which have been found to be “of extreme value.” In the electrical engineering department researches have been carried out under the auspices of the Institute of Electrical Engineers on the electrical and mechani- cal properties of porcelain and on the electrical pro- perties of oils. Experimental work has been suc- cessfully completed upon a wattmeter for very heavy alternating currents, and a research concluded upon the existence or non-existence of an action between masses analogous to mutual induction between elec- trical circuits. The experiment showed that if any such action did occur, the ratio of the change of momentum in the body acted upon to the change of momentum of the acting body was less than 43X10-1°. The paper excited considerable interest at the meeting of the British Association in 1915. Investigations were conducted upon the eddy current losses occurring in the end plates of turbo-generators, and a formula deduced by which these currents could be estimated. Many important commercial applica- tions have resulted from researches upon the com- mutation of continuous-current generators and rotary converters. The municipal and sanitary engineer- ing department has been engaged upon matters relating to the heating and ventilation of buildings, upon the design, construction, and use of material for artisans’ dwellings and on town-planning matters, and upon experiments on the strength of lead and other pipes used for the distribution of water. In the chemical department experiments have been undertaken on the sulphonation of oils under the auspices of the Society of Dyers and Colourists, and a further investigation on the nitration of oils has been begun, and under the research scheme of the Institution of Electrical Engineers work is now being done concerning insulating oils. The study of the chlorination products of rubber, one of which, known as ‘“‘duroprene,” is remarkable for its resistant and other properties, has been taken up. Research on fuels has included: heating by gas, the stripping of coal-gas, the distillation of cannel and other coals, as well as exhaustive examinations on certain products obtained from coal-mines, and also upon a series of seams of Lancashire coal. The conditions of car- bonisation of iron, especially in case-hardening; the influence of impurities on the strength and on the resistance to corrosion of cast-iron; the influence of sulphur in the processes for making malleable iron castings, and on the toughening of copper and in- creasing the strength of copper alloys, have all been the subject of investigation and experiment with valuable results which have found industrial applications, whilst research on cellulose subsidised by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research has also been in progress. In the department of printing and photographic technology investigations were carried out, and are still proceeding, on the development of machine- printed photogravure, and much attention has been paid to new methods for the production of lithographic printing surfaces in monochrome and colour. Much other research has been carried out or is in progress on the economic use of fuel, on air pollution, on gas flames, on the economic use of electricity for heating purposes, on fibre testing, and on the use of ramie waste for gas-mantles. All the departments of the college have throughout the period of the war been busily engaged on investi- gations in aid of the requirements. of the several departments of the Government. The results of some of the researches engaged in are shown in the space allotted to the college at the exhibition. It is to be hoped that the exhibition so happily inaugurated in London will serve to convince the public that British science intelligently applied can, if we so will it, con- tend successfully with the best efforts of the most highly educated of foreign nations. THE CONCEPTION OF THE CHEMICAL ELEMENT AS ENLARGED BY THE STUDY OF RADIO-ACTIVE CHANGE? F a chemist were to purify lead. from silver, and found on re-examining the lead that silver were present, and if, again and again, silver, initially absent, reappeared the doctrine of the unchangeability of the elements would be at an end. The conclusion in 1902 by Sir Ernest Rutherford and myself with regard to the element thorium was of this direct and simple character. As often as the constituents responsible for the radio-activity are separated by physical or chemical means, they reform. One of the constituents, the thorium emanation, is a gas which was shown to possess the complete absence of chemical character _ characteristic of the argon family of gases. It is formed from thorium through the intermediary of another constituent, thorium-X, which is left in the fil- trate, when a solution of thorium is precipitated by am- monia, but not by other chemical reagents. In turn the emanation changes into non-volatile products causing the active deposit. The clear conception of the nature of chemical change, the distinction between atoms and molecules, which we owe to the founders of chemistry, 1 Summary of a lecture delivered to the Chemical Society, December 19, 1918, by Prof. Frederick Soddy, F.R.S. NO. 2566, VOL. 102| NATUR = a [JANUARY 2, I919 made it possible to recognise radio-active change almost instantly as a case of spontaneous transmuta- tion. Novel as the explanation was, the phenomena explained ‘are so novel as to transcend what to a generation ago would have appeared as the limits of the physically possible. But even to-day it is only in radio-active phenomena that the limits reached long ago in the chemical analysis of matter have been over- stepped, and the rubicon, which many have vaulted over so lightly in imagination, has actually been crossed by science. The first phase of the study of radio-active change was mainly concerned with the disentanglement of the long and involved sequence of transformations which, starting from uranium and thorium, were ultimately found to include all the known radio-elements. Beyond the fact that the radio-elements were in present course of evolution, it added little to the conceptions of chemis- try. But in the second and more recent phase—con- cerned with the chemical character of the successive products, the law connecting this with the type of ray expelled in the change, the discovery of elements with unique radio-active but identical chemical and spectro- scopic character, the identification of these as isotopes, or elements occupying the same place in the periodic table, the interpretation of the latter and the recogni- tion that the so-called chemical elements are in reality heterotopes, or substances occupying different places in the periodic table, and are not necessarily even homogeneous—conclusions, not merely novel, but up- setting, have been reached. The criterion at first relied upon in the analysis of matter into its elements, the possession of a unique chemical character, was added to by Dalton’s atomic theory, which gave to each element a unique atomic weight. The periodic law apparently connected these two criteria, fitted the individual elements into families, and showed that, whatever the elements were, they were all of a class, the limits of chemical analysis, and, if complex, then all of the same kind of com- plexity. The periodic law introduced a third criterion of the element, that it occupied a place to itself in this scheme, and the discovery of spectrum analysis, a fourth, that it possessed a unique spectrum. The discovery of radio-activity introduced a fifth, the pos- session of a unique radio-active character, in the case of the radio-elements. Of the first three new elements discovered by the aid of the fifth criterion, polonium, actinium, and radium, the claim of the last to the title of element was brilliantly substantiated by the successive determination of its unique spectrum, unique chemical character, unique place in the periodic table, and unique atomic weight. The production of this element from uranium through the intermediary of ionium, and the production of helium from radium, and, in due course, from the other radio-elements, | furnished conclusive proofs of the correctness of the first interpretation of the transmutational character of radio-active change. Then came a totally new departure. The possession of unique radio-active character does not always, as in the case of radium, connote unique chemical and spectrescopic character. As, one after another, the various members of the disintegration series were dis- | tinguished, by their breaking up in characteristic ways at definite rates, no further chemically new elements were found. AIl resembled known elements so closely that they could not be separated by chemical analysis, and those actually at work on these substances came to the conclusion that the chemical resemblances amount to identity. Radio-thorium is, for example, identical chemically with thorium. It was isolated from thorium and individually recognised by Sir William Ramsay and O. Hahn only because it is Til aya January 2, 1910] formed from thorium through an intermediate pro- duct, mesothorium, chemically different from thorium, but chemically identical with radium. No more elegant addition, not merely to knowledge, but also to the means of winning knowledge, can be imagined. Two separate substances, radio-thorium and thorium, in the original analysis of the thorium disintegration series, taken for one, become individually knowable, because the first is formed from the second through a third substance chemically totally distinct from either. Radio-active change thus furnished a new means of analysis, for which, outside the radio-elements, there is as yet no équivalent. Further work on the chemical character of the various members of the disintegration series, notably by Fleck, who showed that practically all were chemically identical either with some common element or other radio-element, in 1913 paved the way for the generalisation independently arrived at by Russell, NATURE 1S place in the complete list of places in the periodic table, as determined by Moseley, on the assumption that the atomic number of aluminium, the thirteenth element in the list, starting from hydrogen, is. 13. The period of average life of each member is shown above or below its symbol, a ‘'?” indicating that the period is indirectly estimated from the range of the a-ray expelled. The last member to be added, eka-tantalum or proto-actinium, the direct parent of actinium in an a-ray change, was discovered this year independently by Cranston and myself, and by Hahn and Meitner. For this element, for actinium, and for polonium, but for none of the others, are the criteria of unique spectrum and chemical character, as found for radium, to be expected. Moreover, the period of eka-tantalum, as estimated from the range of its a-rays by Hahn and Meitner, makes it appear that in due course determination not only of the spectrum, but also of the atomic weight and complete chemical Fajans, and myself, which is brought up to date and illustrated by the accompanying figure. Each a-ray change was found to cause a shift of two places in the periodic table in one direction, and each f-ray change a shift of one place in the other, the first change being accompanied by a reduction of four units of atomic mass, a helium atom being expelled, and the second not involving a sensible loss of mass. Thus the suc- cessive places in the periodic table were first associated with unit variation of atomic charge, for the 6-particle is the negative electron, and the a-particle a helium atom carrying two positive atomic charges. The elements with identical chemical character were found to occupy the same place in the periodic table, and were, therefore, termed isotopes. Conversely, the elements recognised by chemical and _ spectroscopic analysis may be termed. heterotopes. In the figure, which is to be read at 45°, the numbers at the head of each place—g2 for uranium, and so on—are the atomic numbers, or number of the NO. 2566, VOL. 102] It is only in this way that the open question whether the actinium series branches off as shown at uranium-II or at uranium-I can be settled. As the figure shows, so far as the changes have been followed, they all result in the production of isotopes of lead ranging in atomic weight from 206 to 210, the main products being that of uranium, 206, and both thorium products in the two branches, 208. The conclusion that lead was the ultimate product of thorium was new, but the prediction that the ultimate products of both uranium and thorium are different isotopes of lead—the one with an atomic weight less, and the other with an atomic weight greater, than that of common lead, 207-2—has been completely con- firmed by experiment, and it has also been shown that ionium has an atomic weight lower than thorium (compare Nature, July 19 and 26, 1917). The older chemical analysis of matter distinguished only heterobaric heterotopes. The newer methods nature, of this element will be possible. 358 _ NATURE depending on radio-active change distinguish, not only heterobaric, but isobaric isotopes, and also isobaric | heterotopes—that is, substances of different atomic weight and identical chemical character, of the same atomic weight and chemical character, and of the same atomic weight and different chemical character. A glance at the chart will show many examples of all three kinds. Not only has the chemical element been robbed of its time-honoured title to be considered the ultimate unchanging constituent of matter, but its title to be considered homogeneous has also vanished. The century that began with Dalton and ended with the discoveries of Becquerel and the Curies took the practical conception of the element it found extant, as that which could not be further resolved, and made of it the central conception of a theory of the ultimate constitution of matter. The element was first atomised, and then the atom and the element became synonyms, related as the singular is to the plural. Every one of the conceptions which associated the atom with the chemical element now has to be modified. Atoms of different chemical elements may ‘have the same atomic weight; those of what the chemist and spectroscopist regard as the same element may have different atomic weight; and, most difficult to include of all to anyone to-day attempting to define the chemical element, even though the atoms all have the same weight, the element, nevertheless, may be an unresolvable mixture of fundamentally different isobaric isotopes. Present-day complete identity may conceal differences for the future of paramount import- ance, if ever transmutation is practically realisable at will. The goal that inspires the search for the homogeneous constituents out of which the material world is composed is now known to be, like infinity, approachable rather than attainable. The practical and necessary conception of the chemical elements, as understood before these discoveries, is, of course, un- affected. It had, and it has, a real significance as representing the limits of the spectroscopic and chemical analysis of matter, which remains, though it is now known to convey something very unlike the original and natural conception of the elements as the 1 m n’s'of the material alphabet. UNIVERSITY AND EDUCATIONAL INTELLIGENCE. Tue following candidates have been elected to repre- sent University constituencies in the House of Com- mons (members of the late Parliament are distin- guished by an asterisk) :—Oxford: *Lord Hugh Cecil and *Mr. R. E Prothero. Cambridge: *Mr. J. E. P. Rawlinson and *Sir Joseph Larmor. London; *Sir Philip Magnus. Combined English Universities : *Mr. H. A, L. Fisher and Sir Martin Conway. Wales: *Mr. J. Herbert Lewis. Scotland: *Sir Watson Cheyne, Mr. D. M. Cowan, and *Sir Henry Craik. Dublin: *Mr. A. W. Samuels and Sir Robert Woods. National: Mr. J. MacNeil. Queen’s (Belfast): Sir William Whitla. THE National Education Association, Caxton House, Westminster, has prepared and published a useful summary of sixteen quarto pages (price 6d.) of the Education Act, 1918, in which the Act is succinctly summarised and explained. The pamphlet further contains a brief 7ésumé of each of the sections of the Act, in which is included only the operative words and phrases grouped under special headings, such as the “Organisation of Education,” ‘‘ Co-operation and Com- bination,” “‘ Expenditure,” ‘‘.\ttendance at Continua- tion Schools.” ‘‘To Aid Research,’ ‘Central Schools and Classes,’’ “‘ Education Grants,’’ etc. It will prove exceedingly helpful to members of education com- NO. 2566, VOL. 102] | tory of Science,’ [January 2 1919 mittees, to officials engaged in administration, and to the teaching profession, both public and private, since it gives without technical and legal verbiage a clear view of the operations of the Act, and enables them to see how very much of the Act can, even in present circumstances, be brought into immediate operation. Now that the war is practically over it may be | assumed that the Board of Education, as it is em- powered by the Act, will, so soon as the conditions of peace are arranged and the treaty is signed, bring into operation the vital sub-sections of the Act raising | the compulsory age of attendance at public elementary schools to fourteen years in all areas, and empower local authorities to raise by by-law the age to fifteen where so desired. Already a majority of the sections of the Act is in full operation, and it only awaits the conclusion of peace for this, the most important Act of the last session of Parliament, to come into full and salutary effect. Ir has been known for some time that, by reason of the general interruption of academic studies during the war, special and temporary provision would be made for the admission of men of military age into the Civil Service otherwise than by competitive examination. Announcement is now made that ap- pointments within the scope of clause 5 of the Prin- cipal Order (the Civil Service (Consolidating) Order, January 10, 1910) may be made by selection on a competitive basis, but without competitive examina- tion, through the agency of a selection board or boards appointed by the Treasury, and according to regulations framed, or to be from time to time framed, by the Commissioners, and approved by the Treasury. All men who have served either in his Majesty’s Naval, Military, or Air Forces, or, being unfit for general service in those forces, have been employed in one or more of his Majesty’s Civil Departments during the war, and are in a position to satisfy the Commissioners and the Selection Board that they are of the requisite age, health, character, and educa- tional and other qualifications, will be eligible to compete for such appointments. It is understood that the Selection Board to be appointed by the Treasury will be charged with the worl: for India and the Colonies, as well as for the Home Service. It is very important that these Selection Boards shall in- clude representatives of scientific and other modern subjects, as well as those with literary or legal in- terests, so as to ensure that a just proportion of the | candidates appointed shall possess the training and knowledge which a progressive nation needs in its administrative officials. In the Scientific Monthly for September Prof. George Sarton has an article on “‘ The Teaching of the His- * which gives further insight into his ideas on this subject. Just as a skilled workman employed day by day on the one job he can do best runs the risk of becoming a human machine, so the scientific investigator who devotes his life to one par- ticular field of research is in danger of losing touch with reality. The workman may gain a broader out- look over the work on which he is engaged by attend- ing evening classes at a technical institute; for the | scientific investigator Prof. Sarton recommends lec- | tures on the history of science. The lecturers on this subject would give comprehensive surveys of the whole field of science, illustrating their lectures, so far as possible, with models and simple experiments. The author considers that each university should establish three such courses :—(a) An_ introductory course on the history of science throughout the ages; (b) the history of a particular science; and (c) the history of science and civilisation at a special period. The two special courses would be changed from year ” << r] January 2, 1919] to vear. He would admit to these courses only those who, by having worked successfully in a laboratory, would be in a position to appreciate the instruction. Prof. Sarton insists that the value of this teaching will largely depend upon the soundness of its scientific foundation. The teaching should not be entrusted to literary people, philosophers, or anyone knowing science only in a superficial way, but must be precise and concrete, its chief purpose being to interpret the scientific spirit and methods. The ulti- mate aim of the courses is to humanise science, and so to give it its due part in a general scheme of education. SOCIETIES AND ACADEMIES. LONDON. Optical Society, December 12.—Prof. F. J. Cheshire, president, in the chair.—Instructor-Com. T. Y. Baker and Major L. N. G. Filon: An empirical formula for the longitudinal aberration of a ray through a thick lens. The authors showed that the development of the longitudinal aberration as a power series is fre- quently illegitimate owing to its divergence for com- paratively slight inclinations of the rays. -Instead of such development of the form al?+bt'+ .. ., where t is the tangent of the inclination of the ray, they pro- posed a formula At*/(1+Bi*), and determined A and B numerically from the values of the aberration of particular rays calculated trigonometrically through a lens. This was done for a whole series of image positions and for a whole series of lenses of different shapes but of the same focal length. The numerical values of \ and B so obtained were then analysed, and an endeavour was made to obtain approximate general formula for them in terms of the image position and the lens shape. The authors decided that in all cases the value A in their empirical formula and the value a in the power series were practically identical. The value of a was given by the authors in a paper read before the society in May. The value of B can be expressed as a cubic in M, the linear magnification of the image. Thus B=B,+B,M+B.M°+B,M°*, in which the four coefficients B,, B,, B., and B, are all quadratic functions of the mean curvature of the lens faces.—Major E. O. Henrici ; Spirit-levels. The best bubble tubes for spirit- levels have been made,in Germany; it seems desirable that an investigation should be made of the factors necessary for producing satisfactory tubes. The advan- tage of a long air-bubble, as regards both the accuracy and rapidity with which the bubble comes to rest when displaced, was pointed out, and also the advantage of a short radius of curvature as regards the latter point. The radius of curvature (in other words, the sensitive- ness) must, however, be sufficiently great for the bubble to move noticeably with the smallest angular tilt of the tube which it is desired to indicate. If the bubble be too sensitive, time is lost; if it be not sufficiently sensitive, a spurious idea of accuracy is given; the sensitiveness of every bubble tube for accurate work should be marked. The methods of mounting, illu- minating, and viewing the bubble tube frequently leave much to be desired, and improvements in these matters lead to increased accuracy for a given sensi- tiveness. Several methods of viewing by means of prisms were described, the most satisfactory known to the author being one placed on the market by Zeiss. The accuracy of shaping the surface required in a sensitive bubble is very great. If a tube has a cor- rugated surface, the corrugations having an amplitude of 1/2000 mm. and a period of 1o mm., the angle of tilt to move the bubble 1 mm. may vary 38 per cent. from its nominal value in the case of a bubble with a sensitiveness of 1o seconds per mm., the bubble being NO. 2566, VOL. 102] a NATURE 359 35 mm. long. A similar corrugation with a 2-second bubble will make it almost useless for any purpose. Further investigation is required into the effect of the following factors on the performance of the bubble :— _ Quality, polish, and cleanliness of the glass; quality and purity of the liquid and vapour in the tube, and the best methods of mounting and viewing. Aristotelian Society, December 16.—Prof. Wildon Carr, vice-president, in the chair—Prof. J. Laird: Synthesis and discovery in knowledge. The paper consisted of a discussion of two sharply contrasted views of knowledge (viz. that knowledge is essentially the inspection or the discovery of an object which is given or revealed, and that knowledge is essentially a process of organisation or construction on the part of the mind), together with a consideration of certain hypotheses designed to mediate between these extreme views. The general argument was that while the first of these alternatives could be defended against many of the objections commonly brought against it, it was ultimately inadequate, since representative con- struction in words, images, etc., is plainly an integral part of most varieties of knowing. An examination of the theory that knowledge is always the inspection of a construction showed (1) that in this case the product of construction required to be apprehended directly, and (2) that such a product could be known to be representative only if the things represented were directly apprehended, in some instances at least. The theory that knowledge consists of construction (it was claimed) was therefore refuted, and the rest of the argument consisted of a detailed investigation into the truth of the statements that the object of knowledge is always (in some sense) a mental pro- duct on the ground that this object is always a unity”? or ‘a meaning,” or that mental imagery 1s always an essential part of it. The author main- tained that these arguments were either fallacious or inconclusive. Paris, Academy of Sciences, December 9, 1918.—M. P. Painlevé in the chair.—E. Picard and A. Lacroix : The second meeting of the Inter-Allied Conference of Scientific Academies. An account of the resolutions passed at the meeting held at Paris, November 26 to 29 (see NATURE, December 26, 1918, p- 325) = ]. Drach: Integration of a partial differential equation of the dynamics of fluids.—A. Buhl: The extension to multiple integrals of the theorem concerning the ex- change of the amplitude and parameter in hyper- elliptic integrals—A. Lambert : Certain polynomials connected with Laplace coefficients. -Ch. Frémont: A new machine for measuring the resistance of cast- iron by the method of chiselling.—Ch. Gorceix : The probable correlation of the displacements of level of the base and the oscillations of glacial fronts.—A. Guébhard: A possible conciliation between the two theories of volcanic action.—M. Molliard: The sapro- phytic life of an Entomophthora. This fungus (L. henrici), developed originally on a Culex pipiens, has been grown successfully on the sterilised grub of Euchelia jacobaeae, on sterilised ox-liver, and even on carrot, but in the last-named the cultures are not so abundant as on liver. Hence this species is not necessarily parasitic.—F.-X. Skupienski : Sexuality in Dictyostelium mucoroides.—L. Roule: The state of spawning salmon during their migration into fresh water in France. From the examination of eighty fish taken at different periods it is concluded that for the first two years young salmon live in fresh water, and then descend to the sea, growing there for x period varying from two to four years. Then, at the age of between four and six years, they return to 360 fresh water for reproduction.—M. Caullery and F. Mesnil: The initial parasitic phases of NXenocoeloma brumpti. Observations on this parasite in various stages of development confirm the interpretation, apparently paradoxical, deduced from the study of the adult.—E. Roubaud; Physiological rhythms and spontaneous flight in Anopheles maculipennis.—F. a’Herelle: The réle of the filtering bacillus in dysen- tery. This bacillus exists normally in the intestine. The presence of the Shiga dysentery bacillus in the intestine determines at first a considerable increase in the activity of the filtering bacillus against B. coli, and then it becomes capable of causing the gradual or rapid disappearance of the Shiga bacillus. It has been further proved in the case of the rabbit that cul- tures of the filtering bacillus have preventive and cura- tive action in the disease introduced experimentally.— A. Vernes and R. Douris: The action of ferric thio- cyanate on normal human serum. December 16, 1918.—M. P. Painlevé in the chair— M. Hamy: The diffraction of solar images.—Ch. Depéret : An attempt at the general chr onological co- ordination of the Quaternary period.—M. A. Rateau was elected a member of the division of the applica- tion of science to industry, M. Waddell a correspondant for the section of mechanics in succession to the late M. Zaboudski, and Sir David Bruce a correspondant for the section of medicine and surgery in succession to the late M. Czerny.—M. Valiron: The general pro- perties of entire functions and the theorem of M. Picard.—M. Mesnager: Curves defined by series. Ad- vantages of a change of definition.—M. Swyngedauw ; The effective resistance and reactance of an armoured triphase cable for the three harmonics of the current.— G. A. Le Roy: A mode of mercurial embalming in medieval times. The examination of a material used in embalming John of Lancaster, Dule of Bedford, in 1435 proved it to consist of balsams triturated with metallic mercury.—J. de Lapparent : The elaboration of silica and siliceous limestones by alge of the Gir- vanella group.—Mme. Valentine ‘Charles Gatin: The structure of the peduncle in the flowers of Liliaceze. The anatomical structure of the floral peduncle in the Liliaceze forms an anatomical distinction between the different genera of this order, as well as the species of the same genus.—G, André: Distribution of the mineral elements and the’ nitrogen in etiolated plants. About three-fourths of the nitrogen and phosphoric acid present in the seed “(har icot) are transferred from the cotyledons to the young plant during twenty-five days’ growth in the dark. The redistribution of the sulphur is similar.— J. Chaine: Considerations on the general muscular system of the vertebrates.—Ch. J. Gravier : The adapta- tion of the foot to the surrounding medium in the ‘a anemone at great submarine depths. —MM. Alezais Bod Peyron: The characters and origin of a group of tumours wrongly classified with the coccygian class of Luschka. The. authors give reasons for regarding these so-called peritheliomas as neoplasts of neuro- epithelial origin arising from vestiges of the caudal segment of the spinal column.—M. Heitz-Boyer: The osteogenetic action of dead bone tissue. BOOKS RECEIVED. Electro-analysis. By Prof. E. F. Smith. Sixth edition. Pp. xilit+344. (Philadelphia: P. Blakiston’s Son and Co.) 2.50 dollars net. The Botany of Crop Plants. By Prof. W. W. Robbins. Pp. xix+681. (Philadelphia: P. Blalkis- | ton’s Son and Co.) 2 dollars net. The Natural Organic Colouring Matters. By \. G. Perkin and Dr. A. E. Everest. NO. 2566, VOL. 102] Prof. (Monographs NATURE : [JANUARY 2, 1919 on Industrial I p. Xxii+6 Pore) (London : Longmans, Chemistry Series.) Green, and Co.) 28s. net. Evolution and the Doctrine of the Trinity. By S. A. McDowall. Pp. xxvi+258. (Cambridge: At the University Press.) gs. net. Technical Handbook of Oils, Fats, and Waxes. Vol. ii.: Practical and Analytical. By Percival J. Fryer and Frank E. Weston. (The Cambridge Technical Series.) Pp. xvi+314. (Cambridge: At the University Pree 155. net. The Physiology of Industrial Organisation and the Re-employment of the Disabled. By Prof. Jules Amar. Translated by Bernard Miall. Edited, with notes and an introduction, by Prof. A. F. Stanley Kent. Pp. xxv+371. (London: The Library Press, Ltd.) 30s. net. A Text-book of Biology for Medical, and Technical Courses. By Prof. W. M. Smallwood. Third edition, enlarged and thoroughly revised. Pp. xiv+306+8 plates. ag ne sais ‘and New York: Lea and Febiger.) tos. 6d. net. DIARY OF SOCIETIES. MONDAY, meee 6. ARISTOTELIAN Society, at 8.—C. D. Broad: Mechanical Explanation and its Alternatives. TUESDAY, JANvary 7. RONTGEN Society, at 8.15.—Dr.H. §. Allen : Electrical Changes Produced by Light. WEDNESDAY, Janxvary 8. GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY, at 5.30. THURSDAY, Janvary 9. INSTITUTION OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS, at 6—M. B. Field The Navigational (Magnetic) Compass as an Instrument of Precision FRIDAY, JANvuary 10. RovaL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY, at 5. THURSDAY, Janvary 16. CHEMICAL Society, at 8. Students in General, CONTENTS. | PAGE International Organisation of Science. ...... 34! High Explosives . - + 343 Is Psychology One of the Natural Sciences? By, = Profs wildoniGarrs. =. eee Siavitics oneal Organic and Applied Chemistry « OME Re a tare te aS Our; Bookshelf seo Pe te mneta hate - 346 Letters to the Editor:— Fuel Economisers.—Dr. John Aitken, F.R.S. . 346 University Poverty or ern 2_Prof. Henry E. Armstrong, F.R.S. 347 Inter-A llied Conference on International Organisa- tions in Science. —Prof. Arthur Schuster, F.R.S. 347 Scientific Research and Preventive Medicine . . . 347 Wind Circulation of the Globe. ByJ.S.D.... . 348 The Visit of President Wailsonie.t5. 7...) « 0) Se Notes ; 350 Our Astronomical Column :— Schorr’s Comet . 354 Borrelly’s Comet . . 354 “*The Companion to the Observatory, 1919” 5 354 Redetermination of the Orbit of 588 Achilles . . 354 The Manchester Exhibition of British Science Products... 354 The Conception ‘of the Chemical Element as Enlarged by the Study of Radio-active Change. (With Diagram.) By Prof, Frederick Soddy, F.R.S. 356 University and Educational Intelligence . 358 societies |andgAcademiesy. -.— . .) 5 4 ==) s) ee eae Books Receiveds sys. .t. ./..5 Jenene Diary of Societies 360 Editorial and Publishing Offices: MACMILLAN AND CO., Ltp., ST. MARTIN’S STREET, LONDON, W.C.z2. Advertisements and business letters to be addressed to the Publishers. Editorial Communications to the Editor. Telegraphic Address: Puusis, Lonpon. Telephone Number Gerrarp 8830. | Nap, eal A Ansonian Ins — A WEEKLY ILEUSERATED JOURNAL. OF SCIENCE. “To the solid ground Of Nature trusts fhe. pining. which builds fer aye. cS ORDSWORTH. _No. 2567, VOL. 102] THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 1919 [Price NINEPENCE. _Registered as as a Newspap er at ‘the G seneral “Post “Office. ] " x j aN __ [An Rights “Reserved. BALANCES & WEIGHTS — CHEMICALS Analytical, Technical and Research. aay MARK APPARATUS Balances > BENCHES Ts é Fume Chambers, etc., for A SNOW CRYSTAL Chemical Laboratories Price Lists and Estimates on Application. REYNOLDS & BRANSON, LTD., Contractors to the War Office, Admiralty, and Egyptian Goverament, &c., F.E:BECKER & C? W:&J.GEORGE,(LONDON) L¥9'PROPRIETORS 17 16:29°HAT-TON WALL, LONDON.E.C.I- || 14 COMMERCIAL STREET, LEEDS. ACCURATE RELIABLE THERMOMETERS. Graphite-Selenium Cells FOURNIER D’ALBE’S PATTERN. Great Stability and High Efficiency. With a sensitive Se surface of 5 sq. cm. and a voltage 20 the additional current obtainable at various illuminations (in metre-candles) is :— } milliamp. At UG. a .: eer aed 9 2 Send a note of your requirements to any of our addresses, and we will offer you the best types we have in stock. For particulars and prices apply to the SoLE AGENTS: John J. Griffin & Sons, Makers of Physical and Electrical Apparatus, Kemble Street, KINGSWAY, LONDON, W.C. 2 NEGRETT!I & ZAMBRA, 38 HOLBORN VIADUCT, E.C.1 s LEADENHALL ST. J QNDON. "2? REGENT ST if DS Our City Branch is at 5 Leadenhall Street, EC. 3 exlvi NATURE [JANUARY 9, I919 IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY. TECHNICAL OPTICS DEPARTMENT. Courses for full-time students. q Owing to the circumstances due to the cessation of hostilities special courses of instruction are now being arranged for full and part-time students for the new term commencing on Jan. 15, 1919. ‘The needs of each student will be separately considered by the Director of the Department. The lectures and practical classes previously announced for the frvesez? session will also be continued. General Optics— Professor F. J. CHESHIRE, C.B.E., A.R.C.S. Optical Designing and Computing— Professor A. E. CONRADY, Practical Optical Computing— Professor A. E., CONRADY, Workshop and Testing Room Methods— Professor A. E. CONRADY, A.R.C.S. Construction Theory and Use of Optical Measuring Instruments— Mr. L. C. MARTIN, D.I.C., A.R.C.S., B.Sc. A Course of Ten Weekly Lectures, commencing on Thursday, Jan. 16, 1919, at 5 p.m., on PHOTOGRAPHIC OPTICS, will be given by Professor A. E, Conrapy, A.R.C.S. These lectures are intended for users of photographic appar- atus generally, and will deal with the optical properties of photographic objectives, as far as possible non-mathematically. The principles of stereoscopic photography will be dealt with. Fee 55. For further particulars and for admission tickets apply to THE REGISTRAR OF THE IMPERIAL COLLEGE, Imperial Institute Road, South Kensington, S.W. 7. CHEMISTS. The facilities afforded by the Appointments Register of the Institute of Chemistry are available, free of charge, to Companies and Firms requiring the Services of properly qualified Analytical, Research, and Techno- logical Chemists, and to Universities, Colleges, Technical Schools, etc., requiring Teachers of Chemistry and Technology. The War has brought to many manufacturers the realisation that in the great majority of productive industries the assistance of an adequate staff of properly trained and qualified chemists is not only essential but highly profitable. Many qualified chemists with valuable practical experience in analysis, in research, in plant control and management, will shortly be available. During the past four years the Jastztute of Chemistry has been the chief agency through which chemists have been engaged for Government Service both with the Forces and in industries connected with the War. With the approach of more normal conditions, the Institute is now co-operating with the Appointments Department of the Ministry of L abour, which is concerned with the Resettlement of Officers, and is also in touch with a large number of chemists _ who have been engaged under the Ministry of Munitions and in controlled establishments. Companies and Firms are therefore invited requirements to the Registrar of the Institute. The requirements should indicate (i) the industry, (ii) the general nature of the duties to be entrusted to the chemists, (ui) the salary and prospects attaching to the appointments, and (iv) to whom replies should be addressed. In cases where appointments at salaries of £300 a year and upwards (with prospects) are offered, a good selection of candidates may be expected. All communications to be addressed : THE REGISTRAR, Institute af fe 30 Russell Square, London, W. A.R.C.S. A.R.C.S. to notify their BIRKBECK COLLEGE, BREAMS BUILDINGS, CHANCERY LANE, E.C. 4 COURSES OF STUDY (Day and Evening) for Degrees of the UNIVERSITY OF LONDON in the FACULTIES OF SCIENCE & ARTS (PASS AND HONOURS) Under RECOGNISED TEACHERS of the University. SCIENCE.—Chemistry, Physics, Mathematies (Pure and Applied), Botany, Zoolagy, Gaolegy. ARTS.—Latin, Greek, English, Freneh, German, Italian, History, Geography, Logie, Economies, Mathematles (Pure and Applied). Evening Courses for the Degrees in Economies and Laws. Geography Diploma and Matriculation. POST-GRADUATE AND RESEARCH WORK. = Day: Science, £17 10s.; Arts, £10 10s. SESSIONAL FEES (aeeenet Science, Arts, or ‘Economics, 25 Prospectus post free, Calendar 6d. (by post 8¢.), from the eee SOUTH-WESTERN POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, CHELSEA, S.W.3. LENT TERM COMMENCES MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 1919. Day and Evening Courses in Science and Engineering. Technical Courses in Analytical and Manufacturing Chemistry. Pharmacy, Dispensing, and Food and Drug Courses. Metallurgy, Assaying, and Foundry work. Botany, Geology, and Zoology Couises. Three years’ college course in Physical Education. SIDNEY SKINNER, M.A., Principal. Telephone: Western 899. THE SIR JOHN CASS TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, JEWRY STREET, ALDGATE, E.C. 3 The following Special Courses of Instruction will be given during the Lent and Summer Terms, 1919 :— FUEL apa tet By J. S. S. BRAME. A Course of ro Lectures, with associated Laboratory work, Tuesday evenings, 7 to 10 p.m., commencing TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 1910. TECHNICAL GAS ANALYSIS. By CHARLES A. KEANE, D.Sc., Ph.D., F.I.C. A Course of Laboratory work, Wednesday evenings, 7 to 10 p.m., com- mencing WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 1919. A detailed Syllabus of the Courses may be had upon appli- cation at the Office of the Institute or by letter to the PRINCIPAL. UNIVERSITY OF LONDON. UNIVERSITY CHAIR OF CHEMISTRY tenable at King’s College. Initial salary £600 a year. Applications (ro copies) in envelope marked “ Chair of Chemistry * should reach the Vice-CHANCELLOR,’ University of London, South Kensington, S.W.7, not later than first post on February 8, 1919. Further particulars on application. UNIVERSITY OF LONDON, UNIVERSITY CHAIR OF CHEMISTRY tenable at EAST LONDON COLLEGE Initial salary £600 a year. Applications (ro copies) in envelope marked “Chair of Chemistry,” should reach the Vice- CHANCELLOR, University of London, South Kensington, S.W. 7, not later than first post February 8, 1919. Further particulars on application. MATHER & PLATT, LTD., Park Works, Manchester, manufacturers of itealy anical, Textile, Hydraulic and Electrical Plant, require a CHIEF RESEARCH ENGINEER of British descent, to organise and take full charge of a Works’ Research Department and Laboratory. The highest qualifications and wide knowledge of such work are essential. Apply by letter with full details, stating how soon at liberty, to the above address. ASSISTANT CHEMIST wanted by Cocoa manufacturers for analytical and research work ; University Su.uale with experience in food analysis preferred. —Apply, stating age, qualifications, experience, and salary desired, to ‘‘ CHEMIST, 25 Union Street, Bristol. THURSD: OPTICAL RESEARCH AND DESIGN. Simplified Method of Tracing Rays through any Optical System of Lenses, Prisms, and Mirrors. By Dr. Ludwilk Silberstein. With diagrams. Pp. ix+37- (London: Longmans, Green, and Co., 1918.) Price 5s. net. HERE are two criteria for estimating the value of Dr. Silberstein’s latest work... On one hand it possesses great theoretical interest, yet on the other it lays claim to practical usefulness. One must attempt to do justice to both aspects. From the theoretical point of view the author’s suggestion for the tracing of rays through optical systems is deserving of the highest commenda- tion. Progress in the application of mathematics to problems in physical science is largely bound up with the art of economy of symbolical and mental effort, by means of the employment of the briefest possible notation and the most powerful analytical processes. The introduction of the vector notation into geometrical optics is therefore an important step in advance, and Dr. Silberstein is eminently the man to bring this about. He has already done much to initiate English students into the methods of vector analysis, and to convince them of its merits as a tool for the discovery of new results, and as a medium for the brief formu- lation of discoveries both old and new. In par- ticular he has published some beautiful results of the application of vector analysis to optical re- search. The latter portion of the present book is a sufficient vindication of the claims of vector methods, and there can be no doubt that they represent the most powerful yet devised for attack- ing problems on reflection and refraction at systems of plane surfaces. The optical computer is, of course, interested in plane surfaces; his main task, however, con- sists in the tracing of rays through systems of spherical surfaces, generally coaxial. In the first half of the beok the author develops on vectorial principles the theory of ray tracing through such systems, and here, too, the superior merit of the vector notation is made evident. One must never- theless remark that his strictures on the old transfer formulae are not fully justified, for it is possible to represent the transfer by means of a comparatively short and simple set of equations, even without the aid of .vectors. When, however, we come to the consideration of the practical aspect of the question, some doubts arise as to the merits of the formule thus derived. It is a great pity that exact schedules for compu- tation by logarithms or by the calculating machine are not included; they would have greatly en- hanced the value of the book. Even one or two actual examples, worked out in full, would have been welcome. It may be that the arithmetical processes contemplated by the author do not justify the suspicion, but one cannot help wonder- ing whether the number of table-entries required by his formule does not exceed that required by NO. 2567, VOL. 102] | the well-known Seidel formule. 301 Further, it has been pointed out to the present writer that Dr. Silberstein’s method possesses the disadvantage of using the cosines of many of the angles. For small angles—and in optical systems most of the angles of incidence, refraction, and convergence are only a few degrees—cosines define the angles with very little accuracy. Thus in the case of angles of about. 10° the sines are six times as accurate as the cosines, whilst logarithmic sines are about thirty times as accurate as logarithmic cosines. The further discussion of the vecior method in the light of these two criticisms would be very desirable, and students of geometrical optics will welcome any further contributions from Dr. Silberstein’s pen. S. BRODETSky. PETROL AND PETROLEUM. (1) Petroleum Refining. By Andrew Campbell. With a Foreword by Sir Boverton Redwood, Bart. Pp. xvi+297. ‘(London: Charles Griffin and Co., Ltd., 1918.) Price 25s. net. (2) Petrol and Petroleum Spirits. A Description of their Sources, Preparation, Examination, and Uses. By Capt. W. E. Guttentag. With a Preface by Sir John Cadman. Pp. xi+195. (London : Edward Arnold, 1918.) Price 10s. 6d. net. ‘TBE petroleum industry has developed enor- mously during the last few years, and pro- cesses of production and manufacture of products have so changed from the old “rule-of-thumb ”’ methods which were in vogue in the early days that it is only natural for the literature on the subject to have increased in proportion. In the mass of literature in the English language which has been published on petroleum there has hitherto been no publication on petroleum refining, or one solely confined to petrol and petroleum spirits, both of which are of particular interest at the present time, when we are emerging from the throes of a world-war in which petroleum and its products have played such a prominent part. Mr. Andrew Campbell, the author of “ Petrol- eum Refining,’’ is one of the pioneers of the British petroleum industry, and his views on the practical side of the subject are the outcome of experienced knowledge. It is rare that technical knowledge, experience, and clarity of diction are found together, but when so found they render the work of their possessor of inestimable value, and it is the possession of these qualities which is strikingly emphasised throughout Mr. Campbell’s book. The volume is divided into nine chapters as follows :—(1) Examination of the crude oil; (2) general departments; (3) storage of crude oil and liquid products; (4) distillation; (5) paraffin extraction and refining; (6) candle manufacture ; (7) chemical treatments; (8) distribution of pro- ducts; (9) engineering specifications ; an appendix consisting of a bibliography of the literature (either published in English or of which extracts have been published in English) appertaining to petrol- eum refining, together with a name and subject > - U 362 index. The volume is also very well illustrated with 138 illustrations, which include twenty-nine folding plates and three diagrams, and it has cleven comparative tables. Although in a short review full justice cannot be. done to a work which is so full of information as this, yet a glance through the contents table shows its comprehensive character. When the design and erection of a refinery for the treatment of petroleum are projected it is very necessary that the fullest possible information with regard to the crude material should be obtained before anything further is done, and it is significant that the first chapter should deal with this branch. It contains a complete scheme with this end in view, which cannot fail to be of great use to all who are inte- rested in the subject. Without wishing unduly to criticise a chapter which is so full of necessary information, one would like to suggest that the portion dealing with “flashing points’’ and “colour ’’ is some- what too fully dealt with, as this branch appears in most text-books on petroleum, and _ belongs more to the testing of refined products than to the examination of the crude oil. Of special inte- rest, however, is Fig. 30, giving the designs and arrangements for a five-gallon experimental still, and diagrams 1 and 3 of refining operations and vields of products. ; The question of fire risks looms largely in the petroleum industry, and this subject is ably dealt with in chap. ii., which treats also of the de- partments necessary in refineries, apart from those necessary to actual refining operations. Chaps. iv., v., vi., and vii. discuss exhaustively the actual distillation, refining, and paraffin extrac- tions, as carried out on the large scale, as well as candle manufacture, which in some refineries attains to large dimensions. The © subject- matter of these chapters is exceedingly well handled, due stress being laid on the vital points which make for success in these operations, show- ing the mind of the man who is aw fait with the general policy, as well as the detailed operations of the manufacture. Chap. iv., on the subject of distillation, is well worthy of close study, embodying as it does all the up-to-date information available; and in this chapter also attention should be paid to the portion dealing with the question of heat exchange or conservation, as it behoves every oil-refiner to obtain the greatest possible yield from his oil, and by saving fuel a definite conservation results. In the chapter on chemical treatments one would have liked to see more attention paid to the manufacture of lubricants, which is only lightly treated, but is one of the more difficult of the refiners’ problems. In this chapter is given a very complete description of the Edeleanu process, which to a large extent lessens the wasteful sulphuric acid treatment of oils. The engineering specifications given in chap. viii. will supply a long-felt want to the student, who so rarely has access to these essential details. NO. 2567, VOL. 102] NETURE ‘ | [January 9, 1919 The book will undoubtedly become the standard work on the subject, and should be in the library of each and every person interested in petroleum. (2) Petrol and petroleum spirits now play such an important part in the economic life of the nation that it is a matter for wonder that so little is known by the general public of their manufacture, constitution, and properties. In the work under notice Capt. W. E. Guttentag, who has had a unique experience in the last few years, has endeavoured to enlighten us, and has éompiled quite a large proportion of the available know- ledge on the question. Capt. Guttentag would have been well advised to leave out of the book altogether chap. ii. on petroleum, (a) characteristics, (b) origin, (c) geological, (d) exploitation, (e) refining of crude oil, or to handle it much more fully than he has done, for the sketchy account which he has given is of little use to the serious student, and is only liable to give unbalanced ideas to the general reader. In any case, it would have been well through the whole of the book to give detailed references to original workers, for with- out these a technical work loses much of its value. An illustration of this, showing also how mis-state- ments creep into text-books and are copied and repeated until they are accepted as axioms, is the passage: ‘The bad smell of cracked spirits is attributed to small quantities of sulphur and nitrogen compounds.’’ This statement was first made by. Rittman and then copied by Bacon and Hamor, whereas now it is a generally accepted fact that the smell of cracked spirits is due to that of the unsaturated bodies of the di-ene class which it contains. _The chief value of this work is in chap. v., which deals with the question of examination and testing both for routine and special work, in which the author has freely given of his special knowledge. The book forms a useful little laboratory guide for those engaged in the testing of petrol. WOOL INDUSTRIES. Wool. By Frank Ormerod. (‘Staple Trades and Industries.”’ Vol. i.) Pp. xii+218. (Lon- don: Constable and Co., Ltd., 1918.) Price 6s. 6d. net. HIS work covers in a general way the wool- growing and wool-manufacturing industries. More space is devoted to the sheep and to the wool trade than to the following manufacturing processes, but in no case can the treatment he considered exhaustive. There are a few sins of omission and of com- mission which should be corrected in future editions of the work. For example, in dealing with the development of the wool comb on p. 31 no refer- ence is made to the work of Isaac Holden; neither is there reference to the fact that Lister, in pur- chasing Heilman’s English patent, was able to suppress the Heilman comb in Great Britain. It was not until tg00 that this comb, as made by ee ee JanuaRY 9, 1919] NATURE 363 the Société Alsacienne, reappeared in Yorkshire— then too late, some authorities think, to give the British manufacturer a chance in the short-combed French goods trade. It is obvious that the author has not followed the interesting work of Prof. Ewart, of Edinburgh University, or he would not refer to the black- faced variety of sheep as being ‘‘as near to the original as any breed now existing.’’ The Uni- versity of Leeds about a year ago purchased a flock of Soay sheep simply to maintain them as a representative pure-bred flock of a type dating back to prehistoric times. The writer’s statement that hair will not felt is obviously based on second- hand knowledge, which is not trustworthy; again, the idea that the serrations help to bind the fibres together has now been brought seriously into question. That worsteds will not felt was taught for years in our technical institutes, but thousands of pieces of worsted are now “milled ’’ every day in the West Riding of Yorkshire alone. There are men still living who have seen the sources of supply of fine wools change from Spain to Silesia and Saxony, and then from Silesia and Saxony to Australia; there are interesting evi- dences of the changes in the treatment here given to “The World’s Wool Supply.’’ In dealing with ‘Preparation and Manufac- ture ’’ the writer shows again a certain lack of grasp of fundamentals, as, for example, in explain- ing the difference between woollen and worsted, and in referring to healds and mails as “tiny loops of string.’’ Again, on p. 125 it is stated that the needles in a Jacquard are acted on by holes, whereas they are acted on, not by holes, but by blanks. There is a serious error in printing the illustration of wool fibres facing p. 42. The block has evidently been turned round by the printers, with the result that the references are altogether misleading. Having criticised the defects—which, all con- sidered, are few—it is now the author’s due that the excellences of the work should be emphasised. In many important respects the work is absolutely up to date. For example, the value of a suitable atmosphere in the spinning-room is interestingly treated. The harnessing of streams of water for power purposes is also referred to, although the author appears to be unaware of the method of electric control of water-power to attain that neces- Sary steadiness in running otherwise unobtainable. As further illustrating the up-to-dateness of the work, reference will be found to the formation of the Agricultural Organisation Society for deal- ing with British wools on lines similar to those upon which Colonial wools are dealt with; to the use of a woven paper cloth for wool packing; to the development of the “automatic doffer’’ in the worsted spinning industry; and to the possibili- ties of the automatic loom in which weaving is done in the dark, any defect in the mechanism “at once lighting up the loom, thus indicating the need for attention. The psychology of the consuming public comes in for indirect attention, and the references to the trade guilds—which appear to be somewhat re- NO. 2567, VOL. 102] markably resuscitated in our present-day trade combines and trusts—and other matters of his- torical importance all tend to make the work very interesting as well as directly useful. Upon the whole, the work may be regarded as being among the best of the shorter general guides to the wool trade and the wool-manufacturing industries; its faults are few, and its excellences many. OUR BOOKSHELF, Winter Botany. A Companion Volume to -the Author’s “Plant Materials of Decorative Gar- dening.”’ ‘By Prof. W. Trelease. Pp. xxxii+ 394. (Urbana: Published by the Author, 1918.) Price 2.50 dollars. In this handy and concise little volume Prof. Trelease describes the winter characters of 326 genera of trees and shrubs belonging to ninety- three families. With the exception of Larix and Taxodium, the Conifers are excluded, as these, being evergreen, have been adequately treated in the companion volume on “Plant Materials ’’ issued in 1917. The book, though of American origin, includes most of the genera and species which the student is likely to find, wild or in cultivation, in this country, and should prove a useful handbook to the botanist who is interested in the determination of woody plants during the winter season. The generic description is in each case supplemented by a wood-cut illus- trating the chief points to be observed, and by a brief key to the species which are likely to be found. The descriptive matter is preceded by a key to the genera, and instructions are given as to its use. A good pocket-lens is essential to the exam- ination of the characters of the twigs which is required for the use of the key. These characters include the position of the leaves, as indicated by the scars, the form of the scar, the position, number, and form of the buds and stipules (if present), the surface characters of the twigs, the form of the pith, and other easily observed in- ternal characters. As heath-like and some other evergreen plants are included, the form and arrangement of the persistent leaves are~ con-. sidered in these cases. References are also given under the genus to descriptive works in which the winter characters of the plants in question are more fully treated. A useful glossary and a full index of Latin and popular names complete the volume. The Illinois and Michigan Canal: A Study in Economic History. By Prof. J. W. Putnam. (Chicago Historical Society’s Collection, vol. x.) Pp. xiii+213. (Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1918.) Price 2 dollars. Tuts book was originally prepared as a doctoral dissertation of the University of Wisconsin. It is a mine of facts and a concrete illustration of the thesis that canals were a success when there were no railways, but are not a success when faced with the competition of modern railway transport. At the same time the success of this canal was an 364 early indication that in the opening up of new lands the provision of adequate means of transport must precede the advent of the settler. A connecting link between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi was necessary. An ancient outlet of Lake Michigan led to the Illinois River, which reaches the Mississippi near St. Louis, and so the State authorities, after overcoming many financial difficulties, eventually made the canal, which was opened in 1848. Prof. Putnam details these early struggles, blames the “spoils system ’’ for inefficient man- agement and the consequent failure of the canal in later years, and pleads for the construction along the canal route of a waterway suitable for such ocean-going steamers as can at present reach Chicago and St. Louis. Both these cities have progressed in no small degree because they are terminals of the Hlinois and Michigan navigation. Chicago in 1831 was a village; from 1848 to 1854 the population of the city rose from 20,035 to 74,500, and in 1870 it contained more than 300,000 inhabitants. CEI ERS STOMA E BDIROR: [The Editor does not hold himself responsible for opinions expressed by his correspondents. Neither can he undertake to return, or to correspond with the writers of, rejected manuscripts intended for this or any other part of Nature. No notice is taken of anonymous communications. | Some Temperature Anomalies. Tue investigations conducted by Hann and others have yielded a complete explanation of the physical processes involved in the production of the Fohn, | Chinook, and similar winds met with in various parts of the world—a warm, moist air current depositing | its moisture and decreasing in temperature while ascending the windward slope of a mountain range, then on the lee side descending and becoming intensely dry and increasing greatly in temperature as a con- sequence of the increase of pressure during the descent. But in the British Isles, and no doubt in other regions similarly situated in the neighbourhood of a relatively warm ocean current, there are occa- sions—and they are by no means uncommon—when | a mild, soft sea breeze produces some curious tem- | perature anomalies, which, so far as I am aware, have not attracted the attention of meteorologists and physicists, and, consequently, are thus far without any adequate explanation. They visit this country and western Europe in all seasons, but they are more noticeable in the winter half of the year, because the change of temperature is then relatively much greater than in the normally warm seasons. t Although the feature is observed only with the wind from points between west and south, and perhaps most frequently from about W.S.W., it is far from being an invariab'e accompaniment of an air current from this direction. On theoretical grounds, and from our conception of the natural order of things, we expect a rise of temperature over this country with a wind coming from the warm region of the Azores and the Lower Atlantic—the increase greatest in the west, nearest the seat of the source of the warmth, then becoming less and less marked during the east- ward translation of the air current across the land, so that the bracing east coast of Britain would still be markedly cooler than the west coast of Ireland. NO. 2567, VOL. 102 | NATURE [JANUARY 9, 1919 The remarkable fact, however, is that actually the exact contrary is the case, the arrival of the warm current producing an increase of temperature on the western coasts, but. the increase becoming more and more decided over the cold land, until the tempera- ture in the extreme east is considerably higher than it is on the western seaboard. There is in the Meteorological Office publications— the Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Reports for many years past—an embarras de richesses of illustrations of this particular feature. -An excellent’ example is afforded by our experience during February 23 of the past year. On the morning of that day we were placed between an anticyclone centred over the Bay of Biscay and low pressure extending across from Iceland to Norway, with the wind at W.S.W. from Shetland southward, and the air temperature already well in excess of the normal in all districts. Over the country generally the thermometer had remained as high as 45° to 51° through the preceding night. During the day, however, the rise of temperature was very slight in the west, while it increased decidedly with the eastward advance of the wind. In the accompanying map the afternoon maximum tempera- tures are seen to be below 50° along the shores of the Bristol and St. George’s Channels, and 50° to 53° on the outer western coasts from the Hebrides down to Scilly. Over eastern Britain, on the other hand, the maxima were 58° and upwards, 60° being ‘reached at Crathes and Geldeston, and 61° at Aberdeen and Halstead. These were about the same as the maxima registered at the Azores on previous days. Even in eastern Ireland 56° were registered in Down, and 58° in Waterford. The day’s range of temperature was | less than 5° in the west generally, 0° to 3° in several localities, but eastward it increased to more than 10° | over the greater part of Scotland and in eastern Eng- land, and as much as 15° to 18° in the east of Scot- land. : The day was marked by a little rain locally, the general weather being fair to cloudy or overcast, with little or no sunshine over a wide area, and where there was sunshine the temperature was not materially different from what it was in sunless localities. Banff had the best sunshine record, eight hours, with tem- perature 59°, Cambridge registering the same maxi- mum with one and a half hours of sunshine, and Westminster without a ray of sunshine. There was some sea fog between Pembroke and the Channel Islands to account for the lower temperature records in that region. This particular instance can be accepted as typical | of what takes place on these occasions, but I must refer to one other case, because it is the most extra- ordinary within my long experience. There were many such during the abnormally stormy conditions which prevailed over the Atlantic in the winter of 1898-99 (see charts illustrating the weather of this period, Meteorological Office, Official No. 142). On February 10, 1899, when the greatest winter cold on record was being experienced in America, the temperature ranging down to —60° in Ontario and —61° in Mon- tana, a south to south-west breeze brought to a great part of Europe unprecedented winter warmth. At Cahirciveen Observatory, on the Kerry coast, the thermometer mounted on that day to 54°. Thence eastward over a distance of at least 7oo miles the following maxima were recorded :—s6° at Scilly, 57° at Brest and Clifton, 61° at Tersev, 62° at Oxford, 66° in London, 69° at Paris, and 704° at Liége and Verviers. ° Still further to the east, another 300 miles, and Berlin and Munich rose to 59°, the whole of central and southern Europe and as far east as the Caucasus experiencing a marked increase of temperature, but January 9, 1919] the warm wind did not affect Scotland and northern Europe. The Greenwich, Paris, and Brussels records {in the case of Paris extending back to the middle of the eighteenth century) disclose no other February maxima equal to those experienced on this occasion. At high levels the crest of this remarkable heat- wave would seem to have lagged during the eastward advance, for at Davos Platz, at an altitude of more than 5000 ft., although the unprecedented February temperature of 53° was reached on the roth, it was not until the 15th that the very extraordinary winter maximum of 63° was attained, and the same level was touched on the roth. So exceptional was the warmth that the average maximum for the six days, 15th-2zoth, was as high as 61°, only one day being below 60°. Within a few days of each other Montana and Switzerland, in about the same latitude and at about the same elevation, had temperatures differing 1 See eet . 4B a MAXIMUM TE~EIPERATURES by 124°, from —61° in a N.W. land-wind to +63° in a S.W. sea-wind. How are we to account for the noticeable accession of heat which these observations show takes place as the air spreads across the land further and further away from what we regard as the seat of origin of the warmth? Thus far, the only suggestion I have received has been that perhaps it will prove to be of the Féhn character—a descending current. There are difficulties in the way of accepting this view. In the first place, our south-westerly winds are ascending rather than descending currents. We might be able to show that winds from the Atlantic crossing moun- tainous western Scotland are of the Féhn character on reaching the east coast, but it is scarcely likely that a Scotch Féhn would bring to Aberdeen a February temperature of 64° (more than 20° above the normal), as on the 22nd in 1897. Such eminencés as exist in NO. 2567, VOL. 102] NATURE \ 365 the south are too far distant to windward and of too moderate altitudes to produce any Féhn effect in London and the Eastern Counties, and across northern France, Belgium, and Prussia. The Davos Platz ex- perience does not support the Féhn argument. It should be borne in mind that the phenomenon with which we are now dealing manifests itself at sea-level on the extreme western coasts before any high land is reached, and thenceforward there is a progressive accession of temperature, regardless of mountain and valley, sunshine and dullness, rainfall and dryness, thus placing the subject on a very different footing from that of the Féhn. Now that the upper-air conditions are being so closely observed, daily and almost hourly, it should be possible at no distant date to accumulate sufficient evidence to make a special investigation of the cir- cumstances, above and below, which combine to pro- duce the temperature effects described above, and thus to enable us to arrive at the correct explanation of their causation and to predict their occurrence. 9 The Grove, Isleworth. Hy. Harries. The Percepiion of Sound. Brerore the discussion on the physiology of the internal ear is closed, it might be well to direct atten- tion to a point in connection with the supposed neces- sity of the auditory nerve transmitting the very large number of impulses corresponding with the vibrations constituting musical tones. Although the pitch of a particular tone is, say, 640 d.v. per second, it is not necessary that, in order to recognise it, we should listen to that tone for a whole second of time. Prof. McKendrick many years ago demonstrated that we could recognise as distinct from its predecessor and successor a note in a musical composition if it were listened to for only 1/64th of a second. In such a case this would mean that only ten condensations would affect the organ of Corti, and presumably only ten nerve-impulses. ascend the auditory nerve. Prof. McKendrick, with whom it was my privilege to be associated at that time, studied the surface of the wax-cylinder records of musical compositions recorded for reproduction by the phono- graph. Since the speed of rotation of the cylinder was known, the number of impressions in the wax corre- sponding with each of a series of tones could be ascer- tained; and it was found that, in order to recognise any given’ tone, it was only necessary to “hear” that tone for not longer than 1/64th of a second. - If I remember correctly, a shorter period still was in some cases demonstrated to be sufficient. Now if, say, 1/100th of a second is long enough, it is clear that the hearing of quite high tones could be effected by a comparatively small number of vibra- tions or disturbances in the internal ear and of sub- sequent impulses in the nerve. A tone of 2000 d.v. per second could be recognised by 20 impulses, and one of 10,000 pitch by 100, and so on. Apparently the auditory nerve is competent to transmit individual impulses of that order of fre- quency. It seems to me that attention to this point will make the problem of hearing rather simpler than at first it appears by removing the necessity for believing that, in order to appreciate a note of a given pitch, we require to have the auditory nerve transmitting the large number of impulses corresponding with the large number of vibrations which, according to physicists, is the pitch or number per second of that note. In other words, the different tones in a musical com- position follow one another with such rapidity that 366 no particular note is produced for a whole second, and, therefore, not perceived for a whole second. But, on the other hand, it is clear that we can listen to a high-pitched note for a second or for a mintte or for any length of time. When we are hearing a note of 20,000 d.v. per second pitch, we are almost certainly not receiving 20,000 impulses per second into the central nervous system, To take an analogy from vision: when we perceive red light, we are certainly not receiving anything like (395 x 10*) impulses per second, which is the ‘pitch’ of red light. If, in seeing coloured light, such an enormous number of vibrations in the ether affect the retina, there must be something of a very different character as regards frequency, which, ascending the optic nerve, so stimulates the visual centre that we see coloured light. We have in perceptual consciousness qualitative differences corresponding with objective quantitative differences, an ever-present problem of psycho-physics ; and no one has ever suggested that our optic nerves and visual centres are dealing with impulses at many millions a second. Why, then, may we not apply the same reasoning to the ear? When we are listening to all possible tones from, say, 1000 d.v. per second pitch to 40,000, may we not somehow have in consciousness qualitative differ- ences corresponding with objective quantitative (arith- metical) differences? We cannot, apparently, be more definite than this. In the case of the eye there is no conceivable pos- sibility of an identity between the rhythm of optic- nerve impulses and that of the vibrations of the zther; is it not by analogy probable that neither is there any direct correspondence between the auditory nerve-impulses and the periodicity of sonorous vibra- tions ? D. Fraser Harris. Dalhousie University, Halifax, N.S., ; November 29, 1918. A Mistaken Butterfly. Tuoucu I cannot claim any special knowledge of insect behaviour, I hope you will allow me to make a few remarks on ‘“‘A Mistaken Butterfly’ discussed in Nature for September 5 and December 12, 1918. I have my doubts as to whether it was the butterflies or the observers who were mistaken. A butterfly does not always alight on a flower, or on what it supposes to be one, but appears frequently to alight for rest. Now, in selecting a resting-place, it will naturally select a good ‘‘taking-off”’ position, and the knob of a hatpin and a golf ball are evidently from the butterfly’s point of view good ‘‘taking-off”’ posi- tions, especially the golf ball, it being surrounded by no good ‘‘taking-off”” places, and its whiteness would help to direct attention to it. A number of years ago I met two keen entomo- logists in Italy who were disappointed in not suc- ceeding in capturing a butterfly they particularly wanted, though they had seen a number, but failed to net them. As I knew where that particular butterfly was likely to be found, I took my wallx in that direction the following day, and on returning presented my friends with two specimens of the butterfly. These were captured without a net, by what I imagine is a well-known method. When the butterfly alighted I approached it from behind, leep- ing as well out of the range of its eyes as possible, and moving very slowly. When within arm’s reach the hand was slowly stretched out, keeping it as low as possible and behind the insect. When the stallsing is carefully done a capture is generally made, and the wings, before lifting it, may be folded to prevent NO. 2567, VOL. 102] NATURE [JANUARY 9, I9I9 their upper surfaces being damaged by contact with the fingers. i Now in the case of the two butterflies referred to, one was picked off a leaf of a bush, and the other had settled on my shoulder. I do not think they are so easily picked up if they have settled on flowers, as they are there on business, and are restless and away whenever they have accomplished their object. : JOHN AITKEN. Ardenlea, Fallxirk, December 17. : THE FUTURE OF BRITISH MINERAL RESOURCES. OW that the activities of a number of Govern- ment. Departments, which were called into existence by the exigencies of the war, are happily likely to be nearing their end, we may hope to see the reports of their work given to the public; it is to be desired that a mass of valuable informa- tion, accumulated often at vast expense, should not be relegated to the limbo of a cobwebbed official pigeon-hole, but should be made generally avail- able. It is scarcely to be expected that many of these reports will be as valuable as that lately issued by the Controller of the Department for the Development of Mineral Resources in the United Kingdom (Cd. 9184, price 6d. net), seeing that Sir Lionel Phillips was one of the rare exceptions. amongst the small army of Controllers appointed by the Government, inasmuch as he had a thorough acquaintance with his subject before he assumed control; perhaps also that is why he did not hold his office for very long. It is character- istic of the attitude of the Ministry of Munitions. towards a courageous and capable official under it, that the Minister takes special care to state that he accepts no responsibility for the opinions. and conclusions contained in this report. The report consists first of a summary of the conclusions arrived at by the Controller, and then of a part divided into two sections, dealing with statistics of production and the inferences to be drawn therefrom. For the numerous valuable tables contained in this report the original must necessarily be consulted, but some of the con- clusions of Sir Lionel Phillips deserve both study and comment. He shows clearly that the native British production of non-ferrous metals falls far short of our requirements in normal times, as follows :— Production. Consumption. Pons Tons Lead 17,000 179,000 Tins 5,139 21,000 Zine 4,797 185,000 Copper 139 130,000 The tendency of the report is to show that no very great improvement in output is to be ex- pected, except perhaps in a few isolated instances ; | it is shown that the output of non-ferrous metals has been falling off continuously for the last sixty years. The main causes assigned for this fact are | the impoverishment or exhaustion of the deposits, and the increased costs of ore extraction and of |‘pumping on one hand, and fall in value of metal on the other. Sir Lionel Phillips also lays stress January 9, 1919] upon the mismanagement of many mines, the unbusinesslike methods employed, and the lack of co-operation and combination amongst mine- owners. He further directs attention to another drawback, of which all engaged in the manage- ment of metal mines in this country are only too well aware, in the following words :—“ Labour in the non-ferrous mines has in the past been paid on rather a low level; the wages have been, more- over, in many cases the reward for part-time service, many employees having small farms of their own or being habituated to dual occupations. The system is utterly pernicious, and- involves great waste of the men’s time and energy in going to and from the scenes of respective work, and entails poor efficiency all round. It has endured from time immemorial, and any change that may be brought about now can only be very gradually effected.’”’ This criticism upon the labour conditions is perfectly sound, and will be endorsed by everyone who knows the system of working, especially in our lead and zinc mines. It is evident that with impoverished deposits, poor management, and in- efficient labour the outlook for the non-ferrous metal-mining industry is not a very bright one. There are, however, a number of other difficulties to be contended with; perhaps the most serious is the question of taxation. It is clearly pointed out that “mines are, at best, wasting assets,” and that “in all mines earning profits the amounts distributed to proprietors as dividends or profits consist not only of income, but include the return of capital as well. . . . To tax mining profits on this basis is to tax capital as well as income, and to differentiate unfairly against persons who in- vest in mines.’’ [*urthermore, the present system of taxation discourages the formation of a reserve fund to meet the inevitable fluctuations of mining, and as the report says: “Reserve funds so derived should not be taxed. Similarly, the tax-gatherer should not levy toll upon sums spent out of profits in development.’’ Sir Lionel Phillips does not go on to draw the inevitable inference that the un- happy state of the metal-mining industry has to a large extent been brought about by this in- judicious system of taxation; it is, however, clear enough that the discouragement of development must tend to leave mines impoverished or ex- hausted, since it prevents the discovery of new deposits or shoots of ore. It is hopeless to expect a sound policy of management when the accumu- lation of a reserve fund, which should form the basis of such a policy, is mulcted in taxes. Sir Lionel Phillips does not think that compulsion could be applied to force mining companies to set aside each year out of profits sums estimated as sufficient to redeem their capital; in France, however, the building up of a “legal reserve’’ is obligatory, and the system appears to work quite satisfactorily. There is very much in this report that will repay careful perusal, and stress may well be laid upon the recommendations which urge the forma- tion of a Mines Department for the United King- dom, this Department having for its object the NO. 2567, VOL. 102] NATURE 367 study and encouragement of the home mineral industry. The report is careful to point out that nothing more than advice and assistance is re- quired from a Government Department; as the Controller says: ‘That there has been too little interference by Government in the past will be generally admitted. That there can well be too much interference is equally obvious. . . . Govern- ment cannot, I believe, undertake any industrial work as efficiently as individuals whose material well-being depends upon the result. The nation- alisation of mines would, therefore, be disadyan- tageous to the country. In most industrial enterprises, and certainly in mines, there is an element of hazard which fortune-seekers are willing and are bound to take, but which the Government ought not to, and permanent officials never would, take.’’ There is no doubt that these opinions would receive the unanimous endorse- ment of all mining engineers experienced in the direction of British mining enterprises, and it is to be hoped that the Government of the country will give heed to the findings of the Controller of this important Department of national industry. leis IboyeiiS. SUPERSATURATION AND TURBINE THEORY.! i has become of late years increasingly obvious that the equilibrium state of saturation, assumed as the basis of the theory of the steam- engine, does not apply accurately to the case of rapid expansion, especially in turbines. Steam in rapid expansion does not even begin to condense until its temperature has fallen far below the satu- ration limit. This fact has been familiar for many years as a general property of vapours called supersaturation, but it was not realised until re- cently that it might produce effects which could not be ignored in practice. Many authorities (e.g. Prof. Rateau, “Flow of Steam,’’ 1905) held that there was no appreciable retard in the condensa- tion even in a steam-nozzle where the expansion reaches the limit of rapidity. On the other hand, Callendar and Nicolson (Proc. Inst. C.E., 1897) found experimental evidence of supersaturation in the cylinder of a reciprocating engine at com- paratively low speeds. Assuming that the adia- batic of supersaturated steam was simply a con- tinuation of that of superheated steam, they calcu-, lated that a loss of 20 per cent. of available heat- drop would result at low pressures if there were no condensation; but as there was known to be a limit to the state of supersaturation they esti- mated that the actual loss due to this cause would not exceed 5 per cent. to 10 per cent. in practice, depending on the range and rapidity of expansion. The first definite measurement of the super- saturation limit was obtained by Mr. C. T. R. Wilson (Phil. Trans. R.S., 1897) by expanding water vapour mixed with air at 20° C. It was found that the mixture could be expanded in the absence of dust or other nuclei without any con- ‘A New Theory of the Steam Turbine.” By Harold Medway Martin. Reprinted from Engineering, vol. cvi. Pp. 22+ folding diagram. 368 densation occurring until the density of the vapour was about eight times that of saturation at the lower temperature, but that beyond this point the condensation was so dense as to suggest that a natural limit of supersaturation had been reached. | Experiments on steam-jets by Barus and others suggested a similar limit for steam at high tem- peratures free from air, though the precise ratio of density required could not be directly obtained from such experiments. Taking the density ratio given by Wilson as the limit of supersaturation, the discharge through a nozzle was calculated by Callendar eae Inst. Mech. Eng., January, 1915), and shown to afford a reasonable explanation of well-known anomalies. Admitting the supersaturation limit thus defined, the discharge through a nozzle comes out about 5 per cent. greater than that given by the older view, and agrees much better with the results of experiment. The available heat-drop to the super- saturation limit is about 5 per cent. less, involving a corresponding loss of work. So far the result is definite, depending only on the limit assumed and the equation of the adiabatic, which is fairly certain. Beyond this point the loss must depend on the rate of expansion, but it is still possible to calculate an upper and a lower limit. The maximum heat-drop is obtained by assuming that, when once condensation has started, the tempera- ture follows the ordinary saturation limit in isen- tropic expansion, in which case there is no further loss of available heat-drop. On the other hand, assuming that the temperature cannot fall appre-_ ciably below the supersaturation limit, however rapid the expansion, the maximum loss is obtained by assuming that the temperature follows the supersaturation limit, in which case the loss con- tinually increases with increase of entropy, but reaches a nearly constant percentage, about 8 per cent., of the total heat-drop at low pressures. In the work before us the author adopts a slightly different definition of the supersaturation limit. Instead of taking a simple ratio of densities as proposed by Wilson, he assumes that the effective radius of the supersaturation nucleus remains constant at different temperatures. In the absence of experimental evidence at high tempera- tures, it is scarcely possible to decide between the two assumptions, except that the first is the simpler in application. The two corresponding curves for the supersaturation limit agree so closely at pressures between 1 lb. and 15 lb. that they give practically identical results when applied to any turbine problem. Now that one of the leading exponents of turbine theory has set the example we may confidently expect that other useful appli- cations of the supersaturation hypothesis will follow, and that more accurate determinations of the limit will be made in the near future. The “New Theory ’’ gives an example of one such application of great practical interest— namely, the effect of superheat in improving the efficiency, which confirms the hypothesis of super- saturation, and throws light on the probable state of the steam in an actual turbine by comparing theory with experiment. NO. 2567, VOL. 102 NATURE ss , - \ [JANuaRY 9, 1919 According to the older theory of isentropic ex- pansion of saturated steam, the effect of a mode- rate degree of superheat in improving the relative efficiency of a turbine should be practically negli- gible, whereas even the earliest experiments in this direction showed that the improvement was strongly marked. The improvement was generally attributed to elimination of friction due to the presence of water (Stodola, “Steam Turbines,”’ p- 137), but Osborne Reynolds showed this ex- planation to be unsatisfactory. The supersatura- tion theory of expansion requires that the improve- ment should be most marked in the early stages of superheat, owing to the reduction of supersatu- ration losses, which diminish most rapidly with the first rise of temperature. The most trustworthy and recent experimental results on the improve- ment due to superheat are probably those given by the correction curves of Baumann (Journ. Inst. Elect. Eng., 1911), which are. generally regarded as accurately representing the case of the modern high-speed turbine. Mr. Martin shows that these results can be satisfactorily explained on the supersaturation hypothesis provided that we are prepared to admit that the temperature of the steam, after condensa- tion has set in, remains much nearer the super- saturation than the saturation limit, dividing the interval in the ratio 1 to 4. His method, involv- ing the estimation of reheat factors, may appear indirect, but tends, if anything, to exaggerate the effect of superheat in reducing the supersaturation losses. The present writer has made many similar calculations, which corroborate Mr. Martin’s, and tend to show that the temperature of the steam must be very near the supersaturation limit in the later stages of expansion in a high- speed turbine. A result so strongly at variance with the generally accepted theory cannot fail to act as a stimulus to further research on the effects of supersaturation, and may lead to appreciable improvements in design when proper account is taken of these essential physical properties of steam. H. L. CaLLenpar. THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF PHTHISIS.1 Op UBER Cee and particularly pulmonary tuberculosis (phthisis, or consumption of the lungs), still remains one of the health problems of the age. The Medical Research Committee has, therefore, been well advised to institute an inquiry into the epidemiology of phthisis in Great Britain and Ireland, of which this report by Dr. John Brownlee is the outcome. The present investigation is a statistical analysis of the Registrar-General’s returns of mortality, mainly for the five decades 1851-60 to 1891—1900, for the constituent countries as a whole and also for certain districts of them. By this means remarkable differences are brought out respecting the age at which the maximum death-rate from phthisis occurs in different localities. If we take the deaths of males from phthisis in England and 1 An Investigation into the Epidemiology of Phthisis in Great Britain and Ireland. Medical Reseatch Committee, Special Report Series, No. 18. ee ee -- ! January 9, 1919] NATURE 306 Wales for 1901-10, the death-rate rises from 250 per million at fifteen years of age to a maximum of 2750 per million at forty-seven years of age, after which it steadily declines to 500 per million at eighty years of age, the curve being almost symmetrical. For London the curve is much the same, though steeper, because the» maximum death-rate is higher, ‘being 4500 per million at fifty years of age. “Lancashire and Staffordshire show a very similar curve. If, however, we take the figures for North Wales for males for the same period (1901-10), the death-rate rises abruptly from 500 per million at fifteen years of age to 2800 per million at twenty-three years of age, continues at about this level up to fifty years of age, then rises slightly up to sixty years of age, and then declines (the curve for Norfolk is much the same). The curves for London and for North Wales are thus utterly different. Cornwall shows a well-marked secondary rise, and the form of the curve is the same whether the tin-miners, who are specially | prone to phthisis, be included or not. For this county the phthisis death-rate rises to about 2600 per million at thirty years of age, declines to 1300 per million at forty years of age, rises again to 3250 at sixty years of age, and then falls. Similar differences are met with in Scotland. The phthisis death-rate among males’in Shetiand for the years 1881~1900 rises steeply to 6000 per million at twenty-three years of age; it then falls almost regularly to 1500 per million at fifty years of age, and continues at about this level until seventy is reached. For Midlothian, including Edinburgh, on the other hand, the curve is very similar to the London one, with a maximum death- rate of 3750 per million at 42} years. of age. For Ireland the curve is not unlike the Shet- land one, a maximum death-rate of 4500 per million being attained at twenty-seven years of age, with the exception that it declines almost regularly to 500 per million at seventy-five. From these and other data the conclusion is arrived at that phthisis or consumption of the lungs is not a single disease, but rather a group of diseases, of which one type attacks the young adult, the commonest age of death lying between twenty and twenty-five; a second type has its incidence at middle life, killing most com- monly between forty-five and fifty, while a third type may exist, but less certainly distinguished, with its chief mortality between fifty-five and sixty- five. In diseases such as cerebro-spinal fever and pneumonia four or five different races or varieties of the respective specific micro-organisms are now known to exist, and the results of this statistical inquiry suggest that something of the same nature may obtain as regards the tubercle bacillus of pulmonary tuberculosis or phthisis. In the intro- duction to the report it is stated that the bac- teriologist has not yet discovered “type ’”’ differ- ences among the human tubercle bacilli of phthisis. This statement is not altogether correct, for certain observers have arrived at the conclusion that there are at least two types of the human tubercle bacillus of phthisis with distinctly dif- NO. 2567, VOL. 102] | ferent properties, which may be differentiated by certain methods. Other matter of considerable interest is also included in the report, viz. an examination of the phthisis death-rate in London _ since 1631, the relationship of phthisis to certain occupations (among tin-miners the death-rate is 16,500 per million at fifty to fifty-five, while among coal-miners it never rises above 2000), and the relationship of phthisis to environment. The report is illustrated with twenty-six diagrams showing the phthisis and other death-rates ‘in graphic form, which give a far better idea than words could do of the variations alluded to above. R. 2. HEWLeErt. NOTES. THOSE engineers .who have been advocating the electric drive of ship propellers will read with mixed feelings the announcement made on January 2 by Mr. Daniels, the Secretary of the U.S. Navy, that in the future all the capital ships of that Navy will be elec- trically driven. There is no reason to doubt that the new American Dreadnought—the New Mexico—is a great success. Steam turbines are used, and in order to get their highest efficiency they must be kept running at high speeds. The ship’s propellers run at’ much lower speeds, and so direct driving is out of the question. The turbines are directly coupled to dynamos, and the electric power generated is trans-~ mitted to motors directly coupled to the propellers. The relative speed of the turbines and the shafts can be adjusted to any desired value with the greatest ease by merely turning the controller-handle. The experiments undertaken inthis country a few years ago were carried out in a timid and hesitating way both from the engineering and the financial point of view, and the results were generally disappointing to the electrician designers. It is possible, but by no means probable, that slow-speed turbines may be developed in the future. In the meantime, we hope that British shipbuilders will make larger use of the electric drive in the future than they have in the past. Tue Times for January 3 announces that the world’s altitude record has been broken by a British biplane, which flew from Martlesham Heath and attained a height of 30,500 ft.—1500 ft. higher than the summit of Mount Everest. The machine was piloted by Capt. Andrew Lang, R.A.F., with Lieut. Blowes as’ ob- server, Capt. Lang having previously made two attempts to beat the American record. It is of con- siderable interest to note that the height attained was limited by the failure of petrol-pump pressure, due to the rarity of the air, and not by the aerodynamic performance of the machine. The machine was fitted with a Napier Lion engine, but it is not stated whether forced induction was employed to keep up the engine power at this enormous altitude, where the air density is only 28 per cent. of its ground value and the tem- perature of the order —40° C. It would appear, how- ever, that even greater heights could be reached if minor difficulties, such as those connected with car- buration at low temperatures and the maintenance of the pilot’s comfort, were overcome. Meanwhile, it is gratifying that the record should be held by British aviators, and we hope that it may continue to be so held in the future. PrestpENtT Wuitson has been given a most cordial reception in Rome during the past few days. He has been admitted a member of the ancient Accademia det NATURE [JANUARY 9, 1919 37° Lincei, and on January 4 received representatives of the chief universities of Italy. We learn from the account of the visit given by the Times correspondent at Rome that the first to be presented were repre- sentatives of the University of Rome, headed by the rector, Prof. Tonelli. Signor Salandra, as president of the faculty of law, read an address in Latin re- counting the achievements of the President, and con- ferring on him the degree of doctor in jurisprudence (honoris causa). The diploma was then presented by Prof. Tonelli. There followed representatives of the University of Padua, headed by Prof. Lori, who con- ferred on the President the degree of doctor of laws. Next came the turn of the University of Bologna. Mr. Wilson had already received a degree from the university, but Prof. Galanti gave a special greeting in the name of the university. Last came the Marquis Torrigiani, who, in the name of the University of Florence, conferred on the President the degree of doctor in letters. ; Tue Director of the British Museum (Natural His- tory) has received the following letter from the National Museum of Natural Sciences, Madrid :— “Please let us congratulate very warmly your museum on the end of the great war, so glorious an end for your country and for the cause of universal freedom and peace.—Believe us, sir, yours very friendly, Ignacio Bolivar (director), Eduardo H. Pacheco, Joaquin Gonzalez Hidalgo, Luis Lozano, Lucas F. Navarro, Angel Cabrera, Antonio de Zulueta, Ricardo Mercel, Candido Bolivar, and Romualdo Gonzales Fragoso.” The director of the Museo Nacional wishes the letter to be taken, not as a mere formula of courtesy, but as an expression of sincere feelings of sympathy on the part of the signatories towards this country. We feel sure that our readers will cordially appreciate and reciprocate this friendly message from Spain. THE Faraday Society has arranged a general dis- cussion on ‘‘The Present Position of the Theory of lonisation,’’ to be held on Tuesday, January 21, from 5 to 6.30 and from 8 to Io p.m. in the rooms of the Chemical Society, Burlington House, W.1. Sir J. J. Thomson will preside over the discussion, which will be opened by Prof. G. Senter. Among contributors of papers will be Prof. S. Arrhenius (Stockholm) Prof. S. F. Acree (Syracuse, U.S.A.), Capt. J. W. McBain, Mr. W. R. Bousfield, Dr. E. Newbery, Dr. N. R. Dhar (Paris), Dr. Henry J. S. Sand, Prof. A. W. Porter, Dr. E. B. R. Prideaux, and Capt. J. R. Partington. WE notice with much regret the announcement of the death on January 6, at sixty years of age, of Col. Theodore Roosevelt, ex-President of the United States of America, and distinguished in the scientific world by his observations on big game and his work for the establishment of bird reservations and other means of conserving places and objects of natural beauty and interest. Tue death is announced, in his eighty-ninth year, of Dr. Thomas Buzzard, consulting physician to the National Hospital for the Paralysed and Epileptic, Queen Square, London; ex-president of the Clinical, Neurological, and Harveian Societies; a foreign corre- sponding member of the Société de Neurolgie of Paris; and the author of many works on diseases of the nervous system. News has just reached us of the death on October 1 last, in his sixty-first year, of the distinguished mathe- matician-philosopher, Gaston Milhaud, professor at the Sorbonne, Paris. Prof, Milhaud occupied an almost NO. 2567, VOL. .102] unique position, indicated in the special subject for which his chair was created by the Sorbonne in 1909, “History of Philosophy in its Relations with the Sciences." His strong historical sense made him especially sympathetic as a philosopher, and enabled him almost instinctively to place himself at another philosopher’s point of view—a rare intellectual gift. His first published work, ‘Legons sur les origines de la science grecque,’’ appeared in 1893, and marked the special direction of his studies. It was followed in the next year by “ L’Essai sur les conditions et les limites de la certitude logique.’’ This was his thesis for the Doctorat és lettres, and aroused great interest, passing through several editions. Prof. Milhaud is better known in this country by his books “ Les philosophes géomeétres de la Gréce”’ and ‘‘ Etudes sur la pensée scientifique chez les Grecs et les Modernes.” During his last years he had been engaged on a special study of Descartes. Portions of this have appeared from time to time in reviews, and the whole, we hope, will now be published. Count HertLinc, German ex-Imperial Chancellor, was one of the great political leaders who combined philosophy as a profession with statesmanship. His first professorship was at Bonn, and in 1880 he became ausserordentliche professor of philosophy in the University of Munich. His principal books are ““Materie und Form und die Definition der Seele bei Aristoteles ’’ (1871), ‘‘ Ueber die Grenze der mechanische Naturerklarung”’ (1875), ‘‘ Albertus Magnus” (1880), and ‘‘John Locke und die Schule von Cambridge” (1892). He was also the author of numerous articles on political philosophy. Owi1ncG to the exciting events which were happening last year, the death of Marcel Deprez, one of the greatest of electricians, on October 18 last, has almost passed unnoticed in this country. In his early life Deprez made many valuable researches by means of various novel devices on the pressures developed in cannons during explosion. It was not until 1881, however,’ when he was thirty-eight years old, that he devoted himself to the application of electricity to industrial purposes. In that year, in conjunction with Carpentier, he patented the method of transmitting power by high-tension electricity, using step-up and step-down transformers. His profound faith in theory enabled him to surmount the many difficulties with which the early pioneers of power transmission were faced. Deprez was the first to prove that the method was commercially feasible. His study of the curves devised by John Hopkinson to explain the working of a dynamo led him to the invention of the compound winding by means of which the voltage of a dynamo can be maintained constant at all loads. In con- junction with d’Arsonval and Carpentier he invented a series of measuring instruments which are in common use in every country in the world. In 1890 Deprez was elected professor of industrial electricity at the Conservatoire des Arts et Métiers. A long illness and the war prevented him from completing several important scientific and industrial researches on which he was engaged. We unite with our French confréres in paying homage to the memory of one whose inventions have played such a notable part in the industrial development of the world. Tue death at Tacoma, Washington, U.S.A., on November 14, 1918, is announced of Prof. George Francis Atkinson, head of the department of botany at Cornell University since 1896. Born in 1854, and educated at Cornell, where he graduated in 1885, Prof. Atkinson was appointed associate professor of crypto- gamic botany at his own university in 1893. In 1894 ) January 9, 1919] NATURE 371 he issued, under the title of ‘The Study of the Bio- logy of Ferns by the Collodion Method,” a useful, prac- tical study of fern-structure, especially of the sporangia, spores, prothallia, and embryo. But his work was mainly on the fungi, and he published numerous papers on the life-history, physiology, and taxonomy of members of this group. Much of his work dealt with fungi as the cause of disease, especially in cotton and other cultivated plants. As a guest of the British | Association and an active member of the meetings of | the International Botanical Congress at Vienna in 1905 and at Brussels in 1910, Prof. Atkinson was known personally to, many British botanists. He took a keen interest in the meetings of the Section of Nomen- clature at Vienna and Brussels, particularly as regards the various groups of cryptogams. On January 1 last, by arrangement with the Director of the Meteorological Office, the Morning Post commenced the regular publication of the weather map of the previous evening (6 p.m.). The map, two columns wide, is on the same scale as those for 1 a.m., > a.m., and 1 p.m. which are given in the official Daily Weather Report. There would seem to be con- siderable delay in the telegraph service of observa- tions from France, for while reports from the Low Countries, Scandinavia, and Iceland arrive in time for inclusion in the map, those from France are con- spicuous by their absence so far. Their prompt arrival would add greatly to the value of the map. Wireless reports from ships out at sea are to be added as soon as the new service is organised. THE year 1918 ended with a remarkably mild December, the mean temperature at Greenwich for the month being 45-8°, which is 5-8° in excess of the normal. The whole month was mild except two days at Christmas and on December 20 and 21. The mean temperature was 2-6° higher than November, and it was warmer than any of the months from January to April inclusive. December was also very damp, although the rainfall was 0-25 in. less than the normal. At Greenwich the meari temperature for 1918 was 50:5°, which is 0-5° above the average. The warmest month was August, with a mean 62-9°, and in July the mean was 62-6° January was the coldest month, with the mean 397°. The change of temperature from month to month was greatest from April to May, the mean increasing from 452° to 564°, a difference of 11-2°. Rain fell on 190 days at Greenwich during the year; the aggregate measurement was 28-5 in., which is 5 in. more than the normal. July was the wettest month with 7-34 in., which is 5-16 in. more than the normal ; the month was the wettest July on record, whilst October, 1880, is the only month at any period of the year with a heavier rainfall during the last hundred years. September was also very wet, the rainfall measuring 2-72 in. more than the normal, and at Greenwich it was the wettest September since 1896; of recent years September has been generally dry. March was the driest month with 097 in., and February was almost equally dry. Snow fell in London on seventeen days, all from January to April; there was no snow during the later months of the year. Bright sunshine was registered for 1510 hours, which is forty-two hours more than the normal. the brightest month with 224 hours’ duration of sun- shine, and December the dullest with only twenty-six bright hours. Pror. DE QUERVAIN, the well-known Swiss seismo- } cannot large stocks of high explosives in every country which be preserved .and must be denitrated or exploded. He suggests that fifty tons should be ex- ploded at definite times and under various atmospheric conditions, and that observers in all the surrounding | area should be requested to listen for the sound. Prof. de Quervain is discussing the necessary arrangements for making such experimental explosions in Switzer- land with the military authorities of that country; and it would be difficult to support too strongly his wish that concurrent experiments should be made in Great Britain. If made in the neighbourhood of seismo- _ logical stations—for example, near Eskdalemuir—the logist, has made a suggestion which deserves the very , careful attention of our military authorities and of scientific men in this country. There are at present NO. 2567, VOL. 102] June was | by experiments might be of military value. They could not fail to throw far more light than accidental un- prepared explosions on the many problems presented by the transmission of sound-waves by the atmosphere. We may add that the Swiss War Office has already presented ten thousand kilograms of lead and steel from its surplus stores for the bob of the new three- component seismograph. WE have received from the Scripps Institution for Biological Research, University of California, a copy of a lecture by Dr. Francis B. Sumner on the value to mankind of experiments on animals. Public opinion over here tends to dismiss the subject as chose jugée: and one of the many lessons of the war has been in the proof that thousands and thousands of our men have been safeguarded against typhoid and tetanus by methods gained from experiments on animals. Perhaps in the United States there is more need of this sort of scientific propaganda: and this lecture is a very good historical review of the whole subject. We will not here go over the ground which we have won. But Dr. Sumner makes a point which some of us are apt to forget. He directs attention to the fact that some of the more violent opponents of all experiments on animals are not only lovers of animals, but haters of science and of orthodox medicine. He quotes, for instance, an invitation from the lady who is president of the New York Anti- Vivisection Society to ‘‘all anti-vaccinationists, anti- vivisectionists, eclectics, homceopaths, chiropaths, osteopaths, naturopaths of al! branches, Christian Scientists, New-Thoughtists, Theosophists, Medical Freedomists, and all brave and honest physicians of the allopathic school (who secretly denounce the machinations and conduct of the political doctors) to enrol as active participants in an Association of Free People against Medical Tyranny.’’ And there are one or two people among us over here who talk more or less like this. It may be perfectly true that the medical man is no better than he ought to be. But, as Dickens says, what a blessing it would be if we were all of us only as good as we ought to be! Tue Kew Bulletin (No. 10, 1918) contains a remark- able letter sent to Kew by the late Mr. C. O. Farquharson, mycologist in Nigeria, who was drowned as the result of the loss at sea through collision of the s.s. Burutu, on which ill-fated ship he was coming home on leave (see Nature, November 7, 1918). The letter is an epitome of Mr. Farquharson’s life-work in Nigeria, and gives a very graphic account of the nature of the work of a tropical mycologist, the methods which he sought to solve the many difficult problems with which he was confronted, and the kind of education that his experience had led him to believe best for such work. In the course of the letter some interesting observations on the cultivation of ground- nuts and on cacao diseases are recorded. The main’ theme of the letter is that most tropical diseases of cultivated plants are amenable to good cultivation and proper sanitation, and that spraying and the introduc- - 372 NATURE [JANUARY 9, I9I9 | tion of entomogenous furgi to kill insect pests are | beaches near San Diego during March, April, and rather an expression of ignorance than a real means of combating the troubles due to insect and fungus pests. The letter is deserving of careful attention by all tropical mycologists and by those interested in problems of tropical agriculture, as well as by those who are concerned with the training of mycologists for work in our Colonies. Tue botanical collections made on Mount Korinchi, Sumatra, by Messrs. C. H. Robinson and L. Boden Kloss have recently been worked out by Mr. H. N. Ridley and published in vol. viii., part iv., of the Journal of the Federated States Museums. Mr. Ridley has described the flowering plants and ferns, and the accounts of the mosses and Thallophytes are the work | of Mr. H. N. Dixon and Miss Lorrain Smith respec- tively. These collections throw much light on the highland flora of Sumatra, and it is remarkable that the flora of so large and accessible an island should heretofore have received so little attention. One new genus, Hoyella, and no fewer than one hundred and forty-two new species of plants are described, a large number being orchids. It is of interest to find that there is a considerable Himalayan element present in the Sumatran highlands, and some of the genera are also found in Borneo and Malaya. In Malaya, how- ever, they occur only in the Telom mountain district. .The Sumatran and Javan mountain floras appear very similar. Two interesting plants, Goodyera schlech- tendaliana and Potamogelon oxyphyllus, var. fauriet, have, previous to this, only been recorded from China and Japan. The distribution of the Gesneracee is also very interesting, and affords ground for a com- parison of the floras of India, Malaya, and Java with that of Sumatra. A very remarkable new Carex, C. hypolytroides, was found at 7300 ft. on Korinchi Peak, with stems 6 ft. in height, the whole plant being quite distinct in appearance from any other known Carex. A’ VALUABLE contribution to West Australian botany, made by Dr. C. H. Ostenfeld, of Copen- hagen, has appeared in Dansk Botanisk Arkiv (No. 6, 1916, and No. 8, 1918). Dr. Ostenfeld’s studies are based on his visit to Australia with the British Asso- siation in 1914. In the first part the ‘‘sea-grasses” belonging to the families Potamogetonacee and Hydrocharitacee are described, with an excellent series of figures in the text, and a new species, Cymodocea angustata, is described. A full biological account, including a description of the peculiar vivi- pary of Cymodocea antarctica, is given under each species. In part ii. particular attention is given to the genera Triglochin, Crassula, and Frankenia, with good plates and text-figures, several new species being described. The opening paper consists of a general account of the vegetation with a map, and the man- grove formation, the sandy seashore formation, the salt-pan formation, the sand-dune formation, and the savannah forest formation are discussed in detail. An interesting and characteristic tree of the savannah forest is Adansonia gregorii, the only species of this genus known outside Africa. All the other species are confined to tropical Africa, and the original home of the genus appears to have been Madagascar. The Chenopodiaceze collected by Dr. Ostenfeld are described in part ii. by Dr. O. Paulsen, and four new species are described and figured. A prirr, but extremely interesting, account of the spawning of the little smelt (Leuresthes tenuis) appears in California Fish and Game (vol. iy., No. 4). This fish appears in immense shoals on all sandy NO. 2567, VOL. 102] May on the second, third, and fourth nights after full. moon at full tide. Huge schools then make for the mouth of small fresh-water streams for the purpose of spawning in the sand. The fish apparently strive to get as far shoreward as the waves will carry them. As the water recedes each wriggles down into the sand, at the same time releasing eggs and sperm. The reproductive products discharged, the return to the sea is made by springing back into the next high wave that reaches them. ‘The fertilisation of the eggs thus laid in the sand is effected during the churning-up of the sand by the waves as they rush up the beach. Since these events take place at night, usually from ten to one o’clock, those who have made these observa- tions are to be congratulated, for they have accom- plished much under very trying conditions. Tue American Museum Journal, vol. xviii., No. 6, contains a brief description of a remarkably perfect skeleton of an Oligocene alligator, from the Big Bad Lands of South Dakota. Though found some years ago, the fossil has only recently been extracted from its matrix. This is a find of some importance, and an excellent photograph of the specimen accompanies this description. It was apparently an immature example, and is minus the tail. But the dermal armature is most wonderfully preserved. Tue thirty-second annual report of the Marine Bio- logical Station at Port Erin shows that in i918 there were sixteen workers, including eleven senior students in the usual Easter Vacation class. Miss Mayne records some preliminary observations on common littoral organisms with the object of ascertaining the possible density of the population. Choosing the most thickly covered parts of the shore, she found on one square foot of rock 2940 barnacles (Balanus balanoides), on another square foot thirty-seven limpets, and in a small pool there were within a square foot twenty-five anemones—twenty Actinia and five Sagartia. Ap- pended to the report ts an address by Prof. Herdman on some periodic changes in Nature, with special reference to the changes in the alkalinity of the water of the Irish Sea and the correlated changes in the nature of the plankton. A rEporT by Prof. Sheridan Delépine on the method recommended by the Sub-Committee of the Anthrax Committee for the Disinfection of Anthrax-infected Wool (see Nature, June 13, 1918, p. 290, and July 4, p- 347) has been issued (vol. i. of the Report to the Home Office of the Departmental Committee on Anthrax). Prof. Delépine approves generally of the method of disinfection proposed. He directs attention to the importance of temperature in the process—a certain strength of formol which may not destroy the anthrax spores at a lower temperature becomes effec- tive at a higher temperature. The process requires large quantities of warm water for washing the wool, and this wash-water must not be discharged until thoroughly disinfected. The process is applicable only after the bales of wool have been opened, and offers no protection to the workmen engaged in this pre- liminary work. To be effective also, the process must be carried out thoroughly, the strength of disinfectant and the temperature at various stages being under - constant and accurate scientific supervision, and the results frequently controlled by searching tests. Tue Orders which placed glycerine, benzine, methylated spirit, and turpentine on the prohibited list have probably caused much inconvenience to microscopists. In the Journal of the Royal Micro- VX eee January 9 1919 | scopical Society for September Mr. John Ritchie, jun., describes some experiments on the use of acetone as a solvent for resinous media. Several methods of pre- paring balsam in acetone are described. The use of acetone enables the object to be transferred directly from alcohol without the intervention of oil of cloves, but balsam so dissolved appears to have a lower refrac- tive index than in cases in. which xylol or benzole is the solvent. In this connection it may be mentioned that a recently introduced ‘turpentine substitute” answers well for thinning balsam that is in a slightly | viscid state. Tue Saxon State Railways are now submitting their engine-drivers and other responsible train officials to certain tests in their psychometric laboratory at Dresden. According to the Zeitung des Vereines deutscher Eisenbahnverwaltungen (October 2), the tests com- prise strength of will and endurance, and fatigue where there is physical strain. The Dubois ergograph is used for the purpose, the object being to trace a fatigue curve. The forearm rests on the table; over the middle finger is run a catgut loop, which passes over a pulley, the other end of the gut supporting a weight of from 4 to 8 kg., according to the suitability of the subject. When the middle finger is bent the weight is raised, and when relaxed again the weight is dropped, the process of this motion being traced on a recording drum. With every stroke the drum advances 1 mm., and every two seconds a clockwork movement records a time mark, so that fatigue in terms of time can be read from the final curve. In addition to giving the mean efficiency in metre-ergs per second, the ergogram also shows the degree of fatigue (1.e. diminished efficiency) per minute, as well as the number of lifts which the subject has to make in order to do 1 metre-kilogram of work. The system has been said to give satisfactory results as regards the selection of men for the proper posts. AMONG announcements of forthcoming books of science we notice the following :—‘‘A Source Book of Biological Nature Study,’ E. R. Dowling, and “The Geographic and Economic Foundations of the Great War,” J. P. Goode (Cambridge University Press); ‘Studies in Neurology,” Dr. H. Head, 2 vols., illustrated; ‘‘ Menders of the Maimed,” Prof. A. Keith, illustrated; ‘‘A Physical Interpretation of Shock, Exhaustion, and Restoration,” Lt.-Col. J. W. Crile; “‘Manual of War Surgery at the Base,” Lt.-Col. S. Barling and Capt. J. T. Morrison, illus- trated; “Trench Fever,’ Major W. Byam; “The Nervous Heart,” Dr. A. McNair Wilson, illustrated ; and ‘‘Surgical Aspects of Typhoid and Paratyphoid Fevers,’’ Col. A. E. Webb-Johnson, illustrated (1. Frowde and Hodder and Stoughton); ‘‘Catalysis in Industrial Chemistry,’’ Prof. G. G. Henderson; ‘‘ The Human Machine and Industrial Efficiency,’ Prof. F. S. Lee; “Experimental Education,” Dr. R. R. Rusk; ‘Education and Social Movements, 1700- 1850," A. E. Dobbs; and a new edition, in three volumes, of ‘‘A System of Physical Chemistry,’ Prof. W. C. McC. Lewis (Longmans and Co.); ‘The Problem of Nervous Breakdown,’ Dr. E. L. Ash (Mills and Boon, Ltd.); ‘‘ Rudiments of Handicraft,” W. A. S. Benson (John Murray); ‘‘ Mental Disorders of War,” Prof. J. Lepine, edited by Dr. -C. Mercier; ‘“‘Electro-Diagnosis of War,” Prof. A. Zimmern and P. Perol, edited by Dr. E. P. Cumberbatch; ‘‘ Dis- abilities of the Locomotor Apparatus: The Result of War Wounds,” Prof. A. Broca, edited by Major-Gen. Sir R. Jones; and ‘‘Wounds of the Pleura and Lungs,” Prof. R. Grégoire and Dr. Courcoux, edited by Lt.-Col. C. H. Fagge (University of London Press, Ltd.). NO. 2567, VOL. 102| NATURE oh3 OUR ASTRONOMICAL COLUMN. ScHorr’s ComeEr.—Messrs. Braae and _ Fischer- Petersen have recomputed the orbit of this comet, using observations extending from November 23 to December 10. They find that it is a periodic comet belonging to the Jupiter group. T =1918 Sept., 27°5834 G.M.T. o—27o, Ss 116" KR=117° 56’ 28°2” + 19180 = 5° 35 163") p= 25° 10' 4679” log @ =07551909 Period = 6°72764 years. Ephemeris for Greenwich Midnight. R.A N. Decl: Log ~ Log A hy im’ sz 3 : January 7 35734 14 469 ust) EST ee 15 12-4 0-3 187 O-1177 se 9 15 35°5 : 19 4 3 18 16 5-0 0°3246 01487 2B eA O's 16, 16 31-5 27, 4...9) 19 16 53:1 0:3308 0-1798 a SH) Pe 17 24-6 February 4 4 16 50 17 50:8 0-3370 02106 Opposition or JuNo.—Juno will be in opposition on January 20, its magnitude being 7-8. The following ephemeris is. from the Circular of the Berlin Rechen- Institut :-— ‘ R.A N. Decl. Log x Log A = OO Se as A January 5 8 20 53 0 49 0:344 Ley cou sus hana I 32 0-108 21 8 659 2 32 O-110 Ash Fi iss) Be) 3 44 Oar, Bebruary 6 7°53 53 tae 0130 14474911 627 0:363 TweLve New Speciroscopic Bryartes.—In a com- munication to the Journal of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (vol. xii., p. 460) Dr. J. S. Plaskett gives particulars of the first twelve spectroscopic binaries which have been discovered with the aid of the new 6-ft. reflecting telescope of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory at Victoria, B.C. The variable velocities of these stars were detected in the course of the measurement of some of the 750 spectra secured between the arrival of the mirror at the observatory on April 29 and the third week in October. The magnitudes of the stars involved range from. 5:0. to 6-32, and it would thus appear that very rapid pro- gress in this field of observation may now be expected. The two stars Boss 4870 and Boss 5236, which are assigned to class A by the Harvard observers, have been found to be of early B tvpe. Tue Minor Praner 692 Hipropamia.—This small planet has given a good deal of trouble to those who have endeavoured to follow its movements. Both the eccentricity and inclination are large, the declination at opposition ranging from +51° to —49°, and the magnitude from 123 to 141. The planet was ob- served in 1902 and ig11, but sought unsuccessfully in 1915. M. H. Dubosq-Lettré gives new orbit elements in the Journal des Observateurs (vol. ii., No. 11), and appeals to observers to search for it. OBSERVATIONS OF ERos.—The Journal des Observa- teurs (vol. ii., No. 11) contains a series of photo- graphic observations of 433 Eros, made in 1917 at the Cape Observatory by Mr. J. Votte. Owing to its high south declination (about 50°) the planet was invisible in Europe. It will again be in opposition next summer, but, being near aphelion, it will be faint. 374 PARIS ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. Prizes PROPOSED FOR 1920. “]> HOSE prizes marked with an asterisk are without restriction of nationality. Mathematics.—* Poncelet prize (2000 francs), for the author of the work most useful to the progress of pure mathematics; Francceur prize (1000 francs), for similar work in pure or applied mathematics. { Mechanics.—Montyon prize (7oo francs), for the in- vention or improvement of instruments useful to the progress of agriculture, the mechanical arts, and prac- tical and theoretical sciences; Fourneyron prize (1000 franes), subject proposed: The theoretical and experimental study of the question of internal-com- bustion turbines; Henri de Parville prize (1500 francs), for original worl in mechanics. Astronomy.—* Lalande prize (540 francs, a_ gold medal, or its value), for the author of the most interest- ing observation or work most useful to the progress of astronomy; Damoiseau prize (2000 francs), ques- tion proposed: To improve in some important points the works of Poincaré and of Liapounoff on the figures of equilibrium relating to a fluid mass in rotation sub- mitted to the Newtonian attraction. The Academy specially directs attention to the question of stability and the study of thé infinitely small oscillations round a stable figure. The question set for 1917 is given again for 1920, to calculate more exactly, taling account of the results of recent expeditions, the attrac- tion of the moon on the raised ring formed at the sur- face of the earth by the tides. To examine the effect of this attraction on the angular velocity of rotation of the earth; Benjamin Valz prize (460 francs), for work on astronomy conforming to the conditions for the Lalande prize; the * Janssen prize (a gold medal), for the author of a work or discovery constituting direct progress in the field of physical astronomy; * Pierre Guzman prize (100,000 frances), to anyone finding a means of opening communication with a planet (ex- cluding Mars). Failing solution, the interest will be awarded for real and serious progress, either in the knowledge of the planets of the solar system, or in the relations of the planets of this system with the earth, by means of improved physical or optical instru- ments, or by any other mode of inspection or investiga- tion. Geography.—Delalande-Guérineau prize (1000 francs), for a French traveller or savant whose work has been the most useful to France or to science; Gay prize (1500 francs), question proposed : The geographical dis- tribution of tropical plants presenting a practical utility ; *Tchihatchef foundation (3000 francs), as recompense for or assistance to naturalists distinguished in the exploration of the Asiatic continent or adjacent islands, especially the lesser-known regions (British India, Siberia, Asia Minor, and Syria excluded). The explora- tions may have as object any branch of the natural, ‘physical, or mathematical sciences, but such sciences | as archeology, history, ethnography, and philology are excluded. The work must be the result of personal observation; Binoux prize (2000 francs), for the author of works on geography or navigation. Navigation.—Prize of 6000 francs, as a recompense for progress increasing the efficiency of the French naval forces; Plumey prize (4000 franes), for the author of an improvement in steam-engines, or any other invention contributing most to the progress of steam navigation. Physics.—* L. La Caze prize (10,000 francs), for the best work on physics; Hébert prize (1000 frances), for the author of the best treatise or most useful dis- NATURE [JANUARY 9, I9I9 the author of an original discovery in physical science, especially electricity and magnetism or their applica- tions; Clément Félix foundation (2500 francs, un- divided), for a Frenchman devoting himself to the study of electricity, and, having already furnished proofs of ability, to facilitate the continuation of his researches, Chemistry.—Montyon prize, unhealthy trades (2500 francs, a mention of 1500 francs), for the discovery of a means of rendering some mechanical art less un- healthy; Jecker prize (10,000 francs), for the author of the most useful work on organic chemistry; *L. La Caze prize (10,000 frances, undivided), for the best work in chemistry; Cahours prize (3000 frances), for the encouragement of young men already known by their work, particularly by chemical researches; Houzeau prize (7oo francs), for a young deserving chemist. Mineralogy and Geology.—Vontannes prize (2000 francs), to the author of the best palzontological pub- lication; Victor Raulin prize (1500 frances), restricted to authors of French nationality for facilitating the publication of works relating to mineralogy and petro- graphy. Botany.—* Desmaziéres prize (1600 franes), for the best or most useful work on cryptogams; Montagne prize (1500 francs), for important discoveries or works on the cellular plants; de Coincy prize (goo francs), for a work on phanerogams, written in Latin or French. Anatomy and Zoology.—Cuvier prize (1500 franes), for work in anatomy and zoology; Savigny foundation (1500 francs), for the assistance of young travelling zoologists, not in receipt of Government grants, who specially occupy themselves with the invertebrate animals of Egypt and Syria. Medicine and Surgery.—Montyon prize (three prizes of 2500 francs, three honourable mentions of 1500 frances, citations), for improvements in medicine and surgery; Barbier prize (2000 francs), for a valuable discovery in surgery, medicine, pharmacy, or botany having relation to the art of healing; Bréant prize (100,000 frances), for the discovery of a means of curing or eradicating Asiatic cholera. Failing this award, the interest will be given to anyone advancing science on the question of cholera or any other epidemic disease; Godard prize (1000 franes), for the best memoir on the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the genito-urinary organs; Mége prize (10,000 francs), for the author who shall. continue and ‘complete the essay of Dr. Mége on the causes which have favoured or retarded the progress of medicine. The interest may be disposed of by the Academy until such time as it thinks fits to award the prize; Dusgate prize (2500 francs), to the author of the best work on the diagnostic signs of death, and on the best means of preventing premature burial; Bellion prize (1400 francs), for work or discoveries profitable to the health of man or the amelioration of the human species; Baron Larrey prize (750 francs), for a doctor or surgeon (Army or Navy) for the best work presented to the Academy in the course of the year dealing with mili- _ tary medicine, surgery, or hygiene. | | Physiology.—Montyon prize (750 francs), for the most useful work on experimental physiology; Lalle- mand prize (1800 francs), for work relating to the nervous system in the widest sense of the words; | *L. La Caze prize (10,000 francs, undivided), for work contributing to the progress of physiology; Martin-Damourette prize (1400 francs), for work in _ therapeutic physiology; Philipeaux prize (goo francs), covery for the popularisation and practical employ- | for experimental physiology. ment of electricity; Hughes prize (2500 francs), for NO. 2567, VOL. 102] Statistics.—Montyon prize (1000 francs, two men- i ile ee ee ta ae = = ——— _ January 9, 1919] tions of 500 frances), for statistical research in any field. History and Philosophy of Science.—Binoux prize (2000 francs). i Medals.—Arago medal, awarded by the Academy for a scientific discovery of outstanding merit; Lavoisier medal, for eminent services in chemistry; Berthelot medals, awarded annually to the recipients of prizes in chemistry. General Prizses.—Prize founded by the State (3000 francs), subject proposed for 1920: Yo improve the theory of functions of a variable susceptible of repre- sentations by trigonometric series of several arguments, linear functions of this variable; Bordin prize (3000 francs), subject proposed: Study of the sedimentary breccias; Serres prize (7500 francs), for general em- bryology applied so far as possible to physiology and medicine; Houllevigue prize (5000 francs), for work in the physical sciences; Saintour prize (3000 francs), for the same; Henri de Parville prize (1500 francs), for a books on original science or scientific popularisation ; Lonchampt prize (4000 francs), to the author of the best memoir on the diseases of man, animals, and plants, especially from the point of view of the introduction of mineral substances in excess as the cause of these diseases; *Henry Wilde prize (4000 frances), for discovery or worl in astronomy, physics, chenystry, mineralogy, geology, or experimental mechanics; Caméré prize (4000 francs), for a French engineer who has personally conceived, studied, and realised a work the use of which results in progress in the art of construction; Gustave Roux prize (1000 frances, undiyided); Thorlet prize (1600 francs). Spectal Foundations.—Lannelongue foundation (2000 frances), for the assistance of one or two persons in needy circumstances connected with the scientific world. Prix des Grandes Ecoles.—Laplace prize (works of Laplace), to the student leaving the Ecole Poly- technique with the first place; L.-E. Rivot prize (2500 francs), between the four students leaving each year the Ecole Polytechnique with first and second places in the corps des mines and the ponts et chaussées. Foundations for Scientific Research.—Trémont foundation (1ooo francs), for assisting work useful to France; Gegner foundation (4000 francs), to assist a struggling scientific man already known by his work; Jérome Ponti foundation (3500 francs), for work in physical science; Henri Becquerel founda- tion (3000 francs), to be used for furthering the pro- gress of science; Bonaparte fund (minimum grant 2000 francs), for facilitating researches by workers known by their original publications, and who lack sufficient researches to undertake or continue their investigations; Loutreuil foundation (125,000 francs), for encouraging the progress of science in colleges in Paris and the provinces (excluding the universities), as well as by independent workers, the creation and equipment of laboratories, the development of col- lections, libraries, scientific publications, and scientific expeditions. THE ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC SCHOOL SCIENCE MASTERS. : HE nineteenth annual general meeting of this association was held at the London Day Train- ing College on December 31 and January 1. During the discussions the predominant topic was the danger of undue specialisation on the part of boys at school. It was refreshing to notice that science masters do not merely grumble at the unfair amount of time devoted to the more deep-rooted subjects of school curricula, but also recognise the error of early NO. 2567, VOL. 102| ; NATURE | | synonymous 375 specialisation within their own subject. This note was struck by Sir Ronald Ross, who presided throughout the meeting. In his opening address (the main part of which appears elsewhere in this issue) he said that it was not only in their classical studies that the boys were kept too long pottering about the porch of the temple; that error also lies in attempting too much detail at the outset, The recent meetings of the asscciation have shown that more and more importance is being given to breadth of view in the teaching of science to young boys. There is a breaking away from the traditional chemistry, heat and light, as the only suitable scientific food for the young. Mr. W. D. Eggar said that at Eton College the experiment had been tried _ of making the classical masters responsible for some of the science teaching in the lower parts of the school. During the past term astronomy had provided the subject-matter, and he was well satisfied with the work that had been done. In the course of the discus- sion which followed Mr. Eggar’s speech there were frequent expressions of dissatisfaction with the ‘new regulations of the Oxford and Cambridge Joint Examining Board for the School Certificate Examina-. tion. A resolution was passed that the syllabus should be broadened by the inclusion of an alternative paper on general science. The Rev. S. A. McDowall spoke of the science taught to the classical Sixth Forms at Winchester College. By the time the boys have reached this eminence they have spent some years in learning the grammar of science. Then the attempt is made to co-ordinate their knowledge, to draw general con- clusions, and to learn something of the philosophy of science. ‘“‘The aim is,’’ to quote Mr. McDowall’s words, ‘that the boy shall leave school with a certain power of detached judgment and criticism; that his attitude to the experiences of his ordinary life shall be a scientific one; and that he shall feel that physical and chemical facts underlie human activities and human problems.” Mr. F. S. Young, headmaster of Bishop’s Stortford College, urged the importance of restricting specialisa- tion in examinations for scholarships at the universi- ties. The present system, he said, led to narrowness of outlook. He suggested that candidates should not be admitted to such examinations unless they had shown evidence of a satisfactory general education ; that they should be required to offer subjects both cognate with and subsidiary to their main one; and that their performance in these should be considered fully in the awarding of scholarships. Mr. A. Hutchinson (Pembroke College, Cambridge) said that when the present system of scholarship examinations originated, education at the public schools was ) with specialisation in classics. He thought that even under present conditions candidates for science scholarships were less specialised than their classical and mathematical brethren, as they had for the most part a considerable mathematical equipment in addition to their knowledge of science. At Cambridge, he said, great care was now taken that candidates who offered two subjects, e.g. history and modern languages, were given full credit for their work, even if they failed to reach in either subject the standard attained by candidates who offered one subject only. Prof. A. C. Seward (Master of Downing College, Cambridge) said that at present the standards required in the candidates’ special sub- jects were far too high, and that, so far, the means applied for testing the general knowledge of the candi- dates had, for the most part, been farcical. Col. A. Smithells (professor of chemistry, University of Leeds) considered that the difficulty had been met in his own_, 37 NATURE ‘ [JANUARY 9, 1919 - Piensa § Soe ea | university by bringing the award of scholarships within the domain of the Joint Matriculation Board, higher papers being set for this special purpose. The good working of the system, he said, was owing to the fact that the Matriculation Board contained a substantial body of representatives of the schools. In connection with the meetings there was an exhibition of apparatus, etc. portant thing shown was the use of crystal violet to compare the hydrion content of aqueous solutions of acids by the colours obtained on adding measured proportions of the dye. The “weaker” the acid, the nearer is the tint to the violet end of the spectrum. Mr. R. G. Durrant (Marlborough College) claims that the margin of error in comparison with conductivity | data is very narrow, and that his method is both simple and quick. Mr. Durrant also showed the use of malachite-green solution in differentiating the flames of the alkali and alkaline earth metals by cutting out the orange band from the spectrum; by this means the calcium flame appears bright green and the strontium one ruby-red. During the nineteen years of its life the membership of the association has been restricted to the public schools. The basis has now been broadened so as to include science masters in any secondary school which is under the control of a corporate body. has therefore been changed to ‘‘The Science Masters’ Association.” Mr. W. D. Eggar, of Eton College, and Capt, W. J. R. Calvert, of Harrow School, are the new secretaries. Mr. W. W. Vaughan, the Master of Wellington College, was elected president of the association for the coming year. MR. FISHER AND THE BOARD OF EDUCATION. N R. LLOYD GEORGE is presumably busy form- ing his new Government, and rumour has it that many changes of personnel are imminent. Some two years ago, on the formation of the second Coalition The name | Perhaps the most im- | Government, a novel departure was made under the | stress of war conditions in the selection of men for | certain appointments, not in virtue of political services for which due reward must be found, but in respect | of peculiar fitness and proved experience of the work | to be done. Among those invited to accept office was Mr. H. A. L. Fisher, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield, who had won the confidence of all classes | in the area covered by the operations of the University — by the tact, judgment, and broad sympathy with all forms of education he had displayed in the discharge | of his duties. \ to accept the Presidency of the Board of Education vacated by Lord Crewe, and he consented, a seat in the He was invited by Mr. Lloyd George | House being found for him ‘in the Hallam division of | Sheffield. in the discharge of his duties as President, but also in the advocacy of a far-reaching, not to say revolu- tionary, Education Act, and of a measure of long- delayed justice to the teachers in the shape of a Superannuation Act, which will go far to make the profession of the teacher attractive. He has won golden opinions by the skill and judgment he dis- played in piloting these measures through the House, and he has breathed a new atmosphere into the Board of Education which ‘brings hope with it and forward- looking thoughts.” These two measures stand to his infinite credit; they still need careful guidance in order to reap their full fruit and to make way for further developments; and yet it is said that a change in Mr. Fisher’s position is imminent, born of his very success. more than that of education by the constant changes NO. 2567, VOL. 102] Mr. Fisher has proved a success, not merely | of its chief—there have been no fewer than ten since 1g02—but it would not be so were its status and its vital importance to the national well-being rightly regarded. It ought to rank with the highest Cabinet offices, and be remunerated accordingly. It demands special knowledge and experience for its due discharge, and in Mr. Fisher we have the man who rejoices in both, united with an enthusiasm and devotion but rarely witnessed. That he should be assigned some other duties in the political sphere would excite a feeling of grave disappointment throughout the country at this critical time. i At the annual meeting of the Incorporated Associa- tion of Headmasters on January 3, the president of the association, Mr. F. B. Malim, Master of Hailey- bury College, proposed, and the Rev. Dr. David, Headmaster of Rugby, seconded, the following resolu- tion, which was adopted unanimously :—‘‘ That this association desires to express its profound satisfaction at the educational developments initiated and carried by Mr. Fisher as Minister of Education, and its con- _ viction that it is of the first importance in the interests of the nation that Mr. Fisher should continue in that office and should be enabled to complete the great work of which he has made so admirable a beginning; and that this association would regard it as a national calamity if Mr. Fisher should be required to leave the Board of Education at this juncture.” Following the headmasters’ lead, the teachers assembled at the joint conference of educational asso- ciations at University College, London, on January 4, carried unanimously a resolution in the same sense, which was proposed by Sir Henry Hadow and seconded by Miss Busk. The motion was in the fol- lowing words :—‘‘ This conference, composed of thirty- nine educational associations, which is now assembled at University College, London, wishes to urge the importance of retaining Mr. Fisher as Minister of Education. The educational developments accom- plished by him during his period of office have given profound satisfaction to the teaching profession. Further, the confidence established between the Board of Education and teachers through Mr. Fisher’s ap- pointment and achievements has inspired teachers with a high sense of their responsibility in the training of the youth of the nation, and it is of the utmost importance that this confidence should be maintained and strengthened by the continuance of Mr. Fisher in the office of Minister of Education.” OBSERVATIONS ON THE RESULTS OF OUR SYSTEM OF EDUCATION.} N ANY problems of education would be solved if * a really good scientific test of the results of education could be invented. I can imagine that if such a test were to be applied, say, once a year to all the | forty million or so residents in this country, beginning No department of the State has suffered | with the British workman and ascending, or descend- ing, to the Houses of Parliament, and even to the Royal Society, the results might be surprising. But as no such test is known, all we can do is to try to form some kind of personal estimate and integration, just“as we try to measure lengths and areas by the eye—a method full of fallacies, but unfortunately, perhaps, the only one available. I propose, therefore, to offer for your consideration, as briefly as possible, my own life-notes on the subject. Let us begin with physical education. Here, I think, the British system has deservedly set the fashion throughout the world. The young men of most coun- 1 From the presidential address delivered at the annual meeting of the Association of Public School Science Masters on December 31, 1918, by Col. Sir Ronald Ross K.C.B. K.C.M.G., F.R.S. January 9, 1919 | tries have certain national games, but since the time of the ancient Greeks no nation has so assiduously practised in the whole field of bodily exercise—very much, in my opinion, to our advantage. That field is a very large one—first, the great natural exercises, running, swimming, rowing, riding, and climbing; secondly, the games, cricket, football, tennis, polo, and others; thirdly, the sports, fishing, shooting, and hunting; fourthly, special kinds of muscular training, such as gymnastics, boxing, and fencing; and, fifthly, military training. Now all these are invaluable, not only for the body, not only to maintain the mens sana in corpore sano, but also as exercises for most of the faculties of the mind and spirit. For this reason | attach the least value to the artificial exercises, so popular on the Continent, as gymnastics and fencing; and not so much to the games as to the natural exer- cises and sports. It has been the great merit of British education to have discovered the superlative educating capacity of what are often called mere pastimes and amusements. Yet this has been quite a modern dis- covery, and many nations are still only just learning the lesson from us. When I read Russian and French novels, and even some works of Dickens and other English writers, I seem to be living in a museum of pathological specimens, and not among men and women who have breathed God’s air and seen the sun- light. This leads to the all-important question of human physique—too large a theme for discussion now. But from my own observations made in many countries I conclude that variations in physique show such peculiar local distribution that we must attribute them more to environment than to heredity. What the prin- cipal cause of physical deterioration, combined as it generally is with mental and moral deterioration, may be escapes me. It cannot be entirely disease, or alcoholism, or underfeeding, or overcrowding, or climate, but must be some unknown factor which has not yet been discovered. as a military medical officer, I will say with certainty that a period of open-air military training under dis- cipline, combined with good food, greatly improves the physique, the health, and the mental powers of young men, let alone their manners and morale. For this reason I should be in favour of universal military training everywhere; but, on the other hand, I admit the force of the argument that such military training may be an incentive to puerile wars—though I am not sure of it. On the whole, therefore, | would at least suggest an alternative scheme—that is, a scheme of what I call “health conscription,” consisting of at least a fortnight’s compulsory physical training, under discipline, in the open air, for both sexes every year for five years between the ages, say, of fifteen and twenty. There will, of course, be the usual objections on the score of expense and interference with so-called liberty; but the alternative appears to me to be con- tinued deterioration of body and mind. The public schools of Britain have set the example in what may be called physical religion; my proposal is merely to extend that faith to all classes. Coming now to the actual knowledge obtained by the young in our schools, I have concluded that it is really not very much. My complaint (and that of others) is not so much as to the total amount of information imparted as to the direction of it. As everyone knows, our teaching has been concerned chiefly with mathematics and the classics, with the outlines of history and of English literature. First taking mathematics (which is a hobby of mine), my observation is that few young men know even the aims and objects of the science, much less its applica- tions, although they may have studied it for years at NO. 2567, VOL. 102] NATURE On the other hand, speaking | ote | school. If you ask them they will reply, ‘“‘Mathe- | matics is doubtless very fine, but I don’t know what | the dickens it-is all about; and, anyway, it is no use to me.’’ The reason for this is that the schoolboy is | not pushed fast enough into the heart of the science, which is the calculus. He is kept, so to speak, potter- ing about with petty problems in the porch of the temple, and is never allowed to look into the temple | itself and to see the beauties within. In fact, the whole | subject is taught, not as a great science, but as an | opportunity for exercising the mind by a system of | puzzles. The error is that of entering into too great | detail at the outset. Instead of climbing the moun- tain, we are kept wandering among the boulders at its base; we become tired; we abandon our enter- prise; and the time and money spent on it are almost entirely wasted. I once wished to give a simple mathematical demonstration to a class of more than twenty medical officers; only one of them knew the meaning of a differential coefficient ! _ As regards the classics, my complaint is, not that boys are taught the ‘‘ humanities,” but that they are | not taught them. The fundamental mistake seems to be the same as in mathematics—too great detail at the outset. The study of the history, literature, art, and policies of the human race degenerates into the meticulous study of the alphabet of the subject only— that is, Greek and Latin grammar. Why do we still learn these languages? In order to read Greelk and Latin literature. But after we have spent years in learning the languages, we become so tired of them that we do not read the literature at all! I am a bad linguist, but an ardent admirer of classical literature ; yet when I was a young man [| noted that many of my friends were good linguists, but hated the litera- ture. Surely a waste of time and money again. The book is opened; a few words are deciphered; the scholium is read; and the book is closed again—and for ever. So also with our teaching in most things—we potter about the porch and never look into the temple at all. How often, for example, are our boys taken into the picture galleries, those great temples of the human spirit, and there taught the history and the meaning of the art enshrined in them? Or how often are they taken to hear the reading of our own national | poems or the music of the great composers? Seldom, | [ think; and when they escape from school they take ' to the reading of shilling novels and the viewing of | contemptible plays. ‘ | Tt is usually, and rightly, maintained that the aim | of all education is to endow the young with character, | judgment, and knowledge; but when people argue that | the relative importance of these qualities is in the order given—that character comes first, then judgment, and ~ lastly knowledge—I am inclined to disagree. We have | here, indeed, a trinity of elements ali necessary for educational salvation, but all three are so closely Init together that we cannot do without one of them. Without character one can possess neither judgment nor knowledge; without judgment, neither character nor knowledge; without knowledge, neither character nor judgment. How, for instance, may a person who consents to remain ignorant of all the knowledge which science has given to us be said to possess character ? And as for judgment, it is not a faculty bestowed upon us @ priori at birth, but one which grows with exercise. Shelley fixed the argument when he said of one of the highest virtues : Love is like understanding, that grows bright Gazing on wany truths. Similarly, breathing, sleep, and food are all necessary for bodily salvation; and one might as well say that 378 The point is worth noting, because it has become the fashion lately to decry knowledge especially. ‘‘ Be good,’ says one, ‘‘and let who will be wise’’; and Tennyson exclaims of knowledge, ‘* Let her know her place; she is the second, not the first.” Such sayings are based upon a false psychology; for the mind is not a thing of only one or two dimen- sions, but of three, and there is no first and no second where all three are equal. One might as well say, ~It is nobler to breathe and to sleep than to eat; therefore Jet us do without food.’ And, indeed, this is the actual faith of the Indian falkir, leading to a futile philosophy which was becoming very prevalent even in this country before the war, and which I ‘called **falsirism.’’ When this evil spirit enters into the mind of a nation, that nation is doomed. Like the Indian fakir, it will be content to sit by the road- side of life and to achieve nothing thereafter except the pursuit of idle dreams, as many nations have done and are doing. It is your mission, I take it, to con- tend against this spirit, to rouse the fakir, and to put some of the abhorred beef and bread of natural science into him, so that he shall begin to do honest work -again. All this is really very pertinent to our theme. For if isnowledge is of no account, why trouble to teach any at all? But if it is of some account, then why not teach ksnowledge that is useful as well as sound? But here we strike at once across two dogmas which I have often seen repeated in educational literature. The first is that the object of education is not to impart know- ledge, but to exercise the mind in the art of acquiring knowledge for itself in after-years. There is some truth in that, but also a fallacy. For how can we exercise a mind in the art of acquiring knowledge except by the practice of that art? We might as well try to teach a boy to swim without putting him in the water. Then there is the second dogma, which is just the opposite—that what is taught at all must be taught thoroughly. Now I am no teacher of young boys myself, but I doubt the policy. I think that it is advocated in disregard of the natural law that living beings tend to hate a food which is offered to them too constantly. Moreover. we can never know in which direction a boy’s aptitude really lies; and, lastly, it is impossible to teach anything thoroughly to anyone, for all knowledge is infinite. 1 conclude, therefore (though I may be wrong), that it is not good to bury a youth at the bottom of a mine in order that he shall search there for some gold which perhaps he will never find; but that it is better to take him speedily to a height j whence he can survey the whole world and choose for himself the field for his own future work. Neither you nor I will pretend that natural science is to be the only subject to be taught; but I cannot conceive how anyone who does not possess some broad knowledge of the immense accumulation of facts about Nature collected by humanity during the last two thousand years can dare to call himself an educated person. Some years ago a headmaster whose name I have forgotten maintained that a study of the stars is unimportant for men. He meant, not men, but earthworms. A man is, or ought to be, something more than an animal, and the very definition of him is that he shall study the stars. Of course, in this very brief survey I have been obliged to omit reference to some points even of the first importance, such as manners and morale, for instance; and to exclude university education, which is the privilege only of a few persons. I will con- clude now with the following summary of my own opinions—for what they are worth. I think that our system of open-air education, in which the public schools NO. 2567, VOL. 102] NATURE the relative importance of these is in.the order named.. [JANUARY 9, 1919 set the example, is a most invaluable and essential part of education. Closely connected with it is the prin- ciple of personal honour, good temper, and duty—that is, a spirit of noblesse oblige, which that open-air education, more than anything else, fosters and in- culcates. On the other hand, I think that our system of education is defective as regards the imparting of fundamental knowledge. Most of the great know- ledges of humanity are not implanted in the minds of our youth—not only the great discoveries of science, but also the great discoveries of literature, including classical literature, and of the high poetry, painting, music, and philosophy, which constitute the principal heritage of the human race. Indeed, knowledge is often actually derided by the numerous apostles of ‘“falirism"’ in this country, or replaced by a useless lumber of unimportant matter; and foreign languages and many of the petty but useful arts of life are much neglected. Hence the whole intellectual side of life is too frequently ignored, or even despised, by the masses of the people, with the result that their judg- ment is starved for lack of facts, and that they become too often the slaves of fads and quackeries and unproven dogmas of every description—party politics, meretricious propagandas, ignoble creeds, and even sometimes superstitions that savages would laugh at. But behind these and other defects the nation pos- sesses by nature a kindliness, a sense of humour and fair play, and an unopposable force of good intention which have made it during the last four years the pattern and exemplar of the world. UNIVERSITY AND EDUCATIONAL INTELLIGENCE. Dr. M. C. Rayner has resigned her appointment as lecturer in botany (lecturer-in-charge) at University College, Reading. Dr. R. M. Cavan, of the chemistry department of University College, Nottingham, is leaving shortly to take up his duties as principal of the Technical Col- lege, Darlington. THE sum of 30001. has been given by Mr. G. T. Hawkins, of Northampton, towards the building and equipment of a pathological laboratory at the Northampton General Hospital. Mr. W. H. Watson, of the chemistry department of the Northern Polytechnic Institute, has been ap- pointed vice-principal and head of the chemistry and natural science department of the Municipal College, Portsmouth. Tue organised laundry trade is establishing a re- search department, the object being to increase efficiency through science and invention, and towards this a Croydon lJaunderer has offered rool. and 5ol. yearly for five years. Two Theresa Seessel research fellowships, each of the value of 200l., are being offered by Yale Uni- versity. The fellowships are intended to promote original research in biological studies, and are open to men or women. Applications, accompanied by re- prints of scientific publications, letters of recommenda- tion, and a statement of the particular problem which the candidate is prepared to investigate, must be made before April 1 next to the Dean of the Graduate School, New Haven, Conn., U.S.A. Goop progress has been made in the formation of the Society of British Science Students, to the in- auguration of which attention has been directed already in these columns. A temporary executive has been elected, of which Mr. P. E. Owens, 28 Jesse ee ee JANUARY 9, 1919] NATURE SAD Yerrace, Castle Hill, Reading, is the hon. seere- tary. The principal object of the society is to strengthen the relations between the younger students of science in this country by means of meetings, lec- tures, and publications, and by other suitable measures. The society will endeavour to secure privileges for its members in regard to other societies and to circulate information among the members relating to scholar- ships, vacant appointments, and so on. All inquiries should be addressed to the hon. secretary. Tue Publishers’ Circular and Booksellers’ Record records a total of 7716 books as having been published during the year 1918. This is a decrease of 415 compared with the previous year, and it is accounted for chiefly by a falling off in the number of works of fiction (—523) and juvenile literature (—155); other classes that have also decreased slightly are education, agriculture, domestic, business, history, and geography. On the other hand, sociology has increased by 112, technology by 110, medicine by 80, and poetry by 98. Under “Science” the number of new books recorded is 232, also 5 translations and 28 pamphlets. In addi- tion, there were 64 new editions, making a total of 329. In the year 1914 science occupied the third place in twelve classes of literature, and technology the fifth place; in 1918 technology was in the eighth place and science in the tenth. A course of nine lectures on dynamical meteorology | will be given at the Meteorological Office, South Kensington, by Sir Napier Shaw, reader in meteoro- logy in the University of London, on Fridays, at 3 p-m., beginning on January 24. Each lecture will be followed by a conversation class for the discussion of practical details and of references to the original sources of information. The informal meetings at the Meteorological Office for the discussion of im- portant current contributions to meteorology, chiefly in Colonial or foreign journals, will be resumed at p-m. on Monday, April 28, and will be continued on each Monday until June 23, with the exception of June 9. Students wishing to attend should com- municate with Sir Napier Shaw. The lectures are intended for advanced students of the University of | London and others interested in the subject. Admis- sion is free by ticket, obtainable on application at the Meteorological Office. Tue London County Council has arranged a series of special lectures for teachers, on subjects connected with problems of reconstruction, for the spring and summer terms of the present year. Full particulars are contained in the ‘* Handbook of Classes and Lec- turés for Teachers” published by the Council. Among the numerous courses of lectures the following may be mentioned ; the last three of the series on ‘* Science and the Nation,” viz. engineering, with special refer- ence to its relations with our national life, by Prof. W. E. Dalby, at 11 a.m. on January 25, at the City and Guilds Engineering College of the Imperial Col- lege of Science and Technology, South Kensington ; pure science in relation to the national life, by Prof. A. Schuster, at 11 a.m. on February 15, at the Regent Street Polytechnic, W.:; some aspects of the rubber- growing industry, by Prof. J. B. Farmer, at 11 a.m. on March 8, at the Regent Street Polytechnic, W.1. At King’s College, Strand, on Wednesdays, at 5.30 p.m., beginning on February 5, a course of public lectures on “Physiology and National Needs” will be de- livered. The lectures include physiology and the food problem, by Prof. W. D. Halliburton ; physical train- | ing of the open-air life, by Dr. M. S. Pembrey; “ vita- mines "’—unknown but essential accessory factors in diet, by Prof. F. G. Hopkins; scurvy—a disease due to the absence of vitamine, by Prof. A. Harden; NO. 2567, VOL. 102] ‘about sixteen. physiology and the study of disease, by Prof. D. N. Paton; and conservation of our cereal reserves, by Prof. A. Dendy. Applications for admission to these lectures should be addressed direct to the secretary of the college. Tuts year’s educational gatherings included a joint meeting on January 2 of the Headmasters’ Con- ference and the Incorporated Association of Head- masters, at which the reports of the Government Com- mittees on science and modern languages were con- sidered. After some discussion the following resolu- tions, dealing with the teaching of science and mathe- matics, were adopted by the conference :—(1) That suitable instruction in natural science should be in- cluded in the curriculum of preparatory schools, of the upper standards of elementary schools, and of all boys in public and other secondary schools up to the age of (2) That mathematics and natural science should be necessary subjects in the entrance scholarship examinations of public schools, in the first school examination, and in the examinations for en- trance into the Navy and the Army, provided that good work in other subjects should compensate for comparative weakness in mathematics and natural science. (3) That for boys between twelve and six- teen the teaching of natural science should not be confined to physics and chemistry, but should include some study of plant and animal life, and that more attention should be directed to those aspects of science which bear directly upon the objects and experience of everyday life. (4) That there should be as close cor- relation’ as possible between the teaching of mathe- matics and of science. After a discussion of the report on the teaching of modern languages the conference passed resolutions, among others, declaring that the study of one or more languages other than English should be regarded as an essential part of higher education; that the first language other than English should be begun at about the age of ten, the second language not beginning until there was evidence of _ satisfactory progress in the first; and that usually the first language should be French and the second Latin, ar SOCIETIES AND ACADEMIES. LonpDon. Geological Society, December 18, 1918.—Mr. G. W. Lamplugh, president, in the chair.—C. T. Trechmann : \ bed of inter-Glacial loess and some pre-Glacial fresh- water clays on the Durham coast. A few years ago the author described a bed of Scandinavian drift that was found filling up a small pre-Glacial valley-like depression at Warren House Gill, on the Durham coast. This section, and others north and south of it, have been kept under observation at different times, and several new features have been noticed as the | high tides and other agencies exposed parts of the coast. All the observed features seem to point to the fact that the Scandinavian ice-sheet advanced on the east coast of England in the same way as it invaded northern Europe round the southern shores of the Baltic, and gave rise to analogous climatic conditions leading to the formation of loess, a fragment of which is found protected from the erosive action of the later local glaciation in a small hollow on the Durham coast. Paris. Academy of Sciences, December 23, 1918.— Maieee Painlevé in the chair.—C. Guichard: A series of sur- faces of constant total curvature such that their lines of curvature form a network of the type pA’, —pB!.— M. Georges Charpy was elected a member of the diyi- 380 sion of the apehiceaon of science to industry.—P. Fatou: Suites of analytical functions.—G. Julia: Sur- faces defined by a kinematic property.—J. Guillaume ; Observations of the sun made at the Lyons Observa- tory during the second quarter of 1918. Summary of obseivations made on seventy-seven days of the spots, their distribution in latitude, and the distribu- tion of the faculze in latitude.—E. Belot : The réle of the satellite material in the structure of the surfaces of the earth, the planets, and the sun.—A. Portevin: Comparison between the internal elastic equili- brium of alloys after tempering and after harden- ing by drawing in the cold. A comparison of the internal strains developed in a _ 60/40 brass by tempering at 760° C. in water and by | wire-drawing.—MM. R. Dubrisay, Tripier, and Toquet : The miscibility of phenol and alkaline liquids. The relation between the temperature of complete misei- bility of phenol and alkaline solutions of varying con- centrations has been studied and the results given graphically —L. F. Navarro: The constitution of the Island of Gomera (Canary Islands).—A. Vacher: The morphogeny of the roadstead of Brest.—P. Pruvost: The fossil fishes of the Coal Measures of the North of France.—M. Molliard: The influence of certain condi- tions on the comparative consumption of glucose and levulose by Sterigmatocystis nigra starting from sac- charose.—A. Paillot: Some new parasitic * coccobacilll of the cockchafer. BOOKS RECEIVED. Man’s Redemption of Man: A Lay Sermon. By William Osler. Reprint. Pp. 63. (London: Con- stable and Co., Ltd.) 7d. net. Chemistry Notes and Papers for School Use. (Notes and Question Papers to Supplement the Pupil’s own Laboratory Notes.) Part i.: Introductory and First-year Work. In nine sections—A to I. Pp. 114. Part ii.: Second-year Work. In seven sections—A to G. Pp. sor. Part iii.: Third-year Work. In eight sections—A to H: Pp. 123. By G. N. Pingriff. (London: ‘‘Geographia,” Ltd.) 2s. 3d. net ‘each part. A School Chemistry Method : Supplement to Chemistry Notes and Papers. Being the Teacher’s Partsies ii., and ili. By G. N. Pingriff. Pp. xii+8o, (London : ‘“\Geographia,” Ltd.) 1s. gd. net. Afforestation. By John Boyd. Pp. 39. (London: W. and R. Chambers, Ltd.) rs. net. La Face de la Terre (Das Antlitz der Erde). Prof. E. Suess. et annoté sous By Traduit avec l’autorisation de ]’auteur la direction de E. de Margerie. Tome iii., 4e Partie. Tables Générales de l’ouvrage. Tomes i.-iii. Pp. 258. (Paris: A. Colin.) 25 francs. From Darwinism to Kaiserism. By Dr. R. Munro. Pp. xviii+175. (Glasgow: J. Maclehose and Sons.) 4s. net. Intravenous Injection in Wound Shock. By Prof. W. M. Bayliss. Pp. xi+172. (London: Longmans and Co.) gs. net. Can We Compete? By G. E. Mappin. Pp. x+149. oe: Skeffington and Son, Ltd.) 4s. 6d. net. DIARY OF SOCIETIES. THURSDAY, January g. InstiruTION oF Execrricat Excine ERS, at 6.—M. B. Field: Navigational (Magnetic) Compass as an Instrument of Precision. Orticat Society, at 7.—Lt.-Col. A. C. Williams: The Design and Inspec- tion of Certain Optical Munitions of War. FRIDAY, Janvary 10. RovaL ASTRONOMICAL Society, at 5 —Rev. A. L. Cortie: The Spectrum of Nova Aquila, 1918, June 15.—J. K. Fotheringham : The New Star of Hipparchus and the Dates of Birth and Accession of Mithridates.—Rey. NO. 2567, VOL. 102| ‘The NATURE [JANUARY 9, 1919 i. G. Hagen: Observations of Nova Aquilz, 1918.—A. Stanley Williams : he Variable Star B.D.-+39°, 3476. MONDAY, January 13. ara InsTITUTION, at 3-—Prof. Spenser Wilkinson: ar. Rovat Grocrapnicar Society, at 8.—James Berry : Tr ransylvania and its Relation to Ancient Dacia and Modern Rumania. TUESDAY, Jaxvary 14, InstiTuTION OF CiviL ENGINEERS, at 5.30.—A. G. Cooper: Slips and Subsidences on the Ceylon Government Railways.—F. W. Scott : Pieter- maritzburg-Riet Spruit Deviation. MINERALOGICAL SOCIETY, at 5.30.—A. Hutchinson : Stereoscopic Lantern- slides of Crystal Pictures. —L. J. Spencer: Mineralogical Characters of Turite (=Turgite) and some other Iron-ores from Nova Scotia. WEDNESDAY, Janvuany 15. Royat Society or Arts, at 4.30.—A. I’. Kendrick: English Carpets. ENTOMOLOGICAL Society, at 8.—Annual Meeting. Royat Microscoricat Society, at 8.—J. E. Barnard: Presidential Address : The Limitations of Microscopy. THURSDAY, Janvary 16. Royat InstTiTuTION, at 3.—Prof. J. N. Collie : Chemical Studies of Oriental Porcelain, Roya Society or Arts, at 4.30.—H. Kelway-Bamber, M.V.O. : Coal and Mineral Traffic on the Indian Railways. LINNEAN Society, at 5.—Capt. A. W. Wi : The Care of Soldiers’ Graves. E. Brown: Old and New Species of Mesembryanthemum, with Critical Remarks.—Dr, J. R. Leeson: Exhibition of Mycetozoa from Epping Forest. CHEMICAL SOCIETY, at 8. FRIDAY, JaNvary 17. Roya InstiruTion, at 5.30.—Sir J. Dewar: Liquid Air and the War. Lessons of the CONTENTS. PAGE Optical Research and Design. By Dr. S. Brodetsky 361 Petroland Petroleum... . 361 ens an) . Wool Industries ......... Nptapnayes Csr = Our Bookshelf j EU beidicisier, “-CySe. seSELE A SORa th») CoReemmnS Oe Letters to the Editor:— Some Temperature Anomalies. (/Vith Map.)—Hy. Harries 5 364 The Perception of Sound.—Prof. D, Fraser Harris 365 A Mistaken Butterfly.X—Dr. John Aitken, F.R.S.. 366 The Future of British Mineral Resources. By Prof. H. Louis OF toe See oe Supersaturation and Turbine Theory. By Prof. H. L, Callendar, F.R.S. . 0k; gory The Epidemiology of Phthisis. “By ‘Prof. R. T. Hewlett .. i 4s a: Rie Tae es Notes . ee oe 369 Our Astronomical Column :— SchonysuGometeurmcal-aie cit eeeals 373 Opposition of Juno SPN eos = Twelve New Spectroscopic Binaes eee ae 373 The Minor Planet 692 Hippodamia . oh SPS ae Observations of Eros . “ 373 Paris Academy of Sciences: Prizes Proposed for 19205) 424/: The Association of Public School Science Masters 375 Mr. Fisher and the Board of Education. . 376 Observations on the Results of Our System "of Education. By Col. Sir Ronald Ross, K.C.B., K.C.M.G., F.R.S. . 4 376 University and Educational Intelligence Be Sata ets Ico sb x2 Societies and Academies . tL eens Books Received BA fe AE fo io) oo iDiary/of \SOcCietiGs i. saws t+) |) kad emts 380 Editorial and Publishing Offices: MACMILLAN AND CO., Lrtp., ST. MARTIN’S STREET, LONDON, W.C.2. Advertisements and business letters to be addressed to the Publishers. Editorial Communications to the Editor. Telegraphic Address : Telephone Number: Puusis, Lonpon. GERRARD 8830. ° —-— pI ysonian Inst A ,WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF ‘SCIENCE. “To the solid ground Of Nature trusts the mind which builds for aye.”"—W ORDSWORTH. No. 2568, VOL. 102] THURSDAY, a 16, 1919 ey [Price NINEPENCE. Registered asa _Newspaper_ at. the G eneral 1] Post | Office. 7 (oes [AIL Rights Reserved. REYNOLDS & BRANSON, Ltd. Manufacturers of Laboratory wea GS ane rise e OPTICAL LANTERNS chem Appcaiae th ee eee | “RYSTOS” CHEMICAL BENCH, as supplied to ne ‘National Physical for | Laboratory, Teddington, and important Chemical and Munition Works Educational, Welfare, Scientific,and other WORK of NATIONAL IMPORTANCE throughout the country. NEWTON & CO., Makers of Optical Projection Apparatus of every description Page Geis, soc Vanrsh CHEMICAL, PHYSICAL, and TECHNICAL LABORATORIES fully equipped with Benches, Fume Chambers, ete. 72 WIGMORE STREET, LONDON, W. 1. Designs and quotations submitted on application. 14 COMMERCIAL STREET, LEEDS. DUROGLASS L™: | 4S ACCURATE 14 CROSS STREET, HATTON GARDEN, E.C. : RELIABLE THERMOMETERS. Borosilicate Resistance Glassware. Beakers. Flasks, Etc. Soft Soda Tubing for Lamp Work. General Chemical and Send a note of your requirements to any of our addresses, and we will offer you the best types we have in stock. Scientific Glassware. Special Glass Apparatus Made to Order. DUROGLASS WORKS, WALTHAMSTOW. NEGRETTI & ZAMBEBRA, AGENTS: BAIRD & TATLOCK (LONDON) LTD, 38 HOLBORN VIADUCT, E.C.1 14 CROSS ST., HATTON GARDEN, E.C. 1. 5 LHADENBALL SE IEOINDON. 122 BEGENA Sk ©©- Our City Branch is at 5 Leadenhall Street, EC. 3 cliv NATURE. ° [January 16, 1919 IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY. TECHNICAL OPTICS DEPARTMENT. Courses for full-time students. Owing to the circumstances due to the cessation of hostilities special courses of instruction are now being arranged for full and part-time students for the new term commencing on Jan. 15, 1919. The needs of each student will be separately considered by the-Director of the Department. The lectures and practical classes previously announced for the fyesez? session will also be continued. General Optics— ' Professor F. J. CHESHIRE, C.B.E., A.R.C.S. Optical Designing and Computing— Professor A. E. ConrADy, A.R.C.S. Practical Optical Computing — rs Professor A. E. CONRADY, A.R.C.S. Workshop and Testing Room Methods— Professor A. E. Conrapy, A.R.C.S. Construction Theory and Use of Optical Measuring Instruments— Mr. L. C. Martin, D.I.C., A.R.C.S., B.Sc: A Course of Ten Weekly Lectures, commencing on Thursday, Jan. 16, 1919, at 5 p.m., on PHOTOGRAPHIC OPTICS, will be given by Professor A. E, ConrADY, A.R.C.S. ‘These lectures are intended for users of photographic appar- atus generally, and will deal with the optical properties of photographic objectives, as far as possible non-mathematically. The principles of stereoscopic photography will be dealt with. Fee 55. For further particulars and for admission tickets apply to THE REGISTRAR OF THE IMPERIAL COLLEGE, Imperial Institute Road, ~ South Kensington, S.W. 7. THERESA SEESSEL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS to Promote Original Research in Biological Studies. YALE UNIVERSITY. TWO FELLOWSHIPS, yielding an income of $1000 each, open to men or women. Preference is given to candidates who have already obtained their Doctorate, and have demonstrated by their work fitness to carry on successfully original research of a high order. The holder must reside in New Haven during the College year, October to June. Applications should be made to the Dean of the Graduate School, New Haven, Conn., U.S.A., before April 1, 1919; they should be accompanied by reprints of scientific publications and letters of recommendation, and a statement of the particular problem which the candidate expects to investigate. WOOLWICH POLYTECHNIC. JUNIOR TECHNICAL SCHOOL FOR BOYS (Engineering Trades). WANTED, SENIOR MASTER, well qualified in Mathematics, to hold responsible position in above School. Salary according to L.C.C. scale, from £240 by £15 to £300, and then by £10 to £450. For further particulars and forms of application apply PRINCIPAL. 1 UNIVERSITY OF LONDON. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Senate will proceed to elect EXTERNAL EXAMINERS for the EXAMINATIONS, other than Medical, above Matriculation (A), for the year 1919-20, as follows :— In Agriculture, Botany (two), Chemistry, Common Law, etc., Dutch, Economics, Education, English Constitutional Law, Equity and Real and Personal Property, French (two), Geography, Geology, German, Greek History, Mathematics, Music, Philosophy (two), Physics, Physiology, Public Administration and Finance, Spanish. (B) for the year 1919, as follows :—One in Engineering (including Theory of Machines and of Structures, Strength of Materials, Surveying, Hydraulics and Theory of Heat Engines). The Senate will also proceed to elect External Examiners in subjects of the Examinations for Medical Degrees for the year 1919-20, as follows :— HIGHER EXAMINATIONS FOR MEDICAL DEGREES. One in Pathology. One in Forensic Medicine and Hygiene. One in Surgery. SECOND EXAMINATION FOR MEDICAL DEGREES, PART II. One in Anatomy. N.B.—Attention is drawn to the provision of Statute 124, whereby the Senate is required, if practicable, to appoint at least one Examiner who is not a teacher of the University. Particulars of the remuneration and duties can be obtained on application. Candidates must send in their names to the External Registrar, Geo. F GoovcuiLp, M.A., B.Sc., with any attestation of their qualifications they may think desirable, on or before Wednesday, January 29, 1919, in respect of Examinerships other than Medical; and on or before Saturday, February 15, 1919, in respect of Medical Examinerships. It is pectienler desired by the Senate that no application of any kind be made to its individual members. If testimonials are submitted, three copies at least of each should be sent. Original testimonials should not be forwarded in any case. If more than one Examinership is applied for, a separate complete application, with copies of testimonials, if any, must be forwarded in respect of each. No special form of application is necessary. University of London, South Kensington, S.W. 7. UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL. The University will shortly proceed to the appointment of EXAMINERS for its SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATIONS, in July and September, in the following subjects, some of which may be coupled :— English. Ancient History. English Literature. Modern History. Geography. Religious Knowledge. French. Latin. German. Spanish. Greek. Mechanics. Botany. Physics. Chemistry. Mathematics. Drawing. : Housecraft. Handiwork (Wood and Metal). Music. Particulars from the REGISTRAR. January, 1919. UNIVERSITY OF LONDON. UNIVERSITY CHAIR OF CHEMISTRY tenable at EAST LONDON COLLEGE. Initial salary £600 a year. Applications (10 copies) in envelope marked ‘‘Chair of Chemistry,” should reach the Vice- CHANCELLOR, University of London, South Kensington, S.W. 7, not later than first post February 8, 1919. Further particulars on application. WANTED by gentleman at present serving overseas with the B.E.F., position on any projected scientific expe- dition. Qualifications—Geology, Mineralogy, Chemistry, Mapping, Meteorology, Bathymetrical Survey and Deep Sea Research. Expert knowledge of Cinematograph and ordinary Photography.—No. 176, clo Nature Office. MATHER & PLATT, LTD, Park Works, Manchester, manufacturers of Mechanical, Textile, Hydraulic and Electrical Plant, require a CHIEF RESEARCH ENGINEER of British descent, to organise and take full charge of a Works’ Research Department and Laboratory. The highest qualifications and wide knowledge of such work are essential. Apply by letter with full details, stating how soon at liberty, to the above address. ASSISTANT ASSAYER (age about 25) required by Birmingham Bullion Dealer. &c. Knowledge of Gold and Silver Assaying desirable. Permanent position; good prospects. State age, experience, and salary required.—Box 16, c/o Nature Office. WORKS MANAGER and CHEMIST (29) is open for engagement. Widely experienced ; thoroughly practical with technical training. Well qualified, and first-class references. Salary £300-£400.—Address Box 68, c/o NaTurE. CHEMICAL LABORATORY ASSISTANT seeks appointment in laboratory. Experienced; good references. ‘“G. H. B.” 37 Portchester Road, Portsmouth. South Coast preferred. saat 16)" “1gi9. ee CHEMISTRY FOR STUDENTS. (1) A Manual of Chemistry, Theoretical Practical, Inorganic and Organic. the Requirements of Students of Medicine. By De Awe. Luft and H. C. H. ‘Candy. Sixth edition, enlarged. Pp. xix+745. (London: Cassell and Co., Ltd., 1918.) Price 12s. net. (2) Practical Chemistry for Intermediate Classes. and Adapted to By Prof. H. B. Dunnicliff. Pp. xii+277. (London: Macmillan and Co., Ltd., 1917.) Price 5s. (3) The Ontario High School Laboratory Manual in Chemistry. By George A. Cornish, assisted by Arthur Smith. Pp. vii+135. (Toronto: The Macmillan Co. of Canada, Ltd., 1917.) Price 25 cents. (4) The Ontario High School Chemistry. By George A. Cornish, assisted by Arthur Smith. Pp. vii+297. (Toronto: The Macmillan Co. of Canada, Ltd., 1918.) Price 50 cents. (5) New Reduction Methods in Volumetric Analysis. A Monograph. By Prof. Edmund Knecht and Eva Hibbert. Reissue with addi- ‘tions. Pp. x+135. (London: Longmans, Green, and Co., 1918.) Price 5s., net. ANUALS of chemistry that deal with the subject generally or in a specially practical manner are now so numerous, and perhaps we may add so similar, that it is not easy to discover the special advantages of each. Those before us are evidently all written by competent teachers who know their subject. As years go by there is a tendency, which is doubtless a very wholesome progress of development, to include more physical chemistry and more generalities, and we suppose that the time will come when general manuals will consist almost entirely of the exposition of such fundamental matters, leaving the detailed description of properties and specific changes to special sectional manuals and the larger works that aim at completeness. (1) The volume by Dr. Luff and Mr. Candy, being a sixth edition, is well established and well known. Although specially designed for medical students, it will be found to be an excellent hand- book for students of chemistry whatever their ulti- mate aim. In this edition more organic chemistry is included, and the practical section has been ex- tended to meet the present requirements of students of medicine. The first hundred pages are devoted to generalities and laws, and these are set forth in a plain and straightforward, although concise, manner. The organic section fills rather more than two hundred pages. The practical section, occupying about sixty pages, includes such sub- jects as the preparation of salts and esters, quali- tative analysis, including the identification of many organic substances, volumetric analysis, and the estimation of nitrogen, fat, urea, etc. This section NO. 2568, VoL. 102] 381 is kept small by constant reference to the other part of the manual. The statement that aldehyde has a ‘“‘characteristic fruity odour,’’ although re- peated, must have gained admittance by inadvertence. (2) Prof. Dunnicliff’s volume consists of direc- tions for sixty-one “‘demonstrations,’’ each of which has been found to occupy the student from 1} to 1? hours. The instructions are very clear and excellently illustrated. The subjects are well chosen, and include the preparation of common gases, acids, salts, etc., qualitative analysis, and volumetric analysis. Of course, there are experi- ments in which are measured the volumes of gases evolyed in certain reactions, but we are glad to see that nothing is said as to the results confirming certain laws, because such results as students are able to get generally oblige them to choose between the truth of the law and the accuracy of the experiment, and it is often the law that suffers discredit. (3) and (4) The two volumes from Toronto are very suitable for the purposes for which they are designed. The manual is unusually interesting, as historical details are given much more copiously than is often the case. Portraits of Cavendish, Priestley, Lavoisier, Dalton, Ramsay, Scheele, Faraday, and Davy are included, with a few lines of biographical details appended to each. Interest is well maintained by a facsimile of a page of Dal- ton’s notebook, the figures of old apparatus, and of such modern matters as the cyanamide factory at Niagara Falls (which is stated to be the largest chemical industry in Canada), a liquid-air machine, a sectional view of a salt well and the brine-concen- trating apparatus, Moissan’s electric furnace, etc., all of which are shown so that their nature can be readily understood. The laboratory manual consists of seventy-five exercises, some of which are of more general interest than are often pre- scribed. But we hope that it is not usual in Canada to use alum as the acidifying agent in baking-powder, as one might be led to believe by its being given as an alternative to cream of tartar. (5) The. remaining volume, by Prof. Knecht and Eva Hibbert, is of quite a different character from the preceding. It is a monograph on the use of titanous chloride as a quantitative reducing agent. Although this salt is fairly easy to employ as a volumetric reagent, its great reducing power brings within its range of action a large number of substances of very various kinds. Its applica- tion is described to numerous metals, non-metallic elements and their compounds (per salts, chlorates, nitrates, hydroxylamine, and so on), and organic compounds such as_ nitro-compounds, nitroso- compounds, azo- and other dyes, and sugars. The estimation of certain dyes on dyed cotton fabrics is possible, and the degree of mercerisation in cotton yarns can be estimated by determining the proportion of Benzopurpurin 4B taken up by the ordinary and by the mercerised cotton. It is a volume that should be at hand in all analytical laboratories. Cid Xx 352 SCIENCE TEXT-BOOKS FOR THE FUTURE. Manuale di Fisica ad Uso delle Scuole Secondarie e Superiori. Vol. iii. ‘‘Elettrologia.’’ By Prof. B. Dessau. Pp. vii+760. (Milano: Societ&a Editrice Libraria, 1918.) Price 23 lire. HATEVER changes are introduced in our educational scheme in the near future, it may be taken as certain that physical science is destined to occupy a more prominent position in the schools. It is to be hoped, therefore, that science-teachers will rapidly come to some agree- ment concerning its scope and the general method of its presentation. To the present writer it seems evident that if the next generation is to possess a better appreciation than its predecessors of the possibilities of science as a means of enjoyment, a mental discipline, or an industrial power, science must be taught in a less detailed and more general manner than is at present cus- tomary. As Sir Napier Shaw has indicated, there must be less insistence on laboratory science in the schoolboy stage, and more emphasis on its applications to large-scale and natural phenomena and to recent discoveries. This may mean some missing links in the logic—which can be supplied, when necessary, at the university—but it will be balanced by a great increase in interest for both pupil and teacher. Obviously this will necessitate a radical revision of the present school text-books. It was in the hope of obtaining some light on the nature of this revision that the book now under notice was opened, especially as it forms the third volume of a “Manual of Physics for the Use of Secondary and Higher Schools.’’ To criticise a foreign text-book from such a point of view would, of course, be unfair; it may therefore at once be said that only two minor criticisms are called for. The first is that, considering its public, the book appears to be unnecessarily large and costly; the second, that some of the illustrations are so well-worn as to deserve a period of retirement. For example, induced currents are demonstrated by an astatic galvanometer and a Bunsen (or Daniell) cell, though probably no teacher would use this appa- ratus as the most convenient. The book is written with all the literary charm, lucidity, and logicality of method that seem in- separable from French and Italian manuals; it is up to date in its matter, and is calculated to excite and hold the interest of the reader. NATURE _ [January 16, 1919 at a much earlier stage, as is done in some American text-books ; a stream of charged particles does, at least, give a student concrete ideas on the nature of a current, and makes electrostatic induction less hazy. As a model for future books in this country, the volume is too detailed and, _ except for those who intend to pursue the subject further, too mathematical to be copied. In conclusion, one can but wonder when the pupils of our “secondary and higher schools’”’ will be capable of reading such a volume with understanding and profit. R. S. W. PLANTING IN MARITIME LOCALITIES. Seaside Planting for Shelter, Ornament, and Profit. By A. D. Webster. Pp. 156) (Lon- don: T. Fisher Unwin, Ltd.,. 1918.) Price 18s. net. HERE is no kind of planting which needs more careful study before it is undertaken than the planting of maritime situations. To all the problems that arise in inland localities in regard to soil, moisture, and exposure, there is | added at the seaside the very momentous one of | salt-laden spray. Winds, too, not only reach their maximum of violence on our _ shores; _ their mechanical effects are more persistent there than elsewhere. The best thing anyone contemplating an extensive scheme of planting near the sea can do is to make a thorough study of the problem by visiting places where it has been successfully solved. Such a place is the famous Holkham sands, in Norfolk, planted by the Earl of Leicester. Here an immense area of loose, shifting sands exposed to the full blasts from the North Sea has been clothed with a magnificent growth of pines and other trees. But, failing that, the next best thing is to obtain expert advice. The literature on the subject is not extensive, and we know no work that deals more satisfactorily with it than this new book by Mr. A. D. Webster. Mr. | Webster’s book is no mere réchauffé of what has | been written before. It embodies the personal experience of one who has planned, superintended, and successfully achieved the planting of many seaside places. Besides the planting of trees and shrubs for utility and ornament, Mr. Webster deals also with the fixing of sand dunes by the use of marram grass and other plants. This question is of immense importance in connection with coast erosion and the smothering of fertile | land by inblown sand. From the point of view indicated above, it may | be noted that modern developments receive ample treatment; such are X-rays, radio-activity, tele- graphy (wireless and otherwise), telephony, and machinery; even the constitution of the atoms and atmospheric electricity receive brief mention in the concluding pages. The order differs little from that adopted in English text-books; in this, perhaps, it is too conservative for a new model. For instance, there appears to be little reason why the idea of electrons should not be introduced NO. 2568, VOL. 102] _ thirty | scarcely a maritime locality. The book is well printed and illustrated by some half-tone plates, excellently reproduced. These pictures would, however, have been more convincing had they illustrated plantations and trees actually existing in maritime localities. Many of the photographs were taken in obviously inland sites. The plates bearing the legends “Laburnum by the Seaside,’’ ‘““Whitebeam at the Seaside,’’ and ‘Stone Pine at the Seaside’’ are all of trees growing in Kew Gardens, which is The picture entitled | | | January 16, 1919] “Weymouth Pine at Bournemouth’’ is also mis- leading. There are very few Weymouth pines (Pinus strobus) at Bournemouth, and those on the spot illustrated are almost exclusively Pinus pinaster, with a few Scotch pines mixed among them. We eB: OUR BOOKSHELF. British Rainfall, 1917: On the Distribution of Rain in Space and Time over the British Isles during the Year 1917.. By Dr. H. R. Mill and C. Salter. Pp. 240. (London: Edward Stanford, Ltd., 1918.) Price ros. Tuis is the fifty-seventh annual volume of “ British Rainfall,’’ and it is an exceedingly creditable piece of work for a private organisation, entirely without State aid. Records are given for up- wards of 5000 stations, and every care has been taken to render the monthly and annual maps and tables complete, the curtailment due to the exigencies of the times being in the letterpress. A small area near the estuary of the Thames had fewer than 150 rain days during the year, while over a large part of Scotland and Ireland, as well as in parts of South Wales and Lancashire, the rain days exceeded 200. Rain spells are given, or periods of more than fourteen consecutive days, every one of which is a rain day, and there is also a summary of droughts. The general rain- fall tables afford most valuable information, and, fortunately, the war has caused no break in the publication of the data which have been accumu- lated now for so many years. A special article is given on the unprecedented rainfall in the south-west of England on June 28, when 9°56 in. during the twenty-four hours were measured at Bruton, in Somerset. The snowfall of 1917 is dealt with. The diminution of rainfall with elevation above the ground at Greenwich Observatory is discussed by Mr. W. R. Nash, whose long service at the Royal Observatory adds much to the value of the results. The monthly and yearly values for the several heights carry with them a high degree of exactness. Approximately at 10 ft. above the ground there is a diminution of about 3 per cent., at 22 ft. a diminution of 10 per cent., at 38 ft. a diminution of 20 per cent., and at 50 ft. a diminu- tion of 35 per cent. of the ground rainfall. These results are rather suggestive for aircraft. C. H. The Scientists’ Reference-Book and Diary, 19109. Pp. 147+Diary. (Manchester: Jas. Woolley, Sons, and Co., Ltd.) Price 3s. 6d. Tue physical and chemical constants, together with the scientific and general information con- tained in the reference-book, will prove of real assistance to the worker in science. The con- venient manner in which the data are arranged will make reference easy, and the fact that the book and diary are bound together in a case of a size suitable for the pocket should continue to give the pocket-book a wide popularity. NO. 2568, VoL. 102] NATURE 383 LEITERS TO THE EDITOR: [The Editor does not hold himself responsible for opinions expressed by his correspondents. Neither can he undertake to return, or to correspond with the writers of, rejected manuscripts intended for this or any other part of Nature. No notice is taken of anonymous communications. ]| Climograph Charts. My attention has been directed to a note in NaTURE of October 17, 1918 (p. 132), on the origin of the chart called a climograph, which gives'a graphic representa- tion of the climatic conditions of a locality in the course of the year in respect of warmth and moisture. The paragraph states that the method is due to Dr. Griffith Taylor, of the Meteorological Bureau, Mel- bourne. I think it should be noted that diagrams of a similar character with the dry bulb, instead of the wet bulb, combined with the relative humidity, were described and illustrated by Dr. John Ball, of the Egyptian Survey Department, eight years ago in the November issue of the Cairo Scientific Journal, vol. 1., No. 4. We discussed the diagrams at the Meteorological Office early in 1911, when the late Mr. W. Marriott, of the Royal Meteorological Society, pro- duced a number of similar diagrams for English stations, some of which were particularly intriguing, because they failed to distinguish, as we thought they might have done, between places which had the reputa- tion of being bracing on one hand, and relaxing on the other. The subject was further pursued in a paper by Dr. Ball and Mr. J. I. Craig, read at the meeting of the British Association at Portsmouth in 1911. Mr. Craig, in reading the paper, exhibited slides repre- senting on that plan a variety of climates, such as unhealthy climates, continental and marine climates, London, the cotton lands, the monsoon, the influence of altitude, dry health resorts as compared with London, Toronto as compared with Davos, and various climates of the United States. These graphs differ from those afterwards prepared as climographs by Dr. Griffith Taylor in having the dry bulb instead of the wet bulb, and the alteration, for the most part, makes little difference to the general appearance of the diagram, though it alters its position on the sheet. As a matter of fact, neither form of diagram seems to be completely satisfying as distinguishing between the comfortable, the tolerable, and the unendurable in climate. Some years ago Mr. W. F. Tyler, of the Chinese Customs Service, pointed out that between limits of temperature, say 55° F. and 65° F., nobody minded much what the humidity was; but outside these limits of the “‘ generally comfortable”’ there was a range of temperatures of the ‘just tolerable” order for damp air, which soon got to the “‘unendurable” on the side of higher temperature. Beyond these, again, is a range of temperatures under which life is possible only in dry air. An effective climatic diagram would in some way or other exhibit the relation of the climate to the ranges compatible with comfort, life, and death. NAPIER SHAW. Meteorological Office, South Kensington, London, S.W.7, January 1. A University Association. Pror. ARMSTRONG’Ss letter in Nature of January 2 has just come to my notice, and as chairman of the Conference of University Lecturers, to which reference was made in these columns under the “ University and Educational Intelligence” of December 12, I hasten 384 to accord my hearty agreement with his timely protest against the advertising of a chair of chemistry at King’s College, London, at the “princely salary” of 6ool, a year. Prof. Armstrong hopes that the profession will make no response. There is, however, little doubt that there will be a quite substantial competition for the post among the best of our chemical lecturers. The reason is, of course, that 6ool. does appear to the university lecturer a princely plum worth scrambling for; it means for him at one jump an increase to from two to three times his present salary, and he knows that as the number of such relatively well- paid posts is much smaller than the number of lec- turers, it is his duty to his dependents to leave no chance untried, That I am not drawing an exaggerated picture will be evident from a consideration of the following average salaries of non-professorial teachers, calculated from data which I have before me, derived from fifteen universities and university colleges :— Service Number of Average salary year lecturers & TG i at 119 17 6-10 =. “5 5 193 etic Bee dea) eeeyy 25% HG=20))) Pose a. 130 230 ENR eee oe eT 263 26-20) (om eee 4 207 Skee Ciena. ae 3 273 The professorial view of a salary of 60o0l. is another matter. What the gentleman appointed to the chair at King’s College will think a few years hence is also another matter. The preliminary to any effort to maintain a reason- able professorial scale of remuneration by the absten- tion of lecturers from competing for what are for them really well-paid posts is to ensure the lecturer a reasonable living wage. And this, too, is Prof. Arm- strong’s solution put in rather different form. Why not call the post a lectureship? A glance at the above table will show that to abstain from competing for a 6001. post, simply because it is called a professorship, in, say, one’s twelfth year of service, is a risk too grave to be taken. The Scottish lecturers have been recently granted a graded scale rising to 750l. This is in line with the revised scheme of remuneration for the scientific staff of the National Physical Laboratory, as follows :— Min. Yearly increase Max. j & & ee Superintendents 800 50 1000 Principal assistants 650 25 750 Senior assistants ... 500 25 600 Assistants, I. 350 20 450 Assistants, II. 250 20 350 Junior assistants ... 75 15 235 In regard to abstention, another and very vital difii- culty arises. How is a lecturer to know what his col- leagues will do? He may by abstaining cut his own throat without achieving any reform. Both professors and lecturers are in a dilemma. What is to be done? The answer is perfectly clear. We university teachers should have an association which would do for us, or enable us to do for ourselves, what the Medical Association does for the doctors. This is a perfectly practical suggestion. It may be taken as certain that in the course of evolution such an asso- ciation is destined to come. What is to prevent it from being an accomplished fact within six months from to-day ? R. Doueras Laurie. University College of Wales, Abervstwyth, January 9. NO. 2568, VOL. 102] NATURE ' [January 16, 1919 Airy and the Figure of the Earth. I sHouLD be very much obliged if any reader of Narure would kindly give me an answer to the fol- lowing question :— In a note on p. 371 of the second volume of the treatise on ‘‘ Natural Philosophy,” by Thomson and Tait, I read: “Airy has estimated 24 ft. as the greatest deviation of the bounding surface from the true ellipsoid.’ Where did Airy give the result 24 ft. ? Darwin (‘‘ Scientific Papers,” vol. iii., p, 78) writes : “Airy further concluded that the earth’s surface must be depressed below the level of the true ellipsoid in middle latitudes. He gave no numerical estimate of this depression, but expressed the opinion that it must be very small.” ; It is curious to remark that Todhunter, in his “History of the Theory of Attraction, etc.,"’ made no mention of the paper by Airy on the figure of the earth printed in the third part of the Philosophical Trans- actions of the Royal Society for the year 1826, which is the paper alluded to in the above quotation from Darwin. Orravio Zanotti Branco (Docent of Geodesy in the R. University of Turin). . Torino (Italy), Via della Rocca 28, November 28, 1918. I Have carefully examined the curious points raised by Sig. Bianco, and cannot find any satisfactory answer to the questions asked. Thomson and Tait’s footnote, in which it is stated that Airy “estimated 24 ft. as the greatest deviation of the bounding surface from the true ellipsoid,’ occurs also in the first edition of the ‘“* Natural Philosophy.” It is true, in a sense, that Airy gave in his pub- lished paper no distinct numerical estimate of this deviation. Nevertheless, in his discussion of Sabine’s pendulum observations, he compared the coefficients of certain terms with the corresponding values in terms of e and A as given in his theoretical formule. The value of A so found (see Phil. Trans., vol. cxvi., p. 366) is 0-000064. In latitude 45° the deviation is aX x}x, and this is 334 ft., and not 24 ft., as Thomson and Tait give it. The only other possible explanation is that Airy had communicated a later estimate privately to Thomson, for it is quite conceivable that Airy may have made an estimate which he never published. I can find no other publication of his in which this estimate is given or from which it may be derived. In the days in which Thomson and Tait were writing their book—i.e. in the “sixties” of last cen- tury—Thomson was much interested in the figure of the earth, and he was almost certain to be in touch with Airy. Personally, I never thought of questioning the accuracy of the footnote. Sir George Darwin read the proof-sheets of the second edition and wrote a number of sections. He let it pass, although in his own writings he says that Airy gave no estimate. This, however, is not quite correct. I can throw no further light on it. Possibly a better series of pendulum observations than those given by Sabine might lead to the result 24 ft. But that is rather a wild speculation. C. G. Knorr. Some Temperature Anomalies. I nave often noticed the anomalies of temperature to which Mr. Harries directs attention in Nature of January 9, and have sometimes been inclined to ascribe the high temperature in the .east to air that | EEE ' ’ January 16, 1919] has come from Spain and Africa instead of from the Atlantic, as in the west. But as the result of observa- tions of temperature in the upper air I have latterly thought that Mr. Harries’s suggestion is correct, and that the high temperature is due to a descending current. So far as my recollection goes, the pheno- menon occurs when an anticyclone is situated over France or the south-east of England, and. not in cyclonic conditions such as have prevailed during the past week. Whatever the cause may be, the temperatures and pressures of the air from 2000 ft. to 25,000 ft. are most highly correlated; from 10,000 ft. to 20,000 ft. the correlation coefficients between temperatures and pres- sures at the same height are as high as 0-80 to o-go0, and even at 2000 ft. the temperature is far more dependent upon the pressure at 30,000 ft. than it is upon the direction of the wind. Above 35,000 ft. the correlation is negative. It seems pretty clear that this close connection between temperature and pressure must be due to vertical currents induced by the dis- tribution of pressure; it is too close, and above 30,000 ft. of the wrong sign, to be accounted for by the mere adiabatic compression and expansion with- out change of height, and it may well be that on some occasions the descending currents reach the sur- face and produce a high temperature, although in general the temperature at the surface is not much influenced by the pressure. W. H. Dives. Benson, January to. Cyclones. “J. S. D.,” in his interesting article in Nature for January 2 last, makes the following statement :— “Thus the cyclone was looked upon as a warm column of rising air with spirally inflowing winds at its base; the anticyclone, conversely, contained a cold core of descending air. Now we know that the opposite is in reality the truth; the cyclone has a cold core, the anticyclone a warm one.” JI think it should be pointed out that this pronouncement is only correct for the troposphere, but not for the strato- sphere. , Modern methods of sounding the atmosphere have shown that the Arctic and Antarctic cyclones have warm centres in the stratosphere, and Dines (Met. Office Pub., 210), p. 50) shows that this is true of travelling cyclones also.. Too much importance has been attached to the temperature distribution in the lower portion of the troposphere. Modern discoveries have merely located the hot core of the cyclone in the stratosphere instead of in the troposphere, leaving the temperature theory still the cause of the cyclonic circulation of the wind and the force that lifts up a cool central column of air from the ground. I think it will be found that the energy of cyclones can be maintained on the temperature theory with a very slight interchange of air between the stratosphere and troposphere in the case of the polar cyclones, and in the case of travelling cyclones by the bodily rising of the air in the central regions during their comparatively brief life. R. Mountrorp DEE Ley. 25 Beaconsfield Villas, Brighton, January 4. Mr. R. M. DEgtey is quite right in pointing out that it is only in the troposphere that depressions are relatively cold and anticyclones warm. It is in this region that the striking contrast appears between the old preconceived theory which postulated a warm core and the results of modern observation. The mechanism by which a cyclonic depression is maintained in being NO. 2568, VOL. 102] NATURE 385 | forms one of the great unsolved problems in meteoro- | logy. Some years ago the suggestion was put forward by Mr. W. H. Dines that the driving force of the. depression was to be looked for in the level at the base of the stratosphere. According to this view, a very slowly descending, and therefore warmed, column of air in the stratosphere is just such an integral part of the whole system as the rising, and therefore cold, column in the troposphere, but neither the one nor the other is to be regarded as the cause of the depression. » Mr. Deeley may be right in his view that the warm column in the upper layers is the fundamental cause, but this view is not at present generally accepted. Vents D The Brussels Natural History Museum. To many of your readers who appreciate the value of the collections in the Brussels Museum, the fol- lowing extract from a letter written by Dr. Dollo on January 5 will be welcome news :—‘‘ Mais je vous avais écrit également une carte postale illustrée, repré- sentant notre Galerie des Vertébrés vivants et fossiles de la Belgique, pour vous dire que tout était bien ici, que notre Musée est intact, qu’il n’y manque absolu- ment rien, et que nous étions saufs!” A. C. SEWwarD. Downing College Lodge, Cambridge, January 12. BORINGS FOR OIL IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. gh es is no need to labour the importance of liquid fuel in our national economy and existence. The growing needs of our Navy and Air Service, and the difficulties of transport during the war, have driven home the lesson and rendered imperative the demand that we should increase to a maximum the output of liquid fuels in the British Isles. The present production, mainly from the Scotch oil-shales and some of the coal-tar distillates, is very inadequate, and the country has had to depend almost entirely on foreign supplies. Such a state of affairs is obvi- ously deplorable, and if remedies are possible the neglect to apply them would be highly culpable. Two methods of alleviating the situation have been suggested, and both are being tried. The first entails the extensive retorting of British oil- shales and cannels to produce oil by destructive distillation; the second involves the drilling of wells in selected areas in a search for free crude petroleum in commercial quantities. With the first method the present writer is not here concerned ; it is the attempt to find oil in the free state which forms the subject of the ensuing remarks. The generally received opinion, that Nature, so lavish in her gifts of coal and iron to these favoured islands, was unaccountably frugal with petroleum, has not been accepted by all. A small minority has urged, and recently with insistence, that the assumption is based largely on the absence of definite intelligent exploratory drilling— that we are, in fact, in the same position as the United States before the Drake well of 1859, ignorant of the great stores of wealth lying avail- able below the surface. If this view be sound its importance cannot be 386 over-estimated; if it be only possible it is well worth investigation; if it be absurd the import- ance of the issue renders it necessary that it should be seriously confuted. It must be admitted that the history of scientific opinion affords numerous instances of truths finally pre- vailing against the hostility of accepted opinion. It is perhaps not to be wondered at that in con- sideration of its urgent needs the Government should have resolved to put the matter to the practical test. But it by no means follows that a commercial supply of oil will be forthcoming, in spite of the sanguine dreams and hopes of those who have pronounced favourably on the project. Petroleum is an unusually elusive substance, and the records of its development teem with “ wild- cat’’ schemes, some of them successful, most of them failures, but all of them graced with the blessings of some sober expert. The very term ““wild-catting ’’ is a recognised name in oil tech- nology for exploratory drilling of a purely specu- lative nature based on little or no evidence; the present scheme comes definitely within the limits of the term. It must be asserted at the outset that the general public report of the whole project has given an unduly optimistic account of the views of men of science on the problem. The measure of its success will be judged, as in any commercial undertaking, by the returns. Nothing short of the promised oil-fields would be an adequate return. The bulk of informed geological opinion —and the problem is essentially geological—is, to say the least, sceptical. It will therefore be well at this stage to sum up the evidence in order to ascertain what justification there is for the posi- tion of those numerous geologists who, in spite of, or rather in consequence of, their knowledge of the structure and geological history of the country, have been in the past, and still remain, unconvinced as to the likelihood of the existence of large supplies of oil therein. Apart from a few exceptional cases, the oil- fields of the world can be divided into two main groups, those in rocks of Tertiary and Upper Cretaceous age, and those of Paleozoic age. The former are situated along the trend of the Tertiary geosynclinals; they are usually affected by folding movements, sometimes intensely folded and thrust, and generally show abundant surface indications of their contained petroleum. » [JANUARY 16, 1919 cloudy in the stone of 1878 and clear in that of 1900. Calcium phosphate is present in both, but in the later .find lacks the gas cavities which are so conspicuous in the other. There are numerous other points of differ- ence, and the greater weathering of the 1900 stones probably indicates that they belong to an earlier fall. The name Fayette County, Cedar, is suggested for the stones found in 1goo. EcLipsES AND TRANSITS OF JAPETUS.—The orbit of Japetus, Saturn’s eighth satellite, is at present seen edgewise, and eclipses and transits are observable. On January 19d. 14:24h. G.M.T. the shadow of Japetus enters Saturn’s disc, passing off below our horizon at 23:09h. On February 27d, 11-62h. Japetus is occulted by Saturn; it remains invisible until 28d. 4-24h., when it emerges from the shadow of the ball to enter the shadow of the inner bright ring at 483h. It passes the space corresponding with the Cassini division at 7-1gh., emerging from the shadow of the outer ring at 8.4h. It will be remembered that in 1889 Prof. Barnard made a series of observations of its bright- ness while in the shadow of the crape ring, which gave information about its transparency. Such observations will only be possible in longitudes considerably east of Greenwich, but the passage through the Cassini space and the final emergence are observable here. Another transit of the shadow across Saturn’s disc will occur on April 9, beginning at midnight. The eclipse of May 18 is not observable nearer than western America. THE SUGAR INDUSTRY IN INDIA AND JAVA. ITH an area under sugar-cane about one-seventh of that devoted to this crop in India, Java has an annual production of cane-sugar not greatly inferior to that of India, and is able, after meeting its own requirements, to export large quantities, for which India is one of the chief markets. In Java the cul- tivation of sugar-cane is conducted on the most modern lines, and the manufacture of cane-sugar is carried on in central factories, where the processes are chemically controlled at every stage. In India the cultivation is in the hands of natives, as is also the preparation of the sugar, and both sides of the industry are conducted in somewhat primitive fashion. The Indian industry has not been left entirely to itself by the Government, and a certain amount of experimental work on the improvement of canes and in the introduction of better methods of preparing sugar has been carried on for some time by the Imperial De- partment of Agriculture in India and the Indian Pro- vincial Departments closely interested, but so far this work appears to have had but little effect either in in- creasing the Indian production or in stemming the rising tide of imports. Thus Messrs. Hulme and Sanghi, in a note submitted to the tenth meeting of the Board of Agriculture held at Poona in December, 1917, say that ‘‘the rapid increase in the imports of sugar before the war caused some anxiety to those in authority, and steps were taken with the view of improving the sugar industry in India” (Bulletin No. 82, Agricul- tural Research Institute, Pusa). One of these steps was the erection of a small experimental factory in 1914-15 at the Government farm at Nawabganj, in the Bareilly district of the United Provinces; the authors of the note referred to are in charge of this small factory, and in the note they give some results of their first two years’ work. Sugar-cane is grown as an experimental crop at the | farm, and the varieties in cultivation have all been analysed and their milling properties tested at the January 16, 1919 | . factory. So far the factory has experienced con- siderable difficulty in carrying out its programme of work. In 1915-16 the machinery was not com- plete in time for full working, and there was also a difficulty in getting sufficient cane. In 1916-17 the sugar-cane crop in the district was a failure, and only a small supply of inferior sugar-cane was available for working. The note, in addition to giving a résumé of the work done, describes the native methods of making “ gur”’ and sugar, and includes ar illustrated description of the plant in the experimental mill. The following figures quoted by the authors illus- trate clearly how much remains to be done to put the Indian sugar industry on a basis which will enable it to compete with Java. The figures are maunds of sugar produced per acre :—Java (modern methods), 110; Bareilly district (modern methods), 64; Bareilly district (mative methods), 73. In view of these figures it is little wonder that, in spite of a 1o per cent. import duty and the payment of freight, railway, handling, warehousing, and other charges, Java can sell sugar in the interior of India against the locally produced article. THE FLORA OF MACEDONIA. HE Kew Bulletin (December, 1918) contains an account of the flora of Macedonia by Mr. W. B. Turrill, based on collections made by himself and a few other men engaged with the British Salonika forces. The collections were made mainly in the Struma plain, on the *“‘Lembert Hills,’’ about 8 to 1o km. north of Salonilka, and the Krusa Ballxan, and represent the flora of the hills (which nowhere reach more than 1000 m.), the foothills, the nullahs, and the plains. The most striking plant of the hill-slopes is the Kermes oak (Quercus coccifera), a shrub from 2 ft. to 6 ft. in height, with very stiff, prickly leaves, the host of the crimson-dye yielding “‘ Kermes”’ insect, which constitutes a distinct formation related to the “maquis” of the Mediterranean area. The nullahs are of two types: those worn out of the solid rocks of the hills, and those cut out of the diluvium of the plains by streams and storms. They have generally very steep sides, which serve as a protec- tion from the sun for at least part of the day, and, as they retain considerable moisture, are able to maintain a flourishing vegetation through the hot summer. When water permanently runs through the nullah a marsh flora may be found on the stream- sides, including our British Lythrum salicaria, with Cyperus longus, and species of Juncus, Carex, Scirpus, Eleocharis, and others. Much of the ground of the plains is, or has been, under cultivation, and at the present time the weed flora is luxuriantly developed; the Struma plain in spring was brilliant with fields of scarlet poppies, pink Silenes, yellow Hypecoum, and a blue lupin. The parts traversed were generally poor in tree- growth, and forestry is non-existent. The ‘‘ Lembert Hills’ are bare except for the shrubby Quercus forma- tion and low herbage. Inland, trees occur, but nearly always singly or in small groups, seldom worthy of the name of woods. Quercus conferta is the com- monest tree in many districts, and also occurs as a nullah shrub. In the Struma plain elm-trees reach a good size, and isolated planes are well developed in various localities. The climate is typically Mediterranean in the long, hot, dry summer, but differs from the climates of most Mediterranean countries in having colder and wetter spells in winter. NATURE The autumn rains in October | 395 of flowering in autumn before the cold winds and snow of winter. The author records 625 species and varieties of flowering plants and ferns, representing probably. about a quarter of the vascular plants. The flora ‘is predominantly Mediterranean, and is most closely related to the Grecian flora; about one-sixth of the species are common to Macedonia and Greece, but do not extend northwards into Bulgaria. The northern element is, however, distinctly marked, since thirty- eight plants are recorded which occur in Macedonia and Bulgaria, but not in Greece. One new species is described, a : pink-flowered Silene from the Struma plain. THE MATHEMATICAL ASSOCIATION. HE annual meeting of the Mathematical Associa- tion was held in the London Day Training College, Southampton Row, on January 1 and 2. At the “Advanced Section” of the meeting Dr. S. Brodetsky read a valuable paper on ‘‘The Graphical Treatment of Differential Equations.” He briefly described the manner in which he was led to take up this subject by being confronted with “insoluble” differential equations while researching on the stability of motion in connection with aeroplane theory. The plan he devised was to sketch first of all on squared paper the curves dy/dx=o and d’y/dx*=o, thereby obtaining those regions in which the curves satisfying ¢(x, y, dy/dx)=o have positive and negative curva- ture. Thereafter, by solving directly for dy/dx in terms of x and y, he is able to sketch the curves of the system defined by the given differential equa- tion ¢(x, y, dy/dx)=o as a series of short arcs. At the ‘*General Section’? Dr. W. P. Milne dealt with **The Work of the Mathematical Association in Assisting the Application of Mathematics to Industry.” He pointed out that up to now the Mathematical Association had confined itself almost entirely to the work done in the secondary schools, and he said that in the work of industrial reconstruction the association had a wide and clamant field of potential mathematical activity in the departments of engineering, mining, agriculture, commerce, etc. All these spheres of labour are making a great and ever-increasing use of mathematical processes, and it seemed fitting that the association should lend a helping hand in drawing up the appropriate mathematical syllabuses on the most modern lines. It was also informally suggested that, in addition to the London meeting at Christmas-_ time, a peripatetic meeting should be held in the summer-time at different places in the provinces, so as to study on the spot industrial mathematics in its various forms. Upon a show of hands being taken, it was found that the meeting cordially approved of this informal suggestion... It was also announced that the association had arranged for a series of reports by expert committees on the mathematics of the various pivotal industries, and that these would be made public in due course. The presidential address by Prof. T. P. Nunn on “Astronomy as a School Subject ’’ was listened to with the greatest attention and appreciation. Prof. Nunn pointed out how desirable it was that modern educated men should know something of the world in which they lived, and said that from time immemorial the movements of the earth and the celestial bodies had excited the interest and admiration of men. He ex- hibited models of celestial cylinders, spheres, and cubes, all of which could be made with the simplest | apparatus, and from which most accurate results could be obtained by schoolboys themselves. Many school- revive the parched vegetation and cause a short period | masters gave their experiences of teaching astronomy, NO. 2568, VOL. 102] 396 NATURE [JaANuaRY 16, 1919 particularly in Stonyhurst and Bootham School. Prof. | trial that the formula’ which represents the reaction Nunn’s lecture, which was a departure from the usual presidential address, was an unqualified success. The Astronomer Royal, in the course of the discussion, testified to his appreciation of Prof. Nunn’s presenta- tion of the subject. A paper on “The Teaching of Geometry to First- year Pupils’’ was introduced by Mr. Basil A. Howard. There was a vigorous discussion, from which it was abundantly evident that teachers do not even yet regard the teaching of elementary geometry as in a satisfactory condition. It seems likely that a cleavage in the near future will be established between ** prac- tical experimental geometry’? and ‘theoretical geo- metry,” as the attempt to mix up these two aspects of the subject throughout the school course has not led to the best results, they being neither coincident nor contradictory, but distinct and complementary. BIOLOGY OF A LIFE-TABLE. At a meeting of the Royal Statistical Society on December 17 a paper was read by Dr. J. Brownlee entitled ‘‘ Notes on the Biology of a Life- Table.” Dr. Brownlee pointed out that a life-table contained a record of the natural history of the life- processes of man from birth to death. As man must be looked upon in the light of a physico-chemical engine with the power of working for a certain time, it should be possible to obtain from the different life- tables some indication of the rate at which the engine works and the manner in which the power of working is altered by different environments. That some law exists is shown by the relationship between environ- ment and ill-health advanced by Dr. Farr forty years ago. He established a relationship for the decade 1861-70 that D=cér, where D is the death-rate, 6 the number of persons living per sq. m., and c and p are constants. Unfortunately, Dr. Farr could only use crude death-rates, and his law was not found to apply in the subsequent decades. Now, however, it is pos- sible to use life-table death-rates. It is found, when the different areas in the country are arranged in groups according to their different death-rates, the groups being so large that the effects of different local conditions are averaged out, that the death-rate increases directly as the tenth root of the density of the population as measured by the number of persons on each square mile. The equations for the three decades for which statistics exist are as follows :— 1861-70 D= 12425710018 1881-90 D=rr-453'0985° 1891-1900 D = 10-829°19179 It follows from this that there must be some definite law underlying the life-processes, and that between the different life-tables close relationships should exist. In an endeavour to find these relationships Dr. Brownlee had made various experiments. In the first instance it was found that if a suitable upper limit to life were assumed, the expectations of life at all ages between ten years and seventy-five years, and the differences of the upper limit of life and the actual age when plotted on double logarithmic paper, lay on a straight line. This gives a relationship E,=a(C—x)", where C is the upper limit of life, E the expectation at age x, and a and m are constants. It is further found that n, C, and loga used as co-ordinates are collinear. The limited range through which the formula could be applied, however, and the fact that the upper limit of life was in most tables quite ridiculously low sug- gested a search for a better expression. He found on NO. 2568, VOL. 102] between a substance and a ferment, when the reaction is such that combination takes place between the sub- stance and the ferment, followed by dissociation as the alteration of the substance proceeds, gave an adequate graduation. ‘Taking the amount of the original substance to be represented by the expectation of life, the relationship between age and expectation is thus given in the following form :— ean E = When this formula is used, c and a are collinear for all life-tables, and c’ and n are collinear for each definite epoch, the epochs investigated being the decades 1861-70, 1881-90, 1891-1900, and the three years 1910-12. Further, it is found that all the latter lines are parallel. The constant direction of these may be assumed to be associated with the fact that the exponential relation of the death-rate to the density iven by Farr’s law is constant. The changing posi- tion of the line may also be associated with the change in the multiplying factor, which, as has been seen, has been continuously decreasing. A theoretical draw- back to using the formula as given above is that it assumes that the expectation of life is an adequate measure of vitality. This assumption implies that each year of life is of equal value, and therefore equates a year of life lived between twenty and twenty- one with a year of life lived between seventy and seventy-one, though the rate of action of life-processes must be very much greater in the former case than in the latter. This difficulty, however, can be got over when it is noted that the same formula graduates, not only the expectation of life, but also the life insurance premiums, so that it may be taken that any simple law of decay expressible by a geometrical progression acting as life goes on may be included in the argument. Dr. Brownlee thought that the relationships first given by Dr. Farr, and now found to apply for forty years in England and Wales, as also the relationship between the constants in the formula used for graduating the expectations in the life-tables, showed that the response of the human engine to different conditions was not arbitrary, but governed by very special laws. UNIVERSITY AND EDUCATIONAL INTELLIGENCE. -Giascow.—The faculties of science and medicine have lately received important benefactions, which will enhance the resources of the University for in- struction and research. Messrs. W. G. Gardiner and F. C. Gardiner, shipowners in Glasgow, have made a gift of 60,o0ol. to the University for the foundation of three professorships, at a stipend of roool. a year each, in bacteriology, in organic chemistry, and in physiological chemistry. The “Gardiner” chairs will be associated with the existing departments of patho- logy, chemistry, and physiology respectively, in which the several subjects have been represented by endowed lectureships. The Right Hon. Sir Joseph P. Maclay, Bart., has provided for five years a lectureship for clinical and practical instruction in tuberculosis at the Bridge of Weir Sanatoria. The instruction will be open to medical practitioners and students. Dr. James Crocket, D.P.H., has been appointed the first lecturer. A professor in the faculty of medicine has founded an “Arbroath” bursary of 4ol. a year for medical 1 Mellor, “‘ Chemical Statics and Dynamics,” p. 376. January 16, 1919] _ NATURE 397 students entering the third year of the curriculum who have given promise of distinction in the first and second professional examinations. The same professor has also established a prize of about 5ol., to be awarded every three years, for an essay of distinction (worthy to be published) on some subject relating to the history of medicine. Candi- dates must be graduates in medicine of the University of Glasgow. Intimation has also been given of substantial gifts for the foundation of lectureships in diseases of infants and children in connection with the Royal Hospital for Sick Children on Yorkhill, adjoining the University, which was opened by his Majesty the King in July, 1914. "The number of students attending the classes in science and medicine has increased so greatly that, in order to provide accommodation for men released from war service, who have the first claim on the University, it has been intimated that admission to the first-year classes at the beginning of the summer session in April cannot be guaranteed to freshmen not already matriculated. Mrs. Atice Jackson has bequeathed roool. to the University of Sheffield for the Arthur Jackson chair of anatomy. THE examination for the 1919 scholarship of the North-East Coast Institution of Engineers and Ship- builders (Newcastle-upon-Tyne) will be held in Septem- ' ber next, and copies of the regulations and other par- ticulars may be had on application to the secretary of the institution, Bolbec Hall, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The scholarship is of the annual value of 5ol., and tenable for two years. Tue Bureau of Education (Department of the Interior) of the United States, with a view to a com- prehensive campaign for the support of the schools and for the maintenance upon them, has arranged sinee July last to issue bi-monthly a journal entitled School Life. The second number contains a letter from the President, in the course of which he says: “That there should be no falling-off in attendance in elementary schools, high schools, or colleges is a matter of the very greatest importance affecting both our strength in war and our national efficiency when the war is over.” ‘‘ After the war,”’ he goes on to say, “there will be urgent need, not only for trained leadership in all lines of industrial, commercial, social, and civic life, but for a very high average of intel- ligence and preparation on the part of all the people"; and he urges “the people to continue to give generous support to their schools of all grades, and that the schools adjust themselves as wisely as possible to the new conditions, to the end that no boy or girl shall have less opportunity for education because of the war, and that the nation may be strengthened, as it can only be, through the right education of all its people."" These are wise and weighty words such as may be expected from President Wilson in this supreme hour of his country’s history, and indicate the faith which the nation firmly holds in the place and value of education as the bedrock of its progress towards the realisation of its ideals. ‘‘ Germany,” says the U.S. Commissioner for Education, ‘‘ has made herself a composite, compact, purposeful nation by methods of education, as well as by authority. We can make ourselves a compact. purposeful nation and impose no authority other than the compelling influence of affection, sympathy, understanding, and education.” The journal is full of interesting matter, both NO. 2568, VoL. 102] “mers. domestic and foreign, dealing with various aspects of education. It is mailed free to all administrative officials throughout the States, and furnished to the schools, single or in quantities, at 50 cents per annum. Free libraries in this country would be well advised to supply their reading-rooms with copies. SOCIETIES AND ACADEMIES. Lonpon. Physical Society, November 22, 1918.—Prof. C. H. Lees, president, in the chair.—A. Campbell: (1) The linguistic nomenclature of scientific writers. The note insists on the importance of clear and consistent nomenclature and the avoidance of foreign plural forms, such as media, genera, radiivectores, etc. The term pulsatance is suggested as a suitable name for 2xXfrequency. (2) Low-frequency microphone hum- The note describes the conditions of mechanical loading, capacitance, and position which the author has found give successful working at low frequencies. (3) A simple tuning-fork generator for sine-wave alter- nating currents. The arrangement consists of an electrically maintained tuning-fork, to one prong of which is attached a small thin coil with its axis per- pendicular to the direction of motion of the prong. As the fork vibrates the coil oscillates in the field of a fixed horseshoe magnet, and an approximately sinu- soidal E.M.F. is set up in the coil. The frequency with the apparatus shown was 10” _ per second. (4) A method of comparing tuning-forks of low fre- quency and of determining their damping decrements. The method consists in putting the windings of the maintaining magnets in series with each other and with a sensitive vibration galvanometer. The beats are clearly shown by the pulsations of the band of light on the scale. ; Royal Microscopical Society, December 18, 1918.—Mr. J. E. Barnard, president, in the chair.—Lt.-Col. Aldo Castellani: Tropical diseases in the Balkanic war zone. (1) Tropical diseases are quite common in the Balkanic zone. (2) The most important and the commonest of all is malaria, which is often of a very malignant type, and may simulate many other diseases. (3) Next to malaria, the amecebic and bacillary dysenteries are the most common affections. Causes of enteritis due to flagellates, and rarely to ciliates, occur. Coccidiosis has been observed. Cholera and paracholera have been rare. (4) Camp jaundice (Icterus castrensis) is common. (5) Fevers of the enteric group are fairly frequent in the Ballans, but during the last three years have never assumed an epidemic type. Para- typhoid A and B are in certain districts more fre- quently met with than true typhoid. Paratyphoid and similar fevers due to intermediate germs are not rare. (6) Malta fever is rare in Macedonia and the interior of the Balkanic zone; it is more frequently met with on the coast and in the islands. (7) Kala-azar of adults is absent in the Balkans; of the infantile type many cases are seen in,certain islands of the Adriatic and Aigean Seas. In Macedonia it is rare. (8) Re- lapsing fever is quite common. In the treatment of the malady the best results were obtained by using a combined salvarsan-tartar emetic treatment. (9) Typhus exanthematicus is at the present moment very rare, whereas a terrible epidemic raged in 1914-15. Trench fever is occasionally met with; both the types described | in France have also occurred in the Balkans. (10) Pap- pataci fever is extremely common in certain parts of the Ballkans, especially in the late summer and early autumn. (11) Bronchomycosis and bronchospiro- chzetosis are far from rare. (12) Pellagra is quite 395 common in several districts of Macedonia. the tropical diseases which are of rarer occurrence in the Balkans may be mentioned blackwater fever, filariasis, leprosy, sprue, intestinal myiasis, mycotic, spirocheetic, and flagellate erethritis. (14) Certain tropical skin diseases are frequently met with. Aristotelian Society, January 6.—Prof. Wildon Carr in the chair.—C. D. Broad: Mechanical explanation and its alternatives. Controversies between mechanis- tic and non-mechanistic biologists suffer from a lack of clear definition of what the opponents mean by mechanism. The case is also prejudiced by confin- ing the controversy to biology, and not raising the same question about chemistry and other advanced sciences. Mechanism must mean at least obedience to the laws of motion or some substitute which reduces indefinitely near to them for moderate velocities. This condition is summed up by the form of Lagrange’s equations and the form of the function T and the nature of the variables in it. But this is never a sufficient condition of mechanism; for it leaves open to the right-hand side of Lagrange’s equations all sorts of forms and all sorts of variables. According to the different limitations imposed on their functions and their variables, different senses of mechanism emerge. Five senses are distinguished; the two least rigid are macroscopic, the remaining three are micro- scopic, in Lorentz’s sense of these words. If the more rigid forms hold at all, they must hold microscopically, for it is certain that they do not hold macroscopically. Microscopic explanations need not be mechanistic. Only the less rigid forms of mechanism are necessary for scientific explanation, and they are not necessary for ‘any profound metaphysical reason, but because we can accurately measure only directly geometrical magnitudes, and we cannot deal with a multitude of complex and irreducible laws. Even the most rigid form of mechanism might, however, be true if we carry Our microscopic analysis further than it has yet been carried. The main advantage of pure mechanism | would be a unification in our theories of Nature. Without it science is perfectly possible, but will tale the form of a hierarchy of laws of various degrees of generality; the more special of these will not be deducible from the more general. When account is taken of secondary qualities it is seen that pure mechanism cannot be the whole truth even about the non-mental part of the world. There is no necessary conflict between teleology and mechanism; and the ultimate cause of the special structure of teleological systems is inexplicable with or without mechanism. Optical Society, January 9.—Prof. F. the chair.—Lt.-Col. Williams: Design and inspection of certain optical munitions of war. Service instru- ments must be much more robust than those used by civilians, and have certain parts interchangeable. As regards optical systems, the definition is tested by means of plates having round and square holes and radiating grooves cut in them; the magnification by means of a dynameter; the field of view and spacing of graticules by means of scales; the normal focus by means of an auxiliary telescope; the diopter scales by means of standard lenses, etc. Much trouble has been experienced due to lenses, prisms, etc., in enclosed instruments having become filmy after a time. J. Cheshire in DUBLIN. Royal Dublin Society, December 17, 1918.—Prof. G. H. Carpenter in the chair.—Dr. Joseph Reilly and W. Hickinbottom: Determination of the volatile fatty acids by an improved distillation method. Assuming Nernst’s law of distribution, the theory of distillation of a dilute aqueous solution of a volatile substance NO. 2568, VOL. 102] "NATURE (13) Of | has been considered. [JANUARY 16, 1919 The distillation constants of Naumann and Miller, Stein, and others have been correlated, and it is demonstrated that they are dependent on Nernst’s law. The lower fatty acids were taken as a type of volatile substances soluble in water, and comparative distillation constants both for single acids and mixtures of acids have been deter- mined. The apparatus used was of an improved type, in which the distillation was carried out at con- stant volume, the whole apparatus being steam- jacketed. Water was added through a side tube sealed into a quartz distillation flask at a point below the surface of the solution. A comparison was made with the methods employed by Duclaux, Dyer, and Stein. It is shown experimentally that the distilla- tion constant is inversely proportional to the volume. It is also observed that there is a relation between the distillation constants and the molecular weight. From an examination of the percentage of acid dis- tilled over in each fraction, from solutions of mixtures of two or three fatty acids, it is shown that the composition of the original mixture can be calculated with a fair degree of accuracy, thus affording an experimental verification of Nernst’s law. “This method of distillation is capable of being extended to the distillation of substances other than the lower fatty acids.—Miss Margaret G. Flood: The exudation of water from the leaf-tips of Colocasia antiquorum. Under normal conditions the leaf-tips of this species emit a succession of drops of liquid water (10-120 to the minute). In view of the extreme purity of the water expelled, as shown by cryoscopic and conduc- tivity tests, the mechanism of the secretion and filtra- tion is of interest. It has been generally supposed that a gland at the leaf-tips is responsible for the exudation, but minute microscopic investigation has shown that no such gland is to be found in the leaf- tip, and this histological evidence is confirmed by experiments in which colloids have been induced to flow through the tips, thus physically demonstrating a continuous passage from the water channels in the leaf through the tips. Hence we must assume that the exuded water is raised and filtered by the activity of tissues lower down in the plant.——Dr. G. H. Pethybridge : Preliminary note on the possibility of dis- tinguishing the seeds of wild white clover from those of ordinary white clover by chemical means during a germination test. Mirande showed that Trifolium repens contained a cyanophoric glucoside. H. E. and E. F. Armstrong and E. Horton-found that traces of HCN could be detected in the green cotyledons of young seedlings derived from the seed of wild white clover even on the fourth or fifth day after germina- tion, but not in plants raised from ordinary or “* cul- tivated’? seed at any stage of growth. It was there- fore thought that by using Guignard’s alkaline picrate- paper it might be possible to distinguish the seedlings of wild white clover from those of ordinary clover with certainty during a germination test. Extended trials showed, however, that the seedlings from wild white clover-seed were not alone in giving a positive reaction for HCN, but that seedlings raised from commercial varieties of ordinary white clover-seed of American and Canadian origin also gave a positive reaction. Hence this reaction cannot be regarded as infallible as a means of differentiating between ordinary and wild white clover-seeds.—E. J. Sheehy : Possible causes of variation in the quantity and quality of cow’s milk. An account is given of experiments conducted in 1918, supplemental to the earlier work of 1915 and 1916. One experiment shows that the proportion of solids not fat in mill decreases from the first sample drawn at a milking to the “strip- pings,” while the percentage of fat increases. The January 16, 1919] NATURE 629 millk becomes concentrated in solids not fat while it is resting in the udder. the effect of leaving the “strippings’’ with a cow for some days. By comparing the above with the results from the injection of pituitary extract and corpus luteum, the conclusion is come to that fat is stored up | in the alveolar cells of the mammary gland, owing to | the back pressure of the milk in the udder, and that some of it remains there even after milking a cow thoroughly. Because more is left after the morning millx, succeeding a long interval, than after an evening milking, as much total fat is produced in the evening as in the morning milk. SYDNEY. Royal Society of New South Wales, November 6, 1915. —Mr. W. S. Dun, president, in the chair.—G. P. Darnell-Smith: An account of some preliminary in- vestigations on a bacterial disease of tobacco. Blue mould, due to the fungus Peronospora hyoscyami, is a | serious disease in tobacco seed-beds, and has been very prevalent in New South Wales during the last two years. While the mould itself causes a withering of the leaves, it has been found that the conducting vessels of the roots and stems invariably show signs of decay in plants that have been attacked. From the tissues of such plants pure cultures of a bacterium have been obtained which has the form and many of the characters of Bacterium solanacearum. Cultures of this organism inoculated into healthy plants have been recovered again after two months. There seem to be grounds for believing that the main difficulty in rearing plants that have been attacked by blue mould lies in the fact that they become infected with a bac- terium identical with, or closely allied to, Bacterium solanacearum, an organism which in America has been shown to give rise to a wilt disease of tobacco.— R. H. Cambage: Two new species of Eucalyptus. One species was a Mallee from the hills near Pokolbin, in the Maitland district, and the other a tree up to 50 ft. high, known as the willow gum, from the summit of the Buffalo Mountains in Victoria, at an elevation exceeding 4000 ft. Wasuincton, D.C. National Academy of Sciences, August, 1918 (Pro- ceedings, vol.iv., No. 8).—C. B. Davenport : Hereditary tendency to form nerve tumours. The disease is not communicable. It affects blood-relatives, both sexes nearly equally, and occurs without a break in the generations, about 50 per cent. of the individuals being affected. Apparently, therefore, the hereditary factor in neurofibromatosis is dominant.—D. N. Lehmer : Arithmetical theory of certain Hurwitzian continued fractions. Investigations on the successive values of the numerators and denominators of convergents.— A. Emch: Closed curves described by a_ spherical pendulum. Some geometric properties of these curves are developed.—C, Drechsler: The taxonomic position of the genus Actinomyces. A morphological study for the purpose of determining the merits of various con- tending views.—H. Shapley: Studies of magnitudes in star clusters—viii. A summary of results bearing on the, structure of the sidereal universe. A summary of results leads to a simple interpreta- tion of star-streaming. The stars of stream i. belong to the large moving cluster surrounding the sun, those of stream ii. belong to the galactic field—H. L. Fairchild: Glacial depression and _ post- Glacial uplift of North-Eastern America. An_illus- tration of the geophysical theory of isostacv.—C. B. Lipman and D. D. Waynick : A bacteriological study of the soil of Loggerhead Key, Tortugas, Florida. A discussion of bacterial counts, nitrogen-transforming NO. 2568, VoL. 102] The second experiment shows | powers of the soils, and nitrogen-fixing powers and organisms.—P. H. Cobb: Autonomous responses of the labial palps of Anodonta. The palp contains within itself the neuromuscular organism necessary for the responses described, and therefore possesses an autonomy more complete than that of the vertebrate heart.—F. C. Blake: The depth of the effective plane in X-ray crystal penetration. In determining the value of h by means of X-rays, the ‘“‘depth of the effective plane’? was 0-203 mm. for calcite with a certain X-ray wave-length. An attempt is here made to explain this theoretically —E. P. Allis, jun.: The myodome and trigemino-facialis chamber of fishes and the corresponding cavities in higher vertebrates —_ D. F. Jones: The effect of in-breeding and cross- breeding upon development. A continuation of work by East and Hayes on the naturally cross-pollinated corn plant, Zea mays, L. September, 1918 (Proceedings, vol. iv., No. 9).— W. M. Davis: Metalliferous laterite in New Cale- donia. Laterite ores of the serpentine highlands seem to be local as to area of development, and inter- mittent as to time of origin and duration of occurrence. —H. H. Donaldson: A comparison of growth-changes in the nervous system of the rat with corresponding changes in the nervous system of man. The five events in the growth of the nervous system of the rat, | namely, (1) increase in total weight, (2) decrease in percentage of water, (3) accumulation of myelin, | (4) maturing of the cerebellum, and (5) attainment of » mature thickness of the cerebral cortex, all take place at ages equivalent, or nearly equivalent, to those at which they occur in man; and hence, by the use of equivalent ages, there is a satisfactory method for making a cross-reference between the rat and man.— R. W. Hegner: Variation and heredity during the vegetative reproduction of Arcella dentata. Within a large family of A. dentata produced by vegetative re- production from a single specimen there are many heritably diverse branches. These diversities are due both to very slight variations and to sudden large variations or mutations. The formation of such here- ditarily diverse branches seems to be a true case of evolution observed in the laboratory, and occurring 1n a similar way in Nature.—W. E. Ekblaw: The im- portance of nivation as an erosive factor, and of soil- flow as a transporting agency, in northern Greenland. Nivation and solifluction, characteristic processes of disintegration and denudation under sub-Arctic or Arctic conditions, appear to be of prime importance in the reduction: of high relief of northern Greenland.— G. A. Miller: The a-holomorphisms of a group. A solution of the problem: For what values of @ is it possible to construct non-Abelian groups which admit separately an a-holomorphism ? October, 1918 (Proceedings, vol. iv., No. 10).— Major R. M. Yerkes: Measuring the mental strength of an army. A review of the psychological under- takings in connection with the examination of the recruits for the U.S. Army.—E. H. Hall: Thermo- electric action with thermal effusion in metals: a correction. Supplementary to an earlier paper.—E. J. Wilczynski : Invariants and canonical forms. A general proof in the sense of Moore’s general analysis of the fact that the co-efficients of a unique canonical form are invariants.—E. L. Nichols and H. L. Howes : Types of phosphorescence. Two types of phosphorescence, known as persistent and vanishing, are distinguished and discussed. The types are apparently independent, and both may occur with a single source of excitation and in a single substance.—C. G. Abbot: The Smith- sonian ‘Solar Constant” Expedition to Calama, 400 NATURE [JANUARY 16, 1919 Chile. A preliminary report on the aim and equip- ment of the Calama expedition.—C. B. Bridges: Maroon, a recurrent mutation in Drosophila. Cacurta, Asiatic Society of Bengal, November 6.—E. Brunetti ; Review of progress in our knowledge of Oriental Diptera during the last two decades.—E. Vredenburg ; The occurrence of Cypraea nivosa, Broderip, in the Mergui Archipelago. Among the shells from the Mergui Archipelago collected by Dr. J. Anderson, and described in 1888 by Dr. von Martens, are two speci- mens of the rare species Cypraea nivosa, Broderip, hitherto only known from Mauritius, that have erroneously been referred to Cypraea vitellus, Linn., which Cypraea nivosa superficially resembles. It is not unlikely that, as in the case of the Mergui shells, this uncommon species may have been mistaken in other instances for the common Cypraea vitellus. BOOKS RECEIVED. Catalysis in Industrial Chemistry. By Prof. G. G. Henderson. Pp. ix+202. (London: Longmans and Co.) os. net. Fungi and Disease in Plants. \ Pp. vi+547- (Calcutta and Simla: Thacker, Spink, and Co.) 15 rupees. The Turks of Central Asia in History and at the Present Day. By M.A. Czaplicka. Pp.242. (Oxford: At the Clarendon Press.) 15s. net. A Bibliography of Indian Geology and Physical Geography. With an Annotated Index of Minerals of Economic Value. By T. H. D. La Touche. Part i. Pp. xxviiit571. Part ii. Pp. ii+4o0. (Calcutta: Office of the Geological Survey of India.) 5s. 4d. and 6s. respectively. How to Deal with Different Kinds of Fires. By S. G. Gamble. Pp. 50. (London: The British Fire Prevention Committee.) 3s. 6d. A System of Physical Chemistry. b W. C. McC. Lewis. Second edition. In 3 vols. Vol. i., Kinetic Theory. Pp. xii+494. Vol. ii., Thermodynamics. Pp. vit+403. (London: Longmans and Co.) 15s, net each vol. Catalytic Hydrogenation and Reduction. E. B. Maxted. Pp. viii+104. Churchill.) 4s. 6d. net. Surface Tension and Surface Energy, and_ their Influence on Chemical Phenomena. By Dr. R. S. Willows and E. Hatschek. Second edition. Pp. viii+ 115. (London: J. and A. Churchill.) 4s. 6d. net. By Prof. By Dr. (London: J. and A. DIARY OF SOCIETIES. THURSDAY, JANUARY 16. Rovat INSTITUTION, at 3.—Prof. J. N. Collie: Chemical Studies of Oriental Porcelain. Rovat Soctetv or Arts, at 4.30.—H. Kelway-Bamber, M.V.O. : Coal and Mineral Traffic on the Indian Railways. Linnean Society, at 5.—Capt. A. W. Hill: The Care of Soldiers’ Graves. —N. E. Brown: Old and New Species of Mesembryanthemum, with Critical Remarks.—Dr. J. R. Leeson: Exhibition of Mycetozoa from Epping Forest. MATHEMATICAL Society, at 5.—Prof. Fréchet: The Differential of Functional Operations.—L. J. Mordell: The Value of a Definite Integral. CHEMICAL Sociery, at 8. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17. Roya InstiruTion, at 5.30.—Sir J. Dewar: Liquid Air and the War. MONDAY, JANvARY 20. RovaL GEOGRAPHICAL Society, at 5.—Lt.-Col. Winterbotham, R.E.: British Survey on the Western Front, TUESDAY, January 21. Soe INSTITUTION, at 3.—Prof. Spenser Wilkinson: Lessons of the ar. British Association GrorHysicaL Discussions, at 5.—Dr. E. M. Wedderburn : Seiches.—Dr. S. Chapman: Tidal Motions in the Atmo- sphere. Roya SraTisTICAL Society, at 5.15.—Right Hon. Herbert Samuel: Presidential Address: The Taxation of the Various Classes of the People. NO. 2568, VOL. 102] By E. J. Butler. ° Farapay Sociery.—General Discussion; The Present Position of the Theory of Ionisation.—At 5-6.30.—Prof. G. Senter: Introductory Address.—Prof. S. Arrhenius: The Evidence for Electrolytic Dissocia- tion,—Prof. S. F. Acree: Some Investigations Bearing on the Present Position of the Theory of Lonisation,.—Capt. J. W. McBain: Some Fundamental Problems of the Dissociation Theory in Aqueous and Non- aqueous Solutions.—W. R. Bousfield: The Determination of the Ionisation of an Aqueous Solution; Correction of the Transport Numbers for Combined Water.—Dr. N. R. Dhar: Some Aspects of the Electrolytic Dissociation Theory.—At 8.—Dr. Henry J. S. Sand: The Hydration of Ions.—Prof. A. W. Porter: The Variation of Electric Con- ductivity of Solutions with Concentration.—Dr. E. Newbery: The Resistance of an Electrolytic Cell.—Capt. J. R. Partington: The Dilu- tion Law.—Dr. E. B. R. Prideaux: Pyrites and Ammonia—Estimation and Separation. INsTiTuTION oF PeTROLEUM TECHNOLOGISTS, at 5.30.—Andrew Campbell and W. J. Wilson : Paraffin Wax and its Manufacture. ILLUMINATING ENGINEERING Society, at 8.—A. Wise opens a Discussion on Modern Practice in Office Lighting. WEDNESDAY, JANvary 22. RovaL -Socrzty or ARTS, at 4.30.—Col. H. G. Lyons: Meteorology during and after the War. GroLocicaL Society, at 5.30.—C, J. Gilbert : The Occurrence of Extensive Deposits of High-level Sands and Gravels Resting upon the Chalk at Little Heath, near Berkhamsted.—G. Barrow : Notes on the Correlation of the above-mentioned Deposits with the High-level Gravels of the South of England (or the London Basin), THURSDAY, JANUARY 23. Rovat InsTITUTION, at 3.—Prof. J. N. Collie: Chemical Studies of Oriental Porcelain. Royac Society, at 4.30.—Prodable Papers: Admiral Sir H. Jackson and Prof. G. B. Bryan: Experiments Demonstrating: an Electrical Effect in Vibrating Metals.—Prof. T. H, Havelock: Wave Resistance: Some Cases of Three-dimensional Fluid Motion.—W. S. Abell: Chances of Loss of Merchant Ships. INSTITUTION OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS, at 6.—A. P. M. Fleming: Planning a Works Research Organisation. FRIDAY, January 24. 4 Rovat InsTITUTION, at .5.30.—Temp. Lt.-Col. A. Balfour: One Side of War. [INSTITUTION OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS, at 6. = CONTENTS. Chemistry for Students soy C. |e ee een Science Text-books forthe Future. By R. S. W.. 382 Planting in Maritime Localities. By W. J.B. . . 382 Our Bookshelf . .’. . . Wests orn (ney hagres eis Letters to the Editor:— Climograph Charts. —Sir Napier Shaw, F.R.S. 383 A University Association.—R. Douglas Laurie . 383 Airy and the Figure of the Earth,—Ottavio Zanotti Bianco; Dr.C. G. Knott... . . 384 Some Temperature Anomalies.—W. H. Dines, RSS aoe a. ital ere koa sam mod Cyclones. —R. Mountford Deeley; J.S.D.. . . 385 The Brussels Natural History Museum.—Prof. A.C. _ Seward, Paks. yr sc oe) ee ees ele eine Borings for Oilinthe United Kingdom. By V. C. Thing oe Se disaesirt oaes seein ee aed ea era ron bo Eon The British Dye Industry . . 388 The Preliminary Education of Medical Students . 385 Theodore Roosevelt. By Sir H. H. Johnston, Gi Cy MuGis IKACIBE | ae acs (cts Uele 4 See Motes). ..1-: bed! Sts.0 30a Oia ar Our Astronomical Column :— Mhe Origin of Newsstars, Gage 0 i552.) Cikioeesed: The Fayette County Meteorites. ......... 394 Eclipses and Transits of Japetus We oes ae eee! The Sugar Industry in India andJava ..... . 304 shhe Flora of Wacedamiae cary. | cies leu.) opie ramen The Mathematical Association .......... 395 Biology of a. Lifestable a) 8s. 2: Pctcoely each cute) University and Educational Intelligence. . . . . 396 Societies and Aicademiiés')*.. 0. . fy oriaa) SY. A ego7 Books Received 400 Diary of Societies 400 Editorial and Publishing Offices: MACMILLAN. AND CO., Ltp., ST. MARTIN’S STREET, LONDON, W.C.2. Advertisements and business letters to be addressed to ithe Publishers. Editorial Communications to the Editor. Telegraphic Address: Puusis, Lonpon. Telephone Number: GERRARD 8830. , A WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF SCIENCE. “To the solid ground Of Nature trusts the mind which builds for aye. "—_W. ‘ORDSWORTH. “No. 2569, VoL. 102] THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 1919 _ [PRICE “NINEPENCE. _ [All Rights Reserved. ~ Registered as a Newspaper at the G eneral Post Post Office. ] BALANCES & WEIGHTS | REYNOLDS & BRANSON, Ltd. Chemical Glassware, Chemical and Physical Apparatus Makers to His Majesty’s Government (Home and Overseas Dominions), Laboratory Outfitters, &c. Gold Medals at Allahabad and London. Grand Prix and Gold Medal at the International Exhibition, Turin. STROUD & RENDELL SCIENCE LANTERN. The ‘*‘ University” Lan- tern, with Russian iron body, sliding baseboard, two superior objectives, with rack and pinion for focussing, con- densers 4} in. diam., plane silvered mirror “ A,” which is moved by a knob causing the rays to be reflected upwards for the projection of objects in a horizontal plane, silvered prism which can be used at “*C,” or as an erecting prism in mount ‘‘D,” limelight burner, slide carrier. Price complete in eased Case, without reversible toe stage... = an “8 Bae = Uy Uy War «3 Ditto, ditto, with ‘‘ Phoenix” arc lamp os oe are a bef cenine (1) F- E B EC KER & ce Reversible Deter stage “‘B” for supporting GEpatats parte extra ... Hoth 10 0 : tT W.& U.GEORGE (LONDON) L"8- PROPRIETORS CATALOGUES tite 106). \7-79.29 HATTO WALL, LONDON.E.C.1. Optical Lanterns and Accessory Apparatus. Chemical Apparatus and Chemicals. 14 COMMERCIAL STREET, LEEDS. BECKMANN THERMOMETERS With 6 degrees Centigrade divided into O'01° C., are now made Graphite-Selenium Gells | FOURNIER D’ALBE’S PATTERN. Great Stability and High Efficiency. With a sensitive Se surface of 5 sq. cm. and a voltage 20 the additional current obtainable at various illuminations (in metre-candles) is :— | throughout at our own works. At 1 m.c. } At GOR fF 5: ot -- | AYO: xr 4 NEGRETTI & ZAMBRA 38 HOLBORN VIADUCT, E.C.1 ; 5 LEADENHALL ST., E.C.3 122 REGENT STREET, W.! LONDON. For particulars and prices apply to the SOLE AGENTS: John J. Griffin & Sons, Makers of Physical and Electrical Apparatus, Kemble Street, KINGSWAY, LONDON, W.C. 2 clxil - CHEMISTS. The facilities afforded by the Appointments Register of the Institute of Chemistry are available, free of chatge, to Companies and Firms requiring the Services ° logical Chemists, and to Universities, Schools, etc., Technology. The War has brought to many manufacturers the realisation Colleges, Technical requiring Teachers of Chemistry and that in the great majority of productive industries the assistance | of an adequate staff of properly trained and qualified chemists is not only essential but highly profitable. Many qualified chemists with valuable practical experience in analysis, in research, in plant control and management, will shortly be available. During the past four years the Zmstitule of Chemistry has been the chief agency through which chemists have been engaged for Government Service both with the Forces and in industries connected with the War. With the approach of more normal conditions, the Institute is now co-operating with the Appointments Department of the Ministry of Labour, which is concerned with the Resettlement of Officers, and is also in touch with a large number of chemists who have been engaged under the Ministry of Munitions and in controlled establishments. Companies and Firms are therefore invited to notify their requirements to the Registrar of the Institute. The requirements should indicate (i) the industry, (ii) the general nature of the duties to be entrusted to the chemists, (iii) the salary and prospects attaching to the appointments, and (iv) to whom replies should be addressed. In cases where appointments at salaries of £300 a year and upwards (with prospects) are offered, a good selection of candidates may be expected. All communications to be addressed : THE REGISTRAR, Institute of Chemistry, 30 Russell Square, London, W.C. 1. THERESA SEESSEL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS to Promote Original Research in Biological Studies. YALE UNIVERSITY. TWO FELLOWSHIPS, yielding an income of $1000 each, open to men or women. Preference is given to candidates who have already obtained their Doctorate, and have demonstrated by their work fitness to carry on successfully original research of a high order. The holder must reside in New Haven during the College year, October to June. Applications should be made to the Dean of the Graduate School, New Haven, Conn., U.S.A., before April 1, 1919; they should be accompanied by reprints of scientific publications and letters of recommendation, and a statement of the particular problem which the candidate expects to investigate. —— UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL. The University will shortly proceed to the appointment of EXAMINERS for its SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATIONS, in July and September, in the following subjects, some of which may be coupled :— English. Ancient History. English Literature. Modern History. Geography. Religious Knowledge. French. Latin. German. Spanish. Greek. Mechanics, Botany. Physics, Chemistry. Mathematics. Drawing. Housecraft. Handiwork (Wood and Metal). Music. Particulars from the Recistrar. January, 1919. ————————————— CAPTAIN, expecting demobilisation,wishes position with Scientific Apparatus Manufacturers with a view to Partnership or Directorship ; capital available.—Box 178, clo NATURE Office. properly qualified Analytical, Research, and Techno- | NATURE [ JANUARY 23, I919 BIRKBECK COLLEGE, BREAMS BUILDINGS, CHANCERY LANE, E.C. 4 COURSES OF STUDY (Day and Evening) for Degrees of the UNIVERSITY OF LONDON in the FACULTIES OF SCIENCE & ARTS (PASS AND HONOURS) Under RECOGNISED TEACHERS of the University. SCIENCE.—Chemistry, Physics, Mathematies (Pure and Applied), Botany, Zoology, Geology. ARTS.—Latin, Greek, English, Freneh, German, Italian, History, Geography, Logie, Eeonomies, Mathematies (Pure and Applied). Evening Courses for the Degrees in Economics and Laws. Geography Diploma and Matriculation. POST-GRADUATE AND RESEARCH WORK. rERS { Dev: Science, £17 10s,; Arts, £10 10s, SESSIONAL FEES \ Avening: Science, Arts, or Economics, £5 5s, Prospectus post free, Calendar 6¢. (by post 8d.), from the Secretary. SOUTH-WESTERN POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, CHELSEA, S.W.3. LENT TERM COMMENCES MONDAY, JANUARY 173, 1919. Day and Evening Courses in Science and Engineering. _ Technical Courses in Analytical and Manufacturing Chemistry. Pharmacy, Dispensing, and Food and Drug Courses. Metallurgy, Assaying, and Foundry work. Botany, Geology, and Zoology Couises. Three years’ college course in Physical Education. SIDNEY SKINNER, M.A., Principal. Telephone: Western 89a. UNIVERSITY OF LIVERPOOL. SESSION 1918-19. FACULTY OF ENGINEERING. Dean: Associate Professor J. Wemyss ANDERSON, M.Eng., M.Inst.C.E. Prospectuses and full particulars of the following may be obtained on application to the RecisTRar :—Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Design and Drawing, and Refrigeration, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry. UNIVERSITY OF LONDON. A Course of Nine Advanced Lectures on “Dynamical METEOROLOGY’ will be given by Srr NAPIER SHAW, F.R.S., University Reader in - Meteorology, at the Meteorological Office, South Kensington, at 3 p.m. on Fridays, beginning on January 24. Admission free, by ticket. P. J. HARTOG, Academic Registrar. WOOLWICH POLYTECHNIC. JUNIOR TECHNICAL SCHOOL FOR BOYS (Engineering Trades), WANTED, SENIOR MASTER, well qualified in Mathematics, to hold responsible position in above School. Salary according to L.C.C. scale, from £240 by £15 to £300, and then by £10 to £450. For further particulars and forms of application apply PRINCIPAL. WEST BROMWICH EDUCATION COMMITTEE. MUNICIPAL SECONDARY SCHOOL. WANTED, an ASSISTANT MASTER to take charge of the Geography Course. Honours Graduate. Commencing salary £250 per annum. For form of application apply to the undersigned. J. E. PICKLES, Director of Education. Education Offices, West Bromwich, January 9, 1019. NA TURE S 42 p THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 1919. DISEASES OF PLANTS Fungi and Disease in Plants: An Introduction to the Diseases of Field and Plantation Crops, especially those of India and the East. By E. J. Butler. Pp. vi+547. (Calcutta and Simla: Thacker, Spink, and Co., 1918.) HE research work published from time to time by the staff of the Agricultural Re- search Institute at Pusa has shown a_ high standard, which is well maintained by this pioneer volume on the fungous diseases of field and plantation crops of India and the _ East, written by Mr. E. J. Butler, Imperial mycologist for India. When we realise what a dull book might have been compiled in the old “museum catalogue ’’ manner, we gratefully extend a warm welcome to this volume, through which the spirit of research breathes so strongly. The book is divided into two sections, and in each the numerous references made to the work of mycologists all the world over, and the excel- lent bibliography, are evidence of the wide read- ing of the author. In part i. we have a clearly written intro- ‘duction to the study of mycology, with chapters on the nature of fungi, their food, the life-histories of parasites, the causation of disease, and the principles of the control of plant diseases. We have so few scientific data as to ‘“condi- tions affecting the host’’ and “predisposition ”’ that a satisfactory treatment of the subject is almost impossible. Mr. Butler states (p. 124) that “the mere growth of a plant under glass may reduce its resistance’’ to rust and mildew; just recently the converse has been proved to be the case with respect to the hop-plant and its mildew. Anyone who has studied the attacks of the oak- mildew in woods in England will find it impos- sible to believe the statement (p. 116) that “the injurious effect of factory smoke ’’ is required to “lower the resistance’’ of this host-plant. Mr. Butler assumes that the new varieties of potatoes put on the market as “blight resisters ’’ are all really so at the start, and that they “deteriorate ’’ and become susceptible. It may be asked whether there was really scientific evidence of such original immunity, or whether it is not a common “trick of the trade’ to describe new varieties as “blight resisters.’’ We still remember the shock of find- ing Septoria petroselini and Cercospora melonis virulently infesting a new variety respectively of celery and cucumber, each described as “——’s Disease Resister’?! That immunity does not “wear off,’’ so to speak, appears to be praved with regard to certain varieties of potatoes which resist the attacks of “wart-disease’’ irrespective of the age of the variety or the vigour of the shoot. Again, in those cases where it appears that a parasitic fungus recently introduced into a country diminishes its virulence of attack, the possible explanation must not be lost sight of that NO. 2569, VOL. 102] —as with the chrysanthemum when its rust’ Chae its way into this country—the most susceptth} | varieties go out of cultivation and are reaiteatte by more resistant ones. Part ii. comprises ‘Special Diseases.’ 200 diseases of Indian crops are mentioned; each disease is given, first, a general description, admirably written’ for the needs of the “man on the land.” The description of each growing crop and its particular disease has that invigo- rating freshness which the use of the field-notes of a keenly interested. investigator alone can give. No planter could wish for better accounts of the Nearly “Tikka ’’ disease of the ground-nut, of the seed- ling blight ’’ of castor, and of the “red rot’’ and “wilt”? of the sugar-cane; the author’s strong, clear, descriptive style is also well shown in his treatment of the diseases of tea and rubber. After the general description of the disease, tech- nical details are given sufficient to satisfy the needs of the student. The very numerous illustrations, many of which are from drawing's of native Indian artists, or copies by them in ink or wash of Mr. Butler’s fine pencil work, are exceptionally good: the sensitive drawings of leaves—e.g. in Figs. 124 and 127—are a delight artistically. Many columns here could be filled with extracts from this book of great interest both from the economic and the purely scientific sides. We are enabled to realise the special difficulties of com- bating fungous diseases in such countries as India; to see “the spraying coolies who have to climb the trees’’; to watch the distribution through the villages of Bombay of “one-anna packets of copper sulphate ’’ (sufficient to protect against ‘““smut ” enough seed of “jowar ” to sow four acres); and to admire the industry of those tea-planters who, over an area of 1300 acres, hand-picked and destroyed in two seasons more than 32 tons of leaves affected with “blister blight’ (Exobasidium). The money losses in- volved in many of the diseases is very consider- able; the value of the grain of “jowar’’ destroyed by “smut ’’ in Bombay alone is estimated to ex- ceed a million sterling annually. Among a mass of interesting facts we may note the correlation of epidemics of wheat rust with the varying humidity of the air; the killing of the mycelium of Phytophthora infestans in the potato- -tuber by the climatic heat of the plains; the marked parasitism of Cladosporium (which appears to be becoming a pest in England) on wheat and “jowar”; and the existence of specialised “flax ’’ and “linseed ”’ races of Melampsora lini. It may be pointed out that the general statement (p. 62) that “in black rust the «cidial form on the barberry has the same specialisation as the uredo-teleuto,” while true as regards some countries, needs to be qualified by reference to the work of Arthur in 1910, which showed that in the United States the specialisation of parasitism has proceeded on dif- ferent lines; the genus Oospora (p. 81) is now re- placed by Actinomyces; the word “botanical ”’ is used wrongly (pp. 60, 61) to mean “morpho- y 402 logical ’’; the wall of the perithecium in the Ery- siphacez does not gradually rot away (p. 273), but opens by a definite rupture; and it is very hetero- dox to state (p. 143) that the right way to mix the components of Burgundy mixture is exactly the same as with Bordeaux mixture. High praise must be given to the printers for surmounting so successfully the special difficulties of printing which obtain at Calcutta; the mis- prints are so rare that the two noticed may be mentioned here—at p. 163 “rust-resting’’ is printed for “rust-resisting,’’ and at p. 353 ‘‘saco- spores ’’ for “ascospores.” This work, which is particularly delightful in its readable quality, will inevitably become the “classical ’’ book of reference for both the culti- vator and the student of mycology in India. It would be well if in the next edition the author gave more information on “pure culture ’”’ methods, enriched as this would be by his intimate knowledge of how to overcome the difficulties that - result from the special climatic conditions. ES nS: THE DOUBLE-STAR WORKER’S VADE- MECUM. The Binary Stars. By Prof. R. G. Aitken. Pp. xiv+316. (New York: Douglas C. MecMurtrie, 1918.) HIS book is issued as one of the series of semi-centennial Publications of the Univer- sity of California. We are informed in the intro- duction that “the object of this volume is to give a general account of our present knowledge of the binary stars, including such an exposition of the best observing methods and of approved methods of orbit computation as may make it a useful guide to those undertaking the investigation of these systems; and to present some conclusions based upon the author’s own researches during the past twenty years.” The spectroscopic binaries, and also the visual binaries, are regarded as “members of a single species,’’ and the development in recent years of both sections has tended to show that ‘the only differences between the spectroscopic and visual binary stars are those which depend upon the degree of separation of the two components.” Granting this, the compilation of such a volume as that now under review became inevitable; and no one man is more favourably equipped for the task than Prof. Aitken, who, while living in the midst of workers in the spectroscopic section, is himself the incarnation of the visual section. Although not mentioned here, eclipsing , binary stars are also regarded as members of the family, and the exhaustive and interesting chap. vii., which the author devotes to them, certainly adds value to the book. There are at present about one hundred and fifty known, and the chapter is based on the researches of Russell and Shapley. The substance of chaps. i. and-ii. is historical, and the author proves that, in both visual and spectroscopic work, American observatories have NO. 2569, VOL. 102] NATURE [JANUARY 23, 1919 made double-star astronomy peculiarly their own. It is indeed the fact; and explains why American astronomers are so prominent throughout the book. Chap. iii. is devoted to observational methods and means, including the micrometer, resolving power, and personal equation. As one would expect, there is much sound and practical advice. On the working catalogue, a difficult subject, it is Prof. Aitken’s deliberate judgment that, under average good observing conditions, the angular separation of pairs measured should be nearly double the theoretical limit. Of course, observers with the largest telescopes must not be bound by this, for if they do not measure the very closest pairs the time devoted to their discovery is wasted. The note on the non-use of diaphragms is short and sound. The reviewer found a_ neutral-tint glass at the eye-end a sufficient and more con- venient help. In chaps. iv. and vi. the author discusses fully the various methods in use for computing orbits of visual and of spectroscopic binaries respec- tively. He carefully points out the advantages of each method, giving many useful hints, and illustrations by concrete examples. These two chapters have been well considered and developed ; they practically exhaust the subject. Between these two chapters is another in which will be found a welcome description of the spectroscope and of the manner in which accurate measures of displacement in the spectral lines can be made, the photographic portion being illustrated by a minute account of the “Mills spectrograph.’’ In chap. vili. is a table of eighty- seven visual binaries “divided into two groups, the first containing orbits which are at least fairly good approximations, the second the less accurate orbits.”” But as we are told that “several orbits included in either one of the two groups might find a place in the other,” the division seems superfluous. These orbits have been selected in general because they are the most recently com- puted. There is also a table of 137 spectro- scopic orbits, but only 119 are used in the discus- sions. From a number of interesting results we extract the following relations between the periods and eccentricities :— 46 spec. bin., mean period 2°75 days, ecc. 0°047 19) ioe » Se hy, OP 25 ” ” ” ” 23/00 ” %> O°3524 29 ” 9 “4 1-5) years: ;, 0350 30 vis. bin., = ae 3S a 5) 1 0°423 20 ” » ” ” 744 ” ” o°514 I 8 ” ” ” ” 170°0 ” 0°539 A relationship so definite must have a physical significance. Later, on p. 221, it is shown that in the Cepheid variables this relation does not hold. i Treating of relative masses of visual binaries, Prof. Aitken remarks: “The most reliable values are those deduced by the late Lewis Boss,” and the table on p. 216 is constructed on this idea, the work of several other computers being omitted. This is a pity, and the author himself is not convinced, for later he tells us that Boss / JANUARY 23, 1919] NATURE 403 obtained a value of 1°8 for 85 Pegasi, but adopted ro; and on p. 233 he also points out that in Sirius we have a system in which is an even greater disparity between mass and luminosity in the two components, and he adopts Boss’s com- puted value. Incidentally, this weakens one of the facts of observation made use of in discussing the ‘origin of the binary stars.’’ Future progress is dependent on departures from our preconceived ideas. In chaps. x. and xi. the author is more happy in dealing with his material—a large percentage being his own contribution during the last twenty years—and we are given a number of most interesting tables and results. Here are a few :— (1) At least one in every eighteen ‘stars, on the average, in the northern half of the sky, which are as bright as g'o B.D. magnitude, is a close double star visible with the 36-in. refractor. (2) ‘The percentages of double stars by magnitude classes are: Mag. to 6"5 percentage 11°! 7°6 to 80 percentage 6°8 6 5, 770 " 79 | 81, 85 ” 53 TU yy 75 ” 72 | 86,, 90 » 41 (3) Visual doubles are relatively more numerous in the Milky Way than elsewhere in the sky. (4) Visual binaries as bright as 6°5 magnitude are in excess amongst class G stars, and least in K and M.. (5) Visual and spectroscopic binaries of every spectral class increase in numbers as the Milky Way is approached. (6) Spectroscopic binaries as bright as 5°5 magnitude are far the most numerous amongst stars of spectral type B. To these are added, in chap. xi. the following from points brought out in the previous chapters : (7) The considerable percentage of multiple sys- tems. (8) Close correlation between period and ellipticity. (g) Period and spectral type. (10) Relative brightness and relative masses of the two components. (11) Relatively great mass of a binary compared with the sun. (12) Spectro- scopic binaries of class B, on the average, are three times as massive as those of later types. All these and other minor points are discussed in connection with their bearing on the “origin of the binary stars.’’ Of the three theories: (1) Capture, (2) fission, (3) independent nuclei, the author, having no alternative theory of his own, favours (2). The book contains a mass of interesting data well discussed. The physicist as well as the astronomer will find it a real treasury. It must also appeal to the wider circle of our readers. THE SCIENCE OF IRON-FOUNDING. Cast Tron in the Light of Recent Research. By Dr. \V. H. Hatfield. Second edition, revised and enlarged. Pp. xvii+292. (London: Charles Griffin and Co., Ltd., 1918.) Price 12s. 6d. net. HIS important work on the metallurgy of iron and steel has been enriched, in its second edition, to the extent of some forty-six pages of new matter, including thirty-nine fine NO. 2569, VOL. 102} reproductions of micro-structures. The chapter on “The Heat Treatment of Cast Iron ’’ has been divided so that the annealing of grey cast iron is treated separately. The new matter includes Prof. Carpenter’s valuable contribution on ‘‘ The effect of Working Temperatures on Parts of In- ternal-combustion Engines,’’ the author’s report to the Ministry of Munitions on “The Present Position of the Malleable Casting Industry in this Country ’’—an illogical but welcome inclusion— “The, Influence of Sulphur in the Presence of Silicon ’’’ (chap. xv.), and “The Limits of Phos- phorus in Malleable Castings ’’ (chap. xvi.). A careful perusal of this work suggests that not much research, recent or ancient, has escaped notice, and everything worthy of note on the theoretical or the quasi-practical side of cast iron is included within the covers of the book. The difficulty is to locate and isolate in a, concise form any particular information required. The impression is created that the author has been more or less overwhelmed by the mass of data collected. This results in a sense of uncertainty and a tendency to confusion in the mind of the reader. The author, who is undoubtedly an expert in his subject, would be well advised in any future edition to set out clearly a summary of each chapter, even more fully than has been done in the two new chapters, which in this respect are fairly well equipped. The portions dealing with heat treatment, especially that which treats of malleable cast iron, bear the true impress of authority, and when this idea is conveyed by the rest of the book it should become the standard work on the metallurgy of cast iron as distinct from iron-founding. All such works should bear the hall-mark of a con- vincing personality. The technically trained practical man will find great help in fitting himself either to meet speci- fications or to account for failures. Graduates and others seeking promising fields of research will find them in plenty, whilst those who delight in public controversy, provided they have easy access to a scientific library (so that the all-too- numerous references may be turned up), will be in clover. In the hope that this book may become the standard classic, we suggest that careful attention should be paid to what may appear to be matters of detail. For example, several graphs do not show clearly the increments which con- stitute the co-ordinates, and analyses occasionally are far from complete. It is to be regretted that the chapter on mechanical properties is included in its present form. This should be entirely re-written. Even the pressure of war-time duties does not excuse the use of such terms as “breaking strain in tons per square inch’’ and “compressive strain.” Admitting that cast iron is almost devoid of ductility, “breaking load’’ is not the correct expression. Again, in dealing with the transverse test, too little attention is paid to the relative value of the maximum stress under the two | recognised standard conditions, and there is no 404 NATURE [January 23, 1919 Se ee ee el reference to any correction for slight variations in sectional area, whilst undue prominence is given to the maximum load on section calculated to tons per square inch, which form of report is of very doubtful use. Dr. Hatfield is to be heartily congratulz ited on this work as a whole. OUR BOOKSHELF. A Modern Pilgrim in Mecca. By Major A. "J. B. Wavell. New cheaper impression. With an introduction by Major Leonard Darwin. Pp. xv +232. (London: Constable and Co., Ltd., 1918.) Price 2s. 6d. net. Few Christians have been to Mecca, and fewer still to Medina, or, if they have attempted the journey, have survived to tell the tale. Here is the story of how a young man of twenty-six suc- cessfully accomplished the feat. Major Wavell, travelling in disguise via Beyrout and Damascus, reached Medina by the Hedjaz railway in 1908. After some weeks’ stay in that city, where he had one or two narrow escapes from detection, he made his way by camel caravan to Yemba, on the coast, the overland route to Mecca being closed, owing to the rising of the Bedou tribes. From Yemba Major Wavell went by sea to Jiddah, and thence reached Mecca. His stay in Mecca seems to have been safer than in Medina, but not without risks. The pilgrimage to Mina was made before the return to Jiddah and the departure for Egypt. The book is full of informa- tion; many pages glow with colour, and not one lacks fascination. As the author says of himself, he was “never averse to being where anything interesting is taking place.’’ That is the spirit in which he carried out this dangerous enterprise. His two companions were an Arab from Aleppo and a Mombasa Swahili. To avoid the chance of detection, he adopted the expedient of telling Arabs that his language was Swahili, and when he met natives of East Africa, of saying he was from Muscat and spoke only Arabic. The book has an introduction on the geo- graphy of Arabia, with an account of Moham- medanism. Major Leonard Darwin contributes a short life of this daring soldier, whose brilliant career ended at the age of thirty-four, when he fell in action in East Africa at the head of the Arab corps which he had raised. The present edition is a cheap reprint; it has a map, but no illustrations. It is to be hoped that in the rising tide of war-books this fascinating volume will not be overlooked. A Junior Course of Practical Zoology. By the late Prof. A. Milnes Marshall and the late Dr. C. Herbert Hurst. Eighth edition, revised by Prof. F. W. Gamble. Pp. xxxvi+515. (Lon- don: John Murray, 1918.) Price 12s. net. In the new edition of this well-known and excellent manual amcebe from the soil are recommended for study as a_ substitute for NO. 2569, VOL. 102] the larger species Amoeba proteus, when this is not available, and two types ‘not hitherto included—the large trypanosome of the dogfish and a tapeworm—are described. Careful directions are given for preparing a culture of the soil amcebee and for obtaining trypano- somes by centrifuging the blood of the dogfish, the trypanosomes present being carried down with the blood corpuscles to the bottom of the tube, whence they can be withdrawn with a pipette for examination in a drop of the plasma. In the account of the encystation of Amoeba reference is made to the reproductive cysts from which issue “in one marine species at least. . - minute flagellated spores which conjugate in pairs and form amcebule.’’ This statement relates, however, to a species of Paramceba, and as the account is headed ‘Amoeba proteus ’’ it would have been better to refer to Miss Carter’s observa- tions on the reproductive cyst of this species from which amcebulze were found to issue. The kinetonuclear end of the trypanosome is regarded as anterior—a view which is not usually held. Although trypanosomes often move with this end in front when among a mass of corpuscles, the flagellum is usually anterior when free move- ment is possible. There is a slip on p. 16, where it is stated that the zygote of Monocystis “divides four times, producing eight sporozoites’’—there are, of course, only three successive divisions—and the statement on p. 33° that some of the buds of Obelia “have no mouth and become meduse ”’ is loose. In the section of the work on vertebrates the principal change is the insertion in the text de- scribing the rabbit’s skull of a figure of the dorsal, and another of the ventral, aspect of the dog’s skull. How to Deal with Different Kinds of Fires. Some Hints by Sidney G. Gamble. Pp. 50. (Lon- don: The British Fire Prevention Committee, 1918.) Price 3s. 6d. Tue type of man generally placed in charge of works and property cannot be expected to have either the necessary experience or knowledge to enable him to direct advantageously or deal effi< ciently with an outbreak of fire, especially if the materials are not the ordinary combustibles, but chemicals, forage, coal, and the like. To assist these men and others the British Fire Prevention Committee has issued this Red Book, which is No. 201 of the committee’s publications. Mr. Gamble, who until 1918 was second officer of the London Fire Brigade, gives in the first part of the book general information, and the effect of water, steam, chemicals, and so on, applied from different forms of fire appliances. The second part of the book deals alphabetically with numerous materials,and kinds of fire in turn. Useful scientific data have been added, while an appendix on spontaneous combustion and a list of enactments bearing on the fire question com- plete a very useful compilation. JANUARY 23, 1919] LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. {The Editor does not hold himself responsible for opinions expressed by his correspondents. Neither can he undertake to return, or to correspond with the writers of, rejected manuscripts intended for this or any other part of Nature. No notice ts taken of anonymous communications.] Wireless Telegraphy and Solar Eclipses. Just before the beginning of the war in 1914 the Radiotelegraphic Committee of the British Associa- tion, which was appointed at the Dundee meeting in consequence of a suggestion by me, had completed arrangements for certain observations to be made on NATURE the strength of radiotelegraphic signals on the line of | totality of the 1914 solar eclipse which passed through Russia. These arrangements were rendered useless by the outbreak of the war. On May 29 of this year a total solar eclipse will be visible in North Brazil, and it seems very desirable that any eclipse expeditions sent out to observe it should be provided with wireless telegraph apparatus, and should arrange to receive, and also to send, signals to other stations before, during, and after the passage of the moon’s shadow. It is very important to ascertain, if possible, whether there are any efiects on signal strength due to the passage of the moon’s shadow over a station such as accompany the diurnal passage of the earth’s shadow at sunrise and sunset. Evidence obtained from long- distance wireless transmission points conclusively to the close connection between it and the ionisation of the upper regions of the atmosphere. There is time now to make arrangements for the erection of tem- porary wireless stations on the line of totality of the eclipse, and to arrange a programme of operations. May I suggest to those organising eclipse expeditions the desirability of doing this? J. A. FLEmInc. University College, London, January 14. The Neglect of Biological Subjects in Education. Tue resolution of the Headmasters’ Conference and Headmasters’ Association, referred to in NATURE of January 9 (p. 379), that school instruction in natural science should include biology as well as chemistry and physics, reminds me of an impression which has been with me for some time that a similar reform is needed in our higher education. Arising, I suppose, from the curious notion that chemistry and physics are more exact and educative and of more general moment in the lives of animals than are botany and zoology, it ‘is laid down at Oxford, for example, that a student who proposes to take a biological subject for his final school must pass an elementary examination in chemistry and physics, while if he specialises ®in chemistry or physics he is exempt from any preliminary course in biology. Something similar is, I believe, a pretty general regulation in all the universities in this country—and if not a regulation, at any rate a habit. The result is that a number of chemists are produced who are fearfully ignorant of the simplest truths of biology; they do not,even know what biology is about or the general methods whereby a biologist will seek to solve his problems. It is probably too much to ask that the education of those who devote themselves to the pursuit of natural knowledge should be such as would generate in them that sympathy with arts studies which we need so much, but we can at least try to secure that the various departments of natural science should be more sympathetic with one another’s aims. Sympathy comes from understanding, and I think a considerable step in the right direction would be made by having NO. 2569, VOL. 102] 405 compulsory instruction in botany and zoology as well as in chemistry and physics for all students in our schools of natural science. The reform is quite simple and would present no practical difficulties, which is more than can be said for some projects of recon- struction. A. E. Boycorr. 17 Loom Lane, Radlett, January 13. The Aurora Borealis of December 25, 1918. Tue aurora borealis of December 25, 1918, was mani- fested here from 5h. 45m. to 1ih., and among the more interesting features presented may be mentioned the great arch of light, with its apex at roughly N.N.W., having a dark transparent interior with the Fic. 1.—The aurora borealis as seen at Bramley, Yorkshire, on the night of December 25, 1918. stars shining therein. The light nebulous clouds out- side the arch, alternating rapidly in intensity, as well as the radial pulsating streamers, were especially noteworthy. The accompanying illustration gives an approximate idea of the phenomenon as seen here. Vega is shown within the arch. . ScrIvEN BOLton. Waterloo Lodge, Bramley, Leeds, January tro. PATENT LAW AMENDMENT. BILL to amend the Patents and Designs Act, 1907, was presented to the House of Commons by Sir Albert Stanley, President of the Board of Trade, as a Government measure in the latter part of 1917. This Bill was ordered to be printed on November 19, 1917. Considerable modifications in the 1907 Act are proposed in clauses 1, 2, 11, 14, and 17 of the Bill. These clauses provide new sections to replace sections 24, 27, 58, and 84 of the Act, the marginal notes whereof are respectively “Compulsory licences and revocation,’’ “Revocation of patents worked out- side the United Kingdom,”’ “Cancellation of regis- tration of designs used wholly or mainly abroad,” and “Register of patent agents,’ and for the addition of a new section (384) under Part I. of the Act. 406 ee The new section 24 makes provision, under safe- guards, for patents, at any time after sealing, to be endorsed, at the request of the patentee, with the words “licences of right.’? After a patent has been so endorsed, all persons become entitled as of right to the grant of a licence to work the invention covered by the patent. Provisions are included in this section for the fixing of the terms of the licence, in default of express agreement between the patentee and the licensee; for the prevention of the importation into the United Kingdom by the licensee, in certain cases, of goods that would be an infringement of the patent ; and for dealing with cases of infringement by un- licensed persons. The new section 27 makes provision for ensuring that patented inventions shall be worked on a com- mercial scale within the United Kingdom, and empowers the Comptroller, in a proper case, either to endorse a patent with the words “licences of right,’’ regardless of the wishes of the patentee, so as to bring it within the operation of the new section 24; or to grant a licence on such terms as he may deem expedient, or even to revoke a patent. The new section 38 provides that articles in- tended for food or for medicinal or surgical pur- poses, or capable of being used for the production of food or medicine or of surgical appliances, shall not be patentable, although the processes for making foods, drugs, and medicines remain patentable as heretofore. The proposed new sections 58 and 84 call for no special remarks here. Among the other modifications introduced by the Bill there are, inter alia, new provisions (a) for the settlement of differences and disputes ‘in relation to the grant and sealing of patents (cl. 5); (b) for increasing the original term of the patent from fourteen to fifteen years (cl. 6); (c) for amending section 18 of the principal Act so as to allow of an extension of the term of a patent on grounds attributable to circumstances con- nected with war (cl. 7); (d) for the grant of relief in infringement actions where the court finds any one or more claims are valid (cl. 8); (e) for depriv- ing a plaintiff in an infringement action of relief by way of an account of profits (cl. 9); (f) for the exclusion of evidence in the courts in relation to an assignment of a patent unless the same has been recorded on the register of patents (cl. 15). The 1917 Bill was introduced in the House of Commons in the spring of last year by the Presi- dent of the Board of Trade, but was not proceeded with. In February of last year the Institution of Elec- trical Engineers appointed a committee (a) to con- sider the provisions of the 1917 Bill, and (b) to report on the question of Patent Law Amendment generally. The report of this committee, which was composed of well-known members of the legal and engineering professions, and sat under the chairmanship of Mr. W. M. Mordey, has, with slight modifications, been recently published by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. In an intro- NO. 2569, VOL. 102] NATURE 972 “393 [ JANUARY 191g ductory note thereto it is’explained that many of the technical and scientific societies, either repre- sentative of, or closely connected with, the great industries of the country, set up committees to examine the 1917 Bill; later, on the invita- tion of the president of the Institution of Mechani- cal Engineers, a conference, attended by repre- sentatives of twenty-six institutions and societies, was summoned, and held several meetings for the purpose of securing, if possible, united action in relation to the Billin question. The Institution of Electrical Engineers placed the report of its com- mittee at the disposal of this conference, the mem- bers of which, having approved the principles contained therein, adopted it as the basis of a memorandum on Patent Law Amendment and arranged, in connection therewith, for a deputation to wait on the Board of Trade. The deputation was received, on October 10, 1918, by the Rt. Hon. G. J. Wardle, M.P., then Parliamentary Secretary to the Board, in the unavoidable absence of the President, Sir Albert Stanley. The Parliament in which the 1917 Bill was introduced having been dissolved, it is extremely improbable that this Bill will ever be revived in its present form; however, the criticisms on this Bill and the suggestions contained in the report of the committee referred to above continue to be of importance, in view of the legislation in relation to the amendment of the Patent Law which may be proposed in the future. The committee, in an introductory statement in the report, sets out the main principles and con- siderations by which it has been guided in carry- ing out its task. It points out that, in the interests of industrial enterprise, a twofold duty rests on the State in relation to invention, viz. : (a) to provide encouragement to the inventor, and (b) to provide also an incentive to capitalists to assist inthe commercial development of inventions. It expresses the opinion that during the past quarter of a century the effect of legislation in this country has been to act as a deterrent rather than as a stimulant to invention, and urges that “every effort should be made to reduce, if not remove, the number of weapons available to people here and abroad, especially the latter, for attacking patentees who own real inventions.”’ The committee points out that the amendments proposed to section 18 of the Act (extension of term of patent) in clause 7 of the Bill to meet war conditions have the effect of leaving matters practically in statu quo; the new provisions will continue to limit extensions of the term to inven- tions of special merit. It is of opinion that “the Bill perpetuates the evils of the present procedure, which are such that the number of petitions for extension presented annually is under ten:’’ The committee feels that the situation created by war would best be met by a separate Patents Mora- torium Act, wherein provision should be made for the automatic prolongation of patents for a period equal to the duration of the war. The committee does not view with favour the new sections proposed in substitution for sections JANUARY 23, 1919] 24 and 27 of the Act. It would prefer to see section 27 (“Revocation of patents worked out- side the United Kingdom’) repealed, and section 24 (“Compulsory licences and revocation ’’) altered by enacting that (i) petitions for grants of ‘‘com- pulsory licences’’ should be made to the Comp- troller of Patents with a right of appeal to the courts, and (ii) provisions enabling patents to be revoked should be cancelled. It holds the view that it is ‘“‘wrong and illogical that letters patent should be revocable on the ground of non-work- ing, except with the consent of the owner. The only justification for revoking a patent is that it is invalid.’’ The committee also expresses the opinion that “the possibility of revocation on the ground of non-working is an incentive to blackmailers, and greatly detracts from the value of a patent for financial support.’’ It believes that the alterna- tive proposed by it would best meet the interests of invention and industry. The committee disapproves of the provisions of the new section 384, which prevent articles in- tended for food or for medicinal or surgical pur- poses, etc., being patentable. It is pointed out that the effect of the new section would be to deter inventors and capitalists from devoting their _time and money to the development of industries which are admittedly in great need of stimulation —industries, too, in which this country is notori- ously behindhand. The committee in express terms approves of the provisions contained in clauses 5, 8, 9, and 15 of the Bill (see ante). Its views on some of the other matters dealt with in the report are as fol- lows :—The term of the patent should be fixed at seventeen years; the period within which the complete specification must be filed should be extended; the procedure in relation to the grant and sealing of patents should be improved; dis- appointment is expressed that no substantial alteration is made in the Bill for binding the Crown, and the suggestion is made that, in cases of user by the Crown of an invention, the patentee, in default of an express agreement on the subject, should be entitled to apply to the High Court to adjudicate upon his claim and to determine the terms in respect of such user; the prescribed fees for a full-term patent should be reduced, in view of the large annual surpluses of the Patent Office budget. Finally, the committee advocates that a new tribunal should be set up to deal with litigation involving scientific and technical questions; a similar proposal has been made by the Federation of British Industries. The committee acknow- ledges the great ability of the judges of the Chancery Division and their willingness to try scientific cases, but it points out that “the views of the judges as to what is invention has varied to a degree which has made it nearly, if not quite, impossible for manufacturers to obtain definite opinions as to the chances of success in patent disputes.’’ It is urged that “if industry is to flourish to the fullest extent there must exist NO. 2569, VOL. 102] NATURE 407 machinery for adjudicating effectively upon actions involving technical matters. ’’ The question of the creation of a new tribunal to deal with patent actions and kindred cases has been before the Bar Council during the past year;. the executive committee of the Council received a deputation from the Law Society on the subject in January, 1918, and afterwards appointed a special committee to consider the matter. This special committee has held several meetings and presented a report, which is now under the con- sideration of the Bar Council; it is understood that the members of this committee, who are all well- known King’s Counsel, are in favour of the pro- posal to create a new tribunal for the trial of patent actions and of cases involving great tech- nical or engineering details. There is much in the report of Mr. Mordey’s committee with which those whose interests parti- cularly centre in Patent Law will heartily agree; to many of the recommendations of this committee effect can be given without difficulty or further elaboration. The same, however, is not the case as regards the proposal to establish a special tribunal to deal with actions involving technical matters. The proposal to create such a tribunal is worthy of all support; however, its constitution and the field of selection from which the judge to preside Over it is to be obtained are questions which will require very careful consideration. It must be borne in mind that no single judge, however ver- satile, can possibly be expected to possess a suffi- ciently wide range of scientific and technical knowledge to enable him to cope successfully with the great variety of matters which would find their way into a court of the kind in contemplation. The proper solution would be to create a per- manent statutory panel of technical assessors as an adjunct to the proposed new tribunal. Assessors suitably chosen from this panel, in accordance with the requirements of any particular case, should sit in the proposed court to assist the judge trying an action by elucidating the technical aspects of the case. A belief widely prevails that patent protection is valueless in this country; it is the existence of such a belief which points to the urgent need for a reform of our Patent Law; and it is essential that it should be recognised that no reform of our Patent Law will be satisfactory which does not include a revision of the law of novelty and the practice of examination founded on that law. Under the Statute of Monopolies novelty was con- fined to “prior user ’’ within the Realm, and the patentee was granted his privilege, not qua “in- ventor,’’ but qua “‘institutor,’’ or importer of a manufacture new as regards practice within the Realm. It is essential that the position of the “institutor ’’ should be now reaffirmed, not only in the Act, but also in the grant and petition. Further, it must be borne in mind that not only have the special interests of the inventor and of the ‘‘institutor ’’ or capitalist to be adequately protected by legislation, but also those of the consumer and of the Crown, as the agent of the 408 public at large; the Patent Law requires to be so framed that each of these interests shall be pro- vided with suitable safeguards. Therefore, whilst it is desirable that the ambit of a patent should be widened and its validity after introduction made less open to impeachment, there is no good reason for extending the present statutory term of a patent, which is founded on the old practice of apprenticeship; moreover, it must always be borne in mind that during the period of a strong mono- poly all incentive to improvement is removed, a situation being created which is as much to the detriment of the inventor and of the capitalist as of the individual consumer, and of the State also. NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL CAMOU- FLAGE. ie an interesting essay on ‘‘Camouflage”’ (Scientific Monthly, December, 1918, pp. 481-94) Mr. Abbott H. Thayer illustrates his well- known conclusions in regard to the cryptic colora- tion of animals that hunt or are hunted. In their “superhuman perfection’? the concealing coats of wild animals have become the models for the camouflage corps of armies. The patterns which animals exhibit ‘always inevitably tend to con- ceal,’’ and that in direct ratio to their strength— i.e. the degree of difference among the component notes. ‘' Monochrome, no matter how grey, yeveals its wearer against all backgrounds what- soever (and most of all if these are monochrome) except a background which is an absolute repeti- tion of itself.’’ What is practically universal is background-imitation, the deceptiveness of which is*overwhelming. Mr. Thayer illustrates this by interesting views of brook-scenes and wood- scenes photographed through a stencil of bird or beast. The creature has the garment of invisi- bility because its “costume is pure scenery.”’ “All the patterns and brilliant colours on the animal kingdom, instead of making their wearers con- spicuous, are, on the contrary, pure concealing coloration, being the actual colour notes of the scene in which the wearer lives, so that he really is Nature’s utmost picture of his background.”’ Even the scarlet bodice of the scarlet tanager, by being a perfectly unbird-shaped scarlet patch amidst the forest foliage, is effective because it corresponds with the sprinkling of single scarlet leaves throughout the trees. Two points must be borne in mind: (1) that the costume of a creature that does not change much throughout its life will correspond with ‘‘an average and expectable type of scene’’; and (2) that what catches our eye may be quite elusive to the animal - the sight of which was to be deceived, for a skunk that may seem to man conspicuous has _ been coloured “for concealment from the small creatures on which he feeds, and above which he looms against the sky.”’ It may be questioned, however, whether we know very much about the vision of the small creatures referred to. And when to the con- clusion: “This resultant background-imitation is. NO. 2569, VOL. 102] NATURE [JaNuaRY 23, 1919 practically the universal accomplishment of animals’ patterns,’’ Mr. Thayer adds: ‘I have been left alone in the world to point this out,’’ many readers will naturally wonder where Alfred Russel Wallace, for instance, comes in! This is a historical question, however, and the aim of Mr. Thayer’s essay is largely practical—namely, the statement of a law of camouflage. ‘Man has only to cut out a stencil of the soldier, ship, cannon, or whatever figure he wishes to conceal, and look through this stencil from the viewpoint under consideration, to learn just what costume from that viewpoint would most tend to conceal this figure.’’ That this is not the whole doctrine of camou- flage is suggested by the recent exhibition of “dazzled ’’ ships or models of ships at Burlington House, where Lieut.-Commander Wilkinson’s devices were admirably illustrated. The curious patterns or designs which have been painted on so many merchantmen and patrol-boats were thought out by Commander Wilkinson—like Mr. Thayer, an artist—not to make the ship incon- spicuous, but to break up its form in such a way as to make it difficult for an attacking U-boat to estimate the course. A vessel at rest near the cliffs of a fjord or against the background of a wooded island ean be camouflaged in various Ways so as to become inconspicuous, but the “dazzled’’ ships expressed another idea, and elaborate trials have shown that even old, experi- enced seamen are so deceived by the strange de- signs that their estimate of the direction in which the ship’s bows are actually pointing is usually wrong, and sometimes ludicrously wide of the mark. It is probable that some bird-designs—e.g. white tail-feathers—may have the same effect of breaking up the form of the body, thus making it more difficult for hawks to take a sure aim. DRE. afk DUBOIS. iD* DU BOIS, whose death occurred at Utrecht on October 21, has left behind him a record of valuable work in magnetism, in optics, and in radiation. It was especially the connection between magnetic phenomena and the polarisation of light which led him into optical fields of re- search. Thus his earliest paper published in the Annalen der Physik und Chemie in 1887 deals with magnetic circular polarisation in cobalt and nickel. In 1889 Dr. Du Bois made his first ap- pearance at the British Association, which met that year in Newcastle, and gave an account of his experiments on the Kerr effect in magneto-optics, showing how it could be used in the measure- ment of strong magnetic fields. The complete paper was published in 1890 in the Ann. d. Phys. u. Chemie and in the Philosophical Magazine (vol. xxix., p. 253). This paper was noteworthy both for the novelty of the method used and for the admirable manner in which the method was worked out. The fundamental idea was to measure the magnetisation at the surface of mag- netised spheroids of iron, nickel, and cobalt by JANUARY 23, 1919 | its effect on polarised light reflected from small polished plane faces at various positions of the surface. The results obtained were at once a beautiful test of the theory of magnetic induction and an elucidation of the laws governing the Kerr phenomenon. Another line of research which engaged Dr. Du Bois’s attention, and on which he submitted a note before the British Association in 1892, was the action of thin wire gratings upon transmitted light and other forms of radiant energy. In asso- ciation with Rubens he published two. papers on this subject (Ann. d. Phys. u. Chemie, 1892, 1893). Dr. Du Bois also gave close study to the phenomena of magnetic screening, and communi- cated a series of instructive articles full of research to the Electrician (vols. xl. and xli., 1898). Much of his own work, as well as that of his con- temporaries, will be found embodied in his book on “The Magnetic Circuit in Theory and Practice ”’ (German edition, 1894; English edition by Dr. Atkinson, 1896). There is probably no other work in which the theoretical and practical aspects of magnetism are so ably welded together as in this important contribution to scientific literature. In Prof. Gray’s review in Nature of February 24, 1898, it is stated that the book “cannot be praised too highly as a piece of work sound from every point of view.” Dr. Du Bois did his earlier work in Strasburg University, but for many years he carried on in- vestigations in his own private laboratory in Berlin. At the time of his death he had returned to his native land and was beginning his work at the new Bosscha laboratory at Utrecht. He was a frequent visitor at the British Association meet- ings in this country, and his tall, handsome figure and charming personality will long be remembered among his many friends. GG. K: NOTES. We understand that Sir Lazarus Fletcher will retire from the directorship of the Natural History Museum, under the age limit, on March 31. The office was made in 1856, under the style of Superintendent of the Natural History Departments, so that the Trustees of the British Museum might obtain the services of Sir Richard Owen, who supervised the planning of the new museum at South Kensington, and retired shortly after its completion in 1884. Under the style of director, Sir William Flower succeeded Sir Richard Owen, and he retired in 1898. For the next decade Sir E. Ray Lankester was director, and he was fol- lowed by Sir Lazarus Fletcher early in tg10. The task now falls on the Trustees of finding a worthy successor who shall maintain the high prestige of the museum among the corresponding institutions of the world.» Public interest in the promotion of pure science has never been keener than at present, and naturalists will await with unusual eagerness the announcement of this new appointment. From the Times of January 20 we learn that the Prime Minister is to receive a deputation which will put before him the case for a separate Ministry of Fisheries. We hope this deputation will get a more favourable reception than the one that waited on Mr. Protherd on November 27 last, and that it NO. 2569, VOL. 102] NATURE 409 will not repeat the mistake made on that occasion, when it seemed to be taken for granted that the Minister had mastered the elaborate memorandum prepared by the National Sea Fisheries Protection Association, and that, in consequence, it was not neces- sary for the speakers to deal with the things that really mattered. ; Tue Conjoint Board of Scientific Societies has com- menced the publication of a fortnightly Bulletin of Scientific and Technical Societies, giving a diary of forthcoming meetings, with titles of papers and dis- cussions, together with a list of the constituent socie- ties of the Board and their presidents. The Bulletin will prove a very convenient guide to scientific meet- ings being held day by day, and by issuing it the Conjoint Board is appropriately promoting the co- ordination of effort which is one of its main purposes. CueEmIstTs, especially those who have been engaged under the Ministry of Munitions, will be interested to learn that on the cessation of hostilities a letter of congratulation was addressed to Mr. K. B. Quinan, of the Munitions Explosives Department, by the presi- dent and secretary of the Institute of Chemistry, expressing on behalf of the fellows and associates their high appreciation of Mr. Quinan’s services during the war. Apart from the fact that the great organisation developed for the production of explosives contributed very substantially to the success of the Allied arms, the institute recognises that through the technical training initiated by Mr. Quinan many chemists have gained experience which will prove of great benefit to them and to chemical industry when they come to devote their energies to the furtherance of the arts of peace. Dr. J. D. Fatconer, lecturer in geography in Glasgow University, who has been serving as a poli- tical officer in Nigeria since 1916, has been granted further leave of absence by the University Court, at the request of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in order that he may act as the first director of the Geological Survey of Nigeria. Tue Times announces that Dr, F. G. Cottrell, chief metallurgist of the United States Bureau of Mines, who discovered a new process for extracting helium from natural gas, has been awarded the Perkin medal for distinguished services in applied chemistry by the American Chemical Society. Pror. Marty, whose death at the ripe age of eighty- four was recorded a short time ago, was a member of the Académie de Médecine, and to a past generation was well known in France as a pioneer of hygiene and food chemistry. Much of his work was carried out for the information of the military autMorities in safeguarding the health of the French Army. For this purpose Prof. Marty made numerous analyses of the water supplied to military hospitals, and also of the beverages and foods used. He gave special attention to the subject of ‘“‘plastered’’ wines and to the sophistication of wine with coal-tar colours and sali- evlic acid. One result of Prof. Marty’s studies was the fixing of a limit (2 grams per litre) for the quantity of potassium sulphate to be permitted in French wine; since 1880 this limit has been generally adopted in other wine-producing countries. Working with a co- adjutor, he showed that hydrocyanic acid was present in tobacco smoke, and he also investigated the anti- septic action of air charged with phenol vapour as used in Lister’s spray treatement. Many contribu- tions from Prof. Marty’s pen, dealing with the chemis- try of coffee, chocolate, water, and spirituous beverages, appeared in the “Traité d’Hygiéne” of Michel-Lévy. 410 NATURE [JANUARY 23, 1919 Tue Republic of Brazil has lost one of its most enlightened benefactors by the death of Dr. Rodrigues Alves, aged seventy years. Dr. Alves was born at San Paulo, and devoted his life to the public service. He appreciated fully the necessity of applying the dis- coveries of science to the welfare ai a community living in the tropics, and when he was President of Brazil from 1902 until 1906 he so improved the sani- tary condition of the ports that yellow fever was banished from them and they became comparatively healthy. Those especially who remember Rio de Janeiro at the end of last century, and also know its present condition, can realise the importance of Dr. Alves’s reforms. To promote an adequate circulation of air, he caused a wide thoroughfare to be cut through the densest part of the old city. Swamps and waste ground, particularly on the margin of the bay, were transformed into dry promenades and fine gardens. Main drainage was attended to, and a sani- tary service was established to undertake, among other duties, the pouring of oil on stagnant water. The intellectual life of the people was also fostered by the building of a national library and a national art gallery. Dr. Alves was elected for a second time as President last year, but failing health, unfortunately, compelled him to resign soon after this unique com- pliment had been paid to him by his grateful country. WE regret to notice the announcement of the death on January 13, in his seventy-fifth year, of Dr. W. Marshall Watts, who was well known for his valu- able contributions to the literature of spectroscopy. Dr. Watts was educated at Owens College, Man- chester, where he studied under Sir Henry Roscoe, and he afterwards worked for some time in Bunsen’s laboratory at Heidelberg. For thirty-three years he was science master at Giggleswick Grammar School, and after spending the early years of his retirement near London he removed to Southend, where he died. It was doubtless his association with Roscoe and Bunsen during the early development of spectrum analysis which led Dr. Watts to devote himself to the advancement of this subject. He made several original investigations, especially in connection with the spectra of compounds of carbon, but he will be best remembered for his ‘‘Index of Spectra,” which first appeared modestly as a single volume, and has since been supplemented from time to time by a large number of appendices. The selection and arrange- ment of the data for these publications were made with excellent judgment, and. the tables have greatly facilitated the work of investigators in this branch of science. Dr. Watts will also be gratefully remem- bered by many workers for the kindness with which he was always ready to place his special knowledge at their disposal. In recognition of his services to scientific investigation he was awarded a Civil List pension three years ago. WE regret to notice the death of Prof. Gustave Bouchardat, which occurred recently in Paris. Prof. Bouchardat was formerly professor of hydrology and mineralogy in the Paris School of Pharmacy, and retired from this position some six years ago. His name has long been associated with the literature of synthetic rubber, a paper of his on this subject having appeared (in the Comptes rendus) so long ago as 1875. Camphor and borneol were some of the chief matters to which he had devoted attention, especially as regards the synthetic borneols and isoborneols. The action of acids on various terpenes was also a subject which he investigated. Prof. Bouchardat was born in 1842, and had been connected with the School of Pharmacy for about forty years. ’ NO. 2569, VOL, 102] _ By the death, at the age of seventy-four, of Sir Gooroo Dass Banerjee, India has lost one of the most distinguished and universally respected Bengalis of our day. After a distinguished career at the Presidency College, Calcutta, Sir Gooroo Banerjee became a Valkil of the Calcutta High Court, and took an active share in the business of the city municipality. After holding a*seat in the local legislature, he was raised to the High Court Bench, where he established his reputation as a sound lawyer. He was a member of the council of the Calcutta University, of which he acted as Vice- Chancellor, and he served on Lord Curzon’s Univer- sity Commission, to the report of which he contri- buted a characteristically independent note of dissent. He was a learned investigator of Hindu mathematics and Indian law and sociology—subjects .dealt with in a long series of books. He combined plain living with high thinking to an exceptional degree. Sir Gooroo Banerjee has left four sons, all of whom hold high positions in the public life of Bengal. Tue death is announced of Mr. W. P. G. Graham at the age of fifty-seven. Mr. Graham entered the Royal Army Medical Corps in 1887, joined the Egyp- tian Army in 1890, served in the Tokar campaign of 1891, and in 1896 volunteered his services during the serious outbreak of cholera, after the cessation of which he accepted a post in the Egyptian Civil Ser- vice. In 1902 Mr, Graham was selected to reorganise the municipality of Alexandria, and for two years acted as administrator of that city. He then returned to Cairo, and was Director-General of Public Health in Egypt from 1907 to 1914, during which period he installed a water supply for Cairo and did much for the health of the country. Mr. Graham retired from the Egyptian Civil Service in 1914, and became an inspector of the Home Office under the Vivisection Act. In 1915 he took out Lady Wimborne’s hospital to Serbia, with which he worked for some months. He was then sent by the War Office to Egypt, but an accident necessitated his return home after a short time, and he resumed his work under the Home Office. Tue cultivation of fungi by termites in their nests to serve as food for their young and for the queen is well known, and good accounts of the nests and their fungi have been given by Mr. T. Petch in the Annals of the Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya, in 1906 and 1913. A further paper on the fungi of termite- nests has now appeared in the Philippine Journal of Science (vol. xiii., sect. C, No. 4, 1918) by Mr. W. H. Brown. Mr. Brown’s account is illustrated by two good plates showing the termite nests, the combs composed of small balls closely packed together and made apparently from the excrement of the termites, and the fungi growing on them. The fungi appear to be the same as those found in Ceylon and in the East generally, and are a conidial form, Aegertta duthei, which covers the combs thickly; a Xylaria, probably Xylaria nigrtpes, which grows out from the comb and forms a regular tomentum; and an Agaric, Collybia albuminosa. The wide distribution of these three fungi in termite nests is remarkable. Tue establishment of a French ‘“‘ Kew Gardens” is the text of a leading article in the Gardeners’ Chronicle of January 4. The famous Jardin des Plantes at Paris has now become enclosed by the growth of the city, and a new site of 1500 acres is proposed in the park of Versailles between the Trianon and the Forest of Marly. The new garden would consist of about 100 acres, devoted to botanical collections, and would in the first place include those subjects which, are a JANUARY 23, 1919] absent from the original garden in Paris. About 80 acres would be devoted to collections of fruit-trees and 250 acres to flowers and cultivation under glass. In addition, some 80 acres would be set apart for the installation of laboratories and for providing land for experimental purposes. The site suggested would appear to be an ideal one, as the soil is fertile, and the land belongs to the State and offers almost unlimited facilities for expansion. Moreover, there are already at the Trianon considerable collections of trees, dating from the time of Michaux. It might be added that the Trianon is sacred ground for the botanist, for there originated the natural system of classification of Bernard de Jussieu, which was developed by his nephew, Antoine Laurent de Jussieu, and afterwards further elaborated by Augustin Pyrame De Candolle. The system had its birth in the arrangement adopted by Bernard de Jussieu in the Royal Garden at the Trianon. The new project is being actively supported by the powerful French Touring Club. Pror. H. H. Dixon (Scientific Proceedings of the Royal Dublin Society, vol. xv., p. 431) describes the microscopic characters of forty-five different kinds of timbers which have been classed under the name “mahogany.’’ The name was originally applied to the timber derived from Swietenia mahagoni (Cuban, St. Domingo, and Spanish mahogany), a West Indian species, and from S. macrophylla (Honduras, Tabasco, and Colombian mahogany), a native of Central America, but it is doubtful if any of the timbers now on the market come from these sources, and certainly ‘most of them do not. C. D. Mell has recently listed sixty-seven species of trees as supplying timbers the characteristics of which sufficiently coincide with the popular idea of mahogany to be marketed as that wood (U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Bull. 474, February, 1917), and this list might be added to from our present knowledge. The mahoganies come from all parts of the tropics, and belong to very different families besides the Meliaceze, to which Swietenia belongs. Prof. Dixon examines in detail the characters of these various timbers, and suggests a definition of mahogany to include all red or red-brown timbers in which the fibres of the adjacent layers cross each other obliquely, giving rise to a play of light and shade on longitudinal surfaces, known as ‘‘roe,” thus greatly emphasising and enhancing the figure. In addition, a mahogany should have scattered wood-vessels, isolated or in small, mostly radial,. groups; the parenchyma round the vessels should be narrow and inconspicuous, while the medullary rays are, on the average, well under 2 mm. in height, and not more than nine cells thick. In other respects the woods classed as mahoganies have very various properties; for instance, with regard to density, hardness, presence or absence of year- rings, pore-rings, size and contents of vessels, distribu- tion of parenchyma, etc. Prof. Dixon gives a detailed description of the microscopic characters, and _. also 138 photomicrographic reproductions with a uniform magnification of 31 diameters. Tue columbines (Aquilegia) of North America form a very interesting group of some twenty-four species, which is described in detail, with good illustrations, in Contributions from the United States National Herbarium (vol. xx., part iv., 1918) by Mr. E: B. Payson. It is in the floral characters that the more interesting features are to be found, and the author draws a phylogenetic chart based on the length of the spurs and the character of the sepals and petals, which is instructive. The flowers in sixteen of the species are nodding with spurs less than 1-5 cm. long, while the remaining species have erect flowers with spurs rang- ing from 3-5 cm. long to those of Aquilegia longissima, NO. 2569, VOL. 102] NATURE i i i | 41! which are from 10-15 cm. long. ‘This species is probably the most highly developed in the genus, and is found in South Texas and Mexico. It is of interest to notice that when grown in eastern North America this species will not set seed unless artificially pol- linated, which points to the length of spur being cor- related with some insect in its native habitat which does not occur in other parts of North America. The author describes three new species and two new sub- species. ALTHOUGH fungi, both fresh and dried, are largely used in Italian cookery, it would appear that much still remains to be done even in Italy in utilising them for food. The ‘* Federazione Pro Montibus,” of which the headquarters are at 113 Via del Seminario, Reme, publishes a pamphlet of twenty pages by Dr. Giulio Trinchieri containing practical instructions for collect- ing and preserving edible fungi. It is accompanied by illustrations of eight species. Of methods of pre- servation, drying is the most important, and might with advantage be practised more extensively over here even if only applied to the mushroom of com- merce, which often goes to waste for lack of this simple expedient. The use of salt, vinegar, alum, and methods of sterilisation are also mentioned in the present pamphlet, which contains in addition a biblio- graphy of some of the principal Italian books on the subject. Brazi_, among other countries, has suffered severely owing to the restriction of exports of coal and other fuel by Great Britain. On the other hand, this embargo has had the effect of directing attention to the vast fuel resources available in that State. Already working operations are in hand in some regions, and, according to the U.S. Commerce Reports, No. 276, various mining companies are being subsidised by the Brazilian Government to stimulate production, and the home-produced supply will be favoured by the authori- ties whenever possible in the future. Quite high-grade briquettes are being made from coal which has been “purified” by washing and crushing to reduce the ash-content. As regards fuel-oil, the Parahyba shale is reported to be richer than that of Scotland, the former producing 165 litres of crude oil per ton (163 per cent. oil-content), while the latter produces too litres (10 per cent. oil-content). Portions of the shale suitable for distillation have already been found at a number of points. Various companies have been formed, and authorities have reported favourably on the fuel for motor-vehicle and. boat driving. Re- afforestation schemes are also proposed for over- coming the fuel shortage, experiments having shown that eucalyptus trees can be successfully grown in Brazil so as to yield wood at the end of five years at a cost of about 3s. per cubic metre. IN papers read before the American Society for Testing Materials recently, Dr. Henry M. Howe and Mr. A. D. Little discussed some aspects of the organisation of industrial research. Dr. Howe divided the four phases of research into selection, planning, execution, and interpretation. In order that all these conditions may be satisfied, there should be a wider appreciation of the exact functions that a research should fulfil and greater co-operation amongst the scientific and technical men and bodies concerned. For the selection of a research, prophecy and breadth of view are essential; planning requires imagination and administration; execution, skill and trustworthi- ness; and interpretation, a philosophical mind. After | enumerating the aims of research organisation, Mr. Little admitted that industry must look to the higher | institutions of learning for the determination of funda- 412 mental facts and constants, the development of theory, and the establishment of general principles. Research must be given greater prominence at such institutions to enable industry to recruit the proper type of worker for its own research problems. It is desirable to provide technical schools with more experimental plant on an industrial scale, so that students from the schools will be able at once to apply their research methods to the requirements of the industrial firm which they enter. In conclusion, Mr. Little em- phasised the importance of creating an interest in research problems in the mind of the manufacturer and the public. Prurti, in 1886, pointed out that while d-asparagine is sweet, its stereo-isomer, /-asparagine, is tasteless. This was the first observation indicating the nature of the connection which may exist between the flavour and the molecular structure or configuration of an organic compound. Since that time a large number of records have been made as to the effect which changes in chemical composition or molecular ar- rangement bring about in the flavour of organic sub- stances. Thus d-leucine and d-phenylalanine have been found to be sweetish, whilst their laevo-isomers are bitter; and of the anisaldoximes the one with the anti-configuration is very sweet, whereas the syn- aldoxime is tasteless. The monohydric alcohols are only slightly sweetish, but with increase of the number of hydroxyl groups, as in the glycols, glycerols, etc., the sweetness becomes very marked. On the other hand, the strong sweet taste of ‘‘saccharin” is destroyed by relatively slight molecular transforma- tions, such as the replacement of an imide hydrogen atom by a methyl or ethyl group. In the Revue Scientifique for December 7, 1918, MM. Barral and Rane give an interesting summary, ten pages in length, describing the present state of knowledge respecting what may be called the chemistry of sweet flavours. In fine, the known facts, they consider, resolve themselves into a series of approximations to generalisations, but there are always exceptions or anomalies. We are, indeed, still very far from being able to establish a general law, such as would enable the flavour of a compound to be deduced when its molecular structure is known. Crupe a-trinitrotoluene, the high explosive, is liable to contain small quantities of its @- and y-isomers. The three substances are very similar in physical pro- perties, and are equally powerful as explosives. Al- though the a-variety is by no means a sensitive explo- sive, some accidents have occurred with it which have not been satisfactorily explained, but which have indi- cated that the substance may sometimes contain a much more sensitive body. It has generally been supposed that the latter is derived from q-trinitro- toluene, but it may equally well be derived from the B- or the y-isomer. Messrs. Ryan and O’Riordan (Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy, December) give an account of an investigation which they have carried out in order to elucidate this question. In the course of their work they found that a sample of crude y-trinitrotoluene contained a dark, amorphous sub- stance which explodes on heating; this, they think, may be of considerable interest in connection with the explanation of the accidents mentioned. Dr. Sipnry Russ suggests a new X-ray unit in radiotherapy. The unit, termed a “rad,” is based on the amount of radium which, when applied to malignant tumour cells, causes complete inhibition of their power to grow after an exposure for one hour; this is determined by tests on rat-cancer. For measur- ing the dose of X-rays administered to a patient, the NO. 2569, VOL. 102] NATURE [JANUARY 23, I919 photographic action of the rays is obtained on a photo- graphic plate, and upon the same plate is impressed the photographic action of the standard radium. The plate is developed and a comparison made between the photographic impressions so obtained. For example, if the X-ray tint for an exposure of ten seconds equalled that obtained with an exposure cf six seconds with the radium, the dose of X-rays during the ten seconds’ exposure would be 1/600 rad (Archives of Radiology and Electrotherapy, No. 221, December, 1918, p. 226). Tue launch of the first large self-propelled sea- going reinforced-concrete vessel to be built in Great Britain—the Armistice—took place at the Ferro-Con- crete Ship Construction Co.’s yard at Barrow-in- Furness on January 7, and forms the subject of an illustrated article in Engineering for January 10. The ship is of 205 ft. length between perpendiculars, 32 ft. moulded breadth, 19 ft. 6 in. moulded depth, and is to have a speed of about 7% knots with 4oo indicated h.p. Trisec steel bars having a very high tensile strength were used for the reinforcement. The con- crete was made up of a granite aggregate, sand, and British standard specification cement. The sand used was a mixture of coarse and fine grains, from } in. downwards; the aggregate consisted of granite chip- pings of assorted sizes, not less than } in. and not more than 3 in. Fresh water was used exclusively for mixing up the concrete. The method used in construction was to build a box round the reinforcement bars, into which the concrete was poured and rammed hard. To reduce the quantity of timber employed a system of steel sheets, suitably stiffened, was used as shutters. The machinery consists of two cylindrical boilers 9 ft. 6 in. in diameter by 9 ft. long, to work at 140 Ib. per sq. in. The engines are of the compound surface condensing type, having cylinders 153 in. and 33 in. in diameter by 24 in. stroke. In the Times of January 14 there appears an interesting account of the surrendered German ships by a member of the Allied Naval Commission in German waters. The good German shooting is attri- buted more to superior range-finders and training than to the gunnery control system. The statement that the German ships unquestionably had more accurate range-finders than the British is not accepted by many of those in possession of the facts. It is generally agreed that the first German salvoes were excellent, but not necessarily better tham the British, and that, whereas the British fire continued good, the German fire became erratic when the ships were hit. The primary function of a Service range-finder is to pro- vide ranges when in action. It is essential that it should keep in adjustment under battle conditions- To save the reputation of the German range-finder it is necessary to attribute the failure to a peculiar human moral weakness, which, however, was cer- tainly not in evidence throughout the war. As the result of the Battle of Jutland the superiority of British fire was recognised by the Germans, whose later conduct is some proof of this. The superiority of British range-finders was known to the German Government, which in 1914 approached British makers with regard to the supply of their instruments. During repeated competitive trials by the French Government the German range-finders were invari- ably beaten by the British. This defeat the Germans explained on political grounds, but as the result of extensive trials in Austria-Hungary British instru- ments were adopted throughout the Austro-Hungarian Navy and largely throughout the Army. These British range-finders which have defeated the German product in so many lands have optical parts made of British _—_ e_ JANUARY 23, 1919] NATURE 413 glass. No German glass is used, and during the war a considerable amount of excellent optical glass has been made by the range-finder manufacturers them- selves. Mr. Joun Murray’s new list of announcements contains the following forthcoming books :—* Travels in Egypt and Mesopotamia in Search of Antiquities, 1886-1913," Dr. E. A. Wallis Budge, 2 vols., illus- trated, in which is given the story of the author’s mis- sions to Egypt, the Great Oasis, and Mesopotamia, the results of his excavations at Acevan and Nineveh and Dér in Babylonia, and particulars of the excavations in Assyria and Babylonia from 1782 to 1913; a new and revised edition of ‘ Heredity,” Prof. J. Arthur Thomson, illustrated ; “‘ The Adventure of Life,’’ Major R. W. McKenna, R.A.M.C., dealing with the question of the origin of life, and showing that, in the develop- ment of higher forms and the “survival of the fittest,” intelligence, and not brute strength, has been the dominating factor; and ‘Hints to Farm Pupils,’ by F£. Walford Lloyd, the aim of which is to put in con- cise terms the most important features of farming which a pupil must master. The volume will contain a seasonal “Calendar of Farm Work.” OUR ASTRONOMICAL COLUMN. Tue Comer 1786 IJ.—This comet is of interest as being the first of the eight comets discovered by Miss Caroline Herschel. It was observed for eighty-two days, being visible to the naked eye for a fortnight. The observers were Maskelyne (Greenwich), Wol- laston (Chislehurst), Méchain and Messier (Paris), and Reggio and Cesaris (Milan). Miss Margaret Palmer, who has made a re-investigation of the orbit (Astr. Journ., No. 744), finds the following ellipse as the most probable orbit :— T =1786 July 7°91859 Berlin M.T. @ =324° 57’ 59°23') KQ=194° 27’ 11°37" ,1786'0 P= 50° 55 5°97") log g =9°6128774 log e =9°9995992 Period = 9373 years. The observations are fairly satisfied by orbits ranging from an ellipse with period 3300 years to a parabola. Perturbations ‘by Mercury, Venus, the earth, and Jupiter have been applied. PARALLAX OF THE Barnard Star.—Astr. Nach. (No. 4971) contains a determination of the parallax of this star, made by photography at Pulkova by Dr. S. Kostinsky. He finds 0-622"+0-022", a larger value than those found in America, which group themselves about 0-53”. He gives for the proper motion in R.A. —0-0438s., in decl. + 10-249". Place at epoch 1917-473 17h. 53m. 46-456s., +4° 27’ 57-28” (equinox of 1917-0). Photographic magnitude, 10:6; photo- visual (with yellow filter), 9-4. THE BRITISH SCIENCE GUILD AND ITS EXHIBITIONS. es a dinner given at Princes’ “Restaurant on January 15 several speeches were _made con- cerning the results of the British Scientific Products Exhibition held by the British Science Guild in August and September last, and also the work of the guild for the advancement of science and its application to industry. NO. 2569, VOL. 102| The Marquess of Crewe, president of the exhibition committee, was in the chair. After the usual loyal toasts he proposed ‘The British Science | Guild,” alluding to the valuable educational work which it had conducted since its foundation in rg05. The war had brought home to everyone the value of scientific method and knowledge, not only as a weapon in war, but also in industry and education. In these respects our adversary Germany had truly eaten of the tree of knowledge, but that fruit had turned to poison because of the spirit in which it was eaten. Our task must be to dissociate science from this disastrous spirit, to show that the proper applications of science, pursued with reverence and humanity, added immensely to the happiness of mankind. The guild had pursued two main objects, which were, however, closely related. It desired, first, to secure fuller attention to science in the general education of youth. While a sound general education was necessary as a_ pre- liminary to technical specialisation, this general educa- tion should contain a fair proportion of scientific studies. The second object of the guild was to pro- mote the higher branches of scientific research and to encourage their application to industry. As the Minister who brought into being the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, he cbserved with pleasure the closer relations being established between science and industry and the growing recognition of the benefits of industrial research—results which were due, in a large measure, to the influence of the British Science Guild. The exhibition had proved a wonderful revelation of the possibilities of science. He hoped that it would be a permanent feature in the industrial life of the country, and that in future the guild would continue to flourish and play its part in the advance- ment of learning and science. Lord Sydenham, who replied on behalf of the British Science Guild, referred to some of the difficulties en- countered at the outbreak of war. For a long time we were dependent upon improvisation for articles urgently needed by the Army, Navy, and Air Service, and it was due to the efforts of British men of science that these needs had been met. Lord Sydenham pro- ceeded to mention various instances of discoveries made in this country but afterwards developed abroad. Perkin’s discoveries in relation to dyes furnished a well-known example. Helium gas was first discovered in the sun by Sir Norman Lockyer, and twenty-six years later was identified on the earth by the late Sir William Ramsay, these two distinguished men being the founders of the guild. The Americans are now producing it in large quantities as a non-inflammable gas for the inflation of airships. The British Science Guild aimed at the co-ordination of science, education, and industry. The British Scientific Products Exhibi- tion had shown what British men of science could do. Another exhibition on a larger scale was planned for the present year. In the difficult reconstruction period science and scientific methods of direction in the Government could do a great deal to recreate national prosperity and provide happier and healthier conditions of life. Mr, F. G. Kellaway, M.P., Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Munitions, in proposing ‘‘ The Exhibitions of 1918 and 1919,” said that events during the war had aptly illustrated the romance of applied science. Experience belied the idea that John Bull was a sluggish and lethargic person. It would be fitter to apply the description uttered by Milton two hundred and fifty years ago: ‘‘A nation that is not slow and dull, but a quick, ingenious, searching spirit, acute at invention.” In proof of this he would mention two inventions relating to defence against hostile air- 414 craft. One of these was the simple and ingenious sound-ranging apparatus that had enabled search- lights to pick up, almost invariably, enemy machines ‘over London. ‘The secret of the other device was still locked up in the Ministry of Munitions, but the weapon was so powerful that hostile aircraft could not face it. Both these inventions were mainly due to men whose names were unknown to the general public. Mr. Kellaway also quoted facts to show how British manufacturers, aided by science, had met the sudden demands of the war. Sixty per cent. of the world’s stores of mica, a material essential in the electrical. industry, were located within the British Empire, yet before the war 50 per cent. was sent to Germany for treatment. Now things were very different. Similarly, we had formerly to go to Ger; many for magnetos and ignition plugs, yet to-day the British magnetos and plugs were the best in the world, and the output of these two articles had risen enormously during the war. It was the task of the British Scientific Products Exhibition to make such facts known and to encourage similar advances in the future. This toast was responded to by Sir Robert Hadfield, who supplemented the remarks of the last speaker by referring to some of the achievements of the iron and steel industry. The biggest shell used in the war, 18 in. in diameter and weighing 1} tons, was produced in this country. It was capable of penetrating armour- plate 41 in. thick; at a range of ten miles it would still penetrate 22 in., and at twenty miles 123 in. of armour-plate. We should not, however, follow Ger- many in using science as a weapon of aggression, but would, as the chairman said, apply it for peaceful ends in the spirit of reverence and humanity. Sir Robert proceeded to give some facts showing the success of the British Scientific Products Exhibition, which had attracted more than 30,000 visitors in London and 15,000 in Manchester—more than 45,000 in all. This year they hoped to make the exhibition much wider in scope. He wished to thank all who had contributed to the success of the exhibition in 1918, and referred especially to the services of the chairman of the organising committee, Prof. R. A. Gregory, and the secretary, Mr. F. S. Spiers. _ The toast of ‘‘ The Donors of the Exhibition Fund” was proposed by Mr. Charles F. Higham, M.P., who acted as honorary director of publicity to the exhibi- tion. Mr. Higham explained that the cost of the exhibition had been defrayed from private enterprise, and it had not been assisted by the Government. He wished to express thanks to all those who had given their support, including the original donors (Sir Wil- liam Mather, Sir Robert Hadfield, and Mr. Robert Mond) and the manufacturers who had responded to the invitation of the organising committee to contri- bute. Now that the exhibition had proved its worth he hoped many other manufacturers would participate on the next occasion, and that their contributions would be even more generous than in the past year. Mr. Milne Watson, responding for the donors, emphasised the value of scientific methods of test in improving the quality of products, using as an illus- tration some experience in the ammonium sulphate industry. Manufacturers must be taught that the per- petuation of mediocre methods was wrong, and that it paid to use every available scientific weapon to secure the finest possible results. In the absence of Mr. John Hodge, M.P., the toast of ‘‘The Chairman” was proposed by Prof. d’Arcy Thompson, the Marquess of Crewe briefly responding. This terminated the proceedings. The dinner was attended by about 150 men of science, manufacturers, and others associated with the exhibition. NO. 2569, VOL. 102] NATURE | JANUARY 23, I919 EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCES. ae seventh annual conference of Educational - Associations, comprised of thirty-four educa- tional societies, which was numerously attended, was opened at the University College, London, on January 1 and concluded on January 11. The in- augural address, characterised by abundant wit and humour, was delivered by Mr. Fisher, the President of the Board of Education. The conference weels included also the annual meetings of the Headmasters’ Conference, the Incorporated Association of Head- masters, the Association of Directors and Secretaries of Education, and the Association of Public School Science Masters, some of the proceedings of which have already been reported in Nature. At a joint conference of the educational associations held on January 3 an interesting address by Prof. John Adams, who is now in France, was read on “The Utility Motive in Education,” in which he urged that pure knowledge often owed its opportunities to the help offered by practical applications, which he illustrated by reference to the strides made by physiology, the progress of which had hitherto been slow, so soon as it became associated with the teach- ing of students of medicine; to psychology, when education captured it, and it became included in the professional training of teachers; to navigation, which made possible the development of pure astronomy; and, lastly, to the technical demands of dyers and other practical people, which had led to such subsidising of chemistry teaching as had greatly favoured the disinterested study of the subject. Might we not find in all this, he said, some justification for the plea that a working arrange- ment could be made by means of which a clash might be prevented between the claims of the cultural and the utilitarian ideals? The demands of the practical man might be met, not only without forfeiting the right to carry on disinterested work, but also in a way to favour such work in its proper place. Man was one and indivisible; he must be trained to hold his own in both spheres, utilitarian and cultural. Knowledge that refined a man’s character was as use- ful as knowledge that increased his productive power in a material sense. The swing of the pendulum was at present strongly in favour of the practical, and a hard fight might be necessary to get due attention to the other aspect. But they would certainly not succeed in maintaining a due proportion of the cultural elements if they set out on a crusade for the useless. Miss Mercier, head of Whitelands College and president of the Training College Association, in de- livering her presidential address to the latter, pleaded for a higher type of education for students training as teachers. The training college might, and should, become also a school of social service. Neither read- ing alone, nor desire of service alone, made the good teacher, but a blend of both. Students would often benefit by a university course, but some would not be suited to it. There should be large liberty in devising courses. Mr. George Lansbury, who spoke later to the same body upon teaching, urged that the teachers should cultivate a really radical outlook, By which he meant that outlook on life which went to the root of things. Unless there were a_ tremendous amount of idealism in the teachers, they would not make very much impression upon the children. At the meeting of the Eugenics Education Society Prof. J. Arthur Thomson, of Aberdeen, gave an address on ‘The Eugenic Ideal of Education,’? which he defined as the organic improvement of the human breed, but one which, though primarily a_ biological ideal, had an horizon far wider than the poultry vard - JANUARY 23, 1919] or the breeder's pen. It recognised that it was dealing with a very complex organism, which was at least as much mind-body as body-mind; that the thinking, feeling, willing side of man’s constitution was just as real as the throbbing muscle and thrilling nerve. It believed that character was as vital an organismal uality as stature, or weight, or length of life, or ecundity, and they must rid their minds for ever of the prejudice that the eugenic ideal smacked of the farmyard in any objectionable way. There was need for a wider and deeper recognition of the commonplace that young people are organisms—growing, developing, varying, too, if we would let them—serving what should be a joyous apprenticeship to the serious busi- ness of life. These children were not only little men and women in the making, but also young mammals— really and truly young mammals. Their health was not incidental—it was well-nigh everything; their motor system was not irrepressible without serious risks; their play was not a luxury, but an essential; their adolescence in the novel, artificial conditions of civilisation needed to be guided sympathetically; their adult functions and environment must be looked for- ward to and prepared for. An address was delivered by Lord Gorell, Deputy Director of Staff Duties (Education), to the meeting of the Teachers’ Guild on January 2 on “‘ The Educa- tion of Men on Military Service,” in which he related the steps that had been taken as opportunity served for providing means of instruction and education for men engaged in war service. Lord Gorell stated that there were at the present time at least three million ' students. The work had risen from below; it had not been in any way put upon the Army from above. The first aim was to give the soldiers some diversion from the stress of war; the second was the high ideal of education, to brighten intelligence and promote self- realisation; and the third was to help definitely in what they intended to do in the future. Addresses were delivered to the members of the Teachers’ Guild on ‘National and’ International Ideals on the Teaching of History" by Prof. F. J. C. Hearnshaw, of King’s College, and by Miss A. E. Lovett, Vice-President of St. Hilda’s Hall, Oxford. The former pleaded that the Spartan sought his ideal man of the type of Leonidas, the Athenian that of Pericles, the Roman that of Czsar, the medieval schools that of Aquinas; but our present ideal is a communal one. We were seeking to evolve the excel- lent craftsman or the man of trained mind ready to take up work. Discipline and the sense of duty fitted men and women to play a right part in national life. They needed a knowledge of history which trained the imagination by the pageant of stories, then showed the relation of cause and effect. Later on two sides of a question were perceived, and so impartiality might be learnt. The mind’s horizon widened by the study of great men and great careers. Miss Lovett urged in her address that the word “international” should connote added understanding and sympathy. The study of history affected action. Not only must truth be sought, but the question should also be con- stantly present: Are our ideals and aims for the aggrandisement of our country or for the world’s good and the glory of God? To the members of the Civic and Moral Education League an address on “The Physical and Psycho- logical Bases of Education’? was given by Dr. Eric Pritchard, in which he claimed that the same prin- ciples which led to good physical development applied to the making of good moral character. In describ- ing at some length the nervous and _ cerebral mechanism of the formation of habit, he said that many disturbances, such as bad circulation, were, in fact, a kind of bad habit of the system. The first NO. 2569, VOL. 102] NATURE 415 impression made on the tabula rasa of the virgin nerve-cell was of paramount importance. He had traced back chronic nervous coughs to over-stimula- tion of the respiratory apparatus at birth. The sug- gestive power of home environment often counteracted the work of the school. So bad was the influence of many homes in great industrial centres, and so strongly did he believe in the educational influence of the home, that he would almost be willing to see the homes of this country sacrificed for a generation if the bringing up of these expatriated children in orderly, disciplined institutions would provide a race of parents capable of making proper homes for the next generation. Dr. Constance Long, dealing with the same subject, said that character was the per- petual acquisition of something that was at all times incomplete, and its first requisite was that it should be capable of growth. National action was individual action multiplied a thousandfold, and to understand an individual it was necessary to study, not only his conscious, but also his unconscious mind. ~ The psycho-analytic view forced us to realise that the un- conscious side of the mind played a far larger part in our actions than was generally supposed. Memorable addresses were delivered in various sections of the conference on art and its applications, on manual training and hand-work, on Nature-study, and on other subjects of deep interest to teachers. The various audiences had the advantage of inspecting a splendid exhibition of books, maps, wall-illustra- tions, and a variety of school apparatus. Such con- ferences at this critical time cannot fail to be of supreme value in widening the aims and strengthen- ing the purposes of all engaged in the work of education. At the annual meeting of the Association of Direc- tors and Secretaries of Education, held in the County Hall, Westminster, on January 6, the newly appointed chairman, Mr. W. A. Brockington, Director of Educa- tion for Leicestershire, delivered an inspiring address in which he dwelt upon the vital significance of the Education Act of 1918, which he characterised as the realisation of a dream rather than as the development of a system—a phrase which would well describe the Acts of 1870 and 1902 with all their attendant statutes. The mind of the nation was open to receive new and enlarged ideas, and better educated than in 1870 and 1902; hence the Bill came into being at a happy - moment. The administrative officers of education throughout the country welcomed the Act, since it realised in so large a measure the aims they sought, which were that the schemes of the local education authorities should embrace not only elementary, but also all other forms of education included in their jurisdic- tion, proportionate block grants, the control of laggard or recalcitrant authorities, the abolition of differential rating, the declaration of higher education as a duty, and the consequent removal of the rate limit in county areas; and, on the social side, the universal raising of the compulsory school age, the provision of ade- quate maintenance scholarships so that no capable child shall be debarred by poverty from the fullest educa- tional facilities, the establishment of day continuation schools for those in employment between fourteen and eighteen, together with full freedom of organisation according to local conditions, the provision of full- time advanced schools of varied type, the restriction of child-labour, the adequate provision of physical training, medical inspection and treatment, and, lastly, the endowment of scientific and industrial re- search. It is a matter for much rejoicing that these aims have found expression under the guidance of a master-pilot in an Education Act. But the realisation of its provisions are beset with many and _ peculiar 416 difficulties which will require much patience, great courage, untiring effort, and a fine spirit of sacrifice on the part of the community to realise. Yet the reward will be great. There will need to be the closest co-operation among educational authorities to give the requirements of the Act their full effect, and they can only be solved painfully step by step. The supply of suitable teachers is in itself a vast problem, as well as the provision of appropriate buildings. The arrangement of the hours of instruction so as to meet the necessities of the various industries is scarcely less perplexing. In many cases it must be met by taking the whole of a working day or more per week for a limited period, and in rural areas during some weeks of the winter season. Indeed, it will be seen that no greater step was taken during the great war towards peace-time 1econstruction, seeing that the Education Act, worked to its logical limit, means re- construction all round. THE PRODUCTION OF OIL FROM MINERAL SOURCES.! ANY and very various products can be obtained I by the carbonisation of bituminous minerals, the character and quality of the materials produced depend- ing mainly upon the temperature at which the process is conducted. It does not, however, follow that all identical products will be obtained from different bitu- minous materials when they are subjected to the same temperature conditions, because the chemical composi- tion varies, and consequently when subjected to heat the method of decomposition also varies. The organic body or bodies in shale are called kerogen, and this, on being subjected to moderate heat, yields oil of the olefine and paraffin series, ammonia also being produced. The organic matter in coals and cannels is generally described as volatile matter, and probably differs con- siderably in chemical character from the kerogen; consequently, on being subjected to moderate heat, different products are obtained, although they also are mainly of the olefine and paraffin series. When ‘coals are subjected to high temperatures a different class of hydrocarbon is produced, mainly the hydro- carbons of the benzene series. It is probable that this would also be the case to a greater or less extent if shale were also subjected to high temperature in retorts similar to those employed for heating coal. It is extremely difficult to obtain an even distribu- tion of heat in any carbonisation process; consequently it is by no means easy to make certain of always obtaining the same products from a given material in the same proportions, and great care has to be exercised to ensure that the conditions are as nearly constant as possible. The form of the retort has much to do with the quantity and quality of the pro- ducts obtained. In all cases the first effect of the heat is low-temperature distillation, because the material is introduced cold into the retort, and, how- ever high the temperature of the retort, the heat must first get through the badly conducting mass before the temperatures can approximate to that of the retort, and by that time a considerable part of the volatile matter will have been driven off. Then another ques- tion arises, viz. whether the form of the retort is such that the volatile products, as they are formed, come in contact with the surface of the retort before being drawn off, or whether they are removed without being heated after they have been expelled from the material. The quality and character of the final products depend almost entirely upon this.. Thus in horizontal gas retorts the volatile matter as it leaves the coal comes ! Abstract of a paper read hefore the Institution of Petroleum Technolo- gists on December 17, 1918, by Dr. F. Mollwo Perkin. NO. 2569, VOL. 102] NATURE [January 23, 1919 in contact with the highly heated arch and sides of the retort before it enters the ascension pipes and is carried to the hydraulic main. This causes radical changes in the volatile products, and hydrocarbons of the benzenoid or aromatic series are largely produced. On the other hand, in a vertical retort the volatile products, as they are released from the coal, ascend upwards through the cold incoming coal, only a por- tion coming in contact with the hot walls of the retort, and, as a consequence, the resulting products con- tain a considerable proportion of hydrocarbons of a paraffinoid nature. Whether high or low temperature should be em- ployed for carbonising bituminous material entirely depends upon what products are required. For gas- works, where a large-volume yield of gas is required, high temperature is essential, but where motor spirit, fuel oil, lubricating oil, and paraffin wax are required, low-temperature carbonisation must be adopted. In low-temperature carbonisation the gas produced is less than half that obtained by high-temperature carbonisa- tion, and contains less hydrogen and more hydro- carbons than the latter; low-temperature carbonisation could, therefore, not be employed for the manufacture of gas for lighting purposes. The main distinctions between, high and low temperature are as follows :— - High Temperature. (a) Large volume _ of gas, say 12,000 cu. ft. on the average. (b) Yield of sulphate of ammonia, on average, say, 20 lb. (c) Yield of tar on average, say, 11 gallons per ton of coal carbonised. (d) Tar is aromatic series, and yields benzol, toluol, naphthalene, anthracene, carbolic acid, and cresols. These are the raw pro- ducts for the manufacture of dyes, explosives, photo- graphic chemicals, drugs, and many other synthetic products. largely of Low Temperature. Low volume of gas, say 5000 cu. ft. on the average. Yield of ‘sulphate of ammonia, on average, say, 10 Ib, Yield of tar (crude oil) on average, say, 20 gal- lons per ton of coal car- bonised. Tar (crude oil) consists of hydrocarbons of the aliphatic series (paraffins, olefines, and naphthenes). From the tar can be ob- tained motor spirit, fuel oil, lubricating oil, and paraffin wax. The tar acids are useful for dis- infectants, but of no use as raw products for other industrial purposes. It should be mentioned that when coals high in volatile elements and rich cannels are subjected to low-temperature distillation, much larger yields of crude oil are obtained, as much as 4o and 60 gallons. Oils obtained by the carbonisation of bituminous material come under the same category as natural oils; they may, therefore, be classed as mineral oils, even although their origin was probably organic, as was that of natural oils, but many organic substances, such, for example, as peat or wood, will give oils of a similar character when carbonised under suitable conditions. ; At the outbreak of the war the world’s production of natural oil was in the neighbourhood of 50,000,000 ~ tons, and last year more than 60,000,000 tons. Before the war Great Britain was, with the excep- tion of the oil obtained from the Scottish shale-oil industry (275,000 tons crude oil), entirely dependent upon imported oil for all the various purposes for which oil is required. Our aeroplanes, warships, motor-cars, etc., were dependent upon sea transport for petrol and fuel oil, and our machinery- for lubri- cants. Unfortunately, we are still in the same posi- | tion. Great Britain, with her vast Navy and her great JANUARY 23, 1919] borne transport, and this should not be necessary, or, at any rate, only in a partial degree. our merchant ships will probably burn oil fuel. We have at hand mineral resources from which we can produce mineral oils—petrol, fuel oil, lubricating oils, and paraffin wax. Why do we not employ them? ‘There are, of course, many difficulties in founding a new industry, and one of the greatest difficulties has been Government action or inaction. There is now, however, a stirring among the “dry bones"; a great deal of experimental work has been carried out, much of it on semi-commercial plant, and there are now several large schemes under con- sideration, which would involve the putting up of an extensive plant both for retorting and refining the oil and to obtain power from the residuals or domestic fuel. The ordinary shale retort is not adapted for dealing with caking bituminous material, or, indeed, for treating cannel and non-caking coals; hence the larger amount of research worl which has been carried out in the endeavour to devise a suitable retort for dealing with bituminous materials which contain a large amount of fixed carbon, and will yield, after extrac- tion of the volatile matter, a good fuel for domestic purposes. It might be replied: * But this is already obtained in the gasworks, where, when coal is car- bonised to produce gas, a residue of from 68 to 70 per cent. remains in the form of coke, besides which tar and ammonia are produced.’ True, coke is pro- duced, and this coke contains a very low percentage of volatile matter, and for this reason is not adapted for burning in the ordinary grate. Coke produced by low-temperature carbonisation (350°-550° C.) is softer than that produced at high temperatures (above goo® C.), and usually contains from 7 to 11 per cent. of volatile matter. The presence of this volatile matter causes the coke to burn readily, practically without flame or smoke, and to give out a great heat. It is, consequently, very clean for household purposes, and if it were used instead of coal the cost for the painting and decoration of the house would be consider- ably reduced. Furthermore, the atmospheres of our large towns and cities would be very much less con- taminated by smoke, and the living conditions wouid be healthier. In producing this smokeless fuel by low-temperature carbonisation there is produced at the same time oils of the aliphatic series, which on refining yield motor spirit, fuel oil for internal-combustion engines or for direct boiler firing, lubricating oils, and paraffin wax, besides which there is a small quantity of ammonia and sufficient gas to fire the retorts and leave a small surplus. Now in low-temperature practice there are three possibilities, any of which might be a financial success, or they might be combined :— (1) The production of oil and smokeless fuel. (2) The production of oil and the conversion of the fuel residue into power-gas by gasifying it in a pro- ducer. (3) The production of oil, using a portion of the fuel for domestic purposes and_ gassifying the remainder. In districts where power is not required for manu- facturing purposes, but where coal or cannel could readily be obtained without having to transport it for long distances, then the first proposition would be the one to embark on. On the other hand, where cheap power in large bulk is required, then (2) would be the process to take up. Probably in all cases a certain proportion of the residue would be sold as smokeless fuel. NO. 2569, VOL. 102] NATURE | -fleet of aeroplanes, is dependent for fuel upon sea- In the future | 417 Those who do not know the quality of the low- temperature products have said: *‘*We shall then be able to win back the dye industry from Germany.” We nearly lost the war to Germany from lack of oil. Lord Curzon recently told us that at one time there was a stock of only 900,000 tons in the country against a minimum of 1,500,000 tons which the Admiralty con- sidered necessary. The Fleet, in fact, had to restrict its exercises in order that, if a battle took place, there should be sufficient oil to go round. When we know more of the internal management of Germany during the war, it will doubtless be found that the Germans produced large quantities of oil by low-temperature carbonisation of bituminous material. They were doing so before the war. One of the reasons why low-temperature carbonisa- tion has, so to say, hung fire is due to the exag- gerated claims made by inventors, backed up by com- pany promoters. In all distillations of bituminous material water is obtained along with the oil, and is at times extremely difficult to separate, as the specific gravity of the crude oil approximates to that of water. In fact, it is not unusual to find 30 to 4o per cent. of water in the crude oil. This has all been lumped in as oil, hence the impossible claims for oil yields which have been made. . The days of exaggeration are, it is to be hoped, past, and careful research has taken the place of romance. If the claims are more moderate, at any rate we are working on a sure foundation, and many of us believe that a home oil industry can be founded on business lines, which, although not rendering us self-supporting, will, at any rate, supply a portion of our needs and tend to prevent exploitation. UNIVERSITY AND EDUCATIONAL INTELLIGENCE. CaMBRIDGE.—A new educational office has been established by the council of St. John’s College, with a view to the co-ordination of the college teaching in natural science subjects and the special encourage- ment and direction of scientific research. Dr. W. H. R. Rivers, fellow of the college, has been ap- pointed to this office, with the title of pralector in natural sciences. Mr. R. Whiddington, fellow of the college, has been appointed to the office of director of studies in physics. “ated The compulsory Greek in the Previous Examination was abolished by vote of the Senate on January 17. By a very large majority (161 to 15) the Senate ap- proved a report of the Previous Examination Syndicate containing the recommendation that Greek should be made an optional subject. Although the final plans for the reconstitution of the examination are not com- plete, since the details of parts ii. and iii., which it is proposed shall consist of papers In_ mathematics, science, and English subjects, are still under con- sideration, the question of compulsory Greek was regarded as being so urgent that the proposals for part i. were submitted to the Senate without further delay. In consequence of the approval of this report, a candidate, after January 1, 1919, is allowed to take as an alternative to the old classical part i. of the Previous Examination a new part i., in which Latin is compulsory, but Greek is made alternative to French, German, Italian, or Spanish. The ‘addi- tional subjects.” which hitherto have had to be taken by candidates for an honours degree, are abolished. “Men who have been engaged on military service are now coming up to the University in large numbers, and lecture-rooms and laboratories have begun to resume something of their pre-war aspect. Four terms 418 are allowed to men who have been on war service for not less than six months, whether they have previously joined a college or not, and they are exempted either from the previous or from one special examination. Those who have served for shorter periods may also be granted certain exemptions. At the end of January four hundred naval lieu- tenants and sub-lieutenants are coming to Cambridge for a six months’ course. These are men who were promoted from the rank'of midshipman during the war before completing their normal preliminary course of study. They will be distributed among sevéral col- leges, and will be under naval discipline. The Univer- sity will provide instruction for them in physics and engineering, and, in addition, courses in various optional subjects, literary as well as scientific, are being arranged. \ COMMERCIAL library, established by the subscrip- tions of local business men, was opened in Dundee on January 17 by Sir Alfred Ewing, principal of the University of Edinburgh. Tue Edinburgh University Court has approved the scheme for the founding of a chair of mental diseases, submitted by the board of the Royal Edin- burgh Asylum for the Insane, which has offered an endowment of 10,000l. towards the salary. Sir Joun Herktess, principal of St. Andrews Uni- versity, announced that Mr. George Bonar, president of the Dundee Chamber of Commerce, has given 25,000!. to establish a scheme of commercial education in connection with University College, Dundee. One of the conditions of the gift is that a degree of Bachelor of Commerce should be established, and that university students seeking that degree should not be compelled to pass a preliminary examination or to have come from higher or secondary schools, but that “boys or youths who present themselves should be admitted if they are able to show that they are capable of improvement and of undertaking university study. SoME years ago Prof. MacGregor, of Edinburgh University, with the help of a committee of the late Prof. Tait’s friends and former students, launched a scheme. for establishing a Tait memorial chair in mathematical physics and applied mathematics. Con- siderable progress in collecting funds had been made, but Prof. MacGregor’s death and the advent of the war prevented the scheme being proceeded with. Recently, however, the committee, with the cordial support of the University authorities, has resolved to make a general appeal for funds towards the en- dowment of the proposed chair. About 15,000l. will be required. In connection with this movement an anonymous donor has placed in the. hands of the University Court for a certain number of years an investment yielding yearly a corsiderable interest to accumulate as part of the endowment of the Tait chair of mathematical physics. The Tait memorial com- mittee will welcome similar contributions, which may be intimated to the general secretary of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, who acts as hon. secretary of the committee. We learn from Science that the will of Capt. J. R. De Lamar, mineowner and director, leaves nearly half of his estate, estimated at 4,000,000l., to the Harvard University Medical School, Johns Hopkins University, and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University for medical research. The bequests to these institutions in equal shares consist of his residuary estate, estimated at about 2,000,000l. He gave a trust fund of 2,000,000l. to his only child, Alice A. De Lamar, with the provision that if she dies without issue the principal of this fund also goes NO. 2569, VOL. 102] NATURE [JANUARY 23, 1919 to the institutions named. The will requests that this fund be used * for the study and teaching of the origin of human disease and the prevention thereof; for the study and teaching of dietetics and of the effect of different food and diets on the human system, and how to conserve health by proper food and diet.” The money is to be used to establish fellowships, scholarships, and professorships; to provide labora- tories, clinics, dispensaries, and other places for study and research; and to publish the results of such ‘research, not only in scientific journals, but also by popular publications and public lectures. Iy was pointed out by Sir J. J. Thomson in his presidential address to the Royal Society in 1917 that much public good might be done by the publication of a popular periodical in which all aspects of pro- gressive knowledge are presented simply and accurately for general readers. Few articles of this type appear in the magazines; and the daily Press is naturally more concerned with subjects of topical interest than with descriptive accounts of the state of knowledge of any particular subject, however stimulating such surveys may be in style or substance. It is believed that teachers would welcome a periodical which would give them at least a glimpse of what is being accom- plished in many developing fields of knowledge— scientific or otherwise—and that the extended views thus obtained would often put new life into the body of instruction. ‘To consider proposals for the founda- tion of a periodical with this intention, a conference was held recently, with the Rev. Dr. Temple in the chair, in the rooms of the Royal Society, at which representatives were present of twenty associations, including the Conjoint Board of Scientific Societies, the Classical, English, Geographical, Public School Science Masters’, Historical, Modern Language, Library, and Workers’ Educational Associations, Royal Society of Literature, National Home Reading Union, and the chief professional associations of teachers. It was resolved by the conference that “it would be to the national interest if a journal could be established which would represent the growth of the chief branches of knowledge in popular form.” An executive committee was appointed ta draw up a scheme for the management of the journal, and therefore to secure whatever assistance is possible, by the selec- tion of suitable contributors or guarantees of subscrip- tions, from the bodies represented at the conference. Should the scheme take practical shape, the proposed journal would stimulate public interest in learning of all kinds, and would thus be a valuable aid in chang- ing the attitude of indifference commonly displayed towards intellectual endeavour in this country. SOCIETIES AND ACADEMIES. LONDON. Mineralogical Society, January 14.—Mr. W. Barlow, past-president, in the chair.—A. Hutchinson: Stereo- scopic lantern-slides of crystal pictures. The twin pic- tures are projected by means of a double lantern through screens of complementary tints—red and green—and are viewed through similarly _ tinted screens, one for each eye. If the adjustment is cor- rect, a black-and-white picture stands out in relief. This method admits of the properties of crystals and of crystal-structure being demonstrated simultaneously to a large number of students.—L. J. Spencer: Mineralogical characters of turite (=turgite) and some other iron-ores from Nova Scotia. The mineral col- lection of the late Dr. H. S. Poole, which was pre- sented to the British Museum in 1917, contains, amongst the iron-ores, specimens of magnetite, hama- January 23, 1919] NATURE \ 419 ——————— hs— oo eeeeeeSSsSSSSS ea lite, turite, goethite, limonite, chalybite, mesitite, and ankerite from many well-defined localities in Nova Scotia. The dehydration curves and optical characters of turite (2Fe,O,,H.O), goethite (Fe,O,,H,O), and limonite (2Fe,0,,3H.O) prove that these, at least emongst the large group of ferric hydroxide minerals, are distinct species with crystalline structure; some others are colloidal. Turite (=turgite, an incorrect German transliteration from the Russian) is a hard, lustrous, black mineral, with a radially fibrous and concentric, shelly structure, and gives a dark cherry- red streak; the fibres are optically birefringent and strongly pleochroic. Sharp, brilliant crystals with the forms of goethite, but consisting of anhydrous ferric oxide, i.e. pseudomorphs of hematite after goethite, were described. Royal Meteorological Society, January 15.—Sir Napier Shaw, president, in the chair.—Sir Napier Shaw: Pre- sidential address: Meteorology—the society and its fellows. Sir Napier Shaw referred to the change in the position of meteorological worl during the war from that of a subject of curiosity, which might safely be left to take its chance with such facilities as were left to the ordinary public by inexperienced censors and controllers, to that of a matter of such import- ance in gunnery and navigation of the sea and air that all reference to it was rigorously excluded from the newspapers, and a number of special services were improvised to meet the need for meteorological in- formation for our own Forces, acting in co-operation with corresponding organisations for the French, American, and Italian Forces. To meet the demand for information about the fundamental principles and practice of the modern science, necessary for those who were called upon to take up technical duties with very limited training, the Meteorological Office had issued a number of books specially written for the purpose. Looking forward, he said that the imme- diate necessity was the organisation of the meteoro- logical services to satisfy the demands of the home countries and meet possible requirements of the Dominions beyond the seas. The essential conditions of the organisation ‘were, first, that there should be a career for men of ability, and, secondly, that there should be opportunity for suitable preparation by pre- liminary training in scientific studies, including meteorology, at the universities. At the same time efficient organisation of the public service required that the regular collection of information about the weather should be placed on a proper footing by ar- rangement between the central authority and local authorities. The duty which the society should dis- charge in the changed conditions was to foster or create an atmosphere which would make a satisfactory national organisation on those lines possible by the interchange of ideas and the discussion of meteoro- logical subjects. Mathematical Society, January 16.—Mr. J. E. Camp- bell, president, in the chair.—Prof. Fréchet; The differential of functional operations.—L. J. Mordell : The value of a definite integral—Dr. T. J. I’A. Bromwich : solutions in conduction of heat. Operational MANCHESTER. Literary and Philosophical Society, [December 10, 1618. ——Mr. W. Thomson, president, in the chair.—Margaret W. Fishenden : The efficiency of domestic fires and the effects of certain ‘‘coal-saving’’ preparations. The experiments included determinations of (1) the “radiant efficiency,’ or the percentage of the total calorific value of the coal burned, which entered the room as radiation; (2) the distribution of radiation; (3) the volume of air passing through the room; NO. 2569, VOL. 102] | (4) the amount of heat passing away above the ceiling level in the hot flue gases; and (5) the heating of the room air. Three different grates gave radiant effi- ciencies of 21, 244, and 24 per cent. respectively; the radiant efficiency was not dependent upon the draught, even over such wide limits as from one to nine changes of air per hour. The maximum intensity of radiation was found (upwards) at an angle of about 60° to the horizontal through the centre of the fire. The amount of heat contained in the hot flue gases passing up the flue above the ceiling varied Tara about 55 per cent. of the total calorific value of the fuel burned for draughts of about 20,000 cubic ft, per hour (nine changes), to about 15 per cent. for one change per hour. The heat used in warming the room air was very small, generally below 10 per cent. Certain advertised preparations, solutions of which were claimed, when previously sprayed upon the coal, greatly to increase the efficiency of fires, had been analysed and found to consist chiefly of common salt. Their use was found to have no effect whatever upon the radiant efficiency, the duration of burning, or the rise of air temperature produced by coal- fires. ‘ January 7.—Mr. W. Thomson, president, in the chair.—Sir E. Rutherford ; The worl and influence of Joule. Attention was confined to the first five years (1838-43) of Joule’s scientific career, which began at the age of nineteen, and an endeavour was made to trace during this period the gradual growth of Joule’s power of experimentation and of philosophic insight: This period was, in some respects, the most fruitful and inspiring in Joule’s lifetime, for it included his remarkable researches on the transformations of energy in the voltaic cell, the dynamo and motor, and his first measurement of the mechanical equivalent of heat. A brief discussion was given of the reasons why the full recognition of the fundamental import- ance of Joule’s earlier researches was so long delayed and of the difficulties experienced by Lord Kelvin in reconciling. Joule’s conclusions with the work of Carnot on ‘‘ Heat Engines.’’ Adjustment of views on both sides. was necessary before the foundations of the new science of thermodynamics were securely laid, and before the great principle of the conservation of energy was generally recognised. Paris. Academy of Sciences, December 30, 1918.—M. Léon Guignard in the chair.—Albert, Prince of Monaco: The course of the floating mines in the North Atlantic and the Arctic Ocean during and after the war. Experi- ments on the ocean currents have been carried out over a series of years, a large number of objects made of wood, metal, or glass, and constructed so that they float just below the surface out of the direct action of the wind, being used. The results have been accumulated during twenty years, and can obviously be applied to predict the course of floating mines. The probable track of these is shown on a chart, and the most dangerous localities are summarised as the Bay of Biscay, the west coast of Portugal, Morocco, the Canaries, and Madeira. From the Canaries to the Antilles the path of the mines is wider, and the return to Europe follows the course of the Gulf Stream.—A. Lameere: The Dicyemides.—M. Balland : The preserved fruit and jam distributed to the troops. An account of the adulterations found in these articles of food as supplied to the French Army.—Sir Almroth Wright was elected a correspondant for the section of medicine and surgery in succession to the late J. Bernstein.—E. Vessiot: An integral invariant of hydrodynamics and its application to the theory of general relativitv.—L. Lumiére: A method of record- 420 ing graphically by means of a jet of gas. It is pro- posed to replace ihe style by a very fine capillary. A stream of air carrying ammonia is led through the jet of this capillary tube and impinges on a moistened paper impregnated with mercurous acetate. The movements of the jet, which may replace the needle of a galvanometer, are recorded in black.—-A. Meyer: Some derivatives of isatin.—P. Gaubert: The artificial coloration of liquid erystals. The use of indophenol as a colouring material presents great advantages over substances previously employed. By its means in- teresting results have been obtained relating to Babinet’s rule and to the influence of double refrac- tion on polychroism.—Ph. Glangeaud : The volcano of Sancy. Its secondary craters and its lavas.—P. Lesage: The utilisation of the curve of limits of germination of seeds after soaking in solutions. If seeds are immersed in alcohol there is a time beyond which the seed will not germinate, and this is a func- tion of the strength of the alcohol. This relation between strength and time has been worked out for the seeds of Lepidium sativum. A possible applica- tion to the selective removal of the seeds of dodder is suggested.—L. Lapicque: The use of marine alge for feeding horses. The experiments were carried out on L, flexicaulis, which were first dried, then washed freely with the addition of a little lime or acid for the removal of mucilage. The horse requires a certain time to get accustomed to the food, about a weel, and then digests the algze completely. For horses doing no work the seaweed can be used in place of oats; for light work, nutritive equilibrium was obtained with 1500 grams of alge plus 500 grams of oats. A horse has eaten 140 kilograms of algae in ninety-six days without visible inconvenience.—Mlle. Lucienne Dehorne ; False incubation in Heteronereis malgremt. BOOKS RECEIVED. Dreams and Primitive Culture. By Dr. W. H. R. Rivers. Pp. 28. (London: Longmans and Co.) ts. War and’ Civilisation. By W. J. Perry. Pp. 27. (London: Longmans and Co.) ts. 6d. net The Philosophy of Mr. B*rtr*nd R¥ss*Il. With an Appendix of Leading Passages from Certain Other Works. Edited by P. E. B. Jourdain. Pp. 96. (London: G. Allen and Unwin, Ltd.) 3s. 6d. net. By Prof. H. F. G. Bell and Sons, The Origin and Evolution of Life. Osborn. Pp. xxxi+ (London: Ltd.) 25s. net. A Manual of Elementary Zoology. daile. Second edition. Pp. xiv+616. Frowde and Hodder and Stoughton.) Forced Movements, Loeb. Pp. 222 o22- A. Borra- lal By L. (London : 16s. net. Tropisms, and Animal Conduct. By Dr. J. 209. (Philadelphia and London : J. B. Lippincott Co.) ros. 6d. net. Life and Finite Individuality. Two Symposia. Edited for the Aristotelian Society, with an I[ntro- duction, by Prof. H. Wildon Carr. Pp. 1094. (London: Williams and Norgate.) 6s. net. A Treatise on Gyrostatics and Rotational Motion: Theory and Applications. By Prof. A. Gray. Ep xx+530. (London : Macmillan and Co., Ltd.) 42s. net A Manual of Geometrical C rystallography : Treating Solely of those Portions of the Subject Useful in the Identification of Minerals. By Prof. G. M. Butler. Pp. vilit155. (New York: J. Wiley and Sons, Inc.; London: Chapman and Hall, Ltd.) 7s. net. A\ Treatise on the Sun’s Radiation and Other Solar Phenomena, in Continuation of the Meteorological Treat on Atmospheric Circulation and Radiation, 1915. fled cobignd ate Bigelow. Pp. ix+< (New York : i Wiley and Sons, Inc.; London: Chapman and Hall, Ltd.) 23s. net. NO. 2569, VOL. 102] NATURE = EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERREE [JANUARY 23, 1919 DIARY OF SOCIETIES. THURSDAY, Jamuany 23 Roya INSTITUTION, at 3.—Prof. a Sa) » Collie: Oriental Porcelain. Rovac Sociery, at 4.30.—Admiral Sir H. Jackson and Prof. G. B. Bryan : Experiments Demonstrating an Electrical Effect in Vibrating Metals.— Prof. T. H. Havelock: Wave Resistance : Some Cases of Three-dimen- sional Fluid Motion.—W. S. Abell: Chances of Loss of Merchant Ships.— Prof. W. M. Hicks: A Critical Study of Spectral Series. Part V. The Spectra of the Monatomic Gases. Chemical Studies of InstiruTION oF ELgecrricaL ENGINEERS, at 6.—A. P. M. Fleming: Planning a Works Research Organisation. FRIDAY, JANvary 24. Roya InstiruTION, at 5.30.—Temp. Lt.-Col. A. Balfour: One Side of War. InsTITUTION OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS, at 6,—T. T, Heaton: Electric Welding.—Henry Cave : The Development of the Oxy-acetylene Welding and Cutting Industry in the United States.—J. H. Davies: Oxy-acetylene Welding. —F. Hazledine: Oxy-acetylene Welding. MONDAY, JANUARY 27. Royat GroGRAPHICAL Society, at{ 8.—Commander [Spicer Simson, D.S.O., R.N.: The Tanganyika Expedition. (Duty permitting.) TUESDAY, Jaxvary 28. Rovay InsTITUTION at 3.—Prof. Spenser Wilkinson: Lessons of the War. InstiruTion oF Civit ENGINEERS, at 5.30.—Hon. R. C. Parsons: Centrifugal Pumps for Dealing with Liquids containing Solid, Fibrous, and Erosive Matters. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29. Rovat Society oF ARTS, at 4.30.—Dr. F. Keeble: by Intensive Cultivation. THURSDAY, JANUARY 30. Roya InstITUTION, at 3.—Prof, J. N. Collie : Chemical Studies of Oriental Porcelain. Rovat Society, at 4.30.—Prebable Papers: Prof. J. C. McLennan and R. J. Lang: An Investigation of Extreme Ultra-violet Spectra with a Vacuum Grating Spectrograpk.—Prof. J. C. McLennan and J. F. T. Young : The Absorption Spectra and the Ionisation Potentials of Cal- cium, Strontium, and Barium.—Prof. J. C, McLennan, D. S. Ainslie, and D. S., Fuller: Vacuum Arc Spectra of various Elements in the Extreme Ultra-violet.—R. C. Dearle: Emission and Absorption in the Infra-red )ereabe Mercury, Zinc, and Cadmium.—E. Wilson; The Measurement Magnetic Susceptibilities of Low Order.—Dr. F. Horton and Ann C. Davies : An Experimental Determination of the Ionisation Potential for Electrons in Helium. FRIDAY, JANvARY 31, Roya INSTITUTION, at 5.30.—Prof. H. H. Turner : SATURDAY, FresrRuary 1. Roya InstiruTion, at 3.—Prof. H. P. Allen; The Works of J. S. Bach. ‘Food Production Giant Suns. CONTENTS. PAGE Diseases of Plants. By E.S.S. . . Bron lon 2 The Double-star Worker’s Vade- -mecum Oy shraaoe) The Science of Iron-founding ........ . . 403 Our Bookshelf : SOS TaD Fe ee aeons 404 Letters to the Editor :— Wireless Telegraphy and Solar Belipty = ahten j. A. Fleming, F.R.S. F ° The Neglect of Biological ‘Subjects | in Education. — Prof. A. E. Boycott, F.R.S. .. The Aurora Borealis of December 25, 1918. (Illus: trated. )\—scriven Bolton. 0 <<) = sues Patent Law Amendment Sua oso! < Natural and Artificial Camouflage OMAR LIce. 3) 5 Dr. H. E. J. Du Bois. Bea a Notes . : Se sp lo ed folremter i Our Astronomical Column :— The Cometin7 SGMTs eae cele) vill-) =) <) eintou ie Parallax of the Barnard Star . . teh The British Science Guild and its Exhibitions | ote Educational Conferences . nae The Production of Oil from Mineral Sources. By Dr. F. Mollwo Perkin. . Pig AS. te 1 University and Educational Intelligence Pag: aro Societies and Academies’... 2.2 i... 2 2% Books; Received! siemate tenia i's (-ire arctaeatat eee ary, of Societies .. 405 405 405 405 PRCA Or ei.) Ih un "Editorial and Publishing Offices : MACMILLAN AND CO., Ltp., ST.. MARTIN’S STREET, LONDON, W.C.2. Advertisements and business letters to be addressed to the Publishers. Editorial Communications to the Editor. Telegraphic Address : Telephone Number : Puusis, Lowpon. GERRARD 8830. A WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED jou RNAL OF SCIENCE? “To the solid ground Of Nature trusts the mind which builds for aye."—WoRDSWORTH. No. 2570, VOL. 102) THURSDAY, JANU ARY 30, 1919 _ [Price NINEPENCE. c Registered as a “Newspaper at the General’ Post Office. }_ >) 2 oe eee PAE Rights Reserved OPTICAL “TROJECTION APPARATUS R EYN 0 LD S & B RAN $0 N, Ltd. | Chemical and Physical Apparatus Makers to a Majesty’s °o G H oO D. EVERY DESCRIPTION. a eeeee haloraiany Oval ccasp ee eee Gold Medals at Allahabad and London. Grand Prix and Gold Medal at the International Exhibition, Turin, APPARATUS for MACKENZIE and FORSTER’S THEORETICAL and PRACTICAL MECHANICS and PHYSICS as adopted by H.M. Government and many important Educational Authorities. Price Lists on application. VIbE :— ** Theoretical and Practical Mechanics and Physics,” by A. H. Mac- LOW POWER PROJECTION MICROSCOPE B= pA ths ag Pgecenhe Germs U0 a for attaching to see penal Lantern. S46 Price - - Post Free 1/9. | ma CATALOGUES POST FREE. E w = roe N & Cc Oo. | Optical Lanterns. and Lantern Slides ; Chemical and Physical Apparatus (late of 3 Fleet Street), and Chemicals; British Made Laboratory Ware (Glass, Porcelain, Nickel, 72 WIGMORE STREET, LONDON, W. 1. and Filter Papers); Chemicals of Guaranteed Purity. 14 Commercial Street, Leeds. DUROGLASS L™.: | BECKMANN THERMOMETERS 14 CROSS STREET, HATTON GARDEN, E.C. ____ Manufacturers of | With 6 degrees Centigrade divided Borosilicate Resistance Glassware. 5 6 Wenicss. Flasks, Ete. into O'01° C., are now made Soft Soda Tubing for Lamp Work. throughout at our own works. General Chemical and Scientific Glassware. Special Glass Apparatus Made to Order. NEGRETTI & ZAMBRA 38 HOLBORN VIADUCT, E.C.1 DUROGLASS WORKS, WALTHAMSTOW. eee AGENTS: BAIRD & TATLOCK (LONDON) LTD. 122 REGENT STREET, W.: 14 CROSS ST., HATTON GARDEN, E.C. 1. LON DON. clxx NATURE [JANUARY 30, 1919 THE SOUTH AFRICAN SCHOOL OF MINES AND TECHNOLOGY, JOHANNESBURG. (UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA.) Phe Council invites applications for the following positions :-— (1) PROFESSOR OF ANATOMY; (2) PROFESSOR OF PHYSIOLOGY. Tn each case the salary will be £r0co per annum, and the appointments will, in the first instance, be on two years’ probation. The Professors will be full-time teachers. £75 will be allowed to each Professor for travelling expenses to South Africa, and half salary will be paid from the date of satling until arrival in Johannesburg. The Professors should arrive in Johannesburg about the end of July, 1919, to organise their Departments for starting teaching in March, rgzo. Jt may be possible to do some preliminary work in Anatomy with first-year medical students towards the end of 1919. F . " Applications, in triplicate, Stating age, professional, qualifications and experience, as well as information regarding publications or researches, should, with copies of three recent testimonials, be sent to the undersigned, who will supply further information if desired. Before appointment the selected applicants will be required to pass a medical examination. CHALMERS, GUTHRIE & CO., LIMITED, 9g Ipot Lang, Lonpon, E.C. 3. CITY OF CARDIFF EDUCATION COMMITTEE. THE TECHNICAL COLLEGE. Principal—CHARLES COLES, B.Sc. (Lond.). The services of the following full-time LECTURERS are required :— HEAD of ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT (with special qualifi- cations in Mechanical and Marine Engineering), commencing salary £600 per annum. LEC!URER in NAVAL ARCHITECTURE (to act as Head of Marine Technical Department), commencing salary £450 per annum. HEAD of CHEMISTRY and APPLIED CHEMISTRY DEPAR1- MENT (a Specialist in Applied Chemistry), commencing salary £500 per.annum. HEAD of PHYSICS DEPARTMENT, commencing salary £350 per annum. Applications on foolscap paper, stating age, full qualifications, teaching and other experience, and giving copies of not more than three testimonials, should reach the Principat (fiom whom further particulars may be obtained) by March 17, 1919. Relatives of eligible men on War Service are requested to bring this advertisement to their notice. JOHN J. JACKSON, B.A., Direcror of Education. RUTHERFORD TECHNICAL COLLEGE NEWCASTLE-upon-TYNE. Principal—C. L. Ectatr Hearn, Esq., Wh.>c., A.M.1. ME. A CHIEF LECTURER IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING is required for the above-named College for whole-time service. Duties to commence immediately or as early as possible. Salary £300 per annum. Applicants should have had good technical training in Electrical Engineering in a Technical College and Workshops, and some experience ina Wrawing Office. A candidate with some teaching experience will be preferred. Applications must be made on forms to be obtained from the undersigned, to whom they must be returned not later than Wednesday, February 12, gt9- PERKCIVAL SHARP, irector of Education. City Hall, Cardiff Education Offices, Northumberland Road. STAFFORDSHIRE EDUCATION COMMITTEE. ASSISTANT LECTURER IN METALLURGY. The Staffordshire Education Committee require an ASSISTANT LECTURER in METALLURGY for the County Metallurgical and Fngineering Institute, Wednesbury. Applicants should possess a University degree or an equivalent qualifica- tion, and be fully competent to take classes in Chemistry, Metallurgy, and Metallography ; and it is desirable that they should have had both te ching and works experience. y offere ! £250 to £300 per annum, according to qualifications. r particulars and form of application may be obtained from the ied, by whom applications must be received on or before sth March, C. F. MOTT, Acting Director of Higher Education. tion Offices, Stafford. Ja iry, TQIQ. COUNTY BOROUGH OF HALIFAX EDUCATION COMMITTEE. MUNICIPAL SECONDARY SCHOOL. WANTED, at Easter, ro19, ASSISTANT MISTRESS. Principal subject, Botany; some Jun Physics. Degree essential, and experience County Ed in a Secondary School desir: linimum salary, £130; maximum, £250. Full allowance for previous experience. Forms of application, which will he sent on receipt uf stamped ac | foolscap envelope, must be returned to the undersigned not later than Febri y Ic, 1919 W. H. OSTLER Education Offices, Halifax, Secretary, January 15, 1919. CAMBRIDGESHIRE EDUCATION COMMITTEE. CAMBRIDGE AND COUNTY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS, CAMBRIDGE. WANTED immediately, SCIENCE MISTRESS with degree in Botany and Zoology. Salary according to qualifications and experience. Minimum £150. Forms of application, which should be returned immediately, may be obtained of the EpucaTion SECRETARY, County Hall, Cambridge. January 25, 1919. CAMBRIDGESHIRE EDUCATIO COMMITTEE. ; CAMBRIDGE AND COUNTY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS, CAMBRIDGE. WANTED immediately, FORM MISTRESS for general subjects. Good degree and experience essential. Minimum salary £150. Forms of application, which should be returned immediately, may be obtained of the Epucation Secretary, County Hall, Cambridge. January 22, 1919. i KENT EDUCATION COMMITTEE. COUNTY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS, RAMSGATE. WANTED immediately, a SCIENCE MISTRESS with special qualifications in Chemistry. Honours degree and Secondary School education or experience essential. Initial salary according to qualifications and experience. Applications to be sent to the Heap Mistress, County School for Girls, Ramsgate. E. SALTER DAVIES, January, 1919. Director of Education. DEWSBURY TECHNICAL SCHOOL. Organising Master—Mr. H. J. Taytor, F.C.S. WANTED at once, CHIEF LECTURER in CHEMISTRY. Day and Evening Classes. Candidates must be graduates of a British University. Salary £250 per annum. Forms of application (which will be supplied on receipt of stamped foolscap- envelope) must be forwarded to the undersigned not later than Monday, February 10 next. GEO. E. FEATHERSTON, Technical School, Dewsbury, Secretary. January 21, 1919. WOOLWICH POLYTECHNIC, LONDON, S.E. 18. Applications invited, HEAD of ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT. Commencing salary £600, rising by increments of £25 to £800. For further particulars apply PRINCIPAL. EGYPT AND SALONICA. REQUIRED at once by the Y.M.C.A. Universities Committee, for service in EGYPT and SALONICA, MEN TEACHERS in Mathematics, Science, Modern Languages, Literary and Commercial subjects. Secondary School experience preferred. For particulars apply, in writing, to the SECKETARY, Universities House, 25 Bloomsbury Square, W.C. 1. CIENCE MISTRESS WANTED as soon as possible to teach Botany, Physics, and Geography. Degree and Secondary School experience desirable. Go d sal.ry. Resident or nen- resident.—Apply HEADMISTREss, London Orphan School, Watford. BACTERIOLOGIST WANTED, to in- vestigate Bee-Disease, working under expert superintendence. Salary 4350. Apply before February 5 to the SECRETARY OF THE UNIVERSITY, Aberdeen, submitting two testimonials or references, REQUIRED FOR FACTORY NEAR BRISTOL, man with Biochemical knowledge acquainted with Bacteriology and Botany. Capable of carrying out research on food products.—Reply, stating age, experience, salary required, and published investigations, to ‘*CHEMisT,” Box 125, c/o W. H. Smith and Son, Kingsway, London, W.C. 2. STEWARD or ASSISTANT CHEMIST requires post, country pr ferred. Has good knowledge of chemistry ; not afraid of work.—Write Granam, Chemical Department, South- Western Polytechnic, Chelsea, S.W. 2. GLASS-BLOWERS (Scientific) Wanted. —Apply Bairv & Tariock, Lrp., 45 Renfrew Street, Glasgow, cr 38 Portland Street, Manchester. NATURE 421 THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 1919. SCIENCE IN PARLIAMENT. HE practical absence of leading representa- tives of scientific knowledge and research in the new Parliament is the subject of an article jn the Times of January 21. Among the 707 members there are only two Fellows of the Royal Society, Mr. Balfour and Sir Joseph Larmor, neither of whom can be considered specifically to represent science. The work of Parliament is more and more coming to be a sordid scrimmage of hereditary, vested, class, and sectional inte- rests. Out of the base-metal of the various self- seeking coteries represented— agrarian, com- mercial, financial, professional, proletarian, and so on—by some obscure alchemy too absurd for belief, Westminster is supposed to effect a syn- thesis of the pure gold of wisdom, and in its odd moments from this conjuring entertainment to administer the affairs of an Empire on which the sun never sets. The helpless public, as in America at its worst, is on the point of abandoning its government to a peculiar people with aptitudes and codes of conduct which in their private life they abhor and despise, and with an intellectual outlook and unteachableness similar to that of the traditional type of public-school legislator whom they have succeeded, but without. their reputation for integrity, altruism, and incorrupti- bility. The practical problem is, How are the learned men—of whose learning and research the twentieth century is, and from whose brains and laboratories arises the necessity for the meta- morphosis now blindly and vehemently convulsing it—to pull with something more nearly approxi- mating their true weight dans cette galére? In the article referred to, Members of Parlia- ment are divided into two classes :—First, repre- sentatives of the great working-class sorganisa-, tions, the subscriptions of which supply the neces- sary election funds, and the membership of which gives the necesSary electoral backing to secure their return; and, secondly, persons with money and leisure, derived from an inherited or acquired competence, sufficient to enable them to woo an electorate. A third class, numerically perhaps the most important of all, might have been distin- guished, the nominees of the party organisations, the election funds of which are derived from origins that are not disclosed, but are generally believed—-such is the rottenness of the State of Denmark—to be discreditable in degrees varying from the corrupt sale of honours and peerages to the “legitimate ’’ contributions of powerful sec- NO. 2570, VOL. 102] | tional interests. The men who devote their lives to scientific studies and investigations, all unin- tentionally and almost unconsciously rearranging thereby the foundations of society against its will, do not acquire such a competence as election ex- penses require, and have no mass following in the electorate, who rarely hear their names. Neither are they by intellectual training and character the stuff out of which sound party men, beloved of the caucuses, are made, voting “straight’’ on the great party issues in return for unconsidered trifles in the way of preferment, influence, and nepotism. They are segregated, to their own and the nation’s detriment, from any share in the solution of the vast and overwhelming problems which their activities in the first instance create. A further difficulty, though one common alike to all doing any work worth doing, whether crea- tive, constructive, or merely vocational, is that a parliamentary career involves, at least for the time being, the sacrifice of their own field of work. This, which may appear to many, at first sight, a consequence fatal to the proper representation of © science in Parliament, as a matter of fact is faced daily under existing economic conditions by the scientific investigator in its acutest form. By virtue of his eminence in investigation he is selected for some desirable bread-winning posi- tion, and, though he continue by force of habit for a time to strive to retain a footing in his original domain, amid the responsibilities and pro- fessional duties his office entails, Nemesis has him, and does it much matter whether it carry him to Westminster or to a university principalship or professorship ? Besides, many go _ willingly enough. Was it not Huxley who said that one of the besetting sins of the investigator was the craving for change and novelty, the turning from the field that has been explored to the fascination of the new? Scores sacrifice their special gifts for causes relatively trivial on the altar of duty to their own microcosm, and why not a few to the primary affairs of the nation? The practical problem thus in its essentials is twofold: the provision of election expenses, and the provision of the electorate. With regard to the first, the suggestion has been made that the Conjoint Board of Scientific Societies should insti- tute an election fund, as is done by the National Union of Teachers and other bodies, and as, pre- sumably, is contemplated by the medical pro- fession in its recent action to secure more adequate representation in Parliament. Once a line of action is decided upon, the first question | can scarcely involve any insuperable difficulty. It is the second that brings us at once to the real | practical problem. 422 In a previous article on this subject (NATURE, October 24, 1918) the issue is clearly raised as between the narrow class representation of science in its Own interests in Parliament, and the need of having qualified men of science there as citi- zens, free to use their special knowledge and qualifications in the national interest as a whole; and the latter ideal is frankly and powerfully upheld. Expert witnesses of a party, or impartial social servants of the community, under which banner are the scientific investigators who are to be asked to sacrifice their life-work to be called upon to serve? If the first, then no one but the type of prospective candidates to whom such work would be congenial, and the scientific organisa- tions likely to benefit materially and directly by their advocacy, will consider the matter worthy of a second thought. Science is, not yet at least, an interest, an organisation, or a profes- sion, but transcends these aspects no less than the welfare of the nation transcends that of the coteries that represent it in Parliament. There remains the second ideal that men of science should claim their place on the broad and old-fashioned base of impartial and disinterested social service to the nation. If it had not been for the war, to find constituencies for such candidates would doubtless have appeared very Utopian and impracticable. The nation has, however, been brought violently back to its ideals, and that of disinterested social service for the general weal, which the Government demanded of its citizens in war, will in turn be demanded by the nation of its politicians in peace. In a political contest between idealism and materialism almost any sort of idealism is likely to prevail. The wide idealism of the Labour Party has probably gained for it far more adherents than its extreme views and divided war counsels have repelled. Conditions are now fluid, as they never were before, and, when they set, as soon they must, any scheme founded merely on the peculiar standards of to- day’s political expediency may find itself nipped at the root. A scheme to send men of science into Parliament to represent in the general scrim- mage of interests their own special wants, in return for due allegiance to the party that arranges their election, must reckon with the fervent inten- tion of the overwhelming majority of disinterested electors in this country to prevent in future the rigging of elections, and with the power that pro- portional representation, already in operation in the university constituencies, gives them to stop it absolutely. But it is idle to wait until another election is on the country. To have the slightest chance of success, the work should begin now, an election NO. 2570, VOL. 102 NATURE [JANUARY 30, I9I9 | fund should be raised, and a group of prospective scientific candidates got together under a leader of enthusiasm familiar with the inner labyrinth of the political world. With the help of men of goodwill among their own colleagues, the temper of the electorate being what it is and nearly all men of goodwill in the nation awaiting a lead, such a group might find itself in Parliament as soon as, or even before, it was ready to perform its salutary and necessary task in the grave work that lies ahead. But the claim of these candi- dates to election must rest on the broad and elementary ground that their life-work has given them special knowledge and insight into the scien- tific discoveries which in the short space of a few generations have revolutionised the whole world, and which the Mother of Parliaments will ignore and continue to run counter to only at the nation’s peril. PHYSICS: ANCIENT AND MODERN. On the Nature of Things. By Dr. Hugh Woods. Pp. v+248. (Bristol: John Wright and Sons, Ltd., 1918.) Price 1os. 6d. net. The New Science of the Fundamental Physics. By Dr. W. W. Strong. Pp. xi+107. (Me- chanicsburg, Pa.: S.I.E.M. Co., 1918.) Price 1.25 dollars. (1) DF WOODS puts forward “a new scien- tific theory,’ and asks that his views “shall be carefully considered and supported if they appear true, or attacked if they seem false.’’ He could ask nothing more difficult to grant. Judged by the canons of men of science, his views are certainly incorrect, always when they are new, and sometimes when they are not; his book sug- gests an essay written by somebody who attended a course of popular lectures at the Royal Institu- tion twenty-five years ago, and afterwards lost his notes. But, of course, Dr. Woods, though he may not know it, does not accept those canons. He be- lieves, as his title suggests, that truth is to be found in a return to Lucretius. Now the differ- ence between Lucretius and a modern student of science is not so much in what they believe to be true as in what they believe to be truth. Both are concerned to “explain phenomena,’’ and to both explanation consists formally in showing that the observed facts can be deduced from some set of general principles. But if any principles were permissible, anything could be explained without the smallest trouble, for it is very easy to find a set of propositions from which any other set may be deduced. The principles must fulfil some other condition. This condition is that the principles give a certain form of intellectual satis- faction. It is here that we differ from Lucretius and Dr. Woods; the kind of explanation that appeals to us does not appeal to them. De gusti- bus non est disputandum. Of course, we say that the principles which give us the intellectual satis- ‘January 30, 1919] NATURE 423 faction we desire have the advantage over any other set which has been proposed that the ex- planations based on them often explain facts before, and not merely after, they have been dis- covered. But the appreciation of that advantage requires a scientific training which Lucretius did not possess. We do not think, then, that readers of NATURE will gain much benefit from Dr. Woods’s treatise. But the existence of such books may suggest some interesting reflections. The differences which separate us from Dr. Woods appear in a lesser degree between students of different sciences, and they are likely to be accentuated by the development of what Dr. Strong (2) rightly calls the “new science’’ of “fundamental physics.’’ Physicists are abandoning the me- chanical explanations, which’ were the basis of all nineteenth-century science, in favour of those which rest on the acceptance of some formal mathematical principle; and in so doing they are undoubtedly widening the breach between them- selves and others. It is not impossible that in a few years the division between physics and chemistry may be as wide as that which now divides either from the philosophy of Dr. Woods and his master. But, while Dr. Strong’s title is encouraging, we regret that we have derived even Jess edifica- tion from his writings than from those of Dr. Woods. Dr. Strong is a serious physicist, and knows his subject, in spite of a few minor errors. (Thus, a “magneton”’ is not a free pole, but a doublet, and lead is not an “isotrope,’’ but an “isotope,’’ of RaG.) But he has carried com- pression beyond the bounds of intelligibility; he does not always explain even his notation, or the meaning of his tables. Those of his chapters in which he states the accepted results of modern physics would be perfectly incomprehensible to anyone not already familiar with the subject; no man can possibly expound the subject of radio- activity in four pages. Intercalated among these chapters, apparently at random, are others in which the author expounds some new _ theory which establishes, by means of “radions’’ and “electroethons,’’ a connection between the Great Unknown, mobile and immobile ether, the gateways of the senses, ninety-two atomic nuclei, and other familiar and unfamiliar con- cepts. It may be merely the author’s ex- aggerated passion for brevity which makes these pages a source of nothing but bewilderment to us, for occasionally a suggestive idea gleams through the darkness. We would recommend Dr. Strong first to re-write the chapter, say, on the Ritzian atom, so as to make it intelligible to anyone scientifically educated, and then, having had practice in expression, to return to the state- ment of his original ideas. We would give him one last hint: grammar is not inconsistent with lucidity, and our language is not enriched by such inventions as “illy’’ and “hypotheticated.’’ Ne Re GC: NO. 2570, VOL. 102] APPLIED ANATOMY. Applied Anatomy: The Construction of the Hwman Body considered in relation to its Functions, Diseases, and Injuries. By Prof. Gwilym G. Davis. Fifth edition. Pp. x+630. | (Phila- delphia and London: Jj. B. Lippincott Co., 1918.) Price 30s. net. "Fee work is perhaps the most comprehensive treatise upon applied anatomy in the English language. Its outstanding merit is the series of 631 figures, many of them in colour, drawn by Mr. Erwin F. Faber. They are re- markable, not merely for their diagrammatic clearness and accuracy, but also for their pleasing artistic qualities. The book is cast in a somewhat conventional mould, and gives a vast amount of detailed in- formation of a clinical, as well as of an anatomi- cal, nature. When one remembers how large a part radiography plays in the teaching and prac- tice of anatomy and surgery it is surprising to find a work upon surgical anatomy without any X-ray photographs, especially when the need for’ assistance in their interpretation is so often ex- perienced by the surgeon. The notes upon the arrangement of the lymphatics might with advan- tage have been amplified. But the chief impression one gets from the perusal of this book is the effect of the war upon the surgeon’s outlook. For it is scarcely conceiv- able that so conventional a treatise as this could have been produced in the year 1918 in any country which had had a prolonged experience of military surgery. In dealing with many of the anatomical problems which have daily engaged the attention of our surgeons for more than four years, this book will afford no help. For ex- ample, little attempt is made to provide precise information of the mode of distribution and the variability of nerves, such as the majority of our surgeons need for their daily work in these times. It may be urged in extenuation that this book is merely the new edition of a work of reference for civilian surgeons in a country where experi- ence of military injuries had not extended to the home hospitals. But these reflections serve to direct attention to the fact that a book on applied anatomy, when grown to such dimensions as Prof. Davis’s treatise, is less useful to the surgeon than an ordinary text-book of systematic anatomy. In the course of practice, whether mili- tary or civilian, injury or disease may affect any part of the body; a really useful work of reference, therefore, should provide full information con- cerning the whole anatomy—in other words, it should be a systematic treatise. What the surgeon really wants is the informa- tion the anatomist can give him; but it is of vital importance that the latter should take a broad view of his functions, and, in writing his text- books or treatises, remember that he is teaching the structure of the living organism, and should provide the sort of information that the surgeon 424 and the physician need. To do this efficiently an intimate association between the work of the anatomical department and the hospital is neces- sary, not merely to bring the teaching of the former into closer adaptation with the needs of the clinician, but especially to provide. the scien- tific anatomist with the opportunity of investi- gating such problems as Nature’s experiments upon living human beings reveal. It is essential for the progress. not only of anatomy, but also of medicine in the widest sense, that this broader conception of the anatomist’s functions should be expressed in practice. One effect of such co-operation of the work of the scientific laboratory with that of the hospital wards would be expressed in systematic anatomical treatises informed by the sort of knowledge the hysician and surgeon really need. Excellent as Prof. Davis’s work is, it is impos- sible to repress the feeling that if the same amount of energy had been devoted to the task by an anatomist who was in touch with the needs of the clinician, a treatise more generally useful to the average practitioner might have been produced. In every branch of applied science what the prac- titioner needs as the essential equipment for suc- cessful work is a real knowledge of the pure science which he has to apply in practice. G. Extiior SMITH. e FRUIT CULTURE. Modern Fruit Growing. By W. P. Seabrook. Pp. xliii+ 172. (London: The Lockwood Press (Harvey H. Mason), 1918.) Price 4s. 6d. net. T a time when many at present in the Army and Navy are turning their thoughts to fruit culture this manual appears opportunely. The practical advice given will do much to correct the somewhat unduly optimistic ideas as to the profits to be derived from this branch of agri- culture, and the careful records of capital required and its subsequent profits are a feature of prime importance. A chapter is devoted to the various soils on which success may be obtained, and with its general tenor we are entirely in accord. We cannot, however, agree with the opinion that a thin soil on chalk is. “practically hopeless,’’ as much good fruit is grown on such land in Kent; in fact, one of the most successful growers of that rather “difficult ’’ apple, Cox’s Orange Pippin, possesses soil of this character, about a foot of “loam with flints’’ on the chalk downs, _and in these conditions finds it one of the best- paying crops. The author is a whole-hearted advocate of the bush-tree on the dwarfing “ Paradise’ stock, and we think rather under-estimates the value of the standard trees which are grown in the grass orchards, and, in conjunction with sheep-farming, form so large a part of the fruit culture in East Kent. The labour difficulties of the past few years have driyen opinion against the dwarf NO. 2570, VOL. ” rather 102 NATURE _ [January 30, 1919 plantation with its need for constant cultivation, and experienced growers are interplanting their bush-trees with standards with the view of laying the land down to grass in a few years. For the beginner, however, who must have a quick return for his outlay, the dwarf tree will be always pre- ferred. Some space is devoted to modern methods of packing which are now spreading, and it will undoubtedly be in this direction that foreign com- petition will be met in future, rather than the embargo on foreign imports, which the author hopes will be in some measure maintained. The list of profitable varieties given is good, but we regret that the author has included two new sorts as yet untested beyond his own grounds, a matter which may be misleading to the beginner, for whom this work is written. It would be well in a future edition to explain certain technical terms which the same reader cannot be expected to appreciate. With these reservations the work can be thoroughly recommended. OUR BOOKSHELF. The Future Citizen and his Mother. By Dr. Charles Porter, with a Foreword by Sir James Crichton-Browne. Pp. xvit14q4. (London: Constable and Co., Ltd., 19r8:) Price 3s. 6d. net. Wiru a falling birth-rate and the loss of life occa- sioned by the great war, the subjects of maternity: and child welfare have assumed enhanced import- ance, and the Chadwick Trustees were well advised to institute a series of lectures on these subjects. Needless to say, Dr. Porter has dealt with the question in an entirely satisfactory manner. In the introductory chapter attention is directed to the falling birth-rate and to the wast- age of infant life that goes on. Whereas more than 1,000,000 babies should be provided every year, as a matter of fact only some 800,000 or 900,000 are forthcoming! In the next chapter the care of motherhood is considered. In the worst districts nearly nine, and in the best three or four, mothers die for every 1000 babies born, and it is important to note that maternal death- rate from child-bearing and infant mortality go hand in hand. Valuable suggestions are given for bettering this state of affairs—by the institu- tion of maternity centres and ante-natal clinics, the circulation of instructional leaflets, etc. In the third chapter the infant and infant-mortality, and in the fourth the young child and_ child- mortality, are discussed at some length. In am appendix specimen leaflets relating to the matters discussed for distribution from infant consulta tions and by health visitors are reproduced. t=: 4 lallany pares Diary of Societies ... Editorial and Publishing Offices: MACMILLAN AND CO., Ltp., ST. MARTIN’S STREET, LONDON, ‘W.C.2. Advertisements and business letters to be addressed to the Publishers. Editorial Communications to the Editor. Telegraphic Address: Telephone Number: Puusts, Loypon. GERRARD 8830. D1 ef aL C heen ee oN ay Ings A WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL. OF SCIENCE. “To the solid ground Of Nature trusts the mind which builds for aye..—WorpDsw ORTH. ‘ _No. 2571, VoL. 102] THURSDAY, FEBRUA ARY 6, _[PRICE NINEPENCE. LAW, Rights Reserved 191g “Registered as a “Newspaper a at “the G yeneral ’ Post “Office. «J ia BALANCES & WEIGHTS — BECK - - ER i PWALL- LONDON, F.E.BECKER & C° W. & J.GEORGE (LONDON) 2 PROPRIETORS 17 10 29 HATTON WALL, LONDON.E.C.|. Graphite-Selenium Cells FOURNIER D’ALBE’S PATTERN. Great Stability and High Efficiency. With a sensitive Se surface of 5 sq. cm. and a voltage 20 the additional current, obtainable at various illuminations (in metre-candles) is :— At 1 m.c. ... } milliamp, Atl SOo a: i aoa ae » At 500 2 For particulars and prices apply to the SOLE AGENTs: John J. Griffin & Sons, Makers of Physical and Electrical Apparatus, Kemble Street, KINGSWAY, LONDON, W.C. 2 BEAKERS, BOATS, CONDENSERS, CRUCIBLES, FLASKS, RETORTS, TRIANGLES, specialise in the manu- facture of apparatus to cus- tomers’ own designs. List free on application to THE SILICA SYNDICATE, Ltd., Telephone: Central 2729. BECKMANN THERMOMETERS | With 6 degrees Centigrade divided into. OOI C., throughout at our own works. are. now made NEGRETTI & ZAMBRA 38 HOLBORN VIADUCT, E.C.1 5 LEADENHALL ST.,_ E.C.3 REGENT STREET, W.1! LONDON. 122 clxxvill CHEMISTS. The facilities afforded by the Appointments Register | of the Institute of Chemistry are available, free of charge, to Companies and Firms requiring the Services of properly qualified Analytical, Research, and Techno- | logical Chemists, and to Universities, Colleges, Technical Schools, etc., requiring Teachers of Chemistry and Technology. The War has brought to many manufacturers the realisation that in the great majority of productive industries the assistance | of an adequate staff of properly trained and qualified chemists is not only essential but highly profitable. Many qualified chemists with valuable practical experience in analysis, in research, in plant control and management, will shortly be available. During the past four years the Jastitule of Chemistry has been the chief agency through which chemists have been engaged for Government Service both with the Forces and in industries connected with the War. With the approach of more normal conditions, the Institute is now co-operating with the Appointments Department of the Ministry of Labour, which is concerned with the Resettlement of Officers, and is also in touch with a large number of chemists who have been engaged under the Ministry of Munitions and in controlled establishments. Companies and Firms are therefore invited to notify their requirements to the Registrar of the Institute. The requirements should indicate (i) the industry, (ii) the general nature of the duties to be entrusted to the chemists, (ili) the salary and prospects attaching to the appointments, and (iv) to whom replies should be addressed. In cases where appointments at salaries of £300 a year and upwards (with prospects) are offered, a good selection of candidates may be expected. All communications to be addressed : THE REGISTRAR, Institute of Chemistry, 30 Russell Square, London, W.C. 1. INSTITUTE OF CHEMISTRY OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND. FOUNDED 1877. INCORPORATED BY RoyaL CHARTER, 1885. QUALIFICATIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL CHEMISTS. The Institute of Chemistry was founded in October, 1877, and incor- porated by Royal Charter in June, 1885, to provide qualifying diplomas (F.1.C. and A.1.C.) for professional analytical, consulting, aud technological chemists. Regulations for the Admission of Students, Associates, and Fellows, Gratis. Examination Papers—Annual Sets, 6d. each (by post, 7d,). History of the Institute: 1877-1914, 5s. AproInrTMENTS RecistER.—A Register of Fellows and Associates of the Institute of Chemistry who are available for appointments is kept at the Office of the Institute. A Register of Chemists whose services are available for Government industrial work is maintained at the Office of the Institute. This register is not restricted to Fe.lows, Associates, and Registered Students of the Institute. All communications to be addressed to THe ReGistRaAR, he Institute of Chemistry, 30 Russell Square, London, W.C. 1. RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP FOR WOMEN. SOMERVILLE COLLEGE offers this year a FELLOWSHIP (resident) earch in Classics, Mathematics, Philosophy, History, Economics atural Science. Annual value £120; normal tenure five years (renewa Somerville Cx in by March x Apply for further particulars to Miss DaksisHiRE, e, Oxford. Names, with evidence for fitness, to be sent SOMERVILLE COLLEGE, OXFORD. MARY EWART- TRUST. The Trustees invite « ations from past or present students of Somerville College for a 1 AVELLING SCHOLARSHIP of 4150 a year, for purposes of study. Applications must be sent not r than March 15, 1919, to Mrs. T. H. GREEN, 56 Woodstock ‘Road, Ox/. from whom further particulars may be obtained. COLLEGE STUDENT, London, S.W.., desires residence with A.R:C j ; and some coaching in Mathematics. —Box 181, c/o NaTuRE Office. NATURE [FeBruary 6, 1919 BIRKBECK COLLEGE, BREAMS BUILDINGS, CHANCERY LANE, E.C.4 COURSES OF STUDY (Day and Evening) for Degrees of the ; UNIVERSITY OF LONDON in the FACULTIES OF SCIENCE & ARTS (PASS AND HONOURS) Under RECOGNISED TEACHERS of the University. SCIENCE.—Chemistry, Physies, Mathematies (Pure and Applied), Botany, Zoology, Geology. ARTS.—Latin, Greek, English, Freneh, German, Italian, History, Geography, Logie, Economies, Mathematies (Pure and Applied). Evening Courses for the Degrees in Economics and Laws. Geography Diploma and Matriculation. POST-GRADUATE AND RESEARCH WORK. ac f Day: Science, £17 10s,; Arts, £10 10s. SESSIONAL FEES { Evening: Science, Arts, or Economics, £5 5s. Prospectus post free, Calendar 6d. (by post 8d.), from the Secretary. SOUTH-WESTERN POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, CHELSEA, S.W.3. Day and Evening Courses in Science and Engineering. Technical Courses in Analytical and Manufacturing Chemistry. Pharmacy, Dispensing, and Food and Drug Courses. Metallurgy, Assaying, and Foundry work. Botany, Geology, and Zoology Cousses. . Three years’ college course in Physical Education. SIDNEY SKINNER, M.A., Principal. Telephone : Western 899. UNIVERSITY OF LONDON. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Senate will proceed to elect EXAMINERS for the MATRICULATION EXAMINATION for the year 1919-20 in the following subjects :— One each in (a) Ancient History, (“) Latin, (c) Logic. 3 : In Latin there are two Examiners, but one of the present Examiners is eligible and offers himself for re-election. Candidates must send in their names to the External Registrar, Gro. F. Goovcuitp, M.A., B.Sc., with any attestation of their qualifications they may think desirable, on or before MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1919. (It is particularly desired by the Senate that no application of any kind be made to its individual members.) : If testimonials are submitted, the originals should NOT be forwarded in any case. If more than one Examinership is applied for, a separate com- plete application, with copies of testimonials, if any, must be forwarded in respect of each. No special form of application is necessary. University of London, South Kensington, S.W. 7. PRIFYSGOL CYMRU. UNIVERSITY OF WALES. THREE FELLOWSHIPS, each of the annual value of £125, tenable for two years, are open to Graduates of this University, and TWO OTHER FELLOWSHIPS to those of them who have been engaged in National service. Applications must be received before Tune 1, 1919, by the REGISTRAR, University Registry, Cathays Park, Cardiff, fiom whom further information may be obtained. STATE OF VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA. DEPARTMENT OF MINES AND FORESTS. APPOINTMENT OF CHATRMAN OF FOREST COMMISSION. Applications are invited for the post of CHAIRMAN of the FOREST COMMISSION. Term of engagement 5 years, which may be extended. Applicants must possess the necessary skill and experience to enable them to take the management of forests and plantations. A diploma from a School of Forestry of high standing would be an advantage. Salary £1,000 per annum. Replies to be addressed to The Honourable the Minister of Mines and Forests of Victoria (Australia), Melbourne, Australia, and must be posted to arrive at Melbourne by March 31, 1919. PETER McBRIDE, The Agent-General for Victoria. Melbourne Place, Strand, London, W.C., February 1, 1919. ENGINEER SECRETARYSHIP. Applications are invited for the SECRETARYSHIP of the ENGIN- EERING TRAINING ORGANISATION. Salary £1,000 per annum. Candidates must be fully qualified engineers. University men, with some experience in educational work, preferred. Communications should be addressed to the E.T.0., No. 8, The Sanctuary, Westminster. UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL. LECTURER .IN CIVIL ENGINEERING, £25c-10-£300. For particulars and form of application send stamped, addressed foolscap envelope to the REGISTRAR of the Merchant Venturers’ Technical College, Br'stol. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1919: MIND-STUFF REDIVIVUS. The Origin of Consciousness. An Attempt to -Conceive the Mind as a Product of Evolution. By Prof. C. A. Strong. Pp, vyiii+330. (Lon- don: Macmillan and Co., Ltd., 1918.) Price 12s, net. HIS is a very important book. Whether or not we are able to accept its thesis; the acute and exhaustive exploration of the problem of knowledge, and the thoughtful and sympathetic criticism it offers of the present-day theories ‘of new realism and of post-Kantian idealism, must be reckoned with. It is some fifteen years since Prof. Strong: gave us a book bearing the fascinat- ing title, ‘Why the Mind has a Body,’” and the present work is a development of the theory therein expounded. Perhaps we should rather say that it is a continuation of the author's reflec- tioms on that theory, for he acknowledges im- portant changes in his view. The influence of Bergson’s theory of creative evolution is very evident in this development, although Prof. Strong is not to be classed as a Bergsonian. The title and subtitle of the present volume indicate that influence. Granting that the fact we name consciousness (meaning awareness) is a product of evolution, what sort of stuff must reality be in order that such evolution should be possible? This is the problem. The answer is that it cannot be any kind of body-stuff of which mind is an epiphenomenon, but it must be a kind of mind- stuff of which the body and the physical universe of which it is part and with which it is continu- ous are an epiphenomenon. It will be seen, therefore, that Prof. Strong’s theory is panpsychism; indeed, he uses the terms “panpsychism’’ and “ mind-stuff’’ as syno- nymous. This marks a complete difference from the mind-stuff theory with which the late Prof. Clifford electrified an older generation. Clifford’s theory was a form of psycho-physical parallelism. He supposed a mind-stuff or mind-dust dispersed in the universe as widely as physical matter and correlated point to point with it. Dualism in any form is insupportable to Prof. Strong, its rejection is for him axiomatic; indeed, knowledge itself implies the inconceivability of the independent real. While rejecting alike the “direct object ’’ of the naive realist and the “block universe ”’ of the post-Kantian idealist, his own view yet shows so strong an affinity to some forms of new realism (that, for example, which accepts Berkeley’s esse-percipi principle, but interprets it realistically) that it is sometimes difficult to see wherein the difference lies. What comes perhaps nearest to it, and may very probably have suggested it, is the theory which James described as neutral monism, the theory that conscious- ness as a stuff or entity does not exist, and that there is one substance which can appear either NO. 2571, VOL. 102] NATURE | as physical or as psychical. . Prof. Strong, how- -object; this is introspection. 444 ever, rejects’ the double aspect or two modes theory,-and stands definitely for a mind-stuff pure and simple and ultimate. — When we watch a bumble-bee making frantic efforts to escape through a pane of glass, though an open casement may be only a few inches away, we are astonished at what appears to us the creature's stupidity. Is it a similar failure to pay attention to the obvious which dooms | to failure our age-long efforts to solve the problem presented in the simple fact of knowledge? It may be, but so far everyone who has cried “Eureka !’’ has experienced the impossibility, even if he has satisfied himself, of bringing conviction to others. Prof. Strong is not under the illusion that he can solve by a simple formula what has baffled the ages. Our mistake, he tells us, is in supposing that truth must be simple and direct, whereas it is, in fact, complex and infinitely com- plicated. The main part of his book is a careful and elaborate discussion of difficulties, real and not imaginary, which can be urged against pan- psychism. The thesis itself is simple. What we know directly in sense-perception are essences, not exist- ences. Consciousness is the ‘‘givenness’’ of essences. Existences have absolute spatial and temporal determinations and occupancy. The essence given to us in sense-perception is not representative of the existence; it is not a tertium quid which intervenes between the mind and the reality; it is the “vehicle ’’ of knowledge, the object of which is the existence. [urther, the consciousness itself is not an existence; it. is “attention’’ fo the “givenness’’ of the essence. But besides sense-perception there is another mode of knowing, another avenue to the real The essences given to introspection are feelings, and the existence to which these are the vehicle is the psyche. The argument is that the object of introspection, the psyche, is the same existence as the object of sense- perception, the spatio-temporal ,existence, and only the essences are different. A very happy illustration is afforded by the case of the brain. The brain is the unique condition of knowledge, yet it is itself a part of and continuous with the object of knowledge, the body and the physical universe of which the body is a part. It is not possible, of course, to appreciate the argument in a bare epitome. I can only say that it is lucidly expounded, and no_ difficulty is consciously shirked. There is, however, to me a serious difficulty of which Prof. Strong, in common with most of the philosophers to whom his arguments are chiefly ad- dressed, appears to be wholly unconscious. When philosophers talk about the independent existence of the objects of knowledge they almost invariably refer to the common-sense objects of daily life— to tables and chairs, mountains, horses, and men —and they discourse about the primary and secondary, and perhaps also the tertiary, quali- ACA 442 ties of these objects. They ignore completely the fact that physical science has transformed the reality of the common-sense world beyond recog- nition. They make the naive assumption that the common-sense view of reality is a necessary requirement of physical science. So here, when we ask what is the existence which is distinct from the essence given in sense-perception, space and time and stuff are offered us as the unques- tionable framework, ground, and criterion of existence. In this Prof. Strong has, of course, the new realists in mind. But why do the new realists persist in ignoring the evolution of mathematical and physical theory, the principle of relativity, the new concepts of space, time, and velocity, the new scientific world-view of a universe con- sisting of events and history, in their touching anxiety to save at all costs the common-sense reality of the plain man’s, world? This is not intended as depreciation, but as an indication of the real difficulty I feel in regard to Prof. Strong’s theory, with which I am in general agreement. I would.advise anyone whom this review may induce to read Prof. Strong’s book to begin at the second chapter, entitled “ Introduction,’’ and defer the first chapter, entitled “Preliminary,” until he has read to the end of the book. The “Preliminary ’’ chapter, probably. on account of its brevity and attempt to epitomise, is very obscure in comparison with the main argument. H. WirLpon Carr. BIOLOGY AND HUMAN WELFARE. Civic Etiology: A Text-book of Problems, Local and National, that can be Solved only by Civic Co-operation. By Prof. Clifton F. Hodge and Dr. Jean Dawson. Pp. vuilit381. (Boston and London: Ginn and Co., 1918.) Price 7s. net. © "T° HIS timely book shows in a graphic way, thoroughly well documented, how much man might improve his place in Nature and his immediate environment if the available knowledge could be utilised in concerted civic action. The coloured frontispiece contrasts an earthly Paradise in Oregon with man-made desert conditions at Shingkung, China, and the idea of the book is: “Which? ’’? “Discovery is pushing forward in »very direction as never before in the history of the world, and still it would seem that enough is already known to make living well-nigh ideal and the world almost a paradise, if only enough people knew.’’ Yet “probably not less than five hundred thousand valuable lives are sacrificed annually to the currents of preventable disease, along with the several billions of dollars’ worth of foods and other property swept away by rats, insects, weeds, and fungi.’’ Unco-ordinated in- dividual effort can do little; co-operative scientific control backed by goodwill offers our only hope of suecess. “Our education needs to be so organised that every citizen shall know enough to stop a breach the instant he sees it.’’ NO. 2571, VOL. 102| NATURE [FeBruary 6, 1919 The course of instruction mapped out in this book is thoroughly practical and on sound educa- tional lines, as one would expect, of course, for Prof. Hodge is the author of perhaps the wisest of all books on ‘‘ Nature-study.’’ Rats cost the States some five hundred millions of dollars every year, besides losses inestimable in money, and injurious insects are three times as costly as the rats. This sort of fact occupies a prominent place in the book, and the practicable measures of con- trol are made so clear that he who runs may read. Thus to make the most and the best of the bird life is an obvious communal duty. (We notice, by the way, that the authors refer to the survival of an old passenger pigeon in the Cincinnati Zoo- logical Garden. The death of this bird was re- ported in England some considerable time ago, but this may have been an exaggeration.) The inquiry broadens out to include discussion of the following and much more: the careless fell- ing of trees and the disasters of forest-fires; the control of weeds (which do annual damage to the tune of five hundred millions of dollars); making a back door beautiful; the improvement of cultivated plants and domesticated animals; the campaign against flies, mosquitoes, and other serious pests; the control of fungoid and bacterial diseases of plants, animals, and man; the life-histories of parasitic worms; the cultivation of clams and Crustaceans; the improvement of fisheries; and the utilisation of genetics as a basis for eugenics. It is a wide ambit, but the authors are to be con- gratulated on the skill with which they have used common thing's to illustrate general principles, and have thrown the light of general principles on common things. So while the course is frankly utilitarian, it is at the same time a discipline in the methods of science, The book ends with a lively chapter on “ Know- ing How to Know How,”’ and another on the pro- gress of scientific discovery. The authors are quite sound on the practical value of theory, but they naturally lay emphasis on even the simplest endeavours to face the facts (of any order of mag- nitude and intricacy) without blinking. They are at one with Goethe when he said: “The most per- nicious thing in the world is active ignorance ”’ (or words to that effect), and with Emerson when he wrote: ‘““I am impressed with the fact that the greatest thing a human soul ever does in this world is to see something and tell what it saw in a plain way. To see clearly is poetry, philosophy, and religion all in one.’? We are heartily at one with the authors in their exposi- tion of what biology may do for human welfare; our only doubt is whether they have put in saving- clauses enough. For there are some readers of easy ambitions who may be tempted to think that all will be right with the world if we get rid of rats and hook-worms, if we control weeds and flies, if we take Pasteur and Mendel into our everyday confidence. Hopes so sanguine will meet, we fear, with bitter disappointment. J. Ave Te Fesruary 6, 1919] VISIONARY SCIENCE: Hindu Achievements in Exact Science: A Study in the History of Scientific Development. By Prof. B. K. Sarkar. Pp. xiiit82. (London: Longmans, Green, and Co., 1918.) Price 1 dollar. CARCELY would it be supposed from its art- less title that this little book deals with what its author styles ‘the pre-scientific epoch of the history of science,’’ and that its main object, as declared in the preface, is to place the scientific achievement of ancient and medieval India in proper perspective with that of certain other great nations of antiquity. Still less would it be sup- posed that its text would read sometimes like an awkward demonstration of the truism that Hindu civilisation is an indigenous growth little influ- enced from outside, and sometimes—indeed, more often—like an unhappy attempt to impugn the accepted opinion that the great flood of Western knowledge had its quickest and freshest rifls in the sparkling soil of Hellas. But, disregarding its misleading title and its ambiguity of profession, one evident purpose of the book is to vindicate the propositions that the “tendencies of the mind ’’ have been,pretty much alike in East and West, and that, prior to the present tercentenary, superstition had no more repressive effect in one part of the world than in the other. If “tendencies of the mind’’ be taken, in the common sense, to include merely the desires, passions, and motives of the wonder- ful piece of work Man, there needs no ghost to come from the grave of buried India to tell us that these have everywhere and at all times the generic constancy predicated by Shylock; but if it is to denote posture and attention of the mind towards Nature, then the argument that the history of science here reveals no inquisitive dif- ference between East and West must be supported by something more than brave assertion and an ardent imagination. The author protests that among the sages of Indian antiquity there were numbered “hosts of specialists,’’ who freely explored all fields of Nature by observation and experiment, and systematised the results in “a vast amount, of specialised scientific literature.’’ He asserts of these set researches into natural phenomena that they were not less comprehensive, exact, and fruitful than those of the Greeks. Besides the ancient Hindu mathematicians, of whom we have heard, he tells us of physicists, chemists, mineralo- gists, botanists, zoologists, anatomists, and embryologists, whose discoveries are too vaguely summarised, chapter by chapter. In the chapter on physics little is to be found beyond a dis- paraging reference to Greece, and a catalogue of fragments of muda intellectualia, to which an imaginative pen may give a local habitation and a name among the formal sciences. The chapter on chemistry tells us that the Hindu chemists of the sixth century were “masters of the chemical NO. 2571, VOL. 102] NATURE 44.3 processes of calcination, distillation, sublimation, steaming, fixation, etc.,’’ and that the Saracens learnt their chemistry from the Hindus. Under “Medicine’’ we learn that, in contrast to the impeding “pseudo-science of Galen,’’ the great strength of the Hindus lay in observation of Nature. Under “Anatomy’’ we are informed, after deprecation of the ignorance of Hippocrates, that the “anatomical system’’ of the Hindus was “almost modern,”’ although, not containing more than an idea of a circulation, it did not anticipate Harvey. Some of the “Hindu embryologists ” approached quite respectfully near the level of present-day knowledge, and the following is quoted by the author as containing a kernel of their truth: “The menses, after conception, goes in part to form the placenta, and as the blood flows every month it coagulates to form the embryo, an upper layer being added every month to the embryo, and another portion to the breasts of the mother.’’ As to‘ Natural History ’’—well, non semper tendit arcum Apollo; in India—as, it would appear, everywhere else before a.p. 1683—it was not very much to boast of, yet it is declared to have been minute and comprehensive in its scope, and to have been studied in a truly scientific spirit. OUR BOOKSHELF, The Science of Health and Home-making. By E. C. Abbott. Pp. xv+352. (London: G. Bell and Sons, Ltd., n.d.) Price 3s. 6d. net. Own the whole, this book is a satisfactory intro- duction to the science of health and home-making, though there are some loose statements which need revision in a future edition. After a brief introduction on the importance of health, succeed- ing sections deal with the structure of the body and the functions of the various organs, food and digestion, the nervous system, germs and disease, the home, clothing, cookery and house- keeping, the care of babies, and school hygiene. Under “Food” it is stated that mineral oils are chiefly obtained from petroleum and coal-tar, but no mention is made of the chemical differences between mineral oils and vegetable and animal fats, or that the former have no feeding value. The sections on disease germs, the formation of toxins and antitoxins, and vaccination are inaccu- rate in many respects. In dealing with the’ life- cycles of plants and animals it is stated that “plants take in as food CO, from the air, and water and salts from the soil, and with these build up starch and proteids.’’ This is correct so far as it goes, but some mention should be made of the importance of nitrogenous compounds. The sections on the care and training of children ar quite satisfactory. After every chapter subjects are given for working out practically, and also problems for solving, which should prove very useful to the teacher. The book is written in simple language and in an interesting style. Roi aE 444 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. [The Editor does not hold himself responsible for opinions expressed by his correspondents. Neither can he undertake to return, or to correspond with the writers of, rejected manuscripts intended for this or any other part of Nature. No notice is taken of anonymous communications. | End-Products of Thorium. Mr. J. R. Correr’s letter on this subject (Nature, January 30), stating that he has been unable to detect the presence of thallium in thorianite, and is confident that it does not contain even 0-005 per cent., is in accord with other evidence of which I have been given private information. 1 may say, however, that the actual amount of thallium I separated from 20 kilograms of thorite was very small, certainly less than 0-005 per cent., though no particular precautions were taken to effect a quantitative separation, as its presence was only detected during the working up of the whole quantity for lead. Prof. Joly has pointed out (NarurE, June 7, 1917) that the hypothesis of the instability of the major end-product of thorium in- volves the explanation of the disappearance from the 20 kilograms of mineral of 150 grams of unstable lead, whereas the structure of the thorium halo gives no support to the view that unknown a-ray changes occur in the thorium series. Not only against the particular suggestion as regards thallium, but also on the general one that one of the end-products. of thorium is unstable, the evidence appears now to be against the view. JT have no new observations to offer, but Mr. Lawson, writing to me recently from the Radium’ Institut, Vienna, refers to researches carried. out there by Prof. Meyer and others, from which the conclusion has been drawn that both the isotopes of thorio-lead appear to be stable. Referring to elements which an unstable lead could conceivably produce, he mentions my observation of the presence of appreciable’ quantities of iodine in thorite and the possibility that this may be “ eka- iodine"’ of atomic number 85. I may say that this point was thoroughly investigated four years ago by Mr. J. A. Cranston, who determined its atomic weight, and found it to be that of ordinary iodine. FREDERICK Soppy. The Neglect of Biological Subjects in Education. Pror. Boycorr’s letter on this subject in Nature of January 23 deserves the serious attention of those who are striving to secure, as an element in our higher education, some sound knowledge of elementary science and of true scientific method of thought. Quite apart from the important and useful information which would be ineidentally acquired from well-directed bio- logical teaching, the student would thus receive an excellent schooling in how to think clearly. It is con- stantly forgotten that an immense proportion of the subject-matiers which concern human beings in their everyday life are on the ‘biological’? side of the border-line which conventionally divides them from the domain of ‘‘ physics.”’ It has frequently been shown how ignorant many men in very high places are of the elements of chem- istry and physics. To illustrate such lack of know- ledge of Simple biology would be a very easy task. But the value of some really sound instruction in bio- logy, even only as a mental training, should be widely recognised. H. Bryan Donkin. London, January 30. NO. 2571, VOL. 102] NATURE [Fepruary 6, 191g Scientific and Practical Metric Units. In the article entitled ‘Scientific and Practical Metric Units’? which appeared in Nature of Octo-. ber 24, 1918, reference. is made to the convenient bridge to the metric system which exists in the ton, and the author asks for a convenient monosyllabic name for a weight of about 2-2 lb. I would commend for consideration the word “seer."’ The Imperial Indian seer, in common use all over India on the railways, weighs 2-05 lb., and would be as convenient a bridge to the metric system for India as the ton would be at home, ‘ In many parts of Madras the local measuring seer | for grain weighs a little more than 2 Ib. R. Hirson, Deputy Director of Agriculture. Bellary, Madras, S. India. December 7, 1918. THE ECLIPSE OF THE SUN ON MAY 2g. ji has been found impossible to organise any British solar eclipse expeditions since those | sent to Sweden and Russia in the summer of 1914, just before the threat of war arose. Conse- quently, advantage is being taken of the cessation of hostilities to arrange for the occupation of two stations in the eclipse of next May by parties sent out by the Joint Permanent Eclipse Committee of the Royal and Royal Astronomical Societies. This eclipse is noteworthy for the long duration of totality, which is 6m. 50s. in mid-Atlantic, and 5m. 13s. at each of the selected stations. The duration of totality in the eclipses of the same series in the Saros cycle has been gradually in- creasing, and will reach a maximum of about 7m. 8s. in June, 1955, in the neighbourhood of Manila; this duration will exceed that of any eclipse in the preceding millennium. The track of totality next May crosses the entire breadth of South America and Africa. For stations of tolerable accessibility and sufficiently high sun, our choice is restricted to north- eastern Brazil and equatorial West Africa. There is a rather serious error in the maps of the eclipse printed in the ephemerides; they indicate the track of totality as lying to the south of the Liberian coast, but totality will, in fact, be ob- servable on that coast, and the duration of totality and height of sun are greater than at any other land station. However, the weather prospects are not favourable, and it is not proposed to occupy a station there. The selected Brazilian station is Sobral, in Ceara, about 8o miles inland, connected by railway with Camocim, which is reached by steamer from Para. Messrs. Crom- melin and Davidson, of the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, are going there, while Prof. Eddington and Mr. Cottingham will occupy the Portuguese island of Principe, 110 miles distant from the African coast, which is reached by fortnightly steamer from Lisbon. : Other possible stations are the African coast, near Libreville, or the high ground to the west of Lake Tanganyika. The weather prospects at the latter place are the best along the track of \ FEBRUARY 6, 1919] ‘NATURE / AGS ‘ totality, but the sun’s altitude is only about 15°, and the journey is difficult. There is no information to hand at present as to expeditions from other countries. American astronomers have taken a prominent part in the observation of recent eclipses, but, apparently, they are satisfied with their successful observa- tions in their own country last June, and do not contemplate making observations next May; ‘it is hoped, however, that the South American observa- tories may take part. Besides the long totality, this eclipse is also noteworthy for the rich field of stars round the sun; the Astronomer Royal gave a diagram of their configuration in the Monthly Notices for March, 1917, and directed attention to the very favourable opportunity that would be presented addition to our knowledge of physics. Should the decision be in favour of the Einstein shift, it would, in combination with the success of the latter in explaining the motion of the perihelion of Mercury, suffice to lead to its acceptance as the actual system of the universe.' Its definite disproof would also be of service, since it would avoid the dissipation of further energy in’ its elaboration, though it would still deserve our ad- miration as an ingenious system of ideal geometry. Consequently, the British observers will leave questions of solar or coronal physics altogether alone on this occasion, and will concentrate on the effort to obtain accurate photographs of the star-field round the sun for comparison with | photographs that have already been obtained of ° the same region in the night sky. There are Eguator 0 6o° oZanzibar tik ndani TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE, May 29, 19!8. 29, 1919. for testing Einstein’s theory of relativity, according to which a ray tangential to the sun from a star would be deflected through 1°74”, the deflection for other stars being inversely propor- tional to their angular distance from the sun’s centre. Prof. Eddington has directed attention to the deduction that, since a ray of light carries energy, even apart from Einstein’s theory, we should expect the same shift as would be produced by the sun’s gravitation on a particle passing close to its surface. with the speed of light; it is easy to show that this shift would be exactly half that predicted by Einstein, or 0°87” at the sun’s limb. There are thus three possi- bilities: no shift, the half shift, or the full Ein- stein shift. The definite establishment of any one of the three as the truth would be an important NO. 2571, VOL. 102] thirteen stars in the region down to magnitude 770 within the field of. an astrographic plate, which is a square slightly more than 2° in the side; nine of them are as bright as or brighter than 6'o mag. It is not proposed to give exposures ex- ceeding ros., and it is hoped that, with restrained development, all the thirteen stars may be re- corded without being overpowered by the diffused light of the corona. The object-glasses of the Greenwich and Oxford astrographic equatorials will both be employed, also some smaller lenses of longer focus. The driving clocks of the ccelo- stats have given some trouble in former eclipses, but they have been carefully overhauled by Mr. Cottingham, and a notable improvement 1s ex- pected. In any case, exposures limited to ros. do not require very accurate driving. 446 The interval of time between totality at the two stations is 2h. 19m., during which the sun will move nearly 6’. Hence the shifts of the nearer stars should be sensibly ‘altered in the interval, giving a further opportunity for verification. Some photographs were taken for the same purpose in the United States last June, but the publication of results has been postponed until the same region has been photographed in the night sky. The region was much poorer in bright stars than that of next May. The expeditions propose to leave Liverpool by the Booth line about the middle of March, travel- ling in company so far as Lisbon, where the Prin- cipe party will tranship. It is desired to reach the observing stations three or four weeks in advance of the eclipse. A. C. D. CROMMELIN. AMERICA AND GERMAN SCIENCE. E have already, on more than one occasion, directed attention to the effect exerted by the war on American opinion concerning German science and on the marked change it has brought about in the attitude of American men of science towards their German confréres. The change 1s the more remarkable in that it is contrary to what might have been anticipated from the leaven of Teutonism which exists in the United States, and from the possible influence of German university- trained men on American education and on Ameri- can technology. It is well known that the German Government confidently counted upon _ this element to restrain America from participating in the world-wide struggle upon which it had embarked. As usual, it miscalculated. The “hyphenated ’’ American, who had thrown in his lot with his adopted country, and learned to know and to appreciate its institutions and its ideals, had, with comparatively few exceptions, no real sympathy with Germany’s unscrupulous designs to dominate the world and to impose its “ Kultur’? upon mankind. Where it was well with him, there was his country. Of course, there were traitors, for the most part controlled and insti- gated from Berlin, but, looking back upon the past, it is remarkable how small their influence was in modifying American opinion, or in thwart- ing American action. Public opinion, indeed, thoroughly supported the American Government in its prompt and ener- getic dealing with covert attempts to undermine the loyalty of American citizens, or with overt acts to injure or terrorise them by outrage and crime. Such attempts, so far from achieving their object, had precisely the opposite effect. An act of outrage and terrorism like the destruction of the Lusitania, with its awful loss of life, did more to rouse and stiffen American feeling than any single measure that could have been con- cetved. As Fouché said, it was more than a crime; it was a political fault, and that of the most egregious kind. The extravagant jubilation with which the crime was everywhere hailed in NO. 2571, VOL. 102] NATURE [Fesrvary 6, 1919 Germany was the finishing touch to the episode,, and greatly intensified the wrathful indignation: and disgust of civilised humanity. It was signifi- cant that the American troops should go into action with the battle-cry of “ Lusitania! ’’ and that intellectual and cultured America should visit its. resentment upon those of its own class in Ger- many, who, so far from protesting against this affront to our common humanity, shared the general joy of their countrymen that it had beem committed. Recent attempts to dissect the mentality of German men of science have accentuated this. feeling. They and their works have been put through a scrupulous assay, with the result that they are no longer taken at their own valuation. The scales have fallen from people’s eyes. In various papers and articles which have appeared in American scientific periodicals we have beem given the results of the analysis, and, to say the least, they are not flattering to German self- esteem. Dr. Nutting, in a recent issue of Science, describes the methods, ‘“‘some of them entirely legitimate by every standard, others entirely inde- fensible by any standard,’’ by which Germany has sought to establish her prestige in pure and applied science. Whilst America in the past respected Germany’s diligent productive workers, and contributed, with some qualms of conscience, rather freely to German scientific literature, she smiled at her many false claims to superiority and originality, and generally despised her technologists for their piratical methods. With the coming of the war she was surprised to find how well she got along without her, and how little she was really indebted to her. Whilst it is true that the scientific and technical output of Germany was greater in proportion to population than in any other country, it is not true that scientific ability or originality is higher in native- born Teutons than among other civilised races. This, indeed, has been admitted by such an authority as Prof. Emil Fischer, who, in an address before the German Emperor four years before the war, had the courage to point out to him the shortcomings of the Teutonic mind in originality and creative power. How, then, has Germany gained the prestige she has undoubtedly enjoyed? Dr. Nutting attributes it to what he styles “the intensive factor of publicity ’’—in other words, to intensive self-advertisement, conscious or unconscious. And he proceeds to indicate in what this has consisted. It must be admitted that the Teuton mind has the faculty of application—more, perhaps, than that of any other nationality. ‘A specific problem occupies it to the exclusion of almost everything else. While we [Americans] are prone to work a few hours, then turn to something else, or run off to play, the Teuton eats and sleeps with his problem, takes little interest in anything else, talks shop with his colleagues, and does not com- pletely relax even in his limited recreation.” Our author claims that his compatriots are as | ready as any to attack difficult scientific problems, Fresruary 6, 1919} NATURE 44 and they are not wanting in incentive. ‘“ What we do lack is the ‘ follow through ’ thoroughly to search out and master a problem in all its details, generalities, and side issues, before turning our attention to new problems. To minds teeming with ideas all clamouring for attention it is not easy to ignore the many that a few may receive fuller attention.’’ How true this is may be seen by contrasting the methods pursued in German schools of chemistry, where a single conception is hunted to death, as it were, by the professor and his pack of collaborators, who follow it through innumerable ramifications, like a harried hare. It would constitute an inte resting statistical exercise to determine the number of Ph.D.’s which have been created by chasing special ideas, with the professor as a whipper-in. Of course, the method is not without its advantages in the inte- rests of knowledge, but its real educative value may be doubted, and it certainly does not conduce to develop any latent creative power in the student. It is more frequently directed to serve the interest of the professor than that of his pupils. Another source of Germany’s prestige arose from the comparative cheapness of printing and publication in that country. Struggling men of science eked out a meagre salary by compiling books which were readily accepted for publication on a narrow margin of profit. New serials and journals, and works of reference, were easily started, to find their way into university libraries and State-aided institutions throughout the world as more or less authoritative and indispensable. The output of scientific and technical literature, good, bad, and indifferent, was, in fact, prolific. Dr. Nutting contends that alien students, uni- versity professors, and technical men working in Germany have aided greatly in building up her scientific prestige. These aliens, he calculates, represented fully 10 per cent. in each class— “clear ‘velvet’ to her, and a corresponding loss to their own countries.’’ The students came, he states, in about equal numbers from _ Russia, England, and the United States, with a few from Scandinavia, Switzerland, and Japan, but scarcely any French or other Latins. The inducements were easy matriculation and graduation, while fees and living expenses were very moderate— barely half those at Oxford or Cambridge. “The instruction itself was hardly worth any special effort, but it was accessible, and it differed from the home product.”’ German universities have in the past drawn freely upon foreign countries for their instructors. It has been estimated that a third of the more noted German men of science were foreign-born— Russians, Dutch, and Swiss. These, for the most part, soon became Teutonised, and were there- after regarded as Germans. The Jews, too, whom the typical Teuton regards as aliens, and secretly dislikes and despises, have contributed in no smail measure to the fame of his universities, German capitalists have always welcomed and | NO. 2571, VOL. 102] been ready to exploit technical men of ability, no matter of what nationality, and a large proportion of the better-known German manufactures have’ originated in France, Italy, England, or America. Such are the main factors which, in Dr. Nut- ting’s opinion, have contributed to Germahy’s: scientific and technical prestige. ‘Plagiarism and piracy,’’ he asserts, ‘were common practices, | and from personal knowledge | doubt whether a | third of even the more eminent German scientists were free from this taint. Further, the work of | foreigners was taught as the work of Germans in ; both literature and science. Neither fairy tale nor scientific discovery, if in an obscure publica- tion, was safe from adoption as their own, while the misleading of the young student was easy and common.”’ Aliena optimum frui insania. American men of science have the wisdom to profit by the errors of the enemy. The war has taught them how to mobilise their man power and to organise their forces of productive achievement. They will, however, not take over that particular code of ethics or standard of literary and_ scientific morality and conduct by which modern Germany, in her too eager desire for wealth and power, has lowered herself in the estimation of the civilised world. CLEAN MILK. HE importance of clean milk, by which is meant a mill free from visible dirt and having a low bacterial content, has been recog- nised for many years, and various attempts have been made to improve the general milk supply. To a large extent these have failed owing to the conditions which have been supposed to be neces- sary to attain this end, involving considerable ex- penditure in reconstruction of buildings and exten- sive modifications in methods and plant—altera- tions which, setting aside cost, it is difficult to induce the average farmer and dairyman to adopt. Recent work, however, has shown that by adopting comparatively simple methods, involving little monetary outlay and but slight modifications in manipulation, it is possible to produce a rela- tively clean milk vastly superior to that ordinarily supplied. In a Bulletin (No. 642, 1918) published by the United States Department of Agriculture Messrs. Ayers, Cook, and Clemmer show that it is possible for the average dairyman on the average farm to produce milk practically free from visible dirt and, when fresh, with a low bacterial content by the adoption of three simple factors. These are (1) the use of sterilised vessels, (2) clean cows with clean udders and teats, and (3) the small-top milking-pail. If the milk is to retain its low bac- terial content for any time a fourth factor is necessary, viz. the keeping of the mill at as near a temperature of 50° F. as possible. Each of the factors mentioned contributes something to the lowering of the dirt and bacterial content, as 448 NATURE [FEBRUARY 6, 1919 eee shown by the experimental results obtained, the experiments being conducted in many instances in barns which can only be described as filthy. Kirst, with regard to the small-top pail; this is a pail with a lid covering, say, two-thirds of the top of the pail. Using unsterilised pails with- out any other precaution, the open pail gave an average per cubic centimetre of 497,053 bacteria, while the small-top pail gave an average of 368,214 bacteria—a 25 pe: ‘cent. reduction. With sterilised pails, under the same conditions, the numbers were 22,6077 and 17,027 respectively, an enormous reduction by the additional precaution of using sterilised utensils. Washing of the udder and teats reduced the bacterial content of the milk by about 50 per cent. By a combination of these three factors it was possible to produce a mill containing only 2000-3000 bacteria per cubic centimetre even on farms which by any ordinary standard would be considered to bé very un- hygienic. The original cost of a small-top pail is little more than that of an ordinary open pail, and it is no more expensive or difficult to care for. Prof. Delépine, in a report (1918) to the Sub-Committee on Clean Milk of the Sanitary Committee of the Manchester City Council, arrives at much the same conclusions. He summarises the points requiring special attention as follows : (1) Cleanliness of the shippens, cows, milkers, utensils, and dairy-hands; (2) protection of milk against dirt during milking; (3) sterilisation of milk pails, churns, ete., and their protection against re-infection pending using; (4) protection of fresh milk against admixture with stale milk; (5} avoidance of straining through a common strainer; (6) avoidance of cooling by methods causing large surfaces of milk to be exposed to the air or to unsterilised surfaces; and (7) cool- ing of the milk by keeping churns in cold stores or places. Prof. Delépine advocates the use of the small- top pail or some similar device. He finds that pails, coolers, and churns cleaned with very pure cold and hot water, and apparently scrupulously clean, are still capable of imparting a large number of bacteria to the milk, and urges the importance of steam sterilisation of the utensils. This last condition is not so difficult to accomplish, even on the small farm, as might at first sight appear, for simple and inexpensive steam generators can be devised. With a small boiler holding six quarts of water, heated with a paraffin stove and boiling in six minutes, it is possible to sterilise at one time six two-gallon pails or cans in fifteen to twenty min By ensuring clean cows and millkkers, and the use of ‘sterilised utensils and of the small-top pail or similar device, really clean mille with a very low bacterial.content, and there- fore with enhanced keeping qualities, can be pro- duced without of necessity the expensive re- modelling of cowsheds and premises, and with very little disturbance of the time-honoured routine of the ordinary farmer or dairyman on the average farm. R. T. Hewtetr. NO. 2571, VOL. utes. TO2 | NOTES. Sik Napier Suaw has been elected a foreign member of the Reale Accademia dei Lincei of Rome. ~ We notice with much regret the announcement in the Times that Prof. E. C. Pickering, director of the Astronomical Observatory of Harvard College, died on February 3 at’ seventy-two years of age. , A spEcIaL general meeting of the Geological Society will be held on Wednesday, March 26, to consider the resolution of the council of the society :—‘‘ That it is desirable to admit women as fellows of the society.” Tue Institution of Civil Engineers has elected upon its roll of distinguished honorary members Marshal Foch, O.M., Field-Marshal Sir Douglas Haig, K.T., and Admiral Viscount Jellicoe of Scapa, G.C.B., O.M. Tue gold medal of the Royal Astronomical Society has been awarded by. the council to M. Guillaume Bigourdan for his observations of nebulz, carried on for about twenty-five years. It will be presented at the annual general meeting of the society on Friday, February 14. Ar the general monthly meeting of the members of the Royal Institution, held on February 3, a bequest of 3ool. was reported from the late Dr. T. Lambert Mears, who was a member of the institution for fifty- three years, and a donation of 5ol. from ‘tan old member” in celebration of his fiftieth year of membership. We learn that M. G. Grandidier has been appointed general secretary of the Société de Géographie of Paris in succession to the late Baron Hulot. Baron Hulot, who had been secretary of the society for more than twenty years, was an occasional contributor to the pages of La Géographie. One of his most important papers was a life of d’Entrecasteaux, which appeared in 1894, and was the first complete biography of the explorer. M. Grandidier is well known for his researches in the exploration and geography of Madagascar. Tue Royal Horticultural Society in its report for 1g18, which has just been issued, makes the important announcement that the revision of ‘‘ Pritzel”’ is now in hand, and that the work of preparing it for the press is in progress at Kew under the personal supervision of Capt. A. W. Hill. It is estimated that the work will include about 250,000 references, and its cost of production will be at least 3500l., towards which assist- ance is asked from the botanic stations, experimental stations, and libraries of the world as well as from private subscribers. All subseribers of 15 guineas will reccive a free copy, and those of larger amounts a specially bound copy, according to their donation. It was announced by the president of the Royal College of Physicians on January 30 that the Swiney Prize, the award of which is adjudicated by a joint committee of the College and of the Royal Society of .Arts, has been awarded to Dr. C. A. Mercier for his ywork on ‘*Crime and Criminals.”’ Dr. Raymond Crawfurd has been appointed to deliver the Harveian ‘Oration of the College on St. Luke’s Day, October 18, Dr. A. P. Beddard to be Bradshaw Lecturer, and Dr. Aldo Castellani to be Milroy Lecturer for 1920. Dr. J. MeVail will deliver the Milroy lectures on ‘‘ Smallpox ,and Vaccination since 1870,’’ on March 13, 18, and 20; ‘Dr. Topley the Goulstonian lectures on the ‘‘ Spread of Bacterial Infection,’? on March 25 and 27 and April 1; jand Sir H. D. Rolleston the Lumleian lectures on “April 3, 8, and 10, taking as his subject ‘*Cerebro-. (Spinal Fever.”’ or Frpruary 6, 1919] Ar the annual general meeting of the Royal ‘Anthropological Institute, held on January 28, the following were elected as officers and council for 1919-20 (the names of new members are in italics) :— President: Sir Everard im Thurn. Vice-Presidents : M. Longworth Dames, S. H. Ray, and Dr. W. H. R. Rivers. Hon. Secretary: Dr. H. S. Harrison. Hon. Treasurer: R. W. Williamson. Council: Capt. F. R. Barton, L. C. G. Clarke, Miss M. FE. Durham, Dr. W. L. H.- Duckworth, Sir J. G. Frazer, Capt. A. W.. F. Fuller, Dr. R. -J. Gladstone, Dr. W. L. Hildburgh, Capt. T. A. Joyce, H. G. A. Leveson, A. L. Lewis, Miss M. A. Murray, E. A. Parkyn, Prof. F. G. Parsons, W. P. Pycraft, Capt. C. G. Seligman, Dr. F: C. Shrubsall, Lt.-Col. L. A. Waddell, S. WHazzledine Warren, and Prof. W. Wright. Pror. Icitio GuarescHl, who died recently after a very short illness, was professor of pharmaceutical chemistry and toxicology in the University of Turin and director of the Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry. He was one of the leading Italian chemists, devoting himself chiefly to researches on the alkaloids. The most important of his published in- vestigations in this field were his chemical, physio- logical, and medico-legal researches on the ptomaines, but he also worked upon the derivatives of quinoline, on cocaine, on creatinine, etc. These investigations led ultimately to the publication by Prof. Guareschi of a volume summarising our knowledge of the alka- _loids. This work was translated from the Italian into several other languages, and gained for the author a world-wide reputation.’ During the war he carried out investigations on the toxic gases used in chemical war- fare, and much of his leisure was devoted to the study of the history of emineat chemists and physicists. Paris last week was greatly delighted with M. Guitry’s five-act play Pasteur. M. Guitry pére acted Pasteur, M. Guitry fils wrote the play; we are thus reminded of that filial affection which was one of the many inspirations of Pasteur’s life. The play begins with the dispersal of Pasteur’s students from the Ecole Normale at the call of the war of 1870-71; it ends with the celebration of his seventieth birthday, when the representatives of every country of the civilised world came to Paris te honour him and thank him. Lovers of the “Vie -de Pasteur’? and of Godlee’s “‘ Lister’? do not need to be told about Pasteur. To those who saw Pasteur, sat at table with him, heard the slow, grave, quiet voice, watched the keen eyes and the tired, sad look of the face, it will be strange: to think of him put on the stage. Besides, the life of a man of science is not a good theme for a five-act play. Galileo might stand through an act or two, or Vesalius—for the Holy Inquisition :~would make a “good curtain ”—but Euclid, Aristotle, Newton, Gal- vani, Faraday, Darwin, are not figures for a theatre. What has Science to do with Drama? But Pasteur’ stands not for science alone; le stands for France. His father had served in the Grand Army; had re- ceived the Legion of Honour; had taught his children to believe in France, in her God, and in her glory. Pasteur was possessed, heart and soul, by the love of home and the love of France. The war of 1870-71 half-killed him. What could he do to help and console and glorify France in his life? ©‘ Henceforth,’ he said, “‘“every one of my books shall have it ‘written across them, Revenge, Revenge.” That was his share of la revanche: to raise France out of the horror of defeat, exalt her over Germany, set her on her throne, by the work of his thought. That is what~he did, what he lived for. “‘Science,’ he ‘said, “Shas rio NATURE 449 have a country of his own.’’ Pasteur represents ever- lastingly the spirit of France, the genius of France. So it is a good thing, in this wonderful year, that some likeness of him should live and move before the scenes of a Paris theatre; that some of his words should be spoken by a living voice in the city where his body was buried. It would not be surprising if the Germans, a few years hence, should want to translate the play and produce it in Berlin as an educational instrument to teach the importance of bacteriology for the advancement of | material prosperity. Str ArtHUR NEWSHOLME has retired from the post of Principal Medical Officer to the Local Gevern- ment Board a year or two before the time when his period of office would actually have expired under the Civil Service age limit—probably in anticipation of changes in the Department incidental to its incorpora- tion in the proposed Ministry of Health. During his tenure of office Sir A. Newsholme has been responsible for special developments of public health worl in various directions to which comparatively little atten- tion had been directed in official quarters. Among these may, perhaps, be regarded as most important the introduction of the notification and treatment of tuber- culosis, a general scheme for the treatment of venereal disease, and one for the advancement of maternity and child welfare work, in this latter respect continu- ing and expanding the pioneer worl: of his predecessor, Sir William Power. As addenda to his annual reports on the work of the medical department, Sir A. News- holme published a series of reports dealing with the question of infant mortality and the various factors found, as the result of special inquiries by members © of the inspectorial staff; to have a bearing on it, especially in a number of manufacturing areas, where, although, so far as was previously known, the condi- tions were somewhat similar, nevertheless the infan- tile death-rate varied within wide limits. Mention should also be made of the ‘‘General Review of Pro- gress since 1871,” published as an introduction to the report of the Medical Officer for the year 1917-18, in which the saving of life which has occurred in the forty years since the appointment of Mr. (afterwards Sir) John Local Government 1871-80 respectively. \ war Sir A. Newsholme has acted on the Army Sani- tarv Committee, holding the rank of Lieut.-Colonel, R.A.M.C. (T.), and it has been largely due to his efforts that military and civilian public health authori- have worked together so harmoniously on the al problems which developed as the out- come of war conditions. In acknowledgment of his services to the State, Sir Arthur Newsholme was created a-C.B. in-t912 and a K.C.B. in 1917. ties various specl Tir death is announced, in his ‘fifty-first vear, of Prof.’ Wallace Clement Sabine, who had been pro- fessor of mathematics and natural philosophy at Harvard. since 1905, and was ‘formerly dean of the Lawrence. Scientific School. Two years ago Prof. Sabine was Harvard exchange professor at the Uni- versity of Paris. He was the author of a treatise on “Architectural, Acoustics.” Isis, 2 an ‘international quarterly devoted to the history and philosophy of science, commenced pub- lication in Belgium in’ 1913. A complete volume had appeared, together with two or three fascicules .of the second volume, when the publication was brutally interrupted ‘by the German invasion. M. Sarton, its country of her own; but the man of science ought to | editor; was hospitably received: in the United States; NO. 2571, VOL. 102] Simon as the first Medical Officer of the! Board is‘illustrated by a comparison: of the death-rate at different ages in I91I—15 and. During the whole period of the. 450 NATURE [FEBRUARY 6, 1919 where ‘during the last four and a half years he has conducted a number of very successful courses of lectures on the history of science at several ‘universi- ties. We are glad to hear that he is about to visit Europe again in connection with the restarting of his journal, of which the materials for vols. ii. and iii. are almost ready. We understand that M. Sarton may be joined by Dr. Charles Singer, who has worked in England on somewhat similar lines, in subsequent periodical publications in connection with the history of science. Tue death is announced, in his seventy-ninth year, of Dr. Rossiter W. Raymond, one of the leading | American authorities on mining. Dr. Raymond graduated at the Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute in 1858, and, after pursuing further studies at Munich, Heidelberg, and Freiberg, served with distinction in the American Civil War. In 1866 he became editor of the American Journal of Mining, afterwards the Engineering and Mining Journal, to which he re- mained a contributor up to the time of his death. From 1868. to 1876 he was U.S. Commissioner of Mining Statistics, and in that capacity acquired a great reputation for his investigations and reports. Dr. Raymond was one of the founders of the Ameri- can Institute of Mining. Engineers, of which he was president from 1872 to.1874 and secretary from 1884 to 1911. He was the author of ‘‘ Mineral Resources of the U.S. in and West of the Rocky Mountains,” a glossary of mining and metallurgical terms, and various other technical works and papers. News has been received, by telegram from Cape Town, that Dr. G. S. Corstorphine, principal of the South African School of Mines and Technology, Johannesburg, died on January 25. Dr. Corstorphine was appointed to the principalship of the college in 1913, and was recognised as one of the leading South African geologists and mineralogists, and a_ very eminent authority on questions connected with the geology of the Rand. goldfield. Born in Edinburgh in 1868, Dr. Corstorphine was first trained for the teaching’ profession, and passed through the Moray House Training College course. He soon, however, developed a marked interest in science, and_ studied at Edinburgh University, principally in biology and geology, obtaining the Baxter science scholarship in 1892 for the most distinguished graduate for the year in those subjects. Thereafter he was appointed university assis- tant to Prof. James Geikie, and was, fortunately, able to devote a considerable part of each year to study abroad. Munich was in those days a favourite resort of Scottish students for post-graduate work, and under Prof. Groth and Prof. Weinschenk Dr. Corstorphine’s interest in mineralogy, petrography, and geology was sreatly stimulated. He took the degree of Ph.D. in 1895 with a thesis on some igneous rocks from the south of Arran, which was his only contribution to British geology. In 1896 he went to Cape Town as professor of geology in the South African College. He was also keeper of geology in the museum, and received appointment as director of the newly insti- tuted Geological Survey of Cape Colony. In 1902, however, the attractions of the Rand drew him away from Cape Town, and he went to Johannesburg as consulting geologist to the Consolidated Goldfields Co. Later he set up in practice as a consulting geologist in Johannesburg, and his advice was much in request by mining companies. [lis best known work is ‘The Geology of South Africa,’ which he wrote jointly with Dr. F. H. Hatch: First published in 1905, the volume is now in its second edition. Dr. Corstorphine wrote several papers on problems of Transvaal geology, in some of which he had Dr. Hatch as collaborator. He NO. 2571, VOL. 102] was president of the South African Geological Society in 1906 and honorary secretary from 1910 to 1915. | Ar a meeting of the Society. of Antiquaries held on January 30, Capt. R. Campbell Thompson read a paper on the excavations which he had con- ducted by War Office orders on behalf of the British Museum at Abu Shahrain, in Mesopotamia. This place, the Eridu of ‘the cuneiform records, lies in the desert about twenty miles south-west from Nasiriyah. It was partially excavated by J. E. Taylor in the middle of the last century, but the value of his dis- coveries was not at the time appreciated. The results of the recent excavations are of high scientific im- portance. Numerous chipped and ground celts and flakes show that the early inhabitants lived in the Stone age. More important even is the pottery of buff, wheel-turned clay, painted with geometric designs in black, exactly similar to that found in the lowest stratum at Susa by M. De Morgan. Though the people of Eridu were ignorant of writing, their culture was decidedly advanced. They lived on cereals and on fresh-water mussels from the Euphrates, which must then have flowed near the city. The relics represent the pre-Sumerian population which occupied southern Mesopotamia before the arrival of the Sumerian race. Dr.. .W. E. COoLiInceE, 3 Queen’s Terrace, St. Andrews, has issued a circular announcing the pro- posed foundatien of an organisation and publication that will bring together students of wild birds. The objects of the Wild Bird Investigation Society are :— (1) The more intensive study of the ways and habits of British birds; (2) the protection of all beneficial and non-injurious wild birds and the repression of really injurious species; (3) the influencing and educating of public opinion as to the destructiveness or usefulness of wild birds to agriculture, horti- culture, forestry, etc., by means of publications, meetings, lectures, etc.; (4) the discouragement of egg- and bird-collecting, except under guidance or for scientific purposes; (5) the improvement and modifica- tion of the existing laws relating to wild birds; (6) the establishment of bird sanctuaries under efficient control; (7) the discussion and consideration of these matters from all points of view; and (8) the estab- lishment of local branches throughout the United Kingdom. At a later date it is proposed to call a general meeting for the purpose of approving the draft rules and to elect officers. Further particulars may be obtained from Dr. Collinge at the above address. THERE seems reason to hope that prosperity is returning to the Zoological Society of London, which has come singularly well through a very anxious time. At any rate, at the monthly meeting of the society held on January 15 it was announced that there had been an increase in the gate-money received during 1918 of 544l., as compared with the total amount received during 1917. The most important additions to the menagerie during the month were a_chim- panzee from Sierra Leone and _ thirty-two lizards, including eight starred lizards from Salonica, sent by Capt. W. D. Motton and Mr. G. H. Colt. Tue hawks of the Canadian prairie provinces in their relation to agriculture forms the subject of a valuable Bulletin (No. 28) by Mr. P. A. Taverner, issued by the Canadian Department of Mines. The author briefly, but lucidly, summarises the distinguish- ing features of the various species of hawks and falcons of these provinces, so that they may readily be identified by the farmer and sportsman, and, FEBRUARY 6, 1919] further, indicates the prey of each: One or two species he condemns on account of their ravages on game or poultry. But for the most part he urges protection, pointing out the immense services of these birds in keeping down the gophers, which, apart’ from the great quantities of grain they consume, have become a serious menace on account of the diseases they spread, not only among cattle, but also among the population of the rural districts. Text-figures and four most excellent coloured plates add greatly to the use- fulness of this work. ; Tue animal remains found in kitchen-midden de- posits are relics of importance to both anthropologists and zoologists. Hence we are much indebted to Mr. Alexander Whetmore for his account of bird-bones found in kitchen-midden deposits in the islands of St. Thomas and St. Croix, published in the Proceed- ings of the United States National Museum (vol. liv.). Altogether thirteen species are represented in these deposits, of which one, a rail (Nesotrochus debooyi), is new to science. One or two species are now no longer found in a living state on St. Croix, and this is attributed to the fact that the early French settlers, somewhere about 1650, burned off the densely wooded covering of the whole island in order that they might render it more healthy, since up to that time fevers and other diseases had taken a heavy toll of the settlers. This conflagration, of course, entirely changed thé character of the flora and fauna, and this fact has to be borne in mind by students of geo- graphical distribution. Unpber the title of ** The Louse Danger,’’ the British Museum (Natural History) has issued a third “‘ poster ”’ in the economic series. Attention is directed therein to the danger of the clothes (or body) louse as a carrier of relapsing fever, typhus, and trench fever. In order to avoid lice, regular washing of underclothing and bed-linen is advocated. It is further desirable to avoid contact with persons suspected of being verminous; hospital workers and others are advised to wear white linen overalls. For the purpose of getting rid of the lice, a hot bath, followed by a change of underclothing and immediate disinfestation of verminous garments, is an important measure. When eggs of the louse are present in the hair, close clipping or shaving is neces- sary; in the case of women, washing the hair with an insecticidal solution is advised, followed by thorough combing with a fine-toothed metal comb. Simple in- structions for the disinfestation of clothing and bed- ding are appended, together with information concern- ing the most useful insecticides. The poster is written in a clear and easily understood style, and is well adapted for the purpose for which it is intended. In the Kew Bulletin (No. 10, December, 1918) W. G. Craib gives a further instalment of his ‘‘ Con- tributions to the Flora of Siam.”’ Fourteen new species are described, belonging to ten families of flowering plants. They are mainly jungle plants col- lected by Kerr. ‘The most interesting is a new genus of Gesneraceez, Damrongia, allied to Didymocarpus, and | named in honour of H.H. Prince Damrong, ‘* who, himself interested in scientific pursuits, has done so much for the advancement of education in his country.” In the Philippine Journal of Science (vol. xiii., Section C, Botany, No. 5) E. D. Merrill continues his taxonomic work on the flora of the Philippines. Eighty-four new species, distributed among twenty-six families, are described, the principal additions being in the families Loranthaceae, Myristicacez, Meliacez, Araliacee, Gesneracee (Cyrtandra), and Asclepiadacee. There is one new genus, Acanthophora (Araliacez), NO. 2571, VOL. 102] NATURE bustles allied to Aralia, but recalling Acanthopanax im habité It is. a sparingly branched «climber sprawling over thickets, with large compound leaves 3-5 ft. long; and an ample terminal inflorescence about 1 m. im length. Mr. Merrill has reason to believe that it occurs also in Celebes, and thus adds another to the already long list of forms common to the Philippines and Celebes. He adds:—*“It is now thoroughly established that the Celebes and Moluccan floras are distinctly more closely allied to the flora of the Philip- pines than is that of any other region, indicating clearly that land connections undoubtedly existed in previous geologic times between the Philippines and the islands to the south and south-east.’ In addition to the new species, a few’species previously known are for the first time credited to the archipelago, and a few changes in nomenclature are proposed. ; In order to facilitate the use of quartz mercury- vapour lamps in dye-fading tests, the U.S. Bureau of Standards has recently measured the radiation of different wave-lengths emitted by a number of these lamps, and has determined its variation with the age of the lamp. The measurements were made by means of a thermo-pile and galvanometer, the various por- tions of the spectrum being separated by transmitting the radiation through absorbing glasses. The results show that the total radiation of a mercury-vapour lamp decreases during tooo hours’ intermittent use to 30-50 per cent. of its initial value, the radiation of wave-length less than 1-4 decreases during that time from 30 per cent. of the total to about 20 per cent., while that of wave-lengths less than 0-454 decreases from 20 per cent. of the total to about 14 per cent. Messrs. Coblentz, Long, and Kahler, the authors of the paper (No. 330 of the Bureau), attribute this falling off to the blackening of the inside of the quartz tube and the devitrification of the quartz itself: A RECENT issue of the Board of Trade Journal (December 5) records some notable developments of chemical industries in the United States. One in- stance is the production of nitric acid on a large scale from atmospheric nitrogen. A Government cyan- amide-nitrate plant, No. 2, began operations in Octo- ber at Mussel Shoals, Alabama. The product was utilised for making high explosives, of which the out- put from this plant is said to be at the rate of about a quarter of a million pounds per annum. Another example is that of potassium compounds. A new unit of a potash plant on Searle’s Lake, Southern Cali- fornia, was brought into operation early in November; its employment brings the production of potash by a single company «working on this lake up to 140 tons a day. In Helvetica Chimica Acta, No. =, there is a short, but suggestive, paper by M. J. Lifschitz on chemical luminescence. Just as with the absorption of light, studies on the emission of light during chemical reac- tions may prove to be of notable significance in eluci- dating the connection between radiant and chemical energy and the nature of chemical action. The pheno- menon of chemical luminescence is by no means con- fined to oxidation processes: a good display of light- emission is observed when hydrobenzamide is distilled in a current of hydrogen, although no oxygen is pre- sent. Similarly, other reactions indicate that the governing factor is not the total amount of trans- formed energy, nor the speed of the reaction. The author finds that the organo-magnesium compounds (e.g. Grignard’s reagent) furnish very convenient material for the study of these and kindred pheno- mena. 452 For. printing-out photographic processes, such as carbon printing, Mr. 5. S. Richardson in the British Journal of Photography. of January 24 recommends the new. ‘ Pointolite’’ lamp. This lamp needs so little current that special wiring is not necessary, and it will allow of, say, six negatives being printed from simultaneously, the exposure being about three- quarters of an hour with negatives of average density. Mr. Richardson also recommends the iron are if a current of 5 or 6 amperes is available, using iron instead of the usual carbon poles. A lamp so ar- ranged will run sometimes for hours without atten- tion, as the iron burns away very slowly. At a distance of 50 centimetres the exposure required is about twenty minutes. With such ‘point’? sources of light an ordinary glass negative may be printed ‘“‘reversed’’ for the single transfer carbon process if ordinary care is taken to prevent troublesome reflec- tions and movement of the negative during the exposure. A PAPER on electric welding and three others on oxy-acetylene welding were read at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers on January 24. In his paper on electric welding Mr. Thomas T. Heaton says that in his opinion—based upon many years’ experience— each known system of welding has its proper sphere, and that probably any given method may be the best in its respectively most suitable application. In the Benardos system of are welding, direct current is employed at 90 volts and 250 to 500 amperes, accord- ing to the thickness of metal. The are may be 15 in. to 2 in. in length, and the heat may be spread over a fairly large surface, thus avoiding, extreme local stresses. The work is positive to a carbon electrode. In the Kjellberg system a metallic electrode is used instead of carbon. The worl: is negative to the elec- trode, so that the natural tendency is to deposit the metal of the positive electrode on, to the work. The electrode is coated with a fusible silica flux, which prevents oxidation and insulates the electrode. The are dissipates this flux, leaving no slag. Generally, the electrodes are of 3/16 in. diameter soft iron wire. Mr. Heaton does not find this system to be satisfactory for plates thinner than 0:25 in. The quasi-are process, invented by Mr. Arthur Strohmenger, of London, also employs metallic electrodes, and some excellent results are obtained by it. Various coatings may be applied to the electrodes, and may be of such a nature as to supply constituents that are burnt out of the metal in welding. Blue asbestos yarn is especially preferred as a coating in welding iron or mild steel, as it forms a reducing flux, and it may be smeared with a com- position such as sodium silicate or aluminium silicate, etc., to vary -the fusing temperature of the yarn. Descriptions of some useful testing machines for welds. are included in Mr. Heaton’s paper. Messrs. H. K. Lewis and’ Co:, Lid., have in the press two books by Sir J. W. Barrett, viz. ‘A Vision of the Possible: What the R.A.M.C. Might Become” and “The War Work of the Y.M.C.A,.in. Egypt,” illustrated. The latter work will contain a preface by Gen. Sir E. H. H. Allenby. The Library Press, .Ltd., is bringing out ‘Practical Shell. Forging and the Plastic Deformation of Steel and its Heat Treatment,” by C. O. Bower, of Messrs. Armstrong, Whitworth, and Co., Ltd. One object of the worl: is to show the ways in which hydraulic plant can be profitably em- ployed in peace-time production. Messrs. J. M. Dent and Sons, Ltd., give notice of ‘New. Town: A Pro- posal in Agricultural, Industrial, Educational, Civic, and Social. Reconstruction,” edited by W.°H. Hughes. A new weekly periodical is about to be published (at & Bouverie Street, E.C.4) entitled _Ways and Means: A Weekly Review of Industry, Trade, Com- NO. 257 VOL. I02 “Dt hee NATURE [FEBRUARY 6, 1919 merce, and Social Progress. Among the editorial features promised in the prospectus issued are Colonial development, expert opinion, industry and money, Government finance, education in relation to industry, industrial administration, reconstruction, art in indus- try, science and industry, organisation and system, and welfare. ; OUR ASTRONOMICAL COLUMN. BorRELLY’s Comet.—This comet was under observa- tion by Mr. R. L. Waterfield in Cheltenham during January. On January 9g it was a fairly easy object with 3-in., the magnitude being between g-0 and g-5; on January 26 it was still visible with 3-in., but much more difficult. The following is a short exten- sion of the ephemeris (for Greenwich midnight) :— : R.A, N. Decl. Log » Log 4 m. Ss,’ Py 5 February 6 6 31 57 66 14 0-2219 9:9607 10 6 36 17 66 6 0:2281 99815 14 6 41 48 65 52 02345 0:0014 18 6 48 20 65 34 0:2410 0:0203 22 655 30 5 It 0:2476 0-0381 Reip’s Comer (1918a).—Circular No. 43 of the Union Observatory, Johannesburg, gives the following positions of this comet made by Mr. H. E. Wood, and the.orbit which he deduced from them :— G.M.1. 1918 R.A. 1918"0 S. Decl. 1918-0 . m. Ss. Orewa “ June 13, 1968 9 15 36:52 9 5 553 16, 1986 9g 16 47-12 It 58 44:3 19, 1982 917 448 14 40 515 T=1918 June 5°275 G.M.T. @ =194° 7’ 18”) SU= 17° 49’ 28" -1918'0 Zi —V7On mS, aah log g =0'04194 Middle place, obs.-comp. R.A, —11", decl. o”. The orbit does not show a close resemblance to any in the catalogues. This was the enly comet observed in 1g18 that did not belong to the Jupiter family. ASTRONOMY IN THE “ Trmes.’’—We directed attention last week to the important new features in the meteorological reports in the Times, and have now pleasure in referring to another scientific innovation which appeared in the issue for February 1. A map is given, on the zenithal equidistant projection, of the stars and planets visible in London at ro p.m. in mid- February, together with the path of the moon and our satellite’s positions and phases at two-day intervals. There is accompanying letterpress by an astronomical correspondent, describing the leading points of interest in the constellations and directing attention to the approaching conjuncion (in 1921) of Jupiter’ and Saturn, which are now such conspicuous objects. If, as we understand, this is the first of a series of monthly maps and articles, they are likely to lead to a con- siderable awakening of interest in astronomy on the part of the general public. Tue ENERGY or MaGnetic Storms.—Dr. S. Chap- man contributes a paper on this subject to the Monthly Notices for November last. He considers that the sun is the source of energy, and that it is transmitted by streams of electric corpuscles. These ionise and charge the absorbing layer in the atmo- sphere. - The accumulation of charge continues until the electrostatic repulsion overcomes gravity, when the electrified gas is impelled upwards, the atmosphere, thus losing both its charge and part of its substance. It was formerly considered that to make the sun the source of energy would involve an inconceivable amount ‘of output from the sun, but under the new theory this is not the case. y . ? . _ Fesruary 6, 1919] EDUCATION AND NATIONAL LIFE.1 NE of the rare and valuable fruits of the san- _ guinary struggle in which the civilised nations of the world have been engaged since the summer of 1914 is to be found in the awakening of the public mind, at least in this country, to the consideration of the causes which provoked it, and in the disposition to search out the remedies which in the future will make such convulsions impossible of occurrence. The grave events which still await a satisfactory solution have moved to serious reflection the leaders of the national Church, who two years ago, when the issue of the struggle hung perilously in the balance, felt called upon to ascertain the causes which lay at the root of the great upheaval of civilised humanity and to suggest the remedies. Five influen- tial committees, under the direction of the Arch- bishops, were appointed to consider the subjects of the teaching office, the worship, the evangelistic work, and the administrative reform of the Church, and, finally, the question of Christianity and industrial problems, in which was included the place and func- tions of education, with which we are chiefly con- cerned. Having regard to the history of educational enter- prise in this country, the results of the labours of the twenty-seven able and influential men and women who constituted the last-named committee, with the Bishop of Winchester (Dr. Talbot) as chairman, assisted by the Bishops of Oxford, Peterborough, and Lichfield, together with the Master of Balliol, can only be characterised as revolutionary, so striking is the breadth of view they exhibit, and so complete the admission that education is meant for all the children of the nation without exception of class or condition. Education is ‘to assist human beings to become them- selves . . . is the witness of equality . . . the founda- tion of democracy . . . and is, in short, the organised aid to the development of human beings in a society.” This is the keynote of the admirable report issued by the committee on December 19, 1918, with its well- grounded and clearly stated argument and the fruitful suggestions it offers for the radical reform of our educational methods, incidences, and aims. ‘ There must be,”’ it states, “diversity of educational methods, because there are diversities of gifts. The basis of differentiation should be differences of taste or of capacity, not differences of class or of income. The manual worker needs a liberal education for the same reason as the barrister or the doctor: that he may develop his faculties and play a reasonable part in the affairs of the community.’’ The basis of such an education, it strongly pleads, must be laid in the elementary school, from which all attempts at specialisation should be rigorously excluded, and it further contends that the only sound foundation for technical training is to be found in ‘the cultivation of mental alertness, judgment, and a sense of respon- sibility by means of an education of a general and non-utilitarian character.” The report laments the causes which have done so much to hinder the development and diffusion of education during the great industrial epoch, with its materialistic aims and subordination of human facul- ties to the exigencies, or alleged exigencies, of industry, and among them does not fail to cite the strife and lack of accord of the various religious bodies. It looks to an education, wisely conceived and’ universally applied, for the effective solution of domestic and international problems by peaceful means. The com- mittee cordially welcomes the provisions of the Educa- 1 “Christianity and Industrial Problems.” Price 1s. net. NO. 2571, VOL. 102] (London: S.P.C.K., 1918. NATURE 453 tion Act of 1918, especially those which are concerned: with the physical welfare of children and «young persons, and would make mandatory the supply of ‘nursery schools by the local education authorities. It looks forward to the time when the compulsory school-age will be raised to fifteen, and even to six- teen, but recognises that this cannot be expected until the rewards of industry are more equitably distri-’ buted and the great working class placed in a posi- tion of less anxiety and with the means to enable it to realise a healthy and vigorous life. Fuller oppor- tunities, it is urged, should be provided for the higher education of specially capable children, and the educa- tional system so organised as to raise to a higher level the moral and intellectual standard of the whole people. Much stress is laid upon the necessity for the better payment of teachers and for more consideration for their status, having regard to their important services to the State. The report strongly approves the pro- posals contained in the Act for the establishment of compulsory continued education of young persons up to eighteen engaged in employment, but would extend it from eight hours per week to twenty-four out of a working week of forty-eight, or for a corresponding proportion of the month or year according to the special necessities of the case. The main aim of such education should be to develop the physical and! mental capacities of the children and to strengthen their character. Even in the continuation schools it is thought desirable-that a vocational bias should be given only in the later years of school attendance. It is noted that there is a wide and increasing demand for education of a non-vocational character among adult men and women which should, it is considered, be encouraged in every way possible, and that such opportunities of education should form part of the normal provision of the community. The report, which is signéd by all the members of the committee, quotes with approval Milton’s definition of education as “that which fits a man to perform, justly, skilfully, and magnanimously, all the offices, both private and public, of peace and war,” but con- templates a much wider application of it, in that all men and women must be included within its scope according to their capacities and powers. A_ useful bibliography accompanies the report. SEA-STUDIES.! 65 the four papers contained in the part of the Bergen Museum Year-book before us, the one of greatest scientific and practical importance is perhaps that by Mr. Torbjorn Gaarder entitled ‘‘ Die Hydroxylzahl des Meerswassers.’’ The extent of the concentration of hydroxyl ions in sea-water has a great influence on the physiological processes of marine organisms; as Loeb and Herbst have shown, a certain concentration is necessary for the development of echinoderm ova, whether fertilised or not.. In a word, the productivity of a sea region depends largely on the concentration of the hydroxyl ions. {It becomes, therefore, of importance to study the variations of sea- water in this respect, and to discover the factors on which they depend. Mr. Gaarder discusses the various methods used for estimating this concentration, which “he calls the hydroxyl-number, and enumerates the radicals normally present in sea-water which may affect it. Of these the most important is carbonic acid, which serves as a buffer against the factors that change the hydroxyl- 1 ‘« Bergens Museums Aarbok, 1916-17." Naturvidenskabelig Raekk 1 Hefte. (Kristiania, 1917.) 454 number., Thus marine plants (by assimilation) and all marine organisms (by respiration) respectively lessen and increase the concentration of carbonic acid, and so exert considerable influence on the inversely related changes of the hydroxyl-number in any body of water. The carbonic acid is also affected by the carbonates and bicarbonates brought into sea-water from the land or dispersed over the sea-floor. As a result of the successive chemical processes, the hydroxyl-number becomes greater when the sea-water dissolves carbonates from the bottom deposits. Con- sequently the bottom water should have a_ larger hydroxyl-number than that of the superjacent layers. Organic life acts on the hydroxyl-number, not merely through the carbonic acid, but also through the car- bonates. By removing the calcium and magnesium carbonates from the sea-water it lowers the hydroxyl- number, but gradually, as the organisms die, the organic material and the carbonates are carried down through the deeper layers to the sea-floor. The effect of the atmosphere seems to be confined to readjusting in the upper layers the balance of carbonic acid dis- turbed by plant assimilation. The chemical changes consequent on an influx of fresh water have as their final expression a reduction of the hydroxyl-number ; in other words, the salter the sea, the greater the hydroxyl-number, and the more allxaline the water. The concentration of oxygen in sea-water is, by reason of the vital processes mentioned above, inversely pro- portional to that of carbonic acid, and therefore stands in direct relation to the hydroxyl-number. The principles thus worked out by Mr. Gaarder from theoretical interpretation of previous observations have been applied by him to the fjord-waters of western Norway, and have there found both confirma- tion and extension. Of the other papers, Mr. J. A. Grieg’s inquiry into the age of starfish individuals collected from various localities in the North Sea and North Atlantic is not without its practical bearing. It is found that in any given spot the starfish, like the brittle-stars, are represented only, or in great majority, by the product of a single year. The length of life of a starfish is usually about four years. The species as yet inves- tigated, however, do not appear to include the forms of chief economic importance. Dr. J. D. Landmark contributes a well-illustrated discussion of the valley system at Dale, in Bruvil; and Prof. G. O. Sars describes, under the name Urocopia singularis, a new member of the Copepod family Lichomolgidz, which, unlike its confamiliars, lives, not near the shore, but in the open sea at some distance from the bottom, and, presumably for this reason, has its caudal rami broadened into oar- blades RESEARCH ORGANISATION IN INDUSTRIAL WORKS} Introduction. No plans for the future development of industry are now considered complete unless they provide for scientific research, and although this is necessary to a greater or less degree in all industries, in no industry is there such scope for research as in the highly technical electrical industry. During the past few years there has been a great deal of research directly controlled by or associated with industry. For instance, while universities and technical colleges have in the past conducted research, 1 From a paper on ‘‘ Planning a Works Research Organisation” read before the Institution of Electrical Engineers on January 23 by A. P. M Fleming. NO. 257I, VOL. 102] NATURE [FEBRUARY 6, 1919 only a fraction of which has been directed to indus- trial requirements, the tendency is for an increasing proportion of the research carried out in such institu- tions to be of an industrial character. Various other laboratories and organisations, together with scientific and engineering societies, have either conducted or financially supported research in connection with their interests. In a national sense, the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research with its large Treasury grant is endeavouring by the establishment of research asso- ciations to develop means whereby co-operative re- search can be established in various industries, with the initial assistance of Government funds. Many of these laboratories will provide new indus- trial knowledge for the common use of those able to make use of it, and, while there is need for them, the individual manufacturer invariably has his own im- mediate problems, for which he requires special pro- vision directly under his control. In such cases he has to consider whether he should establish his own research organisation or whether he can be efficiently and suitably served by research associations, university or other laboratories. Whatever facilities are avail- able, it is clear that in many instances it is advisable for firms—particularly large ones—to establish re- search organisations in connection with their own factories. 1.—Functions of the Organisation. The function of an industrial research organisation in its broadest sense is to acquire and to apply all the knowledge and experience which can assist the advancement of the industry, since it is only by the application of new knowledge and experience that progress is made. It is necessary to draw a clear distinction between research work in pure science and industrial research. Both are essential to industrial progress, the former being directed towards widening the boundaries of knowledge, formulating principles, and revealing rela- tionships that are the raw material of the latter, which is generally directed towards the solution of some specific industrial problem or towards meeting some industrial need The justification for undertaking research in pure science in a research laboratory associated with an industrial concern lies in the almost inevitable indus- trial applications which follow rapidly in the wake of a new scientific disecvery, and it should be noted that the functions of the man of science, industrial worker, and manufacturer are equally necessary in rendering the ultimate product of a new discovery available to the public. It is questionable from the economic point of view, however, whether the majority of works laboratories should undertalke such research, since only a fraction of the new knowledge produced is likely to be of value to one particular works. Much of this work, therefore, must be carried on, as hitherto, by men of science working in private, university, co-operative, or national laboratories. On the other hand, in very large laboratories in complex industries, particularly where special products resulting from discoveries can be manufactured, the undertaking of research in pure science may be of very great value. Research laboratories partly or wholly supported by industrial firms may be broadly classified according to the particular interests they are intended to serve, as, for example :— (1) Industrial research laboratories self-contained and serving one particular works. (2) Central industrial laboratories each forming the scientific focus of an industrial organisation comprising several works, often in different industries, and linked up by control laboratories at the individual works. —— Fesruary 6, 1919] The function of the central laboratory is to conduct research bearing on the manufactures of all the works, and that of each control laboratory is to serve the immediate requirements of the works to which it is attached. 3 (3) Laboratories planned to serve a wide range of interests in various industries in connection with isolated problems, such as the Mellon Institute of Industrial Research, Pittsburgh, or ordinary com- mercial laboratories such as that of A. D. Little and Co., Boston. (4) Laboratories designed to serve the needs of one particular industry working on a co-operative basis, such as the laboratory of the National Canners’ Asso- ciation, U.S.A. The laboratories of the proposed re- search associations in Great Britain would fall into this class. (5) State laboratories carrying out researches occa- sionally of an industrial character, but not necessarily for any particular firm, such as the National Physical Laboratory, the Bureau of Standards, U.S.A., and various university laboratories. The majority of firms, particularly when commenc- ing research works, find it expedient to combine neces- sary routine testing with research work, at any rate in the initial stages of development. There are many reasons in favour of this course. Both routine testing and research have much in common, and can make use of the same building and much of the same equip- ment. The routine testing department serves as a training ground and nursery for some members of the research staff. Further, through the work involved in routine testing the research department is kept in close contact with other works. departments. In the later stages of development, however, and especially in large and complex organisations com- prising several works each requiring routine testing, it becomes desirable to establish a separate and, if possible, central laboratory for research work alone. The laboratories referred to in this paper are con- sidered to comprise both routine and research work, as their combination is the policy most likely to be adopted by manufacturers initiating research organisa- tions. The functions of such a works research organisation, which involve the arrangement of the department in a number of sections, may be classified thus :-— (1) Testing of raw material supplies and the estab- lishment of a suitable technical basis for. purchasing. (2) Production of new materials or substitutes for those already in use, as, for instance, high-speed tool- steels, improved magnetic sheet-steel, etc. (3) Investigation of difficulties arising in the manu- facturing organisation. y (4) Investigations necessary for controlling and main- taining at their proper level technical processes in manufacture. (5) Development of new and improved processes and their establishment on a manufacturing scale on most economical lines. (6) Development of methods for the treatment of factory waste and scrap for by-products. (7) Investigation of phenomena required in the compilation of fundamental data for designing new apparatus. (8) Development of new tools, appliances, and methods of testing; improvement and standardisation of those existing. (9) Investigations of operating troubles and service for customers. (to) Investigations for the information of financiers of the possibilities. of new projects of a_ scientific character. (11) Physiological and psychological investigations NO. 2571, VOL. 102] NATURE relating to vocational selection and for determining the most efficient means of employing human services. (12) Research in pure science. ae 8 II.—Divisions of the Organisation. The character of the industry determines mainly the scope and nature of the work to be done and, con- sequently, the number of sections of the laboratory. In rolling mills, for example, sections devoted to chemical, metallurgical, microscopic, and physical testing are sufficient to meet the main requirements. In the electrical and allied industries the number of sections is perhaps as great as will be found in any industry. These are given below, together with a brief statement of their functions for the general kinds of electrical and mechanical engineering works. In the case of a small works, some sections, such as the workshop, may be provided in tha manufacturing de- partments. It will be noted that some of these sec- tions deal wholly or largely with routine testing, and that they are subsidiary to other sections. Chemical (Organic and Inorganic).—Co-operating with all other sections and undertaking routine analysis of incoming materials, ferrous, non-ferrous, and organic, for works use, and of materials in process of manufacture, and investigating and standardising speedy methods of routine testing. : Mechantcal Testing.—Dealing with all routine ten- sile, transverse, compression, hardness, and torsion tests on metals and alloys in sheet, rod, or wire form; tests on textile fabrics, papers, fibre and other in- sulating materials, cements, etc.; destruction tests on assembled parts, and the testing of scale models. Metallurgical (Ferrous and Non-ferrous).—Respon- sible for advising on the suitability of metals and their appropriate treatment for use in apparatus arid in works equipment and tools; for supervising annealing and other heat treatment processes; for the conduct of investigations for the production of improved metals and alloys; for investigating failures in metals. Photomicrographic.—Co-operating with the metal- lurgical and other sections in preparing specimens for microscopic examination and in photographing them. Electrical.—Responsible for special tests on insula- tors, conductors, and resistances, both when received and as required during manufacture; for special tests on finished machines, oscillograph investigations, etc. Magnetic.—Responsible for tests on steel’ forgings and electrical sheet-steel for permeability, hysteresis, and eddy losses, and on permanent magnéts’ for remanence and coercivity. sf Optical.—Dealing with investigations and tests of an optical character, such as the examination of large forgings by optical and X-ray methods; the appliea- tion of colour testing to routine work, optical examina- tion of screw threads and gauges. Illuminating Undertaking investigations in con- nection with lamp manufacture. i Physical—Undertaking all investigations of a physical character not optical or electrical, such as investigations connected with standards of measure- ment, heat transmission, acoustics, etc. ‘ Pyrometric.—Responsible for the standardisation, repair, regular checking, and supervision of. works pyrometers;- selection and installation of appropriate instruments where required, and manufacture of spare parts for works use; advising on thermostatic control, methods of high-temperature measurement, refractory materials. ; Materials.—Responsible for the standards of size and quality of materials used in the works, and for the acceptance of materials purchased after appropriate | chemical, mechanical, electrical, microscopic, and. in- r 456 NATURE F : ‘ ‘ fk } / _[FEBRuARY 6, 1919 spection tests. This section draws up specifications to define the limits of variation of sizes and properties of standard materials where required, and secures uniformity of practice throughout the works. It undertakes investigations into defective materials for which special provision is not made. Technical Processes.—Dealing with the development of new or the improvement of existing processes, par- ticularly those giving trouble in the shops, and requir- ing the services of expert engineers.in a suitable laboratory. Technical supervision may also be exer- cised over works processes, such as electro-plating, galvanising, sherardising, electric arc, resistance, and spot welding, insulating processes of various kinds, casting, painting and varnishing, and the modes of procedure crystallised in specifications. The develop- ment of new processes requires the employment of plant of a semi-manufacturing scale after preliminary small-scale laboratory experiment before the process can be placed in the shops. A most important function of this section is to remove, so far as is practicable, all experimental work from departments the true purpose of which is manufacturing. : By-products.—Responsible for recovering — usable products from factory waste and scrap such as oils, metals, and insulating materials. In addition, this section may conveniently be equipped for the prepara- tion of oils, solders, cements, fluxes, special insulating compounds, paints and varnishes where these are special to the works or where they can be pre- pared more cheaply than they can be purchased outside. Psychological and Physiological Modern methods of engaging employees, particularly juveniles, and of determining a basis for promotion involve the develop- ment of psychological tests of intelligence. The ‘evolution of tests of proved validity involves continuous investigation in a laboratory of applied psychology. Workshop.—For the manufacture of small parts, instruments, etc., and for the preparation of specimens for physical testing, a small workshop is required, fitted with the commoner types of machines, lathes, drilling, milling, and shaping machines, and hand- tools. Intelligence and Information Section.—It is im- portant in a research organisation to prevent the expenditure of time and money on investigations which have been carried out previously, either inside or out- side the organisation, the results of which can be made available for reference. Information of this character may be collected much more economically and thoroughly by a small trained staff than through the promiscuous efforts of the research workers them- selves. The information thus collected would form the research library, also under the control of this section. Such a section would serve as a focus and a co- ordinating centre for the research department, and would also facilitate relations between the works and the department and between the department and outside institutions. The section further becomes a repository for. the reports of work done in the research department. Too much stress cannot be laid on the importance of keeping adequate records, setting forth not only the causes bringing about the need for research, but also full details of the investigations, the methods employed, the apparatus used, the deductions drawn from results, and a special note of any further researches arising out of the particular investigation reported. It may not be possible to carry out sub- sidiary investigations at the time, but they. may be of sufficient importance to be considered later. In preparing a report, a standard plan is desirable. Administrative.—Accommodation. must be provided in the laboratory building for the staff dealing with NO. 2571, VOL. 102] the administration of the research organisation. It will be the duty of part of this staff to maintain a proper record of costs of investigations. In some laboratories it is usual for a sum to be set aside for each major investigation; in others, an overall sum is voted each year for the maintenance of the laboratory. Where routine work is done the cost of this may be charged against the works department on behalf of which the expense is incurred. In any case, a systematic record of all costs, stores, breakages, and wages, subdivided according to the various investiga- tions, is of great importance. I11.—Administration. The internal organisation of an industrial research laboratory depends largely upon the nature of the work undertaken. Where it comprises routine testing for works departments the nature and number of the tests carried out form a series of sections each having a departmental chief responsible to the director, and a staff of senior and junior assistants to carry on fhe work and to provide for continuity in case of transfer or promotion. Where research work of a kind not immediately related to works practice is concerned, each major investigation should be placed in the hands of a competent research man, working with or without assistance, but directly responsible to the director. Where work is combined, as will generally be the case, both methods may be combined. In either case, the work of the staff is greatly facili- tated by regular conferences of the departmental chiefs and research workers, as in this way the progress of work: of interest to more than one section can be dis- cussed and the cumulative experience of the whole staff brought to bear on new problems. Over- lapping and duplication of worl can also be avoided, a possibility which may frequently arise when every part of a problem has to be analysed and different aspects minutely studied by different workers. IV.—Staff. The most important feature of a research organisa- tion is that of the staff. This country has for cen- turies produced a succession of distinguished men of science, especially physicists, and at the present time there is no lack of gifted men who are able to extend the boundaries of knowledge. It has, on the other hand, been repeatedly emphasised that there has been a lack of technically trained young men who are able to apply the results of scientific research in industry. The demand was not sufficient to stimulate a suitable supply. The experience of the war period has changed the attitude of industry considerably in this respect, and the inducement offered to university men to enter research work is much greater than hitherto. So far as the limited supply of students permits, the universi- ties have endeavoured to respond, and the scholarships now being awarded, together with the assistance offered by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, should do much to encourage students still further. For a considerable time to come, however, the supply of men will be totally insufficient for the needs of industry. It is an error to suppose that industrial research cannot be carried on without men of genius of the type which has been responsible for many brilliant advances in the past, frequently under considerable personal difficulties and without adequate experi- mental equipment. Such a type, indeed, is generally not at ease in an industrial works, where research can be reduced to the character of a business, where procedure can be organised on systematic lines towards a clearly defined objective, and where progress can be 5 EBRUARY 6, 19 19] made by co-operative effort of resourceful, energetic, well-trained, but otherwise ordinary men. _With the exception of those actually engaged in directing research, the staff should comprise compara- tively young men and women capable of distinguish- ing cause from effect, able to observe keenly, and pos- sessing sound technical training, preferably of uni- versity standard in the faculty pertaining to the industry they propose to enter, followed by some prac- tical experience. Graduates who have shown during _ their university career that reasoning capacity, know- _ ledge, resource, and skill in manipulation which com- prise aptitude for research might proceed to a works _ for a period of practical training and then return to the university for a post-graduate course in research before entering the works organisation. Alternatively, students may enter the works for practical experience on concluding a post-graduate course, afterwards | being placed in tha research department. In addition to serving as a nursery for research workers, the laboratories should undertake part of the training of all those young men who in a large organisation are being trained for higher industrial * positions, as, for instance, many of those on the designing, commercial, ‘and works management sides. In this way the industry becomes permeated with men having a keen appreciation of the value of scientific method. In connection with the section dealing with works processes, some of these men, promoted possibly from the trade apprentice course, may ultimately be permanently employed. Others would be transferred to the works, where they could utilise their experience in the direction of such pro- cesses, In view of tha limited supply of research workers, it is essential that the research department should work in close contact with the educational portion of the organisation now becoming an essential feature in industrial concerns, since the latter would control the sélection, training, and promotion of all grades of apprentices. Every possible step should be taken to reveal latent talent, and to provide opportunities for the acquisition of the necessary education and experience. NATURE The universities can only partially complete the | training of the staff required for industrial research. This may be illustrated by the procedure adopted at | the Mellon Institute of Industrial Research, Pitts- burgh, which was founded for the express purpose of | conducting researches for manufacturers, the work being undertaken by research fellows selected prin- cipally from the universities. closely with the works concerned, and _ frequently become absorbed into its staff at the conclusion of the research. The staff of an industrial research organisation, comprising sections as indicated above, will generally include a director, sectional heads, senior and junior assistants, with possibly a number of individual re- search men responsible to the director. The function of the director calls for special consideration. He must .appreciate the possibilities of applying new knowledge to industry to commercial advantage, and be able efficiently to direct specialised research workers, These men co-operate | avoiding aimless research having no utilitarian objec- | tive. While he requires a wide scientific knowledge to be able to follow intelligently and appreciate the trend of scientific development, he must have, in addi- tion, considerable organising capacity, commercial instinct, and a thorough knowledge of the manufac- turing processes of this industry. He must have sufficient breadth of view to be willing to employ expert assistance whenever occasion for this. arises. The sectional heads will, in general, be men of NO. 2571, VOL. 102] 497 high scientific standing, especially in their particular branch of science. ‘These and the senior staff should be men of university education and training. It is essential that every position in the department should be filled by the best available man for the post, and the research staff should be considered to offer the most highly prized positions, unsuitable men being transferred to other parts of the works organisation. Conclusions. No hard-and-fast rule can be laid down as to, the amount of money that should be expended on research. Every undertaking must be considered on its own merits, and research expenditure based on the economic needs of the moment and the probable requirements of the future. In many cases it is the impoverished industry which stands in the greatest need of research. Similarly, the small concern, though it may not be able to afford expensive research facilities, can make considerable use of those afforded by universities, national institutions, and private or commercial laboratories. Then, again, the wealthy firm or prosperous industry can maintain an unassailable position through improving by reséarch its methods. of production, this being ultimately the only effective method of securing monopoly. ‘ It is an economic error to assume that the best method of increasing profits is, through trade com- binations or other means of protection, to increase the selling price. A much more logical method is to bring about the difference between manufacturing cost and selling price by reducing the cost of manufac- ture, and it is in this connection that the possibilities of research are unlimited. Apart from its value in assisting economic manu- ° facture, the advertising value of research should not be overlooked. The knowledge that a manufacturing firm employs scientific methods establishes in the public mind a feeling of confidence in the firm’s products. Similarly, this may be a by no means negligible factor in favourably influencing investors. It is to be hoped that firms undertaking research on a large scale will adopt a broad-minded policy in regard to the publication of a great deal of the results of their worl. The tendency towards secrecy on the part of most British firms has been weakened to a considerable extent during war-time, when many otherwise rival firms have been engaged upon similar kinds of new work, in which each firm could benefit by exchanging its experience with other firms engaged in the same production. This exchange of experience and information is of the greatest importance in keeping all sections of an industry up to date, and in this way an industry becomes much more potent in international competition, and at the same time individual firms through differences in organisation are no less able to compete among themselves. Moreover, the preparation of work for publication and dis- cussion is of great educational value to a research worker. In staffing a research organisation, the highest economy is’ secured by obtaining the very best brains in the various positions, and posts in the research department should be looked upon as those most highly prized in an industrial organisation. It is to be hoped that the great industrial organisa- tions having well-established research facilities will extend their hospitality freely to those workers in universities and elsewhere to conduct important \in- vestigations which they have leisure, but not equip- ment, to undertake, and that considerable freedom of interchange of ideas and experience with other research organisations will be practised. 459 NATURE [Fesruary 6, 1919 UNIVERSITY ‘AND’ EDUCATIONAL INTELLIGENCE. CamBripGe.—Mr. A. Harker, fellow of St. John’s College, who held the office of University lecturer in petrology, has been appointed reader in petrology. Mr. C. R. A. Thacker, fellow of Sidney Sussex Col- lege, has been appointed junior demonstrator of physiology until September 30, 19109. Grants have been made from the Balfour fund of 1501. to Mr. C. F. Cooper, of Trinity College, rool. to Mr. J. F. Saunders, of Christ’s College, and 1ool. to Mr. J. Gray, fellow of King’s College, in aid of zoological investigations. The Senate has approved the proposal to establish a Geographical Tripos, and the examination for part i. of this Tripos will be first held in 1920, and for part ii. in 1921. It is recognised that the subject of geography is so extensive and borders upon so many other sciences that to fit a student for geographical research or higher teaching a training is necessary which is of the standard of that required for a Tripos. It is also suggested that such a training would be valuable for the future statesman, administrator, merchant, or mis- sionary. ‘The two parts of this Tripos together will qualify for an honours degree, and part i. will qualify for the diploma in geography, which has proved so useful that it is regarded as important that it should be retained. Lonpon.—Dr. Reginald R. Gates has been ap- pointed for three years, as from January 1, 1919, to the newly established University readership in botany ten- able at King’s College. Dr. Gates has been demon- strator in botany at McGill University, senior fellow and assistant in botany at the University of Chicago, lecturer in biology at St. Thomas’s Hospital Medical School, and acting associate professor of zoology in the University of California. He is the author of “The Mutation Factor in Evolution ’? and numerous articles in English, German, Canadian, and American scientific journals on various aspects of botanical research. It has been resolved by the Senate that for the duration of the war, and for a period of twelve months from its termination, the Army education certificate shall be accepted as exempting candidates from the matriculation examination. The degree of D.Sc. in chemistry has been con- ferred by the Senate on Dr. A. M. Kellas, an external student, for a thesis entitled ‘‘ The Determination of the Molecular Complexity of Liquid Sulphur.” Scnorarsuips of the value of 5o0l. per annum, and tenable for two years, are being offered by the Insti- tute of Marine Engineers to young engineers desirous of gaining additional technical knowledge. \ TRAVELLING scholarship of the value of 150]. a year, for past or present students of Somerville Col- lege, Oxford, is offered by the Mary Ewart Trust. Applications must be received by Mrs. T. H. Green, 56 Woodstock Road, Oxford, by, at latest, March 15. »A conrerence on ‘Industry and Educational Re- construction ’’ will be held under the auspices of the Industrial Reconstruction Council on ‘Tuesday, February 11, at 6 p.m., in the hall of the Institute of Journalists, 2 and 4 Tudor Street, E.C.4. The opening address will be given by Mr. F. W. Sander- son, headmaster of Oundle School. No tickets are necessary. ; A resipent fellowship is offered by Somerville College, Oxford, for research in classics, mathe- matics, philosophy, history, economics, or natural science. Its annual value is and the normal NO. 2571, VOL. 102] 120l., tenure is five years—renewable. Particulars are obtainable from Miss Darbishire, Somerville College, Oxford, The latest date for receiving applications and evidence of fitness is March 15. Two lectures arranged by the London County Council Education Officer will be given next week. One on “Agriculture and Rural Life’? will be de- livered_by Mr. Christopher Turnor at King’s College, Strand, W.C.2, on Friday, February 14, at 5.30 p.m., and the other on ‘*Pure Science in Relation to the National Life,’ by Dr. Arthur Schuster, will be given at the Regent Street Polytechnic, W.1, on Saturday, February 15, at 11 a.m. j Ir will be recalled that the Engineering Training Organisation was founded at a meeting held at the Institution of Civil Engineers on October 25, 1917, when a resolution was adopted to appoint a committee, representative of all the chief engineering and educa- tional bodies, to consider the improvement and better co-ordination of engineering training. The committee thus formed has since been making a general survey of the ground to be covered and establishing the broad principles of future work. It has so far been depen- dent on voluntary assistance, in which the honorary organisers, Mr. A. E. Berriman, of the Daimler Works, Coventry, and Mr. A. P. M. Fleming, of the British Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Co., Ltd., have taken a leading part. A stage has now been reached when a paid secretary has become neces- sary for the future work of the Organisation, and in our advertisement columns in this issue an announce- ment is made of the offer of this appointment at a salary of 1o00l. a year. For this important post a fully trained engineer with adequate educational ex- perience seems essential, and we are glad to observe that the Organisation is offering a salary commen- surate with the duties of the position. In doing so the Organisation relies on the generous support of leading firms in the engineering industry. There can be no doubt as to the vital importance to the future of the industry of well-organised and efficient engineer- ing training, and we hope that the appeal will meet with an adequate response. A petition is being presented to the governors of the Imperial College of Science and Technology by past, and present students of the college urging that immediate steps should be taken to raise the status of the college to that of a university of technology, dis- tinct from the University of London, and empowered to confer its own degrees in science and technology, as is done by the Technical Universities of Germany. At a meeting of past and present students held on January 29 at the Imperial College Union, it was decided, with one dissentient only, to sign and present such a petition. The recognition of the Imperial College as an institution of university rank should, says the petition, be one of the earliest items in the programme of legislative reconstruction. The creation of an Imperial University of Technology appears to be justified, the memorial continues, if it can assist in meeting the ever-increasing demand of industry for men efficiently trained in scientific and technological work. The apathy evinced by many firms in London and elsewhere towards technological research is, the petitioners urge, largely attributable to the absence of an institution devoted to technology bearing the authority and dignity of an imperial university; and they go on to plead that students who have passed through the prescribed courses should be able to start their careers with university degrees equivalent to those granted elsewhere. There will be widespread sym- pathy with the desire expressed in the petition for the further development in London of research in . Fesruary 6, 1919] ae \ technology, and for greater facilities for students desiring to pursue courses of work in applied science ; but there are likely to be differences of opinion as to the wisdom of inaugurating a separate university | devoted only to study and research in pure and applied science. At Manchester, Glasgow, iedinburgh, Sheffield, Bristol, and other places the colleges of technology have in recent years become technical facul- ties of the universities of their respective areas; and it would seem that similar co-ordination might be possible in a reconstituted University of London with the Imperial College and other London colleges which provide special facilities in applied science, forming a faculty of technology. Also, it may be doubted whether the associateship of the Royal School of Mines—a constituent college of the Imperial College— could be given a higher value than it has at present by being merged in a mining degree of the proposed new university. No doubt these matters have considered by the promoters of the movement, and will be carefully weighed by the governors of the Imperial College before taking the steps suggested. SOCIETIES AND ACADEMIES. Lonpon. Royal Society, January 23.—Sir J. J. Thomson, president, in the chair.—Admiral Sir Henry Jackson and Prof. G. B. Bryan: Experiments demonstrating an electrical effect in vibrating metals. Experiments are described which demonstrate the electrical effect produced by vibration in wires and other metallic bodies, and a method of detecting and recording them by means of searching coils connected to delicate recording apparatus. The diminution of the effect when the surface of a steel wire is rusted is dealt with, in continuation of a paper by one of the authors on the subject of vibrating wires. The inductive effect of a vibrating wire on a neighbouring circuit is men- tioned; and this led up to the fact that all metallic bodies experimented with, whatever their shape or material, generate eddy currents, which can be de- tected in them by using suitable searching coils. That this effect is primarily due to the vibrating conductor cutting the lines of the earth’s magnetic field is proved by the experiments, but that there seems to be a residual effect, not at present fully accounted for, which is greater than can be attributed to experi- mental errors. Details of the tests are described. These have been carried out with wire bridges, tubes, utensils of various forms and _ materials, and also with Chladni_ plates——Prof. T. Havelock: Wave resistance: some cases of three- dimensional fluid motion. It is shown how to calculate the wave resistance when the surface pressure is two- dimensional and the wave-pattern like that of ship- waves. Certain cases are examined in detail, and the method can be extended to more complex systems. Interpreting some of the results in terms of the related problem of a submerged body, expressions are ob- tained for the wave resistance of a prolate spheroid and of other bodies —W. S. Abell: Chances of loss of merchant ships. This communication discusses the effect of damage to vessels in respect of chances of loss of bullkheads and the consequent chances of loss of vessels. If the extent of damage be fairly con- stant, as in torpedo explosions, it would appear that there is an inferior limit to the spacing of bullsheads. Further, as the carriage of cargo is impeded by sub- division, there is an economic reason for calculating the number of bullsheads sufficient for reasonable safety, been | NATURE 1 portance Such calculation involves the discussion of chances of | loss of one or more bulkheads, and of the relation of size of vessel to bulkhead spacing.. Assuming that water- NO. 2571; VOL. 102] 459 tightness is destroyed within radius R from centre of damage, it is shown that where (1) bulkhead spac- ing=2R-+a, the “odds on” for loss of one bullkhead are 2R/a; (2) Spacing=2R—a, “odds on’ for loss of two bulkheads are a/(2R—2a); and (3) spacing=R—a, “odds on” for loss of three bulkheads are 2a/(R—3a). These results are applied to the case of ordinary cargo-carrying vessels of fixed type, but of Merde lengths, with R=20 ft. representing longitudina extent of torpedo damage. Diagrams accompanying indicate that (1) for a given standard of sub- division, decrease of size of large vessels only slightly increases chances of loss; (2) for small vessels, risk of loss is relatively high, and it is doubtful whether any subdivision whatever is effective for vessels below 320-ft. length; (3) safety increases markedly with iength of vessel; and (4) intermediate bullcheads are more useful in larger vessels, but may also, in certain cases, increase risk of loss. By suitable assumptions the method may be used to discuss subdivision of passenger vessels exposed to ordinary marine risks.— Prof. \W. M. Hicks: A critical study of spectral series- Part v.: The spectra of the monatomic gases. This part deals with the series relationships in the second or blue spectra of the rare gases. Not only are’ the S, D, and F series allotted, but the discussion serves to amplify and sustain the laws developed in preceding parts, and illustrates their value for the purpose of the analysis of spectra in general. Amongst new methods may be mentioned the use of the links, dis- covered in part iv. of these communications, for the purpose of dealing with lines expected from formula or other considerations which lie outside the observed region. Thus, in the case of a wave-number n of a line in the ultra-violet n—e, or n—Uu, OF vice versa if in the ultra-red n+e, n+U, where e, u are definite and calculable quantities, may be wave-numbers in the ob- served region and correspond with lines actually seen. In this way it is possible to obtain evidence of the existence and wave-length of lines belonging to the spectrum, although not actually measured. Of im- also in the general theory of spectra 1s the discovery of summation series. Thus in the case of the ordinary well-known series the wave-numbers are represented as the difference of two quenHee A—o(m), where m is the order in the sertes. t is shown that in the case of the F series at least there are, in addition to these difference frequencies, also a corresponding series of summation frequencies ein by n=A+¢e(m). For S, D series, such series, 1 2 in the ultra-violet. existing, would occur far down Paris. Academy of Sciences, January 20.—M. Léon Guignard in the chair.—H. Deslandres : The reform of the calendar. A discussion of a recent proposal of M. Bigourdan, with a summary of previous proposals with the same object. A_slxetch of an alternative calendar is given.—J. Andrade : The minimum number of associated spirals.—R. Garnier : The irregular sin- sularities of linear differential equations.—M. Riquier a The analytical prolongation of the integrals of certain systems of linear partial differential equations.— G. Julia: Some problems relating to the iteration _of rational fractions.—P. Lévy: Functions of implicit lines.A. Guldberg : The errors of situation of a point. M. Mesnager : A case of simplification of the formule of M. Boussinesq.—E. Belot: A hypothesis bringing into agreement the vortex cosmogony and the explana- tion of the peculiarities of nova ‘and the sun.—G. Déjardin: Calculation of the ratio of the principal specific heats of benzene and of cyclohexane by the Leduc._-E. Esclangon: A new cyclic method of M. ; of sound in the. open determination of the velocity 460 WNATURE ' [Fesruary 6, 19 19 air. The determination of positions by sound requires a Ikxnowledge of the velocity of sound in free air with a very high precision. The numerous experimental difficulties are summarised, and particulars given of determinations made during 1917 and 1918, under varying weather conditions, and at temperatures ‘be- tween oY” and 20° C. The mean value found was 339:9 metres per second in dry air at 15° C.—M. Horsch: A method of rapid reduction of potassium chloroplatinate. The salt is dissolved in boiling water, some alcohol added, and evaporated in a platinum crucible on the water-bath. he platinum is deposited as a coherent film on the crucible. Test analyses are given.—Ph, Dautzenberg and G. Dollfus: A raised beach in the neighbourhood of Saint Malo.—A. Guébhard:; The cooling of the planetary globes.—P. Bertrand: The flora of the coal basin of Lyons.- —L. Joleaud : Relations between the migrations of the genus Hipparion and the centinental connections of Europe, of Africa, and of America during the Upper Miocene period. The author gives evidence which, taken to- ‘gether with the data collected by American’ geologists, leads to the probable conclusion that during the Uy ipper Miocene period there was land connection betw een the Old and New World, by means of which Hipparion and other species of mammals could pass from America into Europe and Africa.- _ E. Brazier: The influence of the velocity of the suka ‘on the vertical distribution and the variations of the meteorological elements in the lower layers of the atmosphere. The barometric pressure at the ground-level, calculated from observa- tions made on the Eiffel Tower, is lower than the observed pressure. The difference between the ‘observed and calculated pressures increases with the average velocity of the wind.—P. Guérin ; The develop- ment of the anther and pollen of the Labiates.—L. Moreau: The architecture of the calcaneum in stereo- radiography.—H. Vincent and G. Stodel: Results of the treatment of gas gangrene by multivalent serum. The serum was obtained from the horse after increas- ing injections of sixteen races of micro-organisms. Sixty -nine cures out of eighty-one cases were obtained, and of the deaths only eight were the result of gas gangrene. BOOKS RECEIVED. The Australian Army Medical Corps in Egypt: An Illustrated and Detailed Account of the Early Organisation and Work of the Australian Medical Units in Egypt in rorq-15. By Lt.-Col. J. W. Barrett and Lieut. P. E. Deane. Pp. xiv+259. (London: H. K. Lewis and Co., Ltd., 1918.) 12s. 6d. net. Pre-History in Essex, as Recorded in the Journal of the Essex Field Club. By S. H. ena. (Essex Field Club Special Memoirs, vol. v.) Po. (Strat- ford, Essex The Essex Field Chub: London : Simpkin, Marshall, and. +Gow) Wtd.. “To18.)) esneod. net. Traité Clinique de Neurologie de Guerre. Sollier, Chartier, and Félix Rose, Villandre. VWili+830. (P Félix Alcan, 1918.). 32 francs. Par Paul Pp. aris = DIARY OF SOCIETIES. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6. Rovat Institution, at 3.—Dr. W. Wilson: The Movements of the Sun: Earth, and Moon. Rovat Society, at 4.20.—A. Mallock: The Elasticity of Metals as Affected by Temperature.—W. L. Cowley and H. Levy: Vibration and Strength of Struts and Continuous Beams under End Vhrusts.—A. Dey: A New Method for the Absolute Determination of Frequency (with a prefatory note by C. V. Raman), Linnean Society, at 5.—N. E. Brown: (1) Old and New Species of Mesembryanthemum, with Critical Remarks. (2) A New Species of Lobostemon in the Linnean Herbarium.—Dr. J. R. Leeson: Exhibition of Mycetozoa from Epping Forest. NO. 2571, VOL. 102] Cremicar Socigry, at 8.—G, N. White : ‘A Note on the Action of Chiloro- form on certain Arv! Mercaptans in Presence of Caustic Soda.—J. T Hewitt and W. J. Jones: (1) The Estimation of the Methoxyl Group. (2) The Estimation of Methyl Alcohol in Wood Distillates and their Concentrates.—P. F. Frankland, F. Challenger, and N. A. Nicholls: The Preparation of Monomethylamine from Chloropicrin.—W. C McC. Lewis : Studies in Catalysis, Part x. Preliminary Note upon the Applica- bility of the Radiation Hypothesis to Heterogeneous Reactions. FRIDAY, Fepruary 7. Roya InsTituTIoNn, at 5.30.—Prof, J. G. Adami: its Relationship to the War. , MONDAY, FEBRUARY Io. 5 Roya Society oF Arrs, at 4. 30.—Prof. J. A. Fleming : Scientific Prob- blems of Electric Wave Telegraphy. Royat GrocrarHICcAL Society, at 8.—Commander Roneagli, Italian Navy: The Adriatic. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11. Rovat Institution at 3.—Prof. J. T. MacGregor-Morris : Electric Arcs and their Applications. InsTiTUTION OF CIvIL ENGINEERS, at 5.30.—/urther Discussion: Hon. R. C. Parsons : Centrifugal Pumps for Dealing with ee containing Solid, Fibrous, and Erosive Matters. - Probable Papers: F. J. Mallet: The Flow of Water in Pipes and Pressure Tunnels.—A. ‘A. Barnes: Discharge of Large Cast-Iron Pipe-Lines in Relation to their Age. WEDNESDAY, Fesruary 12 Royat Society oF ARTS, at 4.30.—Sir Frank Heath: and the Organisation of Scientific Research.; THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13. Roya. InstiruTIoNn, at 3.—Dr. W. Wilson: The Movements of the Sun, Earth, and Moon. InstiruTION oF ELectRicAL ENGINEERS, at 6.—Bt.-Lt.-Col, W. A. J. O'Meara: The Functions of the Engineer : his Education and Training. Cuitp-Stupy Society, at 6.—Dr. C, W. Kimmins: Children’s Dreams. Orr ICAL SOCIETY, at 7.—Annual General Meeting.—At 7.30.—Lord Ray- ‘leigh: A Possible Disturbance of a Range-finder by Atmospheric Refraction due to tae Motion of the Ship which carries it.—L. C. Martin and Mrs. Griffiths : Deposit on Glass Surfaces in Instruments. ‘ FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14. Roya AsTRoNnoMICcAL Society, at 5 —Anniversary Meeting. Roya INsTiITUTION, at 5-30.—Prof. C. G. Knott: Earthquake Waves and the Interior of the Earth. MaLacococicaL Society, at 7.—Annual General Meeting. Medical Research in Study of ‘The Government CONTENTS. Mind-stuff Redivivus. PAGE By Prof. H. Wildon Carr . 441 Biology and Human Welfare. ByJ.A.T. .... 442 Visionary Science ... S) yaad, bos) Pal coe) Pe oie eA Our Bookshelf ; Pac) tron tet Gy 443 Letters to the Editor :— End-products of Thorium.—Prof, Frederick Soddy, KURGS see 444 The Neglect of ‘Biological ‘Subjects in Education. — Sir H. Bryan Donkin . . 444 \* Scientific and Practical Metric Units.—G. R. Hilson 444 The Eclipse of the Sun on May 29. (Muth lap.) By Dr. A, C. D. Crommelin . < Ser: - 444 America and German Science Bieta. Clean Milk. By Prof. R. T, Hewlett . . vs bok eeeaT. Notes . ental (2g ERTS Our Astronomical Column :-— Borrelly’s Comet Ce Ss 2. SaNeaeeCte so. ITE Reid’s Comet (19182) Ree tet RAIS Toe rn ey gS Astronomy in the Zzmes . . T's (o- oy seep ae The Energy of Magnetic Storms. oP), SER es Education and National Life... ......+..- 453 Sea-studies Satwass Research Organisation in Industrial Works. By A. P.M. Fleming . Aryan 454 University and Educational Intelligence , epanta SS: Societies and Academies ....... = ¥ig) ARE eS Books Received ‘ ai ak. wey dioorTer Lente ies MELAS Diary of Societies wage uu. 2 .<, culdy sth aentente 460 Editorial and Publishing Offices: MACMILLAN AND CO., Ltp., ST. MARTIN’S STREET, LONDON, W.C.2. Advertisements and business letters to be addressed to the Publishers. Editorial Communications to the Editor. Telegraphic Address: Puusts, Loxpon. Telephone Number : GERRARD 8830. Vhe Significance of A WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF SCIENCE. “To the solid ground Of Nature trusts the mind which builds for aye." —WorDSWORTH. superior objectives, with rack and pinion for focussing, con- densers 4} in. diam., plane silvered mirror ‘‘ A,” which is moved by a knob causing the rays to be reflected upwards for the projection of objects in a horizontal plane, silvered prism which can be used at ‘**C,” or as an erecting prism in mount ‘DD, limelight _No. 2572, VoL. 102/ THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1919 __[ Price NINePENCe. REYNOLDS & BRANSON, Ltd. THE SNOOK X RAY AS See Glassware, Chemical and Physical Apparatus akers to His Majesty’s Government (Home and Overseas FO ee Ee rotocmntional Meuleitign, Turiwac tes Fey am IS THE BEST APPARATUS ce The ‘ University” Lan- FOR RESEARCH WORK thes Body sliding bascboard, two No Inverse Current. Completely under control. ~~ Kegistered as a Newspaper at the General Post Office.) FAN Rights Reserved a Dominions), Laboratory Outfitters, &c. Interrupterless Machine STROUD & RENDELL SCIENCE LANTERN. body, sliding baseboard, two No Interrupter. Conditions can be absolutely burner, slide carrier. Price reproduced from day to day. complete in travelling case, without reversible adjustable stage... = zoe es Par wp ems ty USTs Sele Makers for the United Kingdom— Ditto, ditto, with ‘* Phoenix” arc lamp ... = 55 cen Vilma Li) Reversible adjustable stage ‘‘ B= for supporting apparatus, NEWTON @G WRIGHT, Ltd. Sates CATALOGUES (Post free). ee é os ree). 72 WIGMORE STREET, Ww. 1. Optical Lanterns and Accessory Apparatus. Chemical Apparatus and Chemicals. 14 COMMERCIAL STREET, LEEDS. DUROGLASS L™: | peckMANN THERMOMETERS 14 CROSS STREET, HATTON GARDEN, E.C. TS RPP With 6 degrees Centigrade divided Borosilicate Resistance Glassware. Beakers. Flasks, Etc. into O'O1° C., are now made Soft Soda Tubing for Lamp Work. General Chemical and throughout at our own works. Scientific Glassware. Special Glass Apparatus Made to Order. NEGRETTI & ZA MBRA DUROGLASS WORKS, WALTHAMSTOW. 38 HOLBORN VIADUCT, E.C.1 AGENTS: 5 LEADENHALL ST., E.C.3 BAIRD & TATLOCK (LONDON) LTD. 122 REGENT STREET, W.! 14 CROSS ST., HATTON GARDEN, E.C. 1. LONDON. clxxxvi GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON. The ANNIVERSARY MEETING of this Society will be held at the SOCIETY'S APARTMENTS, BURLINGTON HOUSE, on FRIDAY, F RUARY 21, at 3 o'clock. KEBLE COLLEGE, OXFORD. NATURAL SCIENCE SCHOLARSHIP, 1919. An examination will be held in this College on March 11 for a SCIENCE SCHOLARSHIP of the annual value of 460, with laboratory fees £20. Subjects: Chemistry o» Biology, with elementary Physics, and for Biologists elementary Chemistry as well. Intending candidates should apply to Dr. HarcHerr Jackson, the Science Tutor, for information. SOUTH-WESTERN POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, CHELSEA, S.W.3. The following Special Course will be given during the Lent Term, 1919 :— ‘““MILK AND MILK PRODUCTS.” By Mr. CECIL REVIS, A.C.G.1., F.1.C., F.C.S. A Course of Six Lectures on Thursday evenings at 7.30 p.m., beginning Vhursday, February 20, 1919. A detailed syllabus of the course may be obtained on application to the SecrETARY (Room 44). SIDNEY SKINNER, M.A., Principal. Telephone: 899 Western. STAFFORDSHIRE EDUCATION COMMITTEE. ASSISTANT LECTURER IN METALLURGY. The Staffordshire Education Committee’ require an ASSISTANT LECTURER in METALLURGY for the County Metallurgical and FKneineering Institute, Wednesbury. Applicants should possess a University degree or an equivalent qualifica- tion, and be fully competent to take classes in Chemistry, Metallurgy, and Metallography ; and it is desirable that they should have had both teaching and works experience. Salary offered £250 to £300 per annum, according to qualifications. Further particulars and form of application may be obtained from the undersigned, by whom applications must be received on or before sth March, 1919. Cc. F. MOTT, Acting Director of Higher Education. County Education Offices, Stafford. January, 1919- SOUTH AFRICAN SCHOOL OF MINES AND TECHNOLOGY, JOHANNESBURG (UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA.) WANTED, a LECTURER for the DEPARTMENT of CHEMIS- TRY. One who has had works experience, with ability for research, would be preferred. Salary £450 per annum, rising, after two years’ service, by annual increments of £25 toa maximum of £5503; the appointment in the first instance to be probationary for two years. The sum of £60 will be allowed for travelling expenses to South Africa, and half salary from date of sailing till arrival in Johannesburg. A medical certificate will be required before appointment. Members of the staff have to supervise and take part in evening work. Applications and testimonials in triplicate, stating age and qualifications, to be sent to CHALMERS, GUTHRIE & CO., LIMITED, 9 Ipot Lang, Lonpon, E.C. 3. OUNDLE SCHOOL. TWO ASSISTANT MASTERS are required— (1) A MASTER to take charge of the Agricultural Department of the School. He will have the opportunity of developing an Experimental Farm, and must have good practical knowledge of farming. (2) A MASTER to teach Zoology and Botany to high scholarship standard. Commencing salaries £350-4600, according to experience and standing. \pplications, with testimonials and references, to be sent to the Heap- tASTER, the School, Oundle, Northants. THE SIR JOHN CASS TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, JEWRY STREET, ALDGATE, LONDON, E.C. 3. The Governors of the institute invite applications for the post of LECTURER IN MATHEMATICS. Preference will be given to candidates with a knowledge of Mathematical Physics. Commencing salary £250 per annum. Details of the duties may be had from the undersigned. Applications, with three recent testimonials, to be forwarded not later than March 3. CHARLES A, KEANE, Principal. LECTURE ASsISTANT AND LABORATORY STEWARD. Well-qualified LECTURE ASSISTANT and LABORATORY STEWARD required for the CHEMISItRY DiPARTMENT of the Sir John Cass Technical Institute, Jewry Street, Aldgate, London, E.C. 3. Salary £120 to 150 per annum, according to qualifications. Applications, stating qualifications, to be sent to the Principat by March x. NATURE [FEBRUARY 13, I919 ROYAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, SALFORD. Principal—B, PRENTICE, D.Se., Ph.D. LECTURER in ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING wanted, to com- mence March x. Engineering degree and works experience essential. Salary according to scale and teaching experience. Particulars and forms of application may be obtained from the SecreTaRY to the Education Committee, Education Office, Chapel Street, Salford, and must be returned not later than February 19. L. C. EVANS, Town Clerk. UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, NOTTINGHAM. LECTURER IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING. The Council of the College invite applications for the post of SENIOR LECTURER IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING. Commencing salary £300 per annum. Further particulars and application forms may be obtained from the REG sTRAR, to whom applicatiors must be sent not later than March 3. UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, NOTTINGHAM. PROFESSOR OF ECONOMICS. The Council of the College invite applications for the CHAIR OF ECONOMICS. Commencing salary £500 per annum. Further particulars and forms of application may be obtained from the REGISTRAR, to whom applications must be sent not later than March 3. BIRKBECK COLLEGE, LONDON. ASSISTANT LECTURER IN CHEMISTRY. The Governing Body invite applications for the above appointment., Commencing salary £220-250 (according to experience and qualifications), with regular increments. Applicants specially qualified in Inorganic and Physical Chemistry preferred. Applications to the SecrETARY, Birkbeck College, E.C. 4, from whom further particulars may be obtained. WORKS CHEMIST wanted by fine colour, paint, and chemical manufacturers in country district near London. Applicants must be under 30, capable of training and controlling small number of employees, and becoming the right hand of energetic Managing Director. Business as well as scientific ability essential. Salary £250 and commission —Write, stating qualifications, experience, &c., to Box 72, clo NATURE Office. WANTED, ANALYTICAL CHEMIST . (under 30) at an Iron Works in Derbyshire. Will be required to carry out routine metallurgical analysis, and analytical work in connection with potash investigations. Salary £200 per annum.—Apply Box 182, c/o Narure Office. EAST LONDON COLLEGE. (UNIVERSITY OF LONDON.) JUNIOR DEMONSTRATOR required at once in Chemical Depavt- ment. Salary £180. Apply Princtpac, WANTED, position as Laboratory Assistant in Boys’ good Public School in London, by youth of secondary educa- tion, possessing fair knowledge of Physics and Chemistry.—Apply J. Ross, 290 Uxbridge Road, Ealing, W. 13. FOR SALE.—Transactions and Abstracts Chemical Society, 1891 to 1914 (t912 to 1914 unbound—others bound) ; Journal of Society of Chemical Industry, 1894 to 1898 bound—also 1895 and 1899 to 1906 unbound, but about zo parts missing; Berichte, 189, unbound, Box 13, c/o Nature Office. BALOPTICON for Sale; Bausch & Lomb, unused ; 12” lens for opaque and 8” for lantern slides, with rheostat, table, and cabinet —Offers to H. Fourks Lyncu & Co., Lrp., 6x Watling Street, E.C. 4. “NATURE.” Unbound copies, Nos. 2184 to 2336 inclusive (October 26, rort, to August 6, tg14), except following, which are missing: Vol. parts 2227-2235 inclusive ; Vol. go, part 2236. Also Inman's Nautical Tabies, 1913 edition. What offers ?—Box 184, c/o Narure Office. SPECTROSCOPES (Second-hand) Special offers. Browning's Micro-Spectroscope, with wedge cells and tubes and extra prism tube with micrometer, fine mahogany case, 8 gns.; 4-inch Induction Coil, by Apps, in case, 20 gns.; Large Lantern for Spectrum Analysis, with box of slides, cemplete, cost 50 gns., 15 gns.; 3 Fine Bottle Prisms for 3 gns.; Brass Stand and cover for same, 2 gns. ; Becquerel’s Apparatus, on brass stand with rack motions, 3 gMs.; Automatic Electric Regulator for use in spectrum analysis, 5 g0s. } Pair of Electric Discharging Pillars, on mahogany base, 2 gns.; Brass Stand for Vacuum Tube Holder, 2 gns.; Mirror, mounted on nickel stand, 2 gns. Spectroscopes, Microscop-s and Accessories, Binoculars, &c., Bought, Sold, or Exchanged. Send for complete lists pest free.— JouN BrowNninG, 146 Strand, london, W.C. 2. (* NATURE | 19 46 THURSDAY, THE SCIENTIFIC MAN’S BURDEN The Twin Ideals: An Educated a By Sir James W. Barrett. Vols. i. and ii. Pp. xxxii+512 and xx+504. (London: H. k. Lewis and Co., Ltd., 1918.) Price 25s. net. HESE volumes consist of a series of essays and articles, mostly written originally for the daily Press, on a very large variety of topics, classified under the heads :—Universities ; educa- tion; medicine; venereal disease; milk and neglected children; town planning and _play- grounds; rural life; national parks and the work of explorers; bush nursing; travel and immigra- tion; social; music; electoral reform; Imperial and Australian politics. The author, a Melbourne medical man and consultant, who has taken an active part in the affairs of the Melbourne Uni- versity, in Australian public and medical ques- tions, and, during the war, in the Australian Army Medical Corps, tells in his preface of the growth of his own faith, away from the original university ideal of leavening the affairs of State by the production of a few well-trained thinkers, towards the twin ideals of Imperial federation and the production of an educated proletariat as necessary for the salvation of the Empire. The first is necessary for the security precedent to any scheme of social betterment, without which the foundations of society are hollow, and the second, the effective education of all adolescents in realities, is forced by the spectacle in Australia of the superficiality and insincerity government. ideal of at least equal importance ? Reflected in these essays is the special need of FEBRUARY —13, 1910. the younger and vigorous communities of our Empire and America, overflowing with natural wealth, as regards education in an early stage of development, except as concerns the immediate business of life, looking to the universities for guidance and service in their work, rather than in their thoughts, confounding leisure with idle- ness, apt to consider research, except for utili- tarian ends, as snobbery, and culture, unless care- fully hidden, as a source of offence to the average man. Whether from these beginnings anything will ultimately follow as worthy of the name of real progress and abiding advancement as has come out of the old universities of Europe, with their monastic origins, has yet to be seen. In- struction in, and the utilisation, dissemination, and popularisation of, knowledge is one thing; no one doubts its necessity and importance; but the getting of knowledge is another. For the latter objective the atmosphere of a monastery would seem to be more suited than the bustle and turmoil attendant upon making adequate returns in social service for pecuniary benefits received, or piously anticipated, which seems to be the ideal, here over-extolled, of what a modern university should be. NO. 2572, VOL. 102] of popular | But is not the original university | No one will want fo “quarrel with the. author for his long and arduous public work-ifi insisting upon the national and social importance of edu- cating the proletariat to the highest attainable point, of disseminating amongst the workers of the world all the science that is of any concern to them in their work. Also, what in older coun- tries than Australia is at least as important is to fill their hours of leisure and release from the monotony of life with the accumulated intel- lectual spoils of the ages. If, moreover, it be considered that the universities are the best-fitted instruments for this work, let it only be renvem- bered that something more than mere lip-service is due to their original ideals. Let those who want to advance knowledge, and not shout about it, be given back at least the modern equivalent of the monastery, and be left to their work in peace. In point of social service their contribu- tion may prove to be as important as, for example, the running of “more and better live-stock special cars’? for the education of the agricultural com- munity. But this is precisely the point that those who want the universities to enter into the life of the community more closely will not honestly and fully concede. ‘‘Sporting the oak ’’ to the world, and shutting out the interminable chatter about it, is to them either sheer superciliousness, or else mistaken recluseness, for which closer con- tact with their fellow-men and acquaintance with the needs, thoughts, and aspirations of the great world are to be “prescribed. In his controversy with Prof. Masson, of which surely the reader ought to have been given both sides, and his article on “The Man of. Science ’ especially, the author seems not to have appre- ciated the real position, apart altogether from current popular estimation, filled by the creator of new knowledge in the community. - The man of science is regarded as in need of reform no less than other people before he can be considered a successful popular leader, which is as true as is the futility of expecting figs from thistles. Elbert Hubbard is quoted to the effect that Nature intends knowledge for service, not as an orna- ment or for the purposes of bric-a-brac. A man of science would, perhaps, not care to dogmatise as to the intentions of Nature, but he would almost certainly regard as a dangerous lunatic anyone who in the twentieth century considered knowledge as ornamental. He might point to the advisability, before cooking a hare, of catch- ing it. The application of science to service, if it is to be regarded as the proper work of the man of science, can only be at the expense of his own work. If the argument merely is that, unless the man who catches the hare can either cook it or catch it cooked, he will never have that position of honour and esteem in the com- munity which is his due, that matter will surely right itself. For the community will not continue to exist, and will not deserve to, in competition with those that are more intelligent, or, at least, better organised. < The creative type has always been treated as BB 462 . NATURE the ugly duckling of the brood, but the creator of new scientific knowledge now holds the material destiny of the world in the hollow of his hand as completely as his prototype in literature, art, music, or abstract thought dominated the future of its mental and moral destiny, though in neither case does their work mature in their own generation. In his reforming zeal Sir James Barrett would storm their last dug-out. The Royal Society is bidden to say good-bye to the relics of medievalism, and to admit to its membership successful organisers of trans- port, pioneers in public health improvement, and serious statesmen whose obvious services to mankind are at least the equal of those rendered by the dissection of earthworms, the discovery of a capsule on a bacillus, or recon- dite investigations into rare elements. The Royal Society, like the universities, no doubt has outgrown its original functions, which are being atrophied in competition with the claims of urgent and more practical affairs. Yet if one could go to sleep for fifty years and wake up, the importance of what is being more and more sacrificed might be seen in truer perspective. FREDERICK Soppy. NATURAL SCIENCE AND RELIGION. The Next Step in Religion: An Essay toward the Coming Renaissance. IB [Dyrs ARS NY Sellars. Pp. 228. (New York: The Macmillan Co.; London: Macmillan and Co., Ltd., 1918.) Price 1.50 dollars. HAT is to be the religion of the future? ‘How far will traditional beliefs be affected by the view of the universe which modern science sets before us? Such are vitally important ques- tions which in the present volume an American author tries to answer. The man of science takes for his postulate the uniformity of Nature. It has served him well, for upon it the physical and bio- logical sciences have been built.. But are man’s ethical and eesthetic faculties, which dominate human life, conditioned by inexorable law? Could we, if we knew completely a man’s history and environment, predict his every action? The man of science is tempted to answer “Yes,’’ and his creed is, then, extraordinarily like the Stoic deter- minism to be found, for instance, in Marcus Aure- lius. Most of us, however, are certain that we have free-will. As we make the admission, the chains of necessity cease to bind us. We find ourselves forced to make an idealist, or spiritual, interpretation of the universe, and many hold Christianity to be the most persuasive conse- quential position. Dr. Sellars, in his book, begins by showing that primitive cosmologies, such as are to be found in the Bible, have been finally discredited. Copernican astronomy and the doctrine of evolu- tion have radically altered the setting of Christi- anity. Next he shows how the study of compara- tive religion reveals the genesis of much of the myth and ritual legislation of the Old Testament. NO. 2572, VOL. 102] [FEBRUARY 13, 1919 He then proceeds to discuss the origins of Christianity. He admits Jesus of Nazareth to have been a historical character, but finds in St. Paul’s teaching more affinities with the mystery- religions of the Roman Empire than with the faith of which Jesus made Himself the centre. A rapid sketch of the evolution of Christianity brings us to the conflict of science and religion in modern times. Throughout the earlier chapters of his book Dr. Sellars shows wide, though at times superficial, reading ; some of his conclusions authoritative scholars would reject. He later argues against miracles, denies the existence of the soul and of personal immortality, finds the problem of evil a fatal obstacle to the Christian idea of God, and ends with a plea for a religion, purged of supernaturalism, which will mean “the valuing of experiences and activities, the striving for their realisation, the loyalty to their call.” An obvious criticism presents itself. If man is a product of natural laws which have made him and which he cannot modify, what is the use of his “striving’’ and “loyalty’’? The laws will work themselves out: man is their creature: the end is determined. The theologian will say that Dr. Sellars has not got to the kernel of traditional Christianity. He chips off bits of the husk and announces that there is nothing inside. Of certain degenerate types of Protestantism it may be that nothing is left when Bibliolatry has gone. But Christian theology is_ first of all rational. It is founded upon the belief that we can reach absolute truth and upon a determination to succeed in the quest. Arising out of the attempt to find truth are the spiritual inter- pretations of the universe made by Jewish prophets and by 800 years of Hellenic speculation which began with Socrates and ended with Plotinus. A synthesis of these blends with Christ’s teaching, and is constantly associated — with the mystical experience of humanity. Modern natural science has nothing to do with the essentials of this massive structure. It can ignore it all; but, in so doing, it will fail to ex- plain man to himself. Dr. Sellars’s “religion ’’ is a set of exhortations empirically derived from his social and political environment. We believe that, because its metaphysical basis is defective, it can- not satisfy men, though it may inspire some to live worthily in a democratically organised society. E. W. Barnes. THE PASSING OF THE OLD ORDER. (1) The Neo-Platon’sts: A Study in the History of Hellenism. By Thomas Whittaker. Second edition, with a Supplement on the Commen- taries of Proclus. Pp. xv+ 318. (Cambridge: At the University Press, 1918.) Price 12s. net. (2) On Society. By Frederic Harrison. Pp. xii+ 444. (London: Macmillan and Co., Ltd., 1918.) Price 12s. net. (3) The Psychology of Conviction: Beliefs and Attitudes. A Study of By Prof. J. Jastrow. iad FEBRUARY 13, 1919] \ NATURE . 463 Pp. xix + 387. (Boston and New York: Houghton Mifflin Co.; London: Constable and Co., Ltd., 1918.) Price 10s. 6d. net. HE only motive for grouping together three such varied books, each important, is that they all in a marked way exhibit an interest which connects them with the special circumstances of the present profound change in the old world- order. This remark may seem to have little significance in regard to (1) Mr. Whittaker’s valuable study of the Neo-Platonists. It is not implied, however, that the interest, because cir- cumstantial, is therefore ephemeral. His book appeared seventeen years ago, but the present issue of a new and expanded edition is only one instance of the extraordinary interest which the closing era of the ancient philosophy is arousing to-day. It certainly is not idle curiosity or the impulse towards an eclectic historical research which is drawing so many of our profoundest philosophers to study anew with living interest that last effort of the ancient world. Philosophy is seeking new expression; the old formule are unsatisfactory; science has given us a new world- view. (2) Mr. Frederic MHarrison’s volume “On Society” is a collection of lectures and addresses, none of recent date or new. It is in another sense that their interest is circumstantial. They are offered us now in literary form because they have served their purpose as propaganda. They are the record of a sustained effort, throughout a long life still capable of vigorous expression, to give humanity a new religious ideal. (3) Prof. Jastrow’s study is called forth by the special circumstances which drew America into the world-war. He has sought to estimate the forces of logic and psychology which combined to bring about this great event. OUR BOOKSHELF. Who Giveth Us the Victory. By Arthur Mee. Pp. 191. (London: George Allen and Unwin, Ltd., 1918.) Price 5s. net. ‘Tuts little book is a vivid expression of optimistic theism. It has a strong note personnel and an interesting individuality. It is keenly evolutionist and as keenly religious, ‘processes of becoming the working out of an increasing purpose. It uses Prof. L. J. Hender- son’s “Fitness of the Environment ”’ in a modern- ised argument for design. The building stones of the world were all thought out. Water reveals a teleological secret. “‘Man came ment exactly what it should be, the necessities of his existence finding their unfailing response in the conditions established through countless ages past.’ Evolution is not a chapter of accidents, but the unfolding of a great thought. Mr. Mee has been particularly successful in his picturesque presentation of some of the wonders of the world—the intricacy, the flux, the NO. 2572, VOL. 102] 2572, seeing in all the long | into the world | to find his house already furnished, his environ- | adaptiveness, and the gradual emergence of mind which was implicit from the beginning. The great steps in human evolution are poeti- cally described, and man is regarded as fellow- labourer with the Absolute in continuing the task of Evolution. The kingdom of man as striven for by the wisest—and here the author is nothing if not patriotic—is what St. Augustine discerned. Much waste land has to be reclaimed, many marshes have to be drained, there are still many dragons in England; and part of the noble pur- pose of the book is to show how the lessons of the war may at once enlighten and encourage man in his great endeavour after a fuller embodiment of his highest and most lasting values. Mr. Mee says in simple words and with some passion what many great thinkers have said learnedly and with more restraint. His book is timely and on the side of the angels, and though we spell some of the words differently we heartily wish it good speed. . Eastern Exploration, Past at the Royal Institution. Flinders Petrie. Pp. Constable and Co., 2s. 6d. net. and Future: Lectures By Prof. W. M. vit+118. (London: Ltd:, 19182) ~ Brice Tuis collection of lectures forms a useful and timely book. Prof. Flinders Petrie directs atten- tion to the possibilities of archeological investiga- tion under the new conditions which now prevail in Palestine and in Mesopotamia. His experience urges him to utter a much-needed warning against the system which has already led to much loss of valuable material in Egypt and in Cyprus. He describes in a lucid way the problems on which excavation is certain to throw new light, and he marks out the sites which deserve special atten- tion. Beginning with the later historical period, he describes the beautiful remains of the Christian period in Syria, and the painted tombs of Mareshah, which represent Greek art. Going much further back, the great Scythian migration, which made its centre at Beth Shean, in the valley of Jezreel, deserves special investigation. Jeru- salem must not be allowed to become a modern commercial town; a new suburb must be built, and the sacred sites protected and laid open to systematic examination. : Prof. Flinders Petrie gives a lucid sketch of Mesopotamian culture, and he pleads the neces- sity of a special inquiry into ancient Elamite art. But the main burden of his discourse is to empha- sise the urgent need that all future excavation shall be restricted to qualified archeologists, work- ing under rigidly scientific rules, and that it shall not be permitted in the case of enthusiastic, but ignorant, amateurs. Traffic in antiquities, which leads to unauthorised digging by natives, should be sternly prohibited. It may be hoped that the administration soon to be established in Palestine and Mesopotamia will take heed of his advice, which will receive the concurrence of all scientific - antiquaries. 404 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. (The Editor does not hold himself responsible for opinions evpressed by his correspondents. Neither can he undertake to return, or to correspond with the writers of, rejected manuscripts intended for this or any other part of Nature. No notice is taken of anonymous communications. | The Effect of Light on Long Ether Waves. Tue curious and important observation made by Mr. Marconi on the basis of experience in long- distance wireless telegraphy exhibits a strange kind of interference between ether waves of very different lengths. The extremely short waves which ionise air interfere with the easy transmission of the long waves which are originated by alternating electric currents, and may conceivably have something to do with the ‘optical opacity of dry haze. Since many scientific men besides physicists read Nature, it may be permissible to explain that this is an entirely different effect from the purely localised bands of interference which accompany the super- position of wave motions, and are a matter of simple geometry. In this phenomenon of interference bands there: is no destruction, only redistribution, of energy; and there is nothing akin to opacity, whether of the absorbent or the reflective kind. It is, moreover, purely an affair of the ether. Whereas opacity is always an effect brought about by the presence of matter in the path of ether waves, the ions or elec- trons which are liberated from matter by exceedingly short waves raise a barrier or act as a reflector to extremely long ones. ‘Thus the phenomenon depends on the interaction between free ether and electrified particles immersed in it. A study of the details of this phenomenon cannot fail to be instructive, and the Radio-telegraphic Com- mittee of the British Association had made prepara- tion for getting facts recorded during the solar eclipse of August, 1914. The war prevented anything being done, but now, as Prof. Fleming—the father of the committee—suggests in Narure of January 23, another opportunity presents itself in the eclipse of the after- noon of May 29, when the line of totality passes across the South Atlantic from South America to Africa, crossing Ceara, in Brazil, and Princes Island, in the Gulf of Guinea. The astronomers going from this country will have their hands full, but a special group of wireless experts might accompany the expedition if funds were available. It seems probable that assistance might be rendered more readily by the United States than by this country. Prof. Eccles, the secretary of the British Association Wireless Com- mittee, is still too engaged at present with Admiralty work to superintend operations, but the Astronomer Royal has informed him that Dr. Bauer, the head of the Carnegie Institution of Washington, has already made plans for observations on magnetism and atmo- spheric electricity, and may be planning to take charge of radio-telegraphic, observations also. Several months ago Prof. Eccles sent to Dr. Bauer the documents prepared for recording wireless phenomena on the oceasion of the previous solar eclipse in 1914, and is again communicating with him. And thus we trust that Prof. Fleming’s admirable suggestion will be carried out. OxIverR J. LopceE, Chairman of the British Association February 4. Radio-telegraphic Committee. The Aggregate Recoil of Radio-active Substances Emitting a-Rays. Tur November (1918) issue of the Philosophical Magazine has just reached us, and T have read with sreat interest the results of some remarkable experi- NO. 2572, VOL. 102] ‘NATURE [FEBRUARY 13, 1919 ments by Mr. S. Ratner “On Some Properties of the Active Deposit of Radium.” The paper in ques- tion deals with the spontaneous transference of active matter from the surface of a plate covered with the active deposit of radium to other objects placed near it. This effect has been repeatedly observed by workers in radio-activity, and has been attributed (1) to a slight volatility of the active deposit at ordinary tem- peratures, or (2) to the recoil of a compact cluster of atoms of the active matter when one of the atoms contained in it disintegrates with ejection of en a-particle. ‘To this latter phenomenon I recently gave the name of *‘ aggregate recoil.” Mr. Ratner deals with both possibilities, and arrives at the conclusion that neither of them satisfies the requirements of his results. He states that his experi- ments ‘‘ have failed to disclose the nature of the pheno- menon.’’ ‘ During the last four years I have been engaged ‘at intervals on experiments of a similar kind, performed with the object of explaining the almost inevitable and unavoidable contamination with polonium of electroscopes and ionisation vessels used in experi- ments with this substance. In 1915 I made mention of this phenomenon in a paper published in the Com- munications of this institute (No. 80), and suggested the possibility mentioned under (2) above in explana-' tion of it, although I had, unfortunately, overlooked the fact that Makower and Russ had made the same suggestion in rg1o until I read Mr. Ratner’s paper yesterday. My subsequent experiments with polonium, done for the most part in the summer of 1917, lend strong support to the idea of aggregate recoil as the cause of this ‘‘ wandering” of the active matter. Inasmuch as I obtained quite appreciable effects with polonium, my results disagree with those of Mr. Ratner; in fact, I have not a single observation which is not adequately explicable in this manner. In No. 113 of the Communications of this institute, which was pub- lished in July, 1918, I discussed this phenomenon, and examined the part played by the disintegration of the active foil (‘‘spluttering’’) due to the bom- bardment of a-particles. Jt was found that, in general, much less than 1 per cent. of the total effect is due to the latter cause. A further paper on aggregate recoil is at present in the press, and the work: is still in progress. As I am returning home in the course of a few weeks, I hope before long to publish the results of these experiments in the Philosophical Magazine, as well as others of a similar nature done last summer with the active deposit of radium. I beg to mention, however, that, in the light of my own work, I am of the opinion that almost all, if not all, of Mr. Ratner’s results are in harmony with the recoil of aggregates | of atoms of active matter, as originally suggested by Makower and Russ in explanation of the pheno- menon in question. Like Mr. Ratner, I regard the so-called f-recoit of radium-C from radium-B as a theoretical possibility, which it will be impossible to realise in practice. My reasons for the latter conclusion are contained in my July publication. Dr. Lise Meitner, to whom I men- tioned my results last summer, informed me that she no longer believes in the practicability of achieving a transference of active matter by B-recoil. She agreed that the idea of aggregate recoil in the manner above suggested is much more in harmony with the experi- mental results, and she informed me that Prof. Hahn and herself had never been able to obtain pure radium-C by the postulated 8-recoil method. Before closing this letter, I should Tike to make so aga rs FEBRUARY 13, 1919] mention of the extreme courtesy and kindness shown to me by the Austrian physicists, in particular by Director Prof. Stefan Meyer and Prof. Heinrich Mache, and the other gentlemen associated with this institute, throughout the period of my confinement here since the beginning of the war. They have stood by me through thick and thin, and were never weary in doing what they could to alleviate the strain of life under such unusual conditions. Thanks to their intervention on my behalf, I was given every facility for continuing my research work in the insti- tute, and I have been at all times aided and stimu- lated in my work by their helpful criticism and encouraging interest. : Rospert W. Lawson, Formerly Pemberton Fellow of the University of Durham. Vienna Radium Institute, January 5. Ripple Marks due to High Pressure. Wuite in London and examining the German guns in the Mall, I came across one with a burst shell in its breech, which is probably a unique curiosity, and possibly of value to geologists and others who are interested in the flow of solids. The shell seems to have burst while being loaded into the gun, and, although, it is well opened out, only a small portion is missing. The retained pieces are of interest, for on their inner surfaces they are covered with a large number of small patches of very fine ripple marks. These must have been produced under the intense pressure of the explosion, for it is well known that the insides of shells are turned smooth, polished, and varnished. It is, of course, difficult to say whether a study of these ripple marks will prove of scientific value, but seeing that the gun and its shell are probably exposed to the rain, and as these unique ripple marks may soon corrode away, I should like to suggest that this particular gun and its shell should be protected against further injury by being removed to a geological museum, or, perhaps, to the United Service Institu- tion. C. E, STROMEYER. Lancefield, West Didsbury, February 6. WAR. NEUROSES AND “MIRACLE” CURES N a London daily paper there appeared recently a dramatic account of a blind Italian soldier suddenly recovering his sight at the door of the church where his bride awaited him. It is not generally known that similar “miracles ’’ occur in this country, and the present writer has been fortunate in witnessing them in considerable number. A brief account of these conditions where the disability is rapidly curable is not with- out interest, for the war has produced thousands of such cases, and it is a startling fact that many sufferers have been discharged from the Army as “permanently unfit’? who might otherwise be doing useful work. To remedy this state of affairs several neurological hospitals have been estab- lished, where the study and treatment of war neuroses can be carried out. The recognition that tional is of the greatest importance, for what at first might appear a hopeless condition becomes one that is curable,-or, at any rate, can be markedly alleviated. Much original work on this NATURE 465 Lt.-Col. Hurst, at Seale Hayne Neurological Hos- pital, Newton Abbot. Some interesting statistics were recently completed at the latter institution. It was found that the average length of time during which one hundred soldiers had been com- pletely incapacitated owing to disabled legs or arms was eleven months. The average length of | time taken to cure ninety-six of these was fifty- | military service. four minutes. Of the remaining four, one took one month, two were cured in three weeks, while the fourth required four days before recovery was obtained. The rapidity of the cure was due to the fact that the disabilities were recognised as being not organic, but functional, in character before treatment was carried out. The origin of a functional disability in a soldier has both a physical and a psychical foundation. Few, if any, cases have been recorded as the result of the fighting in South Africa, 1899-1902. The conditions, however, under which the soldier has fought in the present war have been wholly different. : Trench warfare for prolonged periods under the most adverse climatic conditions, the high ex- plosives causing concussion and burial, profound exhaustion following continued marching and fighting, with all the accompanying revolting sights of war, the strain of responsibility, and the suppression of emotions, are only some of the factors to be borne in mind with regard to the causation of nervous instability. It is worthy of note that there is frequently no history whatever of previous nervous trouble in the soldier who eventually succumbs to the stress and strain of The ordeal through which he has passed tends to make him more impression- able or suggestible, and symptoms of hysteria are liable to supervene. At Seale Hayne Hospital the term “hysteria ”’ is used to describe any disability produced by auto- or hetero-suggestion which is curable by psychotherapy, by which is meant the treatment by explanation to the patient as to how the abnormal condition was brought about, and how it can be cured. His confidence must be obtained, and the explanation made simple enough for him to understand. This may be followed up, in certain cases, by re-education of muscles, active and passive movements, and persuasion. This definition will be more readily understood if a few cases, or types of cases, frequently met with are very briefly described. A soldier sprained his ankle and immediately afterwards was rendered unconscious by the ex- plosion of a shell. On recovering’ consciousness he found he had lost the power in his legs. The concussion or shock had, for the time, paralysed him, and there may have been some actual ) ( | damage to his spinal cord. The time came, how- certain disablements are partly or wholly func- subject has been done by Babinski, in Paris, and by | NO. 2572, VOL. 102] ever, when these organic changes had _ passed away; but the patient was convinced in bis own mind that he was permanently injured, and had given up trying to walk properly. Eight months after the onset of his symptoms the loss of power and the drop foot were recognised as being func- 466 NATURE [BEBRUARY 13; 9 ip tional in nature, and he was admitted to Seale Hayne Hospital. The condition was explained to him, the muscles of the leg were re-educated, and, with a little persuasion, he was able to run with- out noticeable limp in a quarter of an hour’s time. A very important class of case is where the soldier has received a bullet wound in the arm or hand, and months later the whole limb may be found paralysed. The hand may be absolutely flaceid, or the fingers have become stiff and rigid, smooth, blue in colour, and even wasted. It was recognised that the disability was out of propor- tion to the wound, and it was until recently looked upon by many as the result of reflex irrita- tion. It has been found, however, that these cases yield surprisingly quickly to psye hotherapy. The hysterical, flaccid paralysis occurs where the patient is convinced that he is paralysed and has given up trying to use his muscles. There may have been a temporary loss of power with a splint applied for an unnecessary length of time, or the man may have found at first that he experienced less pain if he kept his limb absolutely motionless. The spastic paralysis of a hand or arm is fre- quently explained by the patient contracting both his flexor and extensor muscles at the same time. The more he tries to bend his fingers, the more rigid they become. The cause of the apparent trophic changes is due to the altered blood supply brought about by the lack of movement in the former case, and by the continued spasm in the other. It is of interest to note that a hand thrown completely out of action for a year or more may recover its function after a few minutes’ treat- ment. Many soldiers have been invalided out of the Army with a high percentage of disability as a result of gas poisoning, though many of these are quickly curable by appropriate treatment. The commonest symptoms persisting after this injury are loss of voice, blindness, and vomiting. Any one of these conditions may be met with many months after the original onset. When a gas shell explodes, in addition to possible in- juries from concussion, the gas is liable to set up inflammation of the larynx, intense irritation of the eyes, and vomiting from the absorption of the poison in the stomach. After three or four weeks these symptoms have in most cases disap- peared. When, therefore, many months later, the patient is still whispering, the diagnosis of hysteria should at once be considered. The man during the acute stage of laryngeal irritation has been unable to speak, and rightly may not have attempted to do so. The frequent examinations and the treatment by inhalations and sprays convince him still further that his con- dition is a serious one; he eventually loses control over the musculature of his vocal apparatus, and is content to whisper. Here, again, with explana- tion and persuasion, he recovers his voice in a few minutes. Scores of such cases are on record at Seale Hayne Hospital. In a series of sixty- seven consecutive cases it was found that the NO. 2572, VOL. 102| u average length of time they had been unies treat- ment, before admission there, was 205 days—the maximum being nineteen months, and the mini- mum two weeks. These were all rapidly and per- manently cured, the majority taking only a few minutes’ time. Hysterical blindness, following inflammation of the conjunctive, is usually caused by spasm or flaccid paralysis of the muscles of the eyelids, just as in those of the arm after a wound. In this. condition, however, the mechanism of accommo- dation or focussing has also been affected. Dramatic cases of cure have been obtained of this condition, and no doubt the one quoted at the beginning of this article was one of these. The writer was fortunate in seeing a case treated by Lt.-Col. Hurst and Capt. Gill. The patient in question had been blind since 1914 as the result of an explosion in France. At the end of 1918 a doctor eventually recognised the con- dition as probably functional in nature, and found that the interior of the eyeball was normal. The pensioner, with all the appearance of the typical street beggar, was led up to hospital. As the result of his four years’ blindness his hearing and intelligence had been affected, and he appeared extremely dull-witted. Twenty-four hours later “this man was scarcely recognisable, for, with the recovery of his sight, his power of hearing also returned, and he ‘appeared alert and happy. In this case the recovery was not instantaneous, for, owing to the length of time his eyes had been functionless, some hours elapsed before his pupil reflex and accommodation ‘acted normally. Persistent vomiting after gas poisoning may be explained as a hysterical perpetuation of symp- toms, and has been found readily~amenable to- psychotherapy. The bent back after burial from explosion, where- there are no symptoms of organic disease, although the patient persists in walking like an old man with the aid of two sticks, is a condition not infrequently met with. He is convinced he is unable to stand erect, in spite of the fact that there is no curvature of the spine when he is lying in the recumbent position. If persuasion and explanation fail in bringing about recovery, Lt.-Col. Hurst adopts the plan of making the patient lie upon a board with a foot-piece. This is gradually raised to a right angle, and the patient, who finds himself standing in the erect position— the first time, perhaps, for many months—is told to walk forward. The rapidity of the cure, its appa- rent simplicity, and the surprise of the patient give rise to a situation not without a certain: element jof humour. These are only a few examples of war neuroses. Details of treatment depend upon the individual but it may be added that the atmosphere case, of cure that prevails in a neurological hospital is a most powerful factor in recovery. A dis- abled soldier, coming in contact with others already cured, becomes more hopeful about his own condition, and is the more likely to derive benefit from the treatment adopted. FEBRUARY 13, 1919] The object of this communication is to direct attention to the fact that thousands of soldiers, whose disabilities are curable, have been dis- charged from the Army. Treatment is necessary to enable the pensioner to return to useful civil employment and to save the State from vast ex- penditure in unnecessary pensions. AWERS THE PROPOSED UNIVERSITY FOR THE | | education, and promoting scientific research ’’ for | the East Midland area, and then, in the second EAST MIDLANDS. "T°HE movement for securing a charter for University College, Nottingham, with the view of making the College the seat of a Univer- sity for the East Midlands, has been carried further forward an important stage. A large con- ference of representatives of the counties of Derby, Leicester, Lincoln, Northampton, Notting- ham, and Rutland was held in the Grand Jury Room of the Guildhall, Nottingham, on Thursday, January 9. The Duke of Portland, who is the president of University College, took the chair, and the meeting included representatives of the leading civic and educational bodies and institu- tions throughout the whole area. The population concerned forms a well-marked geographical unity. It is concentrated, roughly speaking, in an ellipse, with its major axis stretch- ing north and south from Mansfield to Northamp- ton, and its minor axis east and west, with Not- tingham at the northern focus. The nearness— half an hour by rail—of Derby, Leicester, and Nottingham will render possible the interchange of students and teachers in a specially economical manner. And the remoter centres of population, such as Lincoln and Northampton, are within easy reach of one at least of the cities already named. For the present, indeed, University College, Nottingham, and the Midland Agricultural Col- lege are the only institutions within the area which, in a systematic manner, provide instruction and pursue research of the highest standard. And the centre of the administration of the Uni- versity will be at Nottingham. But there are in existence or immediately contemplated a consider- able number of institutions providing instruction of a special character, which will become integral parts of the new University, ranging through various degrees of affiliation to the position of schools in the University. Schools of engineering, of lace, and of hosiery will, it is expected, take their respective places on a footing like that of the existing Agricultural College. Plans of a more ambitious character, involving the establish- ment of colleges of pure science and of arts, are also being developed. The proposed University, therefore, will furnish a type of a federal character in so far as the various schools rise towards, and obtain, recognition. The movement is thus organic to the soil, and is not an adventitious growth. Amid local differ- ences there is a similarity of social conditions and temperament which will bring a high degree of co-operation within reach. This co-operation may NO. 2572, VOL. 102] NATURE 467 already be found in the joint foundation of the Agricultural College, in the East Midland Educa- tional Union, and in the East Midland District of the Workers’ Educational Association. But no more hopeful omen for the realisation of the pro-° posed University could have been anticipated than the unanimity with which, on January 9, the large and representative conference first affirmed the principle in view: “The need for a University providing university and advanced technical place, outlined the committee which should take the next steps required. With the proposed foundation, the establish- ment of a University in each province will be nearly complete. And such is the richness of our English tradition, human and material, that the more recent foundations may look forward to gaining some of that atmosphere which lends a magical stimulus to the studies of our two most ancient Universities. Of the local wealth of which the new University should be the guardian, two instances may suffice, one for arts, and one for science. By a happy accident, not so many years ago, the famous Leicester Codex of the New Testament was rescued from obscurity and care- less handling, and is now secure in the muniment- room of the Town Clerk of Leicester. In Nottingham, for the lack of a proper en- vironment, the remarkable mathematical genius of George Green displayed itself partly in vain. His epoch-making essay, ‘““On the Application of Mathematical Analysis to the Theories of Elec- tricity and Magnetism,’’ was published in Not- tingham in 1828 by subscription. In the preface the youthful author expressed the hope that “the difficulty of the subject will incline mathematicians to read this work with indulgence, more particu- larly when they are informed that it was written by a young man, who has been obliged to obtain the little knowledge that he possesses at such intervals und by such means as other indis- pensable avocations, which offer but few oppor- tunities of mental improvement, afforded.’? The hope was vain. To quote the ninth edition of the “Encyclopedia Britannica’’: “The work of Green, which contained these fine researches, though published in 1828, escaped the notice not only of foreign, but also even of British, mathe- maticians; and it is a singular fact in the history of science that all his general theorems were redis- covered by Sir William Thomson, Chasles, and Sturm and Gauss.’’ Some years ago, at the in- stance of my colleague, Prof. E. H. Barton (to whom, himself a local mathematician, the Uni- versity College is proud to have furnished the op- portunittes which Green lacked), I gathered from Miss Green some interesting particulars about her distinguished father; and these particulars were forwarded to Sir Joseph Larmor. I cannot imagine a more impressive argument for the foundation of the new University than a careful consideration of the biography of George Green. The traveller to Nottingham from the south can 468 rest his glance on the lower part of a windmill | This belonged to | still known as Green’s Mill. the father of the mathematician. The neighbours still hand on the tradition that the youthful genius worked within the walls of this building. FRANK GRANGER. NOTES. Tue KinG opened the new Parliament in person on Tuesday, February 11. In his Speech reference was made to proposals to be brought forward for the promotion of a comprehensive scheme of afforestation and to ‘‘a Bill for the creation of a new Ministry to deal with public health, with a view to the establish- ment throughout the land of a scientific and en- lightened health organisation to combat disease and to conserve the vigour of the race.’ We deeply February’ 9, in his’ Carey Foster, F.R.S regret to announce the death on eighty-fourth year, of Prof. G. j formerly principal of University College, London, and previously professor of physics there from 1865 to 1898. The funeral will be at Rickmansworth Cemetery to-morrow (Friday) at 3.15. Sir Richard THRELFALL, formerly professor of physics in the University of. Sydney, has been elected a member of the Athenzum Club under the provisions of the rule of the club which empowers the annual election by the committee of a certain number of persons “of distinguished eminence in science, litera- ture, the arts, or for public service. Str Ronatp Ross, who is consultant in malaria to the War Office, has been appointed honorary con- sultant in malaria cases to the Ministry of Pensions. We regret to see the announcement of the death, at sixty -two years of age, of Prof. R. A. E. Blanchard, professor of parasitology in the faculty of medicine, University of Paris, and author of numerous con- tributions to zoology, physiology, comparative anatomy, and hygiene, in addition to his works on parasites and parasitic diseases. Tue death is announced, in his sixty-seventh year, of Dr. Rolla C. Carpenter, who occupied a chair of engineering at Cornell University from 1895 to 1917. Dr. Carpenter had been concerned at various times in important engineering enterprises of the cities of Balti- more, Brooklyn, and New York. In 1898 he was president of the American Society of Heating and Ventilating Engineers. He was the author of treatises on experimental engineering, heating and ventilation, and the gas-engine. Nexr Tuesday, February 18, Capt. G. P. Thomson will give the first of two lectures at the Royal Institu- tion on ‘‘ Aeroplanes and the Great War.’”? On Thursday, February 20, Prof. H. M. Lefroy will give the first of two lectures on “Insect Enemies of our Food Sup- plies”’; and the second on Thursday, February 27, on * How Silk is Grown and Made.” ‘The Friday evening discourse on February 2rwill be delivered by Mr. A. a Hare on “Clock Escapements*?; and on February 28 by Prof. J. A. McClelland on ‘‘ Nuclei and Tons.” On Saturday, February 22, at 3 o’clock, the Hon. J. W. Fortescue will give the first of two lectures on ‘The Empire’s Share in England’s Wars.” DurinG the war the interests of patentees have been adversely affected, and probably none more so than those connected with the chemical industries. Many patentees have been unable to use or develop their NO. 2572, VOL. 102] NATURE 4 , [FEBRUARY 13, [919 ‘ patents, whilst in some cases where patents have been granted the mere publication of the grant has been forbidden “Attention is directed to these facts in the Chemical Trade Journal of January 25. Representa- tions have already been made to the Controllers of Patents and of Munitions Inventions, but it is sug- gested that further co-ordinated action is desirable to get the position readjusted. Inasmuch as many holders of British patents have, in the national — interest, freely allowed the use of their patents for the period of the war, it is claimed that the ‘life’? of those patents should be extended correspondingly. We regret to learn from the Journal des Observa- teurs (vol. ii., No. 12) that M. Jéréme Coggia died on January 15. M. Coggia was born in 1849, and was assistant at Marseilles Observatory for more than fifty years. His colleagues there refer to him as “un astronome actif, habile et consciencieux, et un homme de coeur.” He is best known for his. discovery of the brilliant comet 1874 III., but he also discovered seven other comets and six minor planets. Another dis- coverer of a remarkable comet has passed away in the person of Mr. Edwin Holmes, a prominent member of the British Astronomical Association and a regular attendant at its meetings. The comet of short period that he found in November, 1892, was distinguished by two brilliant outbursts, after each of which it expanded rapidly and became difficult to see. It has been re-observed at two out of the three returns that it has made since then, but has never repeated its interesting behaviour of 1892. Tue deaths of the following engineers are announced in the Engineer and in Engineering for February 7 :— Mr. Thomas Wright, late general works manager of the Dowson-Mason Gas Plant Co. He had been recognised for many years as an expert in the con- struction of coal- and gas-fired furnaces, and was a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, the Iron and Steel Institute, and the Faraday. Society.—Mr. Edward Cecil Ingleby, who died on January 24 after a long illness, was a director of the firm of Ingleby and Co., Ltd., electrical engineers, and an associate member of the Institution of Civil Engineers.—Mr. George Cuming, who was in his forty-eighth year, and for thirty- two years had been connected “with the firm of Messrs. Harland and Wolff, Belfast, latterly as engineering manager. He was a member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, and also of the Institution of Naval Architects, and was made an officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1917. He took’ an important part in the development of the steam turbine for steamship propulsion. DersIGNEkS of motor-cycles have for some time past felt that no adequate means exist to admit of their meeting together for the purpose of ventilating and discussing the difficulties of the many problems with . which they are confronted from time to time. In consequence, a representation on the subject was recently placed before the Institution of Automobile Engineers at a conference attended by technical repre- sentatives of some of the motor-cycle manufacturing firms. The institution has now arranged for two meetings to be held at the Birmingham “Chamber of Commerce expressly for the discussion of points con- nected with the design of motor-cycles. The first of these meetings will be held on Thursday, February 20, when Mr. D. S. Heather will read a paper entitled ““A Survey of Current Motor-cycle Design”; and the second meeting will be held on Thursday, March 20. when Mr. Erie Caudwell wilf read a paper the title of which is not vet announced. Those who desire to FEBRUARY 13, 1919] NATURE 469 be present at these meetings are invited to communi- | connection with this investigation, he initiated a new cate with the secretary of the institution, 28 Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W.r. Ld INFLUENZA is now epidemic in Australia, is spreading in Victoria and South Australia, and is attended with a considerable mortality. In South Africa influenza is stated to have caused the death of 11,736 Europeans and 127,000 * coloured”’ and natives. With regard to the nature of the virus of influenza, it has been sur- mised of late that the influenza bacillus of Pfeiffer may not be the causative organism, but that an exces- sively minute, “‘filterable’’ micro-organism may be present, and evidence in favour of this view has been brought forward by Major-Gen. Sir J. Rose Bradford and Capts. E. F. Bashford and J. A. Wilson (Lancet, February 1, 1919, p. 169). They found present minute, rounded, coccus-like bodies measuring O15K tO O5p in diameter, Gram positive, anaerobic, resisting heat- ing to 56° C. for thirty minutes, and passing through Berkefeld N and V filters and a Massen porcelain filter. The organisms have been isolated from the blood, sputum, and pleural fluid, and obtained in cultivation (method not stated). The cultures inoculated into animals produce illness in guinea-pigs and monkeys with pneumonia and hemorrhages. Similar experi- ments have been carried out with trench fever and nephritis, and organisms of the same type have been isolated in these diseases, cultures of which on inocula- tion produce respectively trench fever and nephritis. In the case of trench fever, the same organism was isolated from infected lice. WE have received the first annual report of the Industrial Reconstruction Council, a purely educa- tional corporation, with Sir Wilfrid Stokes as presi- dent and Mr. Ernest J. P. Benn as chairman. Prof. W. Ripper, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Shef- field, is treasurer and Prof. mingham, a member of the executive, so that educa- tion of university grade is well represented. The object of the council, which was established in December, 1917, is to contribute to the solution of the problem of labour unrest by supplying information on industrial economics alike to employers and employed by means of lectures, conferences, and the distribution of printed matter, and, in particular, to make widely known the proposals of the Whitley Committee with reference to the self-government of industry by means of indus- trial councils and interim committees, and to urge the organisation of all trades, both employers and em- ployed, so as to make the formation of industrial councils possible. To this end the council has held public meetings in the largest cities, and sent lec- turers to address trade and other societies in more than forty centres. Some of the larger gatherings have been addressed by the Minister of Reconstruction, the Minister of Labour, the President, of the Board of Trade, and .the chairman of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. Since last September fortnightly lectures have been given on Wednesday afternoons in Saddlers’ Hall, kindly lent by the Saddlers’ Company, and fortnightly . conferences have been held on Tuesday evenings in the hall of the Institute of Journalists. Sixty thousand copies of the council’s pamphlet on “* Trade Parliaments” have been distributed, besides much other literature. The offices of the council are at 2 Tudor Street, E.C.4. Tue Lieutenant-Governor of Bengal, in unveiling a bust of Sir Leonard Rogers at the Calcutta School of Tropical Medicine, paid a generous tribute to the work performed by that éminent physiologist. To him is due the successful treatment of the disease known as kala-azar, long a scourge in the Assam Valley. In NO. 2572, VOL. 102] A. W. Kirkaldy, of Bir- | treatment for dysentery, and discovered a vaccine used, in cases of sprue. Sir Leonard Rogers’s industry in these researches was immense. — Besides important books, he has published more than 150. scientific papers, and he has never hesitated to announce to the world the results of his labours. To Sir Leonard Rogers the Calcutta School of Tropical Medicine owes its establishment, and no place could be more appro- priate for the location of the bust of a scientific worker who has made impor tant discoveries leading to the mitigation of various forms of disease In a review on the subject of alcohol, based upon the report of the Central Control Board, Dean Wace records his personal impressions. He says :—‘“For some years I was engaged in writing leading articles- at night, and when 1 returned home, between three and four o’clock in the morning, my brain was too excited for sleep; but a crust of bread and a little claret would give me prolonged and refreshing repose. My experience, in fact, in a hard-working life which has now extende d to eighty-two years, has been that alcohol is bad to work upon, but invaluable to rest upon. It has enabled me, indeed, sometimes to do literary work at night after being engaged a great part of the day on the duties of my profession; but only on condition of my interposing a sort of semi- night between the two employments, by two or three hours’ rest after dinner, with a good nap. There may be many modifications of this kind in the use of alcoholic drinks; but they are always mere variations of the principle which, after the verdict of this scientific jury, may now be taken to be firmly estab- lished—that the chief effect and use of alcohol is’ to promote rest, and the reinvigoration which rest brings” (Quarterly Review, No. 458, January, p. 63). In the issue of Scientia for September, 1918,. Prof. Fraser Harris publishes an interesting paper directing attention to the functional inertia and momentum of living matter. By this Prof. Harris understands those properties in virtue of which the effect of a stimulus is not at once manifested, nor does the result cease immediately on cessation of the stimulus. The state- ment applies in a certain sense to all matter, and the key is doubtless, as the author points out, the inertia of the carbon atom. But it seems doubtful whether it is justifiable, or even illuminating, to place this property as an antagonist to that of excitability or the capacity of responding to the action of an external force. There seems to be a suggestion of the ancient confusion of thought in which inertia is regarded as a force. The manifestations of it, however, play an important part in physiological phenomena. INTERESTING ** Notes on Myriapoda,” by Hilda and Graham Brade-Birks, furnish the Dartford Naturalists’ Field Club with an occasional paper ‘‘ reprinted. from the Lancashire and Cheshire Naturalist, September and October, 1918." The authors assign to Kent twelve species of Chilopoda, of which four are luminous, and eight species of Diplopoda. Their notes on synonymy would have been more serviceable had they appended dates to the genera and _ species instead of relegating them to the concluding biblio- graphy. There, too, the ** Systema Nature” “(printed ‘Systema Natura”) is undated, as though there were only one edition of that famous work. In these days of expensive printing the enumeration of ever so many places where specimens have been captured could well have been spared, and the space devoted to concise definitions of the various items of classification: This would probably have been an eas) task to these capable writers, and would have gone far to ‘‘ prove an incen- 470 NATURE [FEBRUARY 13, 1919 tive to further faunistic worl: in the neighbourhood”’ | there are not only early and normal beeches, but also a in accordance with their express desire. Their list of authorities omits Leach’s article in the ‘ Edinburgh Encyclopaedia,” vol. vii., which carries the date of his Cryptops hortensis and his Lithobius vartegatus back to 1813 alike for each genus and species. Tur Egyptian Government has recently published a useful booklet to supplement its circulars issued in connection with the administration of the law for the protection of birds beneficial to agriculture. This has been prepared by Capt. Flower and Mr. M. J. Nicoll, the director and assistant director of the Zoological Service. It treats of the principal birds protected, and gives their English, French, Arabic, and_ scientific names, their local status, and their size and colora- tion. In eight helpful coloured plates are. depicted twenty-four of the forty species dealt with. Measures for the protection of these birds are especially neces- sary in Egypt on account of the ravages of hosts of insect pests, the chief natural enemies of which, the insectivorous birds, are, unfortunately, correspondingly scarce. To afford this protection a law was_pro- mulgated in 1912, and circulars have since been widely distributed giving, in various languages, the names of the scheduled species, forbidding their destruction, capture, sale, etc., and intimating the penalties to be inflicted upon those who contravene the Act. That these measures have met with considerable success as regards some species is well indicated in the case of the buff-backed heron, which is a great destroyer of locusts and other noxious insects. This bird had, previous to the protecting law, become reduced to a single colony; now it has greatly increased in numbers, and is to be found in many parts of the Delta. It is to be regretted, however, that the law has not been strictly observed as regards the smaller insectivorous birds. ‘This seems to be, to a consider- able degree, due to the fact that the permission granted under licences for the killing and capture of | unprotected birds has been frequently misapplied for the destruction of protected species. These illegally acquired birds, after being denuded of their feathers, to render their identification difficult or impossible, are often exposed for sale. The final paragraph of the introduction to this interesting booklet is devoted to an earnest appeal to all who have the welfare of agri- culture at heart to malse every effort to protect the scheduled birds in the interests of the staple industry of the country. Mr. C. Raunkiar (Botanisk Tidsskrift, 36 Bind, 3 Hefte, 1918) describes some experiments to deter- mine to what degree the time of leafing is a constant character in the beech. In the case of marked indi- vidual trees, the relative periods of leafing proved to be constant in three successive seasons. Fruits of these trees were collected and sown, under uniform conditions, in the botanic garden at Copenhagen, and the tables of results show a striking correspondence between the mother and descendants with regard to leaf-time, and indicate that early or late leaf-time in the cases in question is genotypically determined. On the hypo- thesis that the genotypic basis of, for instance, very early leaf-time is a single factor, and either dominant or recessive, the author concludes that it is probably most reasonable to assume that the mother-plant is heterozygous with regard to the factor for leaf-time, and in that case very carly leaf-time must be dominant. But it is scarcely likely, the author suggests, that the matter is so simple, and leaf-time is probably, in each individual case, conditioned by a complicated combina- tion of genotypic factors, which at one time can operate in the same direction, and at another may counteract each other. The experiments show that NO. 2572, VOL. 102] series that varies with regard to leaf-time from very early to very late. The most important point is that Fagus sylvatica comprises sub-species, isoreagents, that differ with regard to leaf-time. Tue value of quinine in combating malaria and other tropical fevers makes it most important that the ; Empire should be sure of adequate supplies of cinchona bark, from which the drug is obtained. An article on the future of the trade in cinchona bark in the Bul- letin of the Imperial Institute (vol. xvi., No. 3) directs attention to a somewhat unsatisfactory state of affairs. It appears that for some years past the Dutch East Indies, and particularly Java, have had almost a monopoly in the production. In the years 1911-13 the average annual production of cinchona bark in Java was 22,880,000 Ib. out of the world’s total pro- duction of about 25,000,000 Ib. In India, where the area under cinchona fluctuates a little, but, on the whole, decreases, the annual production is about 2,000,000 Ib. Ceylon, which some thirty years ago had an annual output of more than 13,000,000 Ib., has now practically ceased to be a producer. Eighty per cent. of the world’s supply of this bark now finds. its way to market at Amsterdam. The article contains many statistics relating to the trade in quinine. It is enough to mention that India’s annual consumption of quinine is about 145,000 Ib., of which about half is produced in the country and half im- ported. The home production of bark is inadequate to meet the demand for quinine in India. It would thus appear that a great part of the Empire’s supply of quinine has to be imported from foreign countries. This shows the need for extending the cultivation of the cinchona tree under conditions which result in a maximum yield of quinine in the bark. The article concludes with some notes on experiments in this direction in St. Helena and (German) East Africa. Tue Journal of the Scottish Meteorological Society, with its tables for the year 1917, contains two or three communications of especial interest to meteoro- logists. ‘‘The Upper Air: Some Impressions Gained by Flying” is dealt with by Capt. C. K. M. Douglas, and forms the subject of an article in our pages this week. ‘‘Ground-Ice” is the subject of a communica- tion by Dr. John Aitken. The paper is somewhat controversial, and deals chiefly with a communication by Mr. A. Watt on the same subiect printed in a previous issue of the Journal. ‘‘The Climate and Meteorology of Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic Regions” is abridged from an address given by Mr. R. C. Moss- man by request of the councils of the Roval Societv of Edinburgh and of the Scottish Meteorological Society. The author states that our knowledge of Antarctic regions is limited chiefly to. observations during the last twenty years, whilst prior to this our knowledge was confined exclusively to observations derived from summer voyages. With reference to the general circulation of the atmosphere, it is shown that easterly winds are commonly exnerienced in sub-polar regions associated with travelling cyclonic areas situated to the northward. In this connection refer- ence is made to the National Antarctic Exnedition, 1901-4, and to the daily svnchronous charts throushout the four years drawn from the observations of the expedition augmented from other sources. Upner-air observations made with kites and ballnons are said to be scanty, and most of the facts available are from the movements of high clouds. Pilot-halloon ascents, however, have at times shown that the stratosphere was as low as 43 miles. . FEBRUARY 13, 1919| LIGHT-FILTERS made of a new yellow dye have just been introduced by the Eastman Kodak Co. sometimes desirable than that given by “filter yellow,” Messrs. Mees and Clarke sought for a dye that would fulfil the desired conditions. phenylosazone gives almost as good absorption of the ultra-violet as ‘filter yellow,” as well as a sharper cut on the other side of the band, and is satisfactorily stable. The actual derivative used, the osazone itself being in- soluble in water, is the sodium salt of glucosephenyl- osazoneparacarboxylic acid, and for convenience they call it ‘“‘Eastman yellow.” The filters are made of three densities, one specially for aerial photography, and this has been adopted by the American forces. Further details with absorption curves are given in the British Journal of Photography for January 31. Aw article on metric measurements appears in the January issue of Cheap Steam, a periodical issued by the well-known engineers, Messrs. Ed. Bennis and Co., Ltd. From the point of view of the writer of the article, the greatest advantage to be derived from the adoption of the metric system is the enabling of manufacturers to compete on more equal terms with foreign rivals in the world’s markets. Inability or unwillingness of the British manufacturer to estimate for overseas clients in terms which they understand has lost many a contract to this country. One secret of Germany’s rapid progress as a foreign trader was the promptitude with which she adapted her business methods to the habits and customs of the various nations with which she was anxious to deal, and she never annoyed and puzzled possible customers abroad by quoting quantities and prices in terms which they did not understand. In 1864 an Act was passed to render permissive the use of the metric system; in 1897 another Act was passed making the use of the system optional. The time is now ripe for making it compulsory. Tue influence of the state of the atmosphere on the level of the sea has been very variously estimated, particularly as regards the relative importance of barometric pressure and wind. At one of the recent British Association geophysical discussions Col. Sir C. F. Close reviewed the subject, and described cer- tain new data obtained by the Ordnance Survey (Geographical Journal, July, 1918). These showed that at the observation points chosen, on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea, the sea- level responds almost immediately to barometric varia- tions. A rise or fall in the height of the mercury is associated with a fall or rise of sea-level of 13-5 times the amount (equivalent to the variation in a water- barometer). Changes of level due to winds cause some fluctuation in individual estimates of the ratio | (from 7 to 20, roughly), but not sufficiently to mask the close connection between sea-level and barometric pressure. In a narrow, land-locked sea, however, it might be expected that the wind would have relatively greater influence, and this is confirmed by a recent study of the Baltic sea-level by Rolf Witting (Ofv. af Finska Vet.-Soc. Férh., vol. lix., A, 13, Helsingfors, 1917). The purely hydrostatic effect of a gradient of barometric pressure over any region is to produce an opposite slope of the sea-surface. But such a distribu- tion of atmospheric pressure is usually accompanied by winds directed along the isobars, with the higher pressure on the left Gn the northern hemisphere). This tends to heap up the waters with a gradient perpendicular to the former one, and in the Baltic this slope appears to be about 1-8 times as great as the hydrostatic slope. The resultant gradient is rather NO. 2572, VOL. 102] Picric | acid being too unstable (filters made with it turn | brown), and a more sharply cut absorption being | NATURE | Co., of Coatesville, Pennsylvania. They found that glucose- | ; Y 3 47t more than twice the latter, and is inclined to it in azimuth at about 55°. Tue largest plate-rolling mill in the world is described in an illustrated article in Engineering for January 24. This mill belongs to the Lukens Steel ) It is a four-high. reversing type mill, 17 ft. wide on the rolls, and is capable of rolling plates up to 16 ft. in width, and circular plates a few inches wider. It is built on the principle of the two-high reversing plate-stand used in the British Isles, with the modification that the two finishing rolls are backed by two large supporting rolls. The latter rolls stiffen the mill and prevent springing of the operating rolls when rolling wide, thin | plates, thus ensuring uniform thickness in the finished product. There are two 34 in. diameter by 204 in. working-face operating rolls of chilled iron with 27-in. necks, weighing about thirty tons each, and two 50 in. diameter backing rolls of cast-steel with 36-in. necks, weighing about sixty tons each. The mill stands about 4o ft. from the top of the screw-cover to the bottom of the shoes. The screw-down rig is of the well-known worm and worm-wheel design, and is driven by two 150-h.p. motors, one on each housing. The mill is driven by a twin tandem com- pound engine, having cylinders of 46 in. and 7o in. diameter by 60 in. stroke, and is fitted with a jack- shaft and a gear ratio of one to two, which renders it capable of giving an enormous torque. Mechanical tables are provided so arranged as to do away with hand-labour wherever possible. Messrs. LONGMANS AND Co.’s new list of announce- ments contains many books of scientific interest, some of which have already been referred to in these columns. Others are :—‘Applied Aero-dynamics,”’ L. Bairstow, illustrated; ‘‘ Aeroplane Structures,” A, J. S. Pippard and Capt. L. Pritchard, with a pre- face by L. Bairstow, illustrated; ‘‘Corrosion and Decay of Metals,” Prof. C. H. Desch; ‘‘ Lead and its Compounds,” Dr. J. A, Smythe; ‘‘ Boiler Chemistry,” J. H. Paul; “The-Rare Earth Metals,”. Dr. J. F. Spencer; ‘‘Chemical Affinity and Chemical Equili- brium,” Dr. H. S. Taylor; a new edition of ‘* Osmotic Pressure,’ Prof. A. Findlay; ‘‘Ships’ Boats: Their Qualities, Construction, Equipment, and Launching Appliances,” E. W. Blocksidge; and “ Efficient Boiler Management, with Notes on the Firing of Coal-fired Reheating Furnaces,’ C. F. Wade. Messrs. Long- mans also have in hand the third edition of “ British Birds,” A. Thorburn, illustrated, the first two volumes of which have been published. Vol. iii. is promised for March, and vol. iv. for April. Mr. F. Epwarps, 83 High Street, Marylebone, W.1, has just published Catalogue No. 386 of books, manu- scripts, and engravings relating to India and Ceylon. It contains many rare works and a number of books of scientific interest, e.g. a complete set of the ‘t Cata- logue of the Birds in the British Museum,” 27 vols. ; Hooker’s ‘‘ Illustrations of Himalayan Plants’’; Capt. | W. V. Legge’s “History of the Birds of Ceylon”’; and vols. i. to v. of Moore’s “Lepidoptera Indica.” Mr. Edwards has also for disposal the Sanskrit library of the late Col. G. A. Jacob, comprising about 7o0 vols. Messrs. Durtau anp Co., Lrp., have just issued from their new address (34 Margaret Street, Cavendish Square, W.1) Catalogue No. 74 of some 1200 books on botany, agriculture, and zoology which they have for disposal. It gives particulars of many rare editions of works dealing with the subjects referred to, and should be of service to many readers of Nature. A feature of the catalogue is many of the earlier volumes of the British Museum Zoological Catalogues and Lists. OUR ASTRONOMICAL COLUMN. Tub Putsarion THEORY OF CEPHEID VaRIABILITY.— The Monthly Notices for November last contain a paper on this subject by Prof. Eddington, who selects fourteen Cepheids, the light-curves of which are well known, to test the theory. The absolute magnitudes are deduced from the periods, using a diagram given by Mr. Shapley, and the effective temperatures and densities from a former paper of his own. Prof. Eddington finds that all the stars are in a gaseous state throughout their volume except the two of lowest absolute magni- tude; he connects this with the fact that Mr. Shapley’s diagram shows a linear relation between period and magnitude for the brighter stars, but a curve for the fainter ones. The radius of Y Ophiuchi, the brightest star on the list (abs. mag. -—4), is given as 2,000,000 km., the mass being thirteen times the sun’s; on the average, the semi-amplitude of the pulsation is 1/13 of the radius. Assuming an effec- tive temperature proportional to the fourth root of the Juminosity, the semi-amplitude of the temperature fluctuation is 1/12 of the whole. Prof. Eddington also deduces that with period 4-5 days should corre- spond spectral tvpe FS}, and with period 30:8 days type G3}. These deductions are in fair accordance with Mr. Shapley’s latest observational results. Prof. Eddington directs attention to an erratum in his former paper on the radiative equilibrium of the stars, the radiation pressure being taken at four times its true value. The error may be corrected by multi- plying the adopted molecular weight by 2-8.. It will, however, make the calculated duration of the Giant stage even shorter than before. Catctum CLoups IN tHE Minky Way.—The February Observatory contains a letter on this subject by Mr. J. Evershed. The suggestion was first made in the case of 6 Orionis that it was surrounded by such clouds, since the H and Ix lines did not share in the orbital motion. Mr. Evershed now shows that the same is the case in Nova Aquila, Nova Persei, and Nova Geminorum (2), and quotes five other stars in Aquila, Scorpio, Perseus, and Orion showing the same pheno- menon. In all cases the radial motion indicated by the H, K lines agrees within some 4 km./sec. with that due to the sun’s motion (assumed 20 km./sec., towards 18h., +30°). Hence the calcium clouds would appear to be practically at rest with respect to the star system, the attraction of the stars upon them being, perhaps, nearly balanced by radiation pressure. It will be remembered that the Orion nebula also appears to have no line-of-sight velocity other than that due to the solar motion. Mr. Evershed notes that the phenomenon is rendered easier of detection in nove owing to the large dis- placement of the H line in the star’s own spectrum, which separates it from that due to the cosmic cloud. The latter is seen as a fine absorption line on the broad bright hydrogen band He of the nova’s spectrum. A “New NaviGation’? Meruop.—In ‘‘ Notes on the Working of the ‘New Navigation ’’ (Cairo: Govern- ment Press, 1918), Dr. John Ball gives a convenient method of calculating altitude from hour-angle (h), latitude (1), and declination (d). First find an auxiliary angle M from the equation cos? M=cos* A cos / cos d. Then 7 . + . i sin? aw =sin (ul 4 = Sy sin (m — ae) ' NATURE | ee ea ee | | | | [FEBRUARY 13, 19 1g Use upper sign for 1, d same name, lower for contrary name. Dr. Ball points out the advantages of the method both for navigation and land-surveying. He might, however, have alluded to the very useful ‘ Altitude Tables" of his namesake, the Rev. F. Ball, R.N- (London: J. D. Potter), which give the altitude, with- out calculation, for every degree of 1, d, h to an accuracy of o-1’ (nearly). 2 THE WORK OF THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY. ~ROM the recently issued annual report of the Government Chemist on the work of the Govern- ment Laboratory (Cd. 9205), it appears that the total _ number of samples examined during the year 1917-18 Was 200,453. Worl: for several new departments, including the Air Board, the Ministry of Food, and the Coal Con- troller’s establishment, was undertaken during the year. The aggregate number of samples analysed, however, was some 58,000 less than in the preceding twelve months. This decrease is attributed chiefly to a falling-off in the work required for the Customs and Excise Department. Following upon diminished | imports, fewer samples of imported goods were taken for analysis; and war-time restrictions affecting the home consumption of wines and spirits similarly caused a reduction in the amount of analytical work required. On the other hand, much of the laboratory activity has been devoted to matters arising directly out of war conditions. Among points of special interest may be noted the analytical control over the quality of food- stuffs and medical supplies for the fighting forces, and over the composition of metals employed in naval and aerial constructional work. More than 20,000 samples of foodstuffs were examined in connection with the feeding of the Expeditionary Forces. This work was carried out partly at the chief laboratory, and partly by officers of the laboratory stationed at the various supply bases. The quality of the supplies was controlled by first examining samples tendered by contractors, in order to ascertain whether the conditions of the specifica- tions were complied with. Specimens of the foods actually delivered were afterwards analysed, to ensure that the deliveries compared satisfactorily with the selected ‘‘ tender’? samples. Most of the analyses were made on specimens taken from contractors’ deliveries in course of transit to the Forces, the goods being detained until the report upon their quality had been received by the Army authorities. A salutary check was thus in operation against any tendency to unfair dealing, The scientific public, and also the general public, would no doubt be interested in knowing whether any adulterations or other attempted impositions were dis- covered, but on this point the report of the Govern- ment Chemist is silent. Still, it may safely be assumed that the systematic examination of supplies would in any case be a strong deterrent against attempts to substitute inferior articles. It may be taken for granted, therefore, that the laboratory con- trol has both conduced to the efficiency of the fighting forces and effected economy of public money. For the Army Medical Department 960 samples of medicinal articles were examined. As might be ex- pected, these consisted largely of anzsthetics. It is scarcely necessary to point out that the comfort, and often the life, of wounded soldiers under anzsthesia ’ FEBRUARY 13, 1919 NATURE 473 would depend upon the quality of the anesthetic sub- ; Manila, are contributed by the magnetic observer of stance used; and it is good to know that steps were taken by systematic chemical analyses to ensure the provision of satisfactory supplies. The remainder of the medical articles examined consisted of phenacetin, “aspirin,” and miscellaneous products such as quinine preparations and alkaloids for hypodermal injection or ophthalmic uses. The constructional activities of our naval and aerial Services are reflected in the report by the remark that 8921 samples examined for the Admiralty con- sisted largely of metals analysed for the Engineering Department, whilst from the Air Board more than a thousand specimens were sent—chiefly alloys. ; air of different tempera- tures also plays a part, the mixing being carried out by eddies, which are sometimes of a _ very feeble character and barely pe reeptible to aeroplanes. Eddy motion is set up by friction with the sur- face, and usually trans- mitted to some extent up to about 3000 ft., and sometimes to about Sooo ft when the air is being heated at the sur- face. At greater heights ldy motion may be de- veloped throughout a “9 layer 1000 ft. or 2000 ft. thick when the lapse- rate ol temperature (vertical temperature gradient) equals the adiabatic ra wing to the intrusion of a cold layer, and f the humidity is high enough clouds may form at thé top of the turbule: layer. Sheets of ripp *alto-cumulus” clouds often develop in this Way. In order that the Fic. 2.—The clouds of Fig. 1 taken ten minutes later. 5.30 p.m., September 23, 1918. clouds may remain in the form of a horizontal sheet, is important that | the dry air above, which would dissolve them entirely. h lapse-rate above them should be below _ the | The clouds may persist long after the air has begun NO. 2572, VOL. 102 | FEBRUARY 13, 1919} NATURE 475 to be cooled at the surface, and travel horizontally | thunderstorms. Those in the photographs resulted itv for great distances, the air being turbulent just under- ; thunderstorms which reached 20,000 ft., lightning neath them. In winter . they prevent local inland fogs and frost from de- veloping, as they reflect back the radiation from the surface. In many cases in winter or over the sea accurate forecasts of the height and thickness of — th ‘louds could be made on the assumption that they travel horizontally with- out change of form. This is true for some cloud- sheets with their lower surface practically on the ground, when the = air above them is in a stable condition. On summer days over the land the clouds tend to assume the form of cumulus, but their height and character can often be foretold from the temperature and humidity at different he ights. Figs. 3 and 2. show cumulo - nimbus clouds over the sea which had ¢rown up through a cloud- sheet between 7000 ft. and oC 00 ft. I here were Fic. 4.—Rounded top of a cumulo-nimbus cloud from which a shower 1s falling. Snow-shower falling from thin cumulus clouds from high cloud in background. 8 a.m., September 19, 1918. being seen after dark. The conditions were un- stable, the temperature being 60° at the sur- face, 49° at 2000 ft., and 6° at 13,000 ft; the adiabatic for satu- rated air is 33° KF. per rooo ft. The lapse-rate just above the cloud- sheet at Sooo ft. was stable enough to allow it to persist for a few hours, except where it was broken through from below. The cumulo-nimbus on the left of F t had a very strange form, and had own larger when Fig. 2 was taken ten be minutes later. The clouds moved _ from W.N.W., but the form of the false-~cirrus on the top of the cumulo- nimbus gives evidence of the existence of a south - westerly current at 20,000 ft., which pos- sibly caused a_ slight inversion, and was re- sponsible for the flat top Fic. 3.—Large towering cumuli. 6 p.m., May 17, 1918. of the distant cumulo- nimbus on the right. 2500 ft. upwards, and some of them grew up through The ‘false cirrus,’ of which an example is seen in the cloud-sheet and finally developed into showers or Figs. 1 and 2, consists of thin snow, which is NO. 2572, VOL. 102 | 476 originally developed from supercooled water-drops within the cumulo-nimbus cloud. Sometimes also minute ice-crystals, which sparkle in the sun and cause halo phenomena, are found floating about the tops and edges of showers, occasionally below 10,000 ft. Clouds consisting of supercooled drops cause corona rings, and sometimes also fog-bows. Fig. 3 shows large towering cumuli over the land on a hot summer evening, with their bases at 5000 ft. and their tops fully 15,000 ft. They were caused by very powerful upward currents developed in the lower atmosphere, where the lapse-rate reached the adiabatic for dry air. The lapse-rate above 6000 ft. was close enough to the adiabatic for saturated air to allow the clouds to tower upwards. They finally broke up with- out developing into thundersterms. Fig. 4 shows the rounded top of a cloud extending from 2500 ft. to 10,000 ft., which caused a shower. .) swcubelen ean Editorial and Publishing Offices: MACMILLAN AND CO., Ltp., ST. MARTIN’S STREET, LONDON, W.C.z. Advertisements and business letters to be addressed to the Publishers. Editorial Communications to the Editor. Telegraphic Address: Puusis, Loxpon. Telephone Number: GERRARD 8830. Aqysenian Inet = Stig, Be WB BIG Y No. 2573, ‘VoL. 102] THURSDAY, Registered asa _Newspaper at the G General _ “Post F Office. ] L FEBR Us ARY_ _ 20, ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF SCIENCE. “To the solid ground Of Nature trusts the mind which builds for aye.”—WORDSWORTH. [PRICE NINEPENCE. ANNO) CE. [All Rights Reserved. BALANCES & WEIGHTS F.E.BECKER & C° W. & J.GEORGE (LONDON) I"? PROPRIETORS 17 ro 29 HATTON WALL, LONDON.E.C.l. Graphite-Selenium Cells FOURNIER D’ALBE’S PATTERN. Great Stability and High Efficiency. With a sensitive Se surface of 5 sq. cm. and a voltage 20 the additional current obtainable at various illuminations (in metre-candles) is :— At Wee . illiamp. At SOP igs) as ese ” At 500).ay-) = arr wy For particulars and prices apply to the SOLE AGENTs : John J. Griffin & Sons, Makers of Physical and Electrical Apparatus, Kemble Street, KINGSWAY, LONDON, W.C. 2 REYNOLDS & BRANSON, Ltd., Chemical and Scientific Instrument Makers to His Majesty's Government (Home and Overseas Dominions). LABORATORY FURNISHERS and MANUFACTURING CHEMISTS. WORKS AND OTHER LABORATORIES equipped with Benches, Fume Chambers, Apparatus and Chemicals. Designs and quotations submitted on application Porcelain, BRITISH- MADE Glass, Nickel Ware, and Filter Papers. Apparatus in Glass, Metal, or Wood made to customers’ own Designs. CATALOGUES POST FREE. Enquiries for. Technical Chemicals in quantity solicited. | 14 COMMERCIAL STREET, LEEDS: BECKMANN THERMOMETERS With 6 degrees Centigrade divided into 001° throughout at our own works. C., are now made NEGRETTI & ZAMBRA 38 HOLBORN VIADUCT, E.C 5 LEADENHALL ST., E.C.3 REGENT STREET, W.1 LONDON. 122 CXCIV THE SOUTH AFRICAN SCHOOL OF MINES AND TECHNOLOGY, (UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA.) The Council invites applications for the following positions :— (x) PROFESSOR OF ANA'TOMY ; (2) PROFESSOR OF PHYSIOLOGY. In each case the salary will be £10co per annum, and the appointments will, in the first instance, be on two years’ probation. The Professors will be full-time teachers. £75 wil! be allowed to each Professor for travelling expenses to South Africa, and half salary will be paid from the date of sailing until arrival in Johannesburg. TYhe Professors should arrive in Johannesburg about the end of July, 1910, to organise their Departments for starting teaching in March, 1920. Jt may be possible to do some preliminary work in Anatomy with first-year-medical students towards the end of 1919. : Applications, in triplicate, stating age, professional qualifications and experience, as well as information regarding publications or researches, should, with copies of three recent testimonials, be sent by March 22 to the undersigned, who will supply farther information if desired. Before appoint- ment the selected applicants will be required to pass a medical examination. CHALMERS, GUTHRIE & CO., LIMITED, g Ipot Lane, Lonpon, F.C. 3. DUDLEY EDUCATION COMMITTEE. TECHNICAL SCHOOL. Principal—A. CouLson, B.A., M.Sc. WANTED at once, SCIENCE LECTURER for Day and Evening Classes. Knowledge of Engineering subjects an advantage. Commencing salary £250 per annum. Further particulars can be obtained from the PRINCIPAL. Foruis of application can be obtained from the undersigned, and should be returned not later than Tuesday, March 4. J. M. WYNNE, Education Offices, Director of Education. Dudley. , UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, NCTTINGHAM. LECTURER IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING. The Council of the College invite applications for the post of SENIOR LECTURER IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING. Commencing salary £300 per annum. Further particulars and application forms may be obtained from the REGisTRAR, to whom applications must be sent not later than March 3. UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, NOTTINGHAM. PROFESSOR OF ECONOMICS. The Council of the College invite applications for the CHAIR OF ECONOMICS. Commencing salary £500 per annum. Further particulars and forms of application may be obtained from the REGISTRAR, to whom applications must be sent not later than March 3. UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD. PROFESSORSHIP OF EXPERIMENTAL PHILOSOPHY is vacant. Subjects: Mechanics, Sound, Light, and Heat. The Professor will have charge of the Clarendon Laboratory. Annual stipend £900. Applications to Recisrrar, University Registry, Oxford, by March 31. UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD. Dr. LEE’'S PROFESSORSHIP OF CHEMISTRY is vacant. Subjects: Inorganic and Physical Chemistry. Annual stipend £900, Applications to Recisrrar, University Registry, Oxford, by March 31x RESEARCH (ORGANIC) CHEMIST (36), with worl Would consider < Apply to Box 186, c/o Narure Office, ind teaching experience, desires responsible post. teaching appointment. Experimental Agriculture or Application of New Methods. Post required Cambridge B.A. KeEewuinG, Hazard, Totnes. NATURE [FEBRUARY 20, I919 BIRKBECK COLLEGE, BREAMS BUILDINGS, CHANCERY LANE, E.C. 4 COURSES OF STUDY (Day and Evening) for Degrees of the UNIVERSITY OF LONDON in the FACULTIES OF SCIENCE & ARTS (PASS AND HONOURS) Under RECOGNISED TEACHERS of the University. SCIENCE.—Chemistry, Physies, Mathematies (Pure and Applied), Botany, Zoology, Geology. ARTS.—Latin, Greek, English, Freneh, German, Italian, History, Geography, Logie, Economies, Mathematies (Pure and Applied). Evening Courses for the Degrees in Economics and Laws. Geography Diploma and Matriculation. POST-GRADUATE AND RESEARCH WORK. ~ Day: Science, £17 10s.; Arts, £10 10s. SESSIONAL FEES (eee Science, Arts, or Economics, £5 5s. Prospectus post fiee, Calendar 6d. (by post 8d.), from the Secretary. SOUTH-WESTERN POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, CHELSEA, S.W. 3. The following Special Course will be given during the Lent Term, 1919 :— ‘*“MILK AND MILK PRODUCTS.” By Mr. CECIL REVIS, A.C.G.I., F.I.C., F.C.S. A Course of Six Lectures on Thursday evenings at 7.30 p.m., beginning Thursday, February 20, 1919. A detailed syllabus of the course may be obtained on application to the SecreTARY (Room 44). SIDNEY SKINNER, M.A., Principal. Telephone : 899 Western. BATTERSEA POLYTECHNIC, LONDON, S.W.11. AWARD OF TATE AND MORGAN SCHOLARSHIPS FOR SESSION 1919-20. The Examinations for the award of Scholarships in Engineering, Science, Domestic Science, Physical Iraining, and Hygiene and Physiology will be held on Tuesday, June 3, and the succeeding days. The Scholarships vary in value from £20 to £30 per annum, with free tuition, and are tenable from one to three years. Last day of entry, April 26, 1919. Full particulars on application to the SECRETARY. KEBLE COLLEGE, OXFORD. NATURAL SCIENCE SCHOLARSHIP, 1919. An examination will be held in this College on March 11 for a SCIENCE SCHOLARSHIP of the annual value of £60, with laboratory fees £20. Subjects: Chemistry 0» Biology, with elementary Physics, and for Biologists elementary Chemistry as well. Intending candidates should apply to Dr. Harcuerr Jackson, the Science Tutor, for information. CHEMICAL LECTURE AND LABORA- 1 ORS ASS experienced ; goo Portsmouth. seeks appointment in_ laboratory. references.—* G. H. B.,” 37 Portchester Road, PETROLOGICAL MICROSCOPE by STANLEY, In good condition, with 1-inch nch, and }-inch objectives. Polariser and analyser. In case complete, with two eyepieces. Price 40 guineas.—JOHN BROWNING, 146 Strand, W.C.2 Edueational, Medieal, all other OOKS! B K = subjeets, and for all Exams. SECOND-HAND AT HALF PRICES. New booksalso supplied. Cataloguesfree. StateWants. Books sent on approval. BOOKS BOUGHT: Best Prices Given. W. & G. FOYLE 121-123 Charing Cross Rd., London, W.C.2 Books on Selentifie, Teehnical, CHEMICAL JOURNALS AND PERIODICALS Both ENGLISH and FOREIGN. Messrs. HENRY SOTHERAN & CO. are prepared to give liberal prices for COMPLETE or INCOMPLETE SETS, and will be glad to hear of any that may be for sale. They are also open to buy LIBRARIES OF SCIENTIFIC WORKS, and to give for them their utmost value in cash. They would also call attention to their exceptionally large and varied stock of Secondhand Works on Chemistry and other Scientific Subjects, catalogues of which have been issued. 1420 STRAND, LONDON, W.C. 2. NATURE 481 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1919: EDUCATION IN THE ARMY. ; | ‘HE publication of the Second Interim Report of the Adult Education Committee of the Ministry of Reconstruction, presided over by the Master of Balliol, on “Education in the Army” | price 2d.), may raise hopes which a | (Cd, 9225, study of the report will disappoint. For the report was written several months before the Armistice, being dated July 3, 1918, and is con- cerned mainly with the educational problems of an Army living and working under different con- ditions from those which exist to-day. Some delay has occurred in the publication of the report. An appendix contains a note by Col. Lord Gorell, Deputy Director of Staff Duties (Education) at the War Office, dated November 8, 1918. The creation of this branch at the War Office was one of the chief recommendations of the Committee, which wisely suggested that the proposed new branch should be placed under the direction of a specially qualified military officer of academic dis- tinction and with educational experience. The force of the recommendation may be understood by considering the fact that, although the War Office has charge of important educational institu- tions like Woolwich and Sandhurst, the examina- tions for admission to which directly affect the curricula of our secondary schools, it has never called to its aid the services of an officer—civil or military—with such special qualifications, although an excellent precedent was provided by the Ad- miralty in the appointment in 1903 of Sir Alfred Ewing as Director of Naval Education. The education of Army officers was presumably not regarded by the Committee as coming within its terms of reference, ‘‘adult”’ being interpreted to mean the man in the ranks rather than the officer. But the Committee has formed a concep- tion of the Army, Navy, and Air Force of the future as great training colleges for the nation; and for this advance the country should be grate- ful. Due recognition has been given in the report to the efficient educational work of the Y.M.C.A. for the British Army, and the corresponding work in the Canadian and New Zealand Armies. In view of the changed military conditions and the fact that the principal reforms advocated in the report have already been carried out by the War Office, there is not much material in the report for comment or criticism; but we may express the earnest hope that the educational work for the enlisted man, which has been started with so much energy and enthusiasm, will be wisely organised and developed. NO. 2573, VOL. 102] The question of the selection, education, and training of the officers of the post-bellum Army, scarcely less urgent and important, has appar- ently not yet received official consideration. Mr. Winston Churchill’s appointment as Secretary for War, following close on the happy conclusion of hostilities, suggests that the time has arrived for a frank discussion of the whole subject. The “modern eye’? which he claims to possess should find useful work in exploring some of the dark places of the office over which he is now called upon to preside. : We approach the question with a deep sense of obligation to the thousands of brave men who have lost their lives through the educational and scien- tific deficiencies of our military machine. The Expeditionary Force of the old Regular Army was a well-organised and efficient engine of war, which achieved a magnificent record in the early months of the war by its heroism and devotion to duty, its high standard of discipline, and its excellent Staff work. Consummate skill was shown in its transportation overseas and its supply services. Nevertheless, the conclusion to be drawn from the later history of the war is irresistible. The educa-_ tion and training of the average Army officer were shown to be defective, through his inability to adapt himself to new conditions and to solve the difficult problems which the development of the war presented in bewildering number and variety. An officer who has spent more than three years on active service at the front has given it as his con- sidered opinion that, of the daily problems con- fronting the regimental officer, more than 99 per cent. required brains rather than courage for their solution, and were solved or left unsolved according as the officer had received preliminary training and possessed the necessary natural ability. War’s arbitrament has finally destroyed the cherished idea that “brains ’’ and “bravery ’’ are mutually exclusive. The distinctions obtained by university-trained officers in the war are conclusive evidence on this point. In the case of one uni- versity O.T.C., four out of five V.C.’s were ob- tained by officers who had taken the university degree or its equivalent. The scholar-soldier is not a contradiction in terms. Mental training develops personality. “I don’t like work—no man does,”’ says. Joseph Conrad, “but I like what is in work—the chance to find oneself.” We must bear these facts in mind in considering the pre-war policy as regards the selection and training of officers for the Army. Whether Parliament or the War Office was mainly responsible we are not in a position to determine, but it is undoubtedly a fact that commissioned service in the Army was re- Cics 482 . stricted to men of means and leisure, and educa- tional standards had to be adjusted accordingly. Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman acknowledged in the House of Commons on March 9, 1903, that the crucial question of Army organisation was whether this system should continue. In his evid- ence before the Military Education Committee which was set up after the South African War, Sir Evelyn Wood said: “1 am sorry to say that the officer wanted in the Army is only one who can command rs5ol. to 15001. a year; there is no room at all in the Army—and that comes before me every day—for the man who has only 5o0l. a year of his own.”’ Such was the position when Lord Haldane became Secretary for War in 1905. Unfortunately for the nation, Lord Haldane preferred precept to practice. His apologia during these crucial years on high educational standards and democratic principles was intended for outside consumption. He was either unwilling or unable to overcome the vis inertiae of Army tradition. During his years of office educational standards for officers of the Regular Army were actually reduced, for no other result could follow the lowering of the age- limit for the Sandhurst examination from seventeen and a half to sixteen and a_ half change which had the further vicious result of interfering with the proper work of our secondary schools. The position as regards the supply of officers for the Army became so desperate that the competitive examination for Sandhurst was reduced almost to a farce as the number of candi- dates approximated to the number of places. Can it be doubted that a good many educational “duds ”’ gained admission to our largest military college? Further, the youths who joined the college were provided with an educa- tional course which, judged by modern standards, was too short and altogether inadequate in scope and character. Training in scientific method was At one period, we believe, the a immature entirely lacking. whole course only lasted for about nine months. Much of the time available was necessarily taken up with drill, horsemanship, and routine military training. Thomas Those who know the facts can read Mr. Seccombe’s brilliant preface to “The Loom of Youth ” without surprise. The products of this system of education were pitted in the war against highly trained officers of a nation which, whatever its failings may be, has a profound respect for science and education. As we have already indicated, the Army has now taken up with great energy the further education of “Old Bill,’’ that lovable figure who, by his cheerful courage and self-sacrifice, has shown him- NO. VOL. 102 | reso 2573; | higher direction of the Army. NATURE [FEBRUARY 20, 1919 self able to satisfy some of the highest tests of education. We shall refuse to show any great enthusiasm for this work until there is a complete change of heart at the War Office as regards the The old “caste” theories have been shattered by the war. ‘Old Bill” asks primarily to be led by an officer who knows his job, whatever his private income or ancestry may be. The Army must be brought into the main stream of the nation’s educational and scientific life. Mr. Churchill’s first lesson will be to learn that an A1 Army cannot be made with C3 brains. His task at the War Office must be to set up an Army, not inferior to the old Army in discipline and devotion to duty, but immensely superior in its respect for science and education. It should be a model organisation which other great national institutions will aspire to copy in its educational standards and the applica- tion of science to all departments of its work, in its conditions of employment, its belief in equality of opportunity, its standards of health and discipline—an Army for which compulsion will be unnecessary, because every public-spirited citizen will desire to take advantage of the oppor- tunities it offers for educational and physical training. We may add with confidence that, in accord with the democratic conditions under which our national life will in future be lived, some system will have to be devised for selecting men from the ranks who have attained the necessary educational | standard and for training them for commissioned service. For this important task and for the training of ordinary university students as Regular and Reserve officers the establishment of resi- dential military colleges within existing univer- sities is clearly indicated. The success of the universities in training officers for the Army through their contingents of the Officers Training Corps, and through the exiguous scheme for Army which was in operation before the war, warrants university commissions in the Regular ' confidence in their ability to discharge the wider functions suggested. Any such scheme would have the further effect of bringing the Army into closer touch with the educational and _ scientific thought of the universities and with the results If of research in all departments of knowledge. | the ancient and honourable profession of arms is to be made a real profession in a modern sense, a high standard of selection and training must be demanded. Under no other conditions can the reasonable demands of Army officers for higher pay and improved prospects be granted by a grateful country. FEBRUARY 20, 1919] ANCIENT PALESTINIAN FOLK-LORE. Folk-Lore in the Old Testament: Studies in Comparative Religion, Legend, and Law. In 3 vols. By’Sir James G. Frazer. Vol. 1, pp. xxv +569; vol. ii., pp. xxi+571; vol. iil., pp. xvili+ 566. (London: Macmillan and Co., Ltd., 1918.) Price, 3 vols., 37s. 6d. net. N certain parts of Palestine there used to dwell a savage people who were called ’Ibhrim, or Hebrews, whose customs show that they were originally slaves to the same crude and cruel semi- religious observances as may be found in any modern uncivilised tribe. If an explorer, well equipped with all that science can endow for col- lecting, collating, and recording primitive folk- lore, had gone among them and studied them, his labours would show that these same Hebrews, who were to have such an effect on the Western world for at least two thousand years, were searcely different in their habits and customs from any other barbarians. As, however, this people has passed away from Palestine, the’ explorer cannot get into direct touch with them, and he must either dig up their records from their ancient cities, or so analyse their writings that he can trace the origins of obscure customs by compari- son with those of other races. This latter method Sir James Frazer has applied to the Old Testament, with all his usual energy and in his apt, mellifluous style. His three volumes show with a wealth of detail how little was the difference between the original Semite and the savage of to-day. It is perhaps one of the saddest phases of human adventure that this savagery, made respectable by being wedded to subsequent civilisation and veneered with an ecclesiastical gloss, should have been considered the justification for so much fanatic cruelty in the late medieval and early Victorian periods. The Pales- tine Exploration Fund excavations at Gezer under Macalister showed that it was the Hebrews who were the real Philistines, in the artistic sense of the word, and their crude productions which were NATURE 483 ‘ pathetic the explanation that, although the deed was discovered undoubtedly deserved this paradoxical | epithet. These three volumes should be the household companion of every religious teacher, nay, everyone who cares or dares to see what that latest daughter of science, folk-lore, has to say about the cherished beliefs from the Old Testa- ment, absorbed in infancy and rarely visualised differently in later life. There are plenty of Englishmen still who believe the conservatism of childhood’s religious conceptions to be a virtue, and the danger to humanity of such immature conceptions, atrophied naturally by a complacent neglect, is obvious. Not many laymen, for in- stance, even now know that there are two widely different accounts in Genesis of the Creation, the Sacred Tree, and the Flood, welded into composite stories, and yet these stories are still believed to be a divine revelation. How much exercised the theologians have been over the apparent iniquity of Jacob, and how NO. 2573, VOL. 102] wrong, it demonstrated Jacob’s cleverer nature, thus fitting him for his stupendous future! Who does not remember his juvenile disgust at the way in which Jacob usurped his brother’s right by chicanery? And who would have thought that in reality he was merely laying claim to his own on the grounds of ultimogeniture? Many savage tribes recognise the rights of the last-born in in- heritance, and this custom, according to Sir James Frazer, is compatible with both the agricultural and the pastoral way of life: “As the sons-of a family grow up, they successively quit the parental abode and clear for themselves fresh fields in the forest or jungle, till only the youngest is left at home with his parents; he is therefore the natural support and guardian of his parents in their old age. This seems to be the simplest and most probable explanation of ultimogeniture.’’ It would therefore appear on these grounds plausible that that unamiable Oriental Jacob, as the younger son, had a certain righteous claim to what he is said to have obtained by fraud, a defence “ under- taken by a compatriot and namesake, Mr. Joseph _ Jacobs, who has essayed to wipe out the blot on the ancestral scutcheon.” The other part of the story, how he dressed himself in skins, follows naturally from Sir James Frazer’s ingenious ex- planation that it was a survival of the custom of re-birth. Primitive peoples, when adopting | children, frequently go through a pantomime re- presenting a new birth, and this in certain cases includes the ceremony of investing the new son with the skins of sacrificed animals. The Brand of Cain is another problem for which a new theory is provided. Robertson Smith thought that it was a tribal mark, a badge which every member of the tribe wore on his person, which served to protect him by indicating that he belonged to a tribe which would avenge his murder. The later explanation, far more plausible, is that it was a mark laid on Cain to prevent the ghost of his murdered brother recog- nising him and haunting him. This is obvious from the numerous similarities collected by Sir | James Frazer from savages; for instance, among | the Yabim of New Guinea, when the kinsmen of of | a murdered man have accepted a blood-wit in- stead of avenging his death, they take care to be marked with challk on the forehead by the rela- tives of the murderer, “lest the ghost should trouble them for failing to avenge his death.” It is, in fact, closely allied to an external sign | of mourning for the dead which so changes the appearance of the mourner that the ghost ‘carinot return to annoy him. Again, the difficult problem of the slave who, although having the right of freedom after his sixth year of service, elected to remain to serve his master continuously is discussed at length. Everyone will call to mind the curious treatment with which his new undertaking was inaugurated : his ear was to be bored through with an awl at the doorpost by his master. The parallels from savage folk-lore are sufficiently similar to show 484 that some form of magic underlies the ceremony. Among the Ewe negroes of Togoland, when any of the tribe desire to prevent a slave from running away, it is customary to bring him before a fetish named Nanyo, where the priest pares the nails of the slave’s fingers and toes, shears some of the hair of his head, and buries all the parings and cuttings in the earth with a fetish mark. Other ceremonies are included, but those quoted are ample to show (from the common beliefs about magical powers obtained through possession of the nail-parings and hair of an enemy) that the master has now some occult control over his servant. In the case of the Hebrew slave it is the blood which represents the substance through which the con- trol is acquired; and when the earlier form of the Hebrew law, as recorded in Exodus, is remem- bered (“then his master shall bring him unto God, and shall bring him to the door, or unto the door- post’’), the connection with the savage story is still more striking. The curious story of Elijah and the ravens is briefly discussed literally. It is curious to see that Sir James Frazer (who read the whole of the Old Testament in Hebrew before undertaking this great work) is apparently unaware of the ingenious but simple emendation of the word “ravens ” (‘orébhim) to “Arabs” by a very slight vowel change, which, of course, renders any mythical explanation unnecessary. There are one or two small slips noticeable. In the description of Babylon the learned author describes the mound Babil, which is the most northern of the three mounds composing the city, as the site of the ancient temple E-temen-an-ki (the real Tower of Babel), which actually lies a little to the north of the southern mound Amran, at least a mile from Babil. Another small slip is “Mandace’’ (three times, vol. ii., p. 441) for “Mandane,”’ the mother of Cyrus. But the wonder is that, in all this varied display of erudi- tion, the slips should be so small and trivial. It is impossible to do justice to the large number of new theories amply supported by evidence. Hebraists and anthropologists (and, incidentally, examiners for the Oriental Tripos) have at hand a wonderful storehouse, an Aladdin’s cave of jewels, on which to ponder. RAG. ae THE PAST AND FUTURE OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. Recent Advances in Organic Chemistry. By Dr. A. W. Stewart. With an introduction by Prof. J- N.- Collie. Third edition. Pp. xx+ 350. (London: Longmans, Green, and Co., 1918.) Price 14s. net. A ae” growing mass of research in pure and applied chemistry has created a demand for some kind of periodical summary which will afford the non-specialist an opportunity of following the varied phases of development. of the science with- out wading through the original literature. This demand is being met by the annual reports of the Chemical Society and the Society of NO. 2573, VOL. 102] NATURE [FEBRUARY 20, 1919 Chemical Industry, and to a more limited extent by Science Progress, by the “Smithsonian Reports,’? and by the Journal of the Royal Society of Arts. The volume under review stands in a somewhat different category, for it takes in its successive chapters the character of a general résumé, a students’ text-book, a critical essay, and a speculative forecast. Such varied treatment has many advantages for both author and reader. For the latter, severe mental application is not demanded, and the matter is sufficiently varied to be stimulating without being wearisome; for the former, free play is permitted to his and other people’s imagination without the controlling fetters of unbiassed fact. The latest edition of Dr. Stewart’s well- known book has attempted to sustain its character as a record of new achievements in organic chemistry by deleting some former chapters and replacing them by others of fresher interest. Thus the polymethylene group, the quinols, asymmetric synthesis, and the _biblio- graphy have been replaced by accounts of recent researches on chlorophyll, the anthocyanins, the chemistry of rubber, and new arsenic compounds, whilst the chapters on triphenylmethyl and the alkaloids have been somewhat extended. A book which professes to record recent ad- vances is bound to modify its contents with each succeeding edition as the subjects pass into the range of ascertained facts, and so fall into their natural positions in the scheme of classification. It is a little difficult, therefore, to perceive upon what principle the present selection is made—why certain chapters should be discarded, whilst others which appeared in the earliest edition should be retained almost intact. The opening chapter, on “Organic Chemistry in the Twentieth Century,” is extremely lucid and well expressed, but much too superficial to be instructive. Here is a para- graph :—‘As far as the benzene nucleus is con- cerned, the question which has excited most in- terest recently is the substitution problem; but it cannot be said that, even yet, in, spite of extensive investigation, we possess the true key to the riddle,’’ and there the matter ends, and those who do not know what the substitution problem is are referred to a solid treatise of 500 pages by Holleman. Nevertheless, to those familiar with the changes that have taken place during the cen- tury, the chapter as a whole will serve as a pleasant reminder. It may be observed that the theory of isorrepesis is still retained, in spite of the contrary evidence addficed by Lowry, to which no mention is made. The word ‘ketene,’’ which is derived from ketone, with the usual suffix “ene,’’ denoting doubly linked carbon, is written, a@ la German, “keten,’’ an undesirable modification from every point of view. The succeeding chapters on the _ terpenes,. the allaloids, and the polypeptides have under- gone little or no change, and are ordinary text- book descriptions; but those on chlorophyll and the anthocyanins are new, and introduce us FEBRUARY 20, 1919] NATURE 485 _ to some of the most highly complex structures found in organic Nature, the constitution of which has been elucidated in a masterly fashion by Willstatter and his associates. One of the most interesting chapters in the book is that dealing with theories re- lating to the synthesis of vital’ products, the greater part of which, according to the author, has been elaborated by Prof. Collie. Here we enter the realm of speculation; indeed, so little is known of the laboratory methods of the living cell that free rein may be given to the chemical imagination. Enzyme action, of which, however, little of value is said, will probably furnish the key to organic synthesis and cleavage within the living organism, and, until that action has been more fully explained, there is no harm in manu- facturing equations and mechanical devices to represent these changes. One point, however, must be borne in mind— namely, that these changes must take place with comparatively small energy changes, so that the equilibrium may be easily induced to shift, and the balance of a reversible reaction thrown, to one or other side of the normal point; in short, vital reactions, if the expression may be used, must occur within a small range of temperature. In this respect such reactions as the synthesis of pyr- idine derivatives from malic and citric acids, which were studied many years ago by v. Pechmann and others, and the more recent work on the synthesis of tropinone by Robinson, have an unequivocal significance. eb. Ce OUR "BOOKSHELF. The Sctence and Practice of Manuring. For the Use of Amateur, Market, and Professional Growers, Orchardists, etc. By W. Dyke. With introduction by J. Wright. Revised and enlarged edition. Pp. 157. (London: The lpcl-whod Press (Harvey H. Mason), n.d.) Price 2s. net. Mr. Dyke is well known to horticulturists as a man with a strong scientific bent, and by those men of science who are interested in large-scale crop production he is recognised as possessing a considerable stock of problems still requiring solu- tion. The scientific worker will, therefore, take up this book in the hope of finding a record of some of these observations. He will not be alto- gether disappointed, yet he will not find so much as he might hope; for Mr. Dyke, having written for the practical man and not for the plant physio- logist, sets out some of the elementary scientific facts which he considers the grower needs, but he has not always recorded the growers’. observa- tions, which the scientific reader would like to have had, and which no doubt Mr. Dyke con- sidered the practical grower did not need to be told. Mr. Dyke knows his clientéle so well that he may safely be trusted to furnish a syllabus of the things they wish to know. To the horticultural lecturer this will be one of the most interesting features of the book. NO. 2573, VOL. 102] The information given to the growers is largely sound and likely to be helpful. Some of the data might well be modernised, and a certain number of the figures need correction. In particular some of the statistics in the first chapter are inaccurate ; some of the experimental data given in later chapters are old, and more modern figures are available. It is incorrect also to say, on p. 20, that agricultural chemists have “entirely over- looked” the possibility of the presence of ammonium nitrate in the soil. Large numbers of determinations have been made, but in no case is more than a trace of ammonia present either in cropped or uncropped soils. The amount of nitrate, however, may rise considerably. It is very ‘doubtful whether the recommendation of ground leather is sound, and it is certain that a well-made superphosphate does not become wet and sticky, or lose soluble phosphate on keeping, at any rate so long as it is kept in a weather-proof shed. Te Life and Discoveries of Michael Faraday. By r. J. A. Crowther. (‘‘ Pioneers of Progress,”’ Men of Science Series.) Pp. 72+ portrait. (London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 1918.) Price 2s. net. In these days, when, by the loom of science, strange and terrible patterns have been woven on our national life, and novel and improved designs are demanded on every side, it is refreshing to turn again to the history of one-of the greatest pioneers in scientific discovery and renew our spiritual friendship with that “Just and Faithful Knight of God,” Michael Faraday. The author of this little volume has done his work well, and given us a realistic picture both of the scientific enthusiast and of the humble and devout Christian. “Not half his greatness was incorporate in his science, for science could not reveal the bravery and delicacy of his heart.’’ We could wish this book to be read by our legislators, by our manu- facturers, and even by our “educational authorities, in order to impress upon them “that research must be free to be powerful and that there is little to be gained from a servile science.’’ Gradually but surely the ideas of Faraday have permeated physical science, and at no time since their publica- tion have they met with such general acceptance as they do to-day. “It may fairly be claimed that modern English physics is the school of Faraday, applying his methods, led by his vision, inspired by his faith.” S.A, Cotton. By George Bigwood. (“Staple Trades and Industries,” vol. ii.) Pp. viii+ 204. (London: Constable and Co., Ltd., 1918.) Price 6s. 6d. net. Tuis volume gives a readable, popular account of the whole field which the cotton industry includes, beginning with the historical records, and passing successively through the cotton fields, the mills, and the markets. The book is well printed and illustrated, but, especially on the technical side, it would be improved by a number of corrections when it reaches the second edition. L. B. 486 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. [The Editor does not hold himself responsible for opinions expressed by his correspondents. Neither can he undertake to return, or to correspond with the writers of, rejected manuscripts intended for this or any other part of Nature. No notice is taken of anonymous communications. | The Supposed ‘‘ Fascination’’ of Birds by Snakes and the ‘‘ Mobbing’’ of Snakes by Birds. I Have received the following interesting notes by Dr. J. Burton Cleland, of 093 Macquarie Street, Sydney. I may add to the observations recorded towards the end of his letter the behaviour of a common grey African parrot brought to this country as a young bird in 1904, and almost certainly without experience of hawks. One wing is clipped from time to time and the bird given much freedom in the garden. Twice I have seen it drop with a scream and crouch on the ground when an aeroplane has flown overhead at a rather lew elevation. Epwarp B. Pourton. Oxford, February 11. “Some twenty years or so ago, whilst walking in a garden in the outer suburbs of Adelaide, my atten- tion was attracted by the behaviour of a small com- pany of white-plumed honey-eaters (Ptilotis penicil- lata, Gld.). The individuals were making a consider- able noise, and kept flying down to the lower branches of a carob-bean tree (St. John’s Bread), where these overhung the pathway, and then up higher again, their attention being apparently attracted by an object on this path. The object proved to be a stock-whip, with long, snake-like lash and short handle. As thrown carelessly down the lash certainly suggested serpentine coils, and my impression, as noted at the time, was that they had probably mistaken the lash for a snake. Their behaviour was that manifested by other Meliphagidee—for instance, Myzantha garrula, Lath.—in the presence of an enemy such as a bird of prey. The birds congregate together, make much noise, and fly about excitedly. “In this way they may indi- cate the resting-spot of an owl disturbed from its sleeping-place by day. “Several interesting points are worth considering. First, these honey-eaters had probably never seen a snake, though rarely an occasional one has been noticed in the neighbourhood. Secondly, as the birds spend their time near the tops of the eucalypts and build at the end of fine branches, and the snakes near Adelaide do not climb trees, even had they seen snakes these could have done them no harm. Thirdly, if my inter- pretation of their behaviour be correct, they recognised the ‘snake’ by its form alone, as no movement could take place. Though other unusual objects, but not snake-like in outline, must have been common in a large garden and its surroundings inhabited by children, the same fuss was not noticed to be made over them. From the above it would appear, provided their actions were rightly interpreted, that the birds or their immediate ancestors had probably never seen a snake, and had certainly never been subjected to danger from such; and that, therefore, the behaviour manifested, presumably to harass and drive away an enemy, must have been purely instinctive. In other words, on presentation to vision of, in this case, a motionless object of snalse-like form, the brain-centres concerned with the methods of combating a foe were automatically stimulated, quite apart from the sensi- tising of such centres by previous individual experience. “Tt is interesting to note here that the fowls in the poultry-run of the same house make a great noise and run for shelter when a hawk flies past through NO. 2573, VOL. 102] NATURE [FEBRUARY 20, I9I9 the trees, though none, so far as is known, had ever been attacked by hawks. Strange to say, another © Australian bird, Graucalus melanops, Lath., may give rise to the Same reactions, and I thinl | remember having noticed them also when one of the larger cuckoos (probably Cuculus pallidus, Lath.) flew over- head. Both these birds have peculiar flights, more hawk-like than those of pigeons, which, though about the same size, do not, in my experience, frighten poultry. The general form of the large cuckoo is also suggestive of a hawk: like the kestrel (Tinnunculus cenchroides, Vig. and Horsef.). These reactions are again obviously purely instinctive, and not the result of personal experience.”’ The Shortage of Research Workers. In a paper recently read before the Royal Society of Arts on “The Government and the Organisation of Scientific Research,’ Sir Frank Heath directed atten- tion to the dearth of skilled research workers, who are urgently needed to investigate industrial problems. All who have studied the question are agreed that in the near future the necessity for industrial scientific research will be greater than ever, and it may, there- fore, be well to point out some preventable causes which are likely to make the situation worse instead of better. During the war research departments have been established at most universities and colleges for special war purposes, and many capable workers have thus been discovered. At the present moment many of these departments are in process of demobilisation, and no concerted effort is being made to retain the services of those who have proved their worth as research workers, who are being allowed to find their way into other occupations. This waste of invalu- able material is deplorable at the present juncture, and could be avoided by proper co-ordination between Government departments. A second matter, not so easily remedied, relates to the large number of scientific men who gave their services gratuitously during the war, but cannot be expected to con- tinue this sacrifice in peace-time. No funds appear to be available for the provision of payment to such workers in case they are willing to take up indus- trial research in their spare time. Even when workers are willing to continue for some time longer on a voluntary basis, with the view of completing work in hand, it is not always possible to procure the small funds necessary for covering the expenses incurred in the work. The writer is acquainted with one re- search committee, dealing with problems of wide industrial application, which has been compelled to suspend its work owing to the withdrawal of funds by the Government department which financed its operations during the war. Nothing could be more deplorable at the present juncture than the discourage- ment of voluntary research, and in such cases imme- diate steps should be taken to provide funds from other sources. The most disquieting feature, however, is the present financial condition of the universities and colleges from which the research workers of the future must be obtained. Whilst the cost of equipment has at least doubled, the incomes of these institutions have remained, in most’ cases, stagnant. This not | only prevents the acquisition of adequate appliances for advanced teaching, but also debars the members of the staffs from obtaining the increases in salary rendered necessary by the increased cost of living. Many skilled teachers who have been on active ser- vice are declining to resume their pre-war appoint- ments for this reason, and a serious shortage of a FEBRUARY 20, 1919] NATURE 487 capable instructors in advanced science is threatened. At present teachers of elementary science are better paid, on the average, than those engaged in the higher branches, and are additionally, in most cases, entitled to pensions under the Teachers’ Superannua- tion Act. The obvious result of this anomalous state of things is that the ranks of higher scientific teachers will be depleted unless strong and prompt Govern- ment action is taken to place the universities and colleges on a sound financial basis. Unless this be done there is little prospect. of obtaining the research workers necessary to secure the industrial future of the country. Cuas. R. Daruine. City and Guilds Technical College, Finsbury, E.C.2. The Indian Rope Trick. Tue recent correspondence in the Daily Mail relating to the Indian rope trick is very similar to the controversies that have arisen from time to time in the Press in India, but nothing said seems to advance the evidence a jot further. The man who does the rope trick has yet to be produced! During a considerable portion of a residence of more than thirty years in India, I studied Indian conjuring and made all the inquiries I could regarding this trick. I knew many of the best conjurers between Calcutta and Delhi, but never found one who had seen the rope trick. Several had heard of it, some believed in it, none could satisfactorily explain it. Personally, I am of opinion that the rope trick is entirely mythical. I decline to accept the various theories put forward by amateurs in support of its practicability, such, for example, as hypnotism or sub- stitution. The most likely explanation I have heard is that the trick is performed in a courtyard, that smoke obscures the view above, and that the rope is actually thrown up to a confederate, who fastens it to a beam which cannot be seen on account of the smoke; a lad then climbs up the rope and is similarly lost to view in the smoke, but even this theory is unlikely. It would not be impossible to arrange a scene on a stage where the rope trick could be performed as an illusion—not by a smoke screen, but by other means of hiding what happens above a certain height. As to Indian conjuring generally, I consider it to be far behind European, though the sleight of hand is often extraordinarily good, and the methods occa- sionally ingenious, as, for instance, when conjurers ap- parently cause a few grains of wheat or gram to sprout in a few moments—a far better illusion than the over- rated mango-tree trick. Indian conjurers are very conservative and seldom produce new tricks, and they are very slow in dis- covering how a trick, new to them, is done even when performed by an amateur on well-known principles. G. Huppreston. Hemel Hempstead, Herts. HELIUM FOR AIRCRAFT PURPOSES. Saeed after the commencement of the war J it became evident that if helium were avail- able in sufficient quantities to replace hydrogen in naval and military airships, the losses in life and equipment arising from the use of hydrogen would be enormously lessened. Helium, as is known, is most suitable as a filling for airship envelopes, in that it is non-inflammable and non-explosive, and, if desired, the engines may be placed within NO. 2573, VOL. 102] mie. USE OF the envelope. By its use it is also possible to secure additional buoyancy by heating the gas (electrically or otherwise), and this fact might possibly lead to considerable modifications in the technique of airship manceuvres and navigation. The loss of gas from diffusion through the en- velope is also less with helium than with hydrogen, but, on the other hand, the lifting power of helium is about 10 per cent. less than that of hydrogen. Proposals had been frequently put forward by men of science in the British Empire and in enemy countries regarding the development of supplies of helium for airship purposes, but the first attempt to give practical effect to these proposals was initiated by Sir Richard Threlfall, who re- ceived strong support from the Admiralty through the Board of Invention and Research, under the presidency of Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fisher. It was known that supplies of natural gas con- taining helium in varying amounts existed in America, and it became evident from the pre- liminary investigations made by Sir Richard Threlfall, and from calculations submitted by him as to cost of production, transportation, etc., that there was substantial ground for believing that helium could be obtained in large quantities at a cost which would not be prohibitive. Prof. J. C. McLennan was invited by the Board of Invention and Research in 1915 to determine the helium content of the supplies of natural gas within the Empire, to carry out a series of experi- ments On a semi-commercial scale with the helium supplies available, and also to work out all tech- nical details in connection with the large-scale production of helium and the large-scale purifica- tion of such supplies as might be delivered and become contaminated with air in service. In this work Prof. McLennan received assistance from his colleagues, Profs. John Satterly, E. F. Burton, H. F. Dawes, Capt. McTaggart, and Mr. John Patterson. In the course of their investigations, which were carried out with the co-operation of L’Air Liquide Co., it was found that large supplies of helium were available in Canada, which could be produced at a cost of about one shilling per cubic foot. In the summer of 1917, when the United States of America had decided to enter the war on the side of the Allies, and after the investigations re- ferred to above were well under way, proposals were made to the Navy and Army and to the National Research Council of the U.S.A. to co- operate by developing the supplies of helium avail- able in the United States. These were made, on behalf of the Admiralty, through the Board of Invention and Research by Sir Ernest Rutherford and a special Commission consisting of Com- mander Bridge, R.N., Lt.-Col. Lowcock, and Prof. John Satterly. The authorities cited agreed to co-operate with vigour in supporting” these proposals, and large orders were at once placed by them with the Air Reduction Co. and the Lynde Co. for plant, equip- ment, cylinders, etc. The Bureau of Mines also 485 NATURE [FEBRUARY 20, 1919 co-operated in developing a new type of rectifying and purifying machine. By July, 1918, the pro- duction of helium in moderate quantities was ac- complished, and from that time onward the possi- bility of securing large supplies of helium was assured. Concurrently, all practical details of the pro- duction of helium-borne airships and of the navi- gation of this type of craft were developed by the airship production section of the Navy. At the same time, under the direction of Prof. McLennan, plans were prepared and steps taken to erect and equip a station for purifying the helium which might become Contaminated in service. Experi- mental investigations were also initiated with the object of developing the possible technical and scientific uses of helium. In particular, balance and spectroscopic methods for testing the purity of the gas were worked out, studies on the relative permeability of balloon fabrics to hydrogen and helium were commenced, and experiments were begun to exploit the use of helium in gas-filled incandescent lamps, gas-filled arc lamps, and thermionic valves. The equipment provided for the purification of contaminated helium in large quantities supplied the major portion of the ap- paratus required to liquefy helium, and arrange- ments were therefore made to produce this gas in a liquid form. The advances already made by the time the Armistice commenced warrants the opinion that at the end of another year large supplies of helium would have been produced within the Empire at a low cost, helium-filled aircraft would have been in service, and great progress would have been made in exploiting the technical and scientific uses of this gas. Before the war a proposal to utilise helium as a filling for airships would haye been viewed, even by men of science, as akin to a proposal at the present time to pave the Strand with diamonds. Thanks, however, to the enterprise, enthusiasm, and initiative of the Navy, backed by imagination, a suggestion—at one time considered to be chi- merical—has to-day become a realisation. BIRDS AND THE WAR. V ITHIN the limits of a short article it is not possible to do justice to our feathered friends. The services rendered by homing- pigeons to the Army, Navy, and Air Forces have been invaluable, and numerous stories of their gallantry and devotion, under fire and even when wounded, have already appeared in the daily newspapers. Canaries, long recognised as the miners’ friends in detecting the presence of poisonous underground gases, have played their part in the war by being used in the trenches and dug-outs when the presence of German poison- gas was suspected. It is not so generally known that parrots, in the earlier days of the war, were employed on the Eiffel Tower to give warning of the approach of enemy aircraft. Sea-gulls, on more than one occasion, betrayed the presence NO. 2573, VOL. 102] of submarines and mines and thus prevented disaster to our sailors. On the actual battlefield the behaviour of birds has been remarkable. Unperturbed by the terrible racket and the bursting of gas-shells, a nightin- gale trilled its sweetest, a soaring skylark poured out its song, a blackbird sang the more merrily the heavier the bombardment, swallows twittered around, and nested in, the battered ruins of Ypres Cathedral even when it was under fire; a ‘‘minnie- shell,’’ which burst in the middle of a covey of partridges, did not alarm them and they went on feeding unconcernedly a few seconds later. In fact, it may be said that the birds, wherever they could eke out an existence, seemed oblivious to the life-and-death struggle going on all round them. At home the consensus of opinion of trust- worthy observers shows that birds were at first much upset by air raids. As these, however, became more frequent, their fears diminished. There can be little doubt that birds are adaptable creatures, and soon become accustomed to loud noises. As an example of this, it may be stated that when the bells of St. Paul’s were rung, after a protracted silence, to celebrate ‘Armistice Day,”’ the City pigeons, long unaccustomed to such sounds, appeared to be seriously alarmed, though in days of peace they paid no attention to the daily chimes. The restrictions on food, imposed on all loyal citizens, made it an offence to feed birds and prosecutions ensued. A sportsman was fined for feeding pheasants on grain, and more than one kind-hearted person paid the penalty for feeding birds on scraps. Cage birds were difficult to keep, and never were parrots more freely offered on loan to the Zoological Gardens. The strenuous orders issued to farmers to plough up the maximum amount of their land was followed by a misguided outcry against all birds. Thanks to the efforts of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, and a few reasonable ornithologists, the agriculturists were persuaded that, after all, the majority of birds do more good than harm. There are, however, several enact- ments made against birds (such as the extension of the period for burning heather, the prolongation of the shooting season for grouse and blackgame, and the ‘Destruction of Pheasants Order ”’) which, it is to be hoped, will shortly be modified or repealed. Reports are not yet to hand as to how birds fared in enemy countries; probably they were no better off than they were in Great Britain. Such items as have evaded the strict German censor- ship, regarding the shortage of food, tell us that rooks were sold and eagerly bought as articles of diet. It is amusing to note that a corre- spondence, carried on in one of our leading daily newspapers, as to the edibility of gannets, gulls, etc., was ingeniously interpreted by the German newspaper-men as showing that England was starving owing to the invincibility of the U-boats. Migration does not appear to have been —— FEBRUARY 20, I919| NATURE 489 affected; doubtless the travelling birds would be | honorary member of the Jewish Historical Society flying too high above the tumult of the battle- fields to notice it and, even if they encountered a “barrage,’’ they could always “rise to the occasion.”’ Before aeroplanes became as common as they did towards the end of the war, birds were considerably excited by them. Gulls and wild- fowl were observed to flee before them in panic- stricken rout, but on one occasion a flock of gulls is reported to have flown inquisitively after a seaplane. Incidentally, it may be noted that some interesting observations were made by our aviators as regards the height at which birds fly when on migration. Perhaps the greatest effect of the war on bird- life in general will prove to be the lack of forests and woods. The abnormal felling of timber which has been carried out during the war must have an effect on arboreal birds for many years to come. The presence of the great spotted woodpecker in new areas in Scotland has already been announced, and is attributed to the fact that former haunts have disappeared under the axe. Owing to the absence of our gamekeepers an undeniable in- crease in “vermin’’ is widely reported. Jays seem to have been particularly numerous and wide- spread lately, and buzzards have been seen in many an unaccustomed place. But the benefits accruing from the lack of gamekeepers are not likely to be enjoyed for long. Enough has been written to show that the subject of “Birds and the War”’ is one which de- mands more than a short article. I have compiled a book, now in the printers’ hands, which deals (I think as fully as is at present possible) with the whole subject. Though I do not claim that my book attains finality, I trust that it may prove of some use to ornithologists, and also be of general interest; in any case, I offer it as a tribute to our friends the birds. Hucu S. GLapsTone. PROF. G. CAREY FOSTER, \F-.R:S. ROF. GEORGE CAREY FOSTER, whose death, on Sunday, February 9, at the age of eighty-three, we announced last week, was born at Sabden, in Lancashire. He received his educa- tion at University College, London, after which he proceeded to the Universities of Ghent, Heidel- berg, and Paris. Carey Foster had held many official positions. He was appointed professor of experimental physics at University College at the age of thirty, his chair ultimately becoming the Quain chair, under the endowment of Sir Richard Quain. For four years, from 1900, he held the office of principal of the college. He was a fellow of the Royal Society, and one of its vice-presi- dents during the periods 1891-93 and 1902-3. He occupied the presidential chair of the Society of Telegraphic Engineers (now the Institution of Elec- trical Engineers), and also of the Physical Society of London. He was a fellow both of the University of London and of University College, and an NO. 2573, VOL. 102 | and of the American Philosophical Society. In the last years advancing age compelled Carey Foster gradually to relinquish his official positions and to retire more and more into his country home. To the younger generation he is therefore known only by name, yet he played a leading part in at least three important movements connected with education in London. , First, in the eighties of last century, efforts began to be made to bring about an achievement of the aims of the original promoters of the founda- tion of the college as a university. Carey Foster (in his own words) looked upon the college not only as an important place of education, but also as an important expression of a most remarkable intellectual movement—‘‘a movement which stood for free inquiry and effort towards improvement, intellectual and social.’’ Education, untrammelled by extraneous considerations, could not be ob- tained in the days when his college was founded. Owing to the vicissitudes which the scheme met with, the teaching and examining functions of the institution had become distinct, the former being vested in the college, while the latter were carried on by the University as a separate body. Carey Foster threw himself, heart and soul, into, if he did not actually lead, the movement for the re-estab- lishment of a teaching University in London, so that its teachers might have freedom in their teach- ing, untrammelled by the examinations of a distinct institution. This movement led to the establish- ment of the present University, which, however, only partly realised the wishes of its first pro- moters. In order still further to realise these aims, the college ultimately (January 1, 1907) allowed itself to be swallowed up in the University in order that it might, if possible, work the neces- sary reforms from inside. Carey Foster identified himself with the movement from first to last. Next, still further to carry out, the idea of emancipation, he was a hearty supporter of the projects for the admission of women to university teaching and privileges. Such a change was in- evitable. It was regarded, in some quarters, as a hazardous step. Its extension within the college and to other colleges and universities in England and abroad is a justification of the pioneer work of the college. The third movement was concerned directly with the teaching of the subject of which Carey Foster was professor. He laid the foundation of the physical laboratory as it exists to-day. When he himself was educated, laboratory work, as we now know it, did not form part of any curriculum. But, about 1866, in two rooms in his college, he created the first physical laboratory, in which students might repeat the standard methods of measurement which were then being rapidly developed—especially on the Continent-—and be taught the conditions for success in such measure- ments. Cabinets of physical apparatus had existed before, but these were intended for the illustration of lectures. The spirit of change was in the air, 490 and physical laboratories sprang up in many direc- tions. At the present day lectures without labora- tory work are a deadly anachronism, even for, or perhaps particularly for, junior men. . As a thinker, Carey Foster was somewhat hesi- tant in forming definitive opinions on philosophical and scientific theories. To this cause, no doubt, is due the comparative fewness of his publications. It did not seem logical to him to derive extensive theories from a few experimental observations. For this reason he postponed publication both in his own case and in that of his students. But a method of measurement was another matter, and his published extensions of Wheatstone’s bridge method of measuring resistances and of the Measurement of mutual inductances are remark- able for their neatness and value. His services on the Electrical Standards Committee of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, and on the Kew Observatory Committee of the Royal Society, prove the direction in which his bent really lay. His publications include an article in Watts’s “ Dictionary of Chemistry,’ and he was joint author of a text-book on electricity and magnetism. In the first edition of the latter he strove to develop the subject on the lines laid down by Maxwell, according to which the elec- trical actions in the ether are all-important; but in later editions he gradually yielded to the pressing claims to recognition of the very large number of new phenomena discovered in the last twenty years, which require a modification of the most extreme of Maxwell’s conclusions. In his writings Carey Foster had the mastery over a lucid and logical prose of a remarkable order. He was much sought after as a sage counsellor, for his kindly method of criticism dis- armed resentment when his counsel was adverse. He lived at peace with all men, his main aim being, as expressed in his last Christmas greeting, “to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.” NOTES.. Tue following announcement is made in the political notes of Tuesday’s Times :—‘‘Sir Watson Cheyne has been appointed chairman of the newly formed House of Commons Medical Committee, which con- sists of Members who possess a medical or surgical degree, or are interested in medical or scientific matters. The Committee will exchange views upon all proposed legislation which has relationship to any medical or allied question. The main object of these deliberations will be the avoidance, so far as possible, of the expression of conflicting medical or scientific views in Parliamentary debate. The Committee will also invite reports from, and hold conferences with, medical and scientific bodies. Major Farquharson is secretary to the Committee, and Sir William Whitla, Lt.-Col. N. Raw, and Capt. Elliott form the execu- tive committee.”” As men of science are not suffi- ciently organised to secure seats for members of their own body in Parliament, they should be glad to know that members of the medical profession are willing to consider scientific as well as medical matters of national interest. We should not like to think, how- NO. 2573, VOL. 102] NATURE [FEBRUARY 20, I919 ever, that scientific men, knowing the needs of the country and the service of progressive knowledge to civilisation, will be content to remain permanently without representation among our legislators. Medi- cine is only one branch of science, but, as things are at present, science is a department of medicine so far as Parliamentary action is concerned. A vicorous attack on the policy of the Board of Agriculture was made in the House of Lords last week by two noble lords, both of whom in the past have had some share in directing the operations of the department. Criticism was directed to a recent circular in which it was announced, inter alia, that what has been known during the war as the “ plough- ing policy’’ would no longer be actively prosecuted, and that efforts should be concentrated on improving the condition of the existing arable land rather than on adding to its area. Lord Ernle had no difficulty in parrying the attack. He pointed out that much of the increase of ploughed land had been secured at the expense of the effective tillage of the existing acreage, and that an increase in food production would be secured at least cost by thoroughly cleaning and con- ditioning the land already under the plough rather than by breaking up new areas of grassland—at best always a speculative operation. The ideal which the President of the Board of Agriculture has set before the farming community is a modest one, merely to raise the general standard of farming to the level of that attained by the best farmers in the adjoining dis- trict. It is not generally recognised how wide is the gap indicated, but instances could be given where the value of land has been quintupled by the application of scientific knowledge without moving adjoining farmers a hair’s-breadth from the ruts of their out- worn practice. A LEADING article in the. Times of February 17 states that the Prime Minister has agreed to receive a deputation on the subject of fisheries administra- tion. It points out that the present position of our sea fisheries is anomalous and unsatisfactory, and that the establishment of a Department of Fisheries would remedy this, giving the fishermen one special department, instead of half a dozen, to deal with; improvement in transport, a better regulation and supervision of the fisheries, and other urgent matters, would then receive attention. In relation to the alternative proposal for a Ministry of Water, the Times remarks that the question of the use of water- power is very remote from that of food supply, nor is it more favourably disposed towards the scheme of State control propounded by the Empire Resources Development Committee. The following reference is made to the need for scientific investigation :—‘* An important branch of the work of the proposed Ministry would be the organisation of scientific research into the habits and movements of fish. Although the study of marine biology and kindred subjects has made great strides in the United Kingdom in the last few years, our scientific equipment is utterly unworthy of the greatest fishing nation in the world. We have been far outstripped by the United States and by Canada, the splendid sea-fish hatcheries of which put us to shame.” With the first two sentences we fully agree, but with regard to the last we may remark that the utility of hatcheries is disputed, and that we have far less reason to feel ashamed when looking at the sea-fish hatcheries of the United States than when considering what we, whose fisheries are as important as those of the rest of Europe, have to set against the marine investigations of the Norwegian Hjort, the Danes Petersen and Johannes Schmidt, and the Dutchmen Redeke and Hoek. | FEBRUARY 20, 1919 | NATURE 4g1 Tue Press of February 15 contained the full text of the scheme for a League of Nations, which had been unanimously accepted the previous day by the representatives of the fourteen Powers assembled at Versailles. This alliance of free States is based on the solid foundation of the confederacy that has defeated the autocratic Empires, and Germany and her satellites will be admitted to it only if and when they give evidence that they are sincerely disposed “to observe their international obligations and con- form to such principles as may be prescribed by the League in regard to naval and military forces and armaments."’ As to the details of the scheme, they are of the nature of a sound working compromise between the projects of those who would have created an immediate super-State like the Holy Alliance of 1815 and the projects of those who would have been content with a restoration of the nineteenth-century Concert of Europe. The new international authority is to have a real control, exercised by means of an assembly of delegates, an executive council, and a permanent secretariat. At the same time its control is so limited in time and sphere that it does not inter- fere much more than existing treaty obligations do with the sovereign independence of the contracting States. It contemplates and makes provision for the employment of force, if necessary, in the vindication of its decisions. It insists on the publicity of treaties, though not of the process of negotiations. It wisely rejects the impracticable project of the creation of international armies and the establishment of inter- national control over backward races, and substitutes the incomparably saner arrangement of mandatory Powers. In sum, the scheme is a hopeful and a workable one. Its preparation and its unanimous acceptance are excellent auguries both for the future work of the Conference and for the peace of the world. A Birt to establish a Ministry of Health and a Board of Health to exercise in England and Wales, and in Scotland, respectively, powers with respect to health and local government, was presented to the House of Commons on February 17 by Dr. Addison and read a first time. The general powers and duties of the Minister of Health will be to take all such steps as may be desirable to secure the effective carrying out and co-ordination of measures conducive to the health of the people, including measures for the pre- vention and cure of diseases, the treatment of physical _and mental defects, the collection and preparation of information and statistics relating thereto, and the training of persons engaged in health services. It is proposed to transfer to the Ministry (1) all the powers and duties of the Local Government Board; (2) all the powers and duties of the Insurance Commissioners and the Welsh Insurance Commissioners; (3) all the powers of the Board of Education with respect to attending to the health of expectant mothers and nursing mothers and of children who have not attained the age of five years and are not in attendance at schools recognised by the Board of Education; (4) all the powers of the Privy Council and of the Lord President of the Council under the Midwives Acts, 1902 and 1918; and (5) such powers of supervising the administration of Part I. of the Children Act, 1908 (which relates to infant life protection), as have heretofore been exercised by the Secretary of State. BritisH war-time propaganda, as directed by various Government departments ranging from the Ministry of Information to the Ministry of Food, ended at the Armistice with a spasmodic suddenness characteristic alike of its origin and of much of its conduct during hostilities. It was about the same time that other NO. 2573, VOL. 102] countries, notably the United States, redoubled. their propagandist work to further the ,activities of peace. An example of the way in which this work is pursued by the United States was furnished by a correspondent of the Times, whose article appearing on February 11 described the “world’s record advertising campaign” organised by the U.S. Government in South America. While the war was still in being a vigorous cam- paign, excelling the efforts of any other belligerent, had made South America fully aware of every phase of the United States war etfort, and as a natural corollary of its plans for industrial construction, inventions, and so on. The information, supplied to newspapers free of charge and without any condition as to acknowledgment of its source, was prepared by practical newspaper men, who were well acquainted with a newspaper’s need for ‘‘ copy’? that is exclusive, interesting, and novel. That was not all. If a news- paper wanted special information on United States industrial matters the representatives of the U.S. Public Information Committee in the large cities of South America were willing to cable for it and supply it. This is the kind of elastic and adaptable machinery which is very much wanted in Great and Greater Britain to enable the public to learn, and, above all, to make the public interested in learning, what is going on in British industries, in industrial science, discovery and invention. The Ministry of Information, joined to the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, might have provided the machinery for some such distribution. At present the Board of Agriculture distributes leaflets and has its Journal, and ihe Board of Trade Journal also pub- lishes for a public of its own. But what is needed is some organisation which, while having as its prin- cipal functions those of informing special publics at home and in the Dominions, should make it its busi- ness to get at the general public through the news- papers. ‘\ RECURRENCE of influenza has set in over the British Isles. In the south of Ireland the renewed outbrealx is said to be of a virulent type, and is particularly severe in parts of Kerry and Cork. The Registrar- General’s return for the week ending February 8 shows a marked increase in the deaths from the epi- demic, the number for the County of London being 100, which is greater than in any of the preceding six weeks. In the ninety-six great towns of England and Wales, including London, the deaths from influenza were 604, which is also greater than in any of the six preceding weeks. The deaths from pneumonia in_ London were 182, and from bronchitis 226, which is more than in any of the preceding nine weeks. For the iast eight weeks the deaths from bronchitis have been more numerous than those from pneumonia; prior to this, pneumonia had the larger number of deaths. A GENERAL Order has been issued by the Local Government Board making malaria, dysentery, trench fever, acute primary pneumonia, enteric fever, relapsing fever, and typhus fever notifiable as epi- demic and infectious diseases under the Public Health Act. The Order, which applies to England and Wales, comes into force on March 1. ‘‘ Dysentery” includes the amoebic and bacillary varieties of the disease, and ‘enteric fever’’ includes typhoid and paratyphoid fevers. In cases of malaria the medical officer may supply the patient with mosquito-netting if necessary, and provide for quinine treatment. A person suffering from dysentery may be required to discontinue any occupation connected with the pre- paration or handling of food or drink for human con- sumption. In cases of trench fever the medical 492 officer may require steps to be taken to obtain the complete destruction of lice on the person and cloth- ing of every occupant of the building. The powers conferred under the new Order should be of consider- able value in the control of the diseases named, some of which are almost new to Britain. Tue death of Mr. Stephen Reynolds at Sidmouth on February 14, in his thirty-eighth year, deprives the country of one whose work for British fisheries will not soon be forgotten. As adviser on inshore fisheries to the Development Commission, and resident inspector of fisheries for the south-western area, Mr. Reynolds’s practical knowledge and sympathetic interest have been of the utmost value in developing the fisheries of Devon and Cornwall, and the gap caused by his death will be difficult to fill. Mr. Reynolds was a B.Sc. of the University of Manchester, and studied at the Ecole des Mines in Paris, but ill-health led him to change his plans for a career, and in 1903 he became associated with the Woolley Brothers, fisher- men, at Sidmouth, with one of whom he worked for several years. He was thus brought into close contact with the problems of English fisheries and fishermen, whose interests he eloquently advocated in many articles and other writings. The movement in favour NATURE of the further development of inshore and longshore | fisheries was initiated by Mr. Reynolds, practically as the result of a remarkable series of articles in the Times of February 7, 10, end 17, 1912. These were followed by the appointment of Mr. Cecil Harmsworth’s committee consisting of members of Parliament, and then by the Departmental Committee on Inshore Fisheries, which reported in April, 1914, and of which Mr. Reynolds was a member. The outbreak of war prevented legislation based on the report, but special activities—those of the Fish Food and Motor Loan Committee—were directed to the increased productivity of the smaller fisheries, and Mr. Reynolds took a prominent part in the practical working out of the | schemes promoted under the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries. He was a most zealous inspector, and knew his district and men as no one else did. Though not a scientific investigator himself, he was still alert to any discoveries, and keen to apply them. He was widely human in his outlook on the fishing industry, thinking far more of the fishermen than of the material side of their occupation. He possessed philosophic insight into the results of modern scientific investigation, and a year or two ago had developed a system which applied to mental evolution Bergson’s élan vital. It is to be regretted that he was unable to publish this work. Lr.-Cot. Sir Marx Sykes, Bart., M.P., whose death occurred in Paris on February 16, in his fortieth year, made a close study of peoples and customs of the East, and was the author of several notable works upon them. His latest volume, ‘‘ The Caliph’s Last Heritage,” published in 1915, is largely concerned with his travels in Asiatic Turkey in 1906-13, and covers a wide field in Syria, Mesopotamia, Kurdistan, Asia Minor, Turkish Armenia, and a journey in Lower Egypt. His personal narratives are full of vigour and reality, often highly and truly picturesque, and constantly enlightening. Among Sir Mark Sykes’s other works are ‘Through Five Turkish Provinces” and ‘‘Dar-ul-Islam: Five Mansions of the House of Othman.”’ He mapped the north-west region of Meso- potamia and the desert south of Jerusalem, and in the course of his travels made road-maps of five thousand miles of road previously unmapped in Asiatic Turkey. His intimate knowledge of Eastern peoples was of great value, and many will regret that the Empire should be deprived in these times of a states- man of his understanding and capacity. 7 os a] NO. 2573, VOL. 102 | [FEBRUARY 20, I9I9 Sir Roper LerupripGr, whose death at the age of seventy-nine is announced, occupied an important position in the Indian educational service, and, on his retirement, in English public life. After a distin- guished career at Oxford he was appointed Govern- ment professor of political economy in the University of Calcutta, became secretary of the Education Com- mission in 1877, and then held the post of Political Agent. Sir Roper Lethbridge was best known in India as Press Commissioner for the supervision of the vernacular Press. He made a particular study of Imperial Preference as it affected India. Onhisreturn to England he became Member of Parliament for North Kensington, and held many public offices, among them president of the Devonshire Association and member of the Exeter Diocesan Board of Education. Sir Roper Lethbridge possessed a wide knowledge of Indian affairs and of English public life. Mr. THomas CiarKson has been elected president of the Institution of Automobile Engineers for the ensuing year. Sir OLiverR Lopce will deliver the Friday evening discourse at the Royal Institution on February 28 at 5-30 p.m. on *‘Ether and Matter.’ Owing to indis- position, Prof. J. A. McClelland will be unable to deliver his discourse on “Nuclei and Tons,” as announced. : Ar the annual meeting of the Malacological Society of London, held on February 14, Mr. G. K. Gude was elected president in succession to Mr. J. R. le B. Tomlin. Mr. Gude has for the past nine years filled the office of hon. secretary of the society. WE learn from Science that the National Geographic Society has presented the Hubbard gold metal to Mr. V. Stefansson, whose explorations during the last five and a half years in the Arctic regions have resulted in the reduction of the unknown polar regions of the western hemisphere by approximately 100,000 square miles. Tue death is announced, in his fortieth year, of Dr. W. Erskine Kellicott, professor of biology at the Col- lege of the City of New York. Dr. Kellicott had previously held for several years a similar chair at Goucher College, Baltimore, and from 1908 to 1917 was director of the Marine Biological Laboratory at Woods Hole, Massachusetts. He had written several books on evolution, embryology, and kindred subjects- WE regret to note that the death of Mr. George Pauling is recorded in Engineering for February 14. Mr. Pauling was the senior partner in the firm of Pauling and Co., Ltd., which constructed the whole of the Rhodesian railways, in addition to many miles of line in other parts of South Africa. From 1894 to 1896 he served as Minister of Mines and Public Works in Rhodesia, and was also a member of the Executive Council. Tue following officers and council of the Royal Astro- nomical Society were elected at the annual general meet- ing on February 14 :—President: Prof. A. Fowler. Vice-Presidents : Sir F. W. Dyson, Astronomer Royal, Dr. J. W. L. Glaisher, Major P. A. MacMahon, and Prof. H. F. Newall. Treasurer: Mr. E. B. Knobel. Secre- taries: Dr. A. C. D. Crommelin and Rev. T. E. R. Phillips. Foreign Secretary: Prof. H. H. Turner. Council: Prof. A. E. Conrady, Dr. J. L. E. Dreyer, Prof. A. S. Eddington, Brig.-Gen. E. H. Hills, Mr. J. H. Jeans, Dr. Harold Jeffreys, Mr. H. S. Jones, Lt.-Col. H. G. Lyons, Mr. E. W. Maunder, Dr. W. H- Maw, Prof. J. W. Nicholson, and Lt.-Col. F. J. M. Stratton. FEBRUARY 20, 1919] Str ArrHur Evans has presented to the British Museum the magnificent collection of ancient British John Evans. This collection, containing more than 1700 pieces, has fong been famous, and by its acquisi- tion the museum collection, already strong, is placed in a position far in advance of any similar assemblage. In addition to the Celtic coins, the gift includes a valuable Gaulish and Iberian series. Sir Arthur Evans, in the letter in which he announces this splendid gift, explains that, ‘as regards the ultimate destination of the ancient British collection, my father, realising the claims that might weigh with me on another side, has left me absolute discretion. I feel, however, that in presenting the collection to your department I am fulfilling his most intimate wishes. It is, moreover, a fitting tribute to his memory that it should be permanently connected with the museum, to the welfare of which, as trustee, he had so long and actively devoted himself.’’ The British Museum is to be congratulated on a splendid acquisition, which will always be associated with the eminent antiquaries by whom it has been preserved. An article entitled ‘‘ The Crucial Question of Patents,” by Sir Robert Hadfield, published in the Engineering Review for December last, directs atten- tion to the defects of our Patent Law and its prac- tice, and, at the same time, makes certain recom- mendations with the object of improving matters. Whilst unanimity in opinions prevails in relation to the desirability of introducing some of the reforms proposed by Sir Robert Hadfield, different views exist as to certain of the other proposals. For instance, many inventors feel that the introduction into this country @f the United States ‘file wrapper’? system, which provides for the arguments of the examiners dealing with applications being open to inspection by the public generally, is likely to prove injurious to their interests, and may give an unfair advantage to capitalists in negotiations for the purchase of patent rights from inventors or their agents. Simi- larly, a great number of inventors do not view with favour any widening in the present functions of the Patent Office, so as to permit it to adjudicate, before making a grant, upon the relative merits of rival claims; yet it is only in this way that effect could satisfactorily be given to the proposal that the de- partment which grants the protection should guar- antee its validity. Again, as regards the proposal made to increase the original term of the patent from fourteen to seventeen years, having in view the fact that inventions are of many kinds, some being simple and requiring little expenditure to place on the market, whilst others are complex and require much time, skill, and capital to develop, the modification in the law likely best to meet the needs of the situation would seem to be that which would facilitate the grant of an extension for varying terms according to the particular merits of the invention and the nature of the difficulties which had been overcome by the inventor, the original term of fourteen years estab- lished by long usage being retained as at present. There is a consensus of opinion that the need for reform in our Patent Law is pressing, and that action in relation thereto should be taken by the Government without delay. ; In the January issue of Man, Mr. J. Reid Moir describes two Late Bronze age urns found near Man- ningtree, in North Essex, and at Ipswich. That re- cently discovered in the latter locality contained fragments identified by Prof. Keith ‘as calcined human bones. Both these specimens were obviously NO. 2573, VOL. 102] NATURE 493 o cinerary urns, They are distinguished by a peculiar | form of decoration, a series of pittings all over the and other Celtic coins made by his father, the late Sir | surface, which seems to be characteristic of the type _ of a similar kind found in Essex. Capr. A. T. H. Nisper gives a description of the conditions found in amputation stumps by means of X-ray examination, removal of which is necessary before an artificial limb can be fitted. These include abscesses, pieces of dead bone, inflamed nerve-ends, inflammation and inflammatory outgrowths of the bone, and adherent scars. For the examination he recom- mends the use of a moderately soft X-ray tube, as it brings out the abnormalities more clearly than other forms of tube (Archives of Radiology and Electro- therapy, No. 222, January, 1919, p. 237). Tue Hunterian oration was delivered on February 14 at the Royal College of Surgeons by Major-Gen. Sir Anthony Bowlby. ‘Surgery in the Field’’ formed the subject of the oration, and it was shown how improved methods had been introduced with con- sequent saving of life. ~Ihus in the earlier stages of the war gas-gangrene was prevalent, but in 1917-18 out of 25,000 patients at the base hospitals only 84 had serious gas-gangrene. Each year of the war had seen better surgical methods, better results, lessened suffering, and the saving of lives and limbs in con- stantly increasing numbers. Symons’s Meteorological Magazine for January is the index number for the preceding year; it com- pletes the fifty-third volume. A short notice is given of the rainfall of 1918. In addition to the usual matter comprised, including the map of the Thames Valley rainfall, there is an article on ‘‘The Congress of Scandinavian Geophysicists in Gothenburg, August 28 to 31, 1918,” by Dr. Hans Pettersson. It is stated that a highly representative congress of about fifty Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish geophysicists met. Prof. Hildebrandsson, of Upsala, was elected presi- dent, and Director Ryden, of Denmark, Prof. Bjerknes, of Norway, and Prof. Nordenskjold, of Sweden, were chosen as vice-presidents, Dr. Hans | Pettersson being general secretary. Amongst the papers read at the general and sectional meetings were “Weather Forecasting,’ by Prof. Bjerknes, describing a new method of short-range prognostics for agricul- tural purposes in West Norway, based on synoptic observations chiefly of the wind, the percentage of the correct forecasts being stated as between 85 and go. There were also papers on “‘ Hydrographical Observa- tions on the West Coast of Greenland,’ on ‘* Some Observations of the Aurora. Borealis,’ and on ““Weather Forecasting for Airmen.’ In all, thirty papers were read. It is intended to call together a second congress in due course. The same issue also contains the conclusion of a series of articles on “Work and Water-power,”’ by Dr. H. R. Mill. The statistics accumulated by the Rainfall Organisation are necessarily of high value in determining requisite factors. Dr. Mill says :—‘‘In this country it may be said, roughly, that the proportion of the natural water-power which it would pay to utilise depends on the price of coal. As the cost of fuel rises, it becomes worth while to draw on sources of water-power which, from remoteness or cost of works, could never pay while coal is cheap.”’ IN connection with a review in Nature of January 9 of Dr. Silberstein’s ‘‘Simplified Method of Tracing Rays through any Optical System,” the author of the book has written to make an offer that should appeal to persons engaged in optical design. The reviewer suggested that there was some doubt as to the prac- 494 NATURE [FEBRUARY 20, 1919 tical utility of the vectorial method of ray tracing, and expressed the desirability of further information on this point. Dr. Silberstein writes :—‘*. . . In order to help the spread and the easy handling of the vector method, in the spirit of Dr. Brodetsky’s closing sen- tence, I shall be glad to do personally all in my power to remove doubts and apparent difficulties. In this respect half an hour’s personal conversation is certain to be more efficient than many hours dedicated to the writing of notes or papers for publication. The former has, moreover, the obvious advantage of being adapt- able to the individual needs of the questioner. In order to meet, in part at least, these needs, I gladly offer myself to give free information on the subject in question to everybody who will care to call personally (not by letter) at 4 Anson Road, Cricklewood, London, N.W.2, where I shall be available for that purpose on every Friday from 5.30 until 7.30 p.m.” We have much pleasure in making public Dr. Silberstein’s offer, and feel that some of our readers will gladly avail themselves of this unique opportunity of being initiated into the practical application of vector methods by a master of the subject. At the same time we suggest that Dr. Silberstein would be doing a service to a wider circle of those interested in optical work if he were to publish one or two detailed computations based on his formule. Tue following works are in the press for publication by the Carnegie Institution of Washington :—‘‘ The Duration of the Several Mitotic Stages in the Root- tip Cells of the Onion,” H. H. Laughlin; ‘Con- tributions to the Genetics of the Drosophila melano- gaster,’ T. H., Morgan, C. B. Bridges, and A. H. Sturtevant; “‘Th2 Genetic and Operative Evidence Relating to Secondary Sexual Characters,’ T. H. Morgan; and ‘Studies of Heredity in Rabbits, Rats, and Mice,’ W. E. Castle. OUR ASTRONOMICAL COLUMN. LUMINOSITIES AND Distances OF CEPHEID VARIABLES. —In continuation of his important studies of stellar clusters, Dr. Harlow Shapley has investigated the luminosities, distances, and distribution of the Cepheid variables (Astrophys. Journ., vol. xlviii., p. 279). Restricting the discussion to variables with definitely determined periods of less than forty days, there are forty-five stars which are of the ‘cluster’? type and ninety-four ordinary Cepheids with periods greater than a day. The absolute magnitudes and parallaxes have been determined by means of the luminosity- period relation, with an average probable error esti- mated at 20 per cent. The cluster-type variables are found to have absolute luminosities a little more than one hundred times the brightness of the sun, while the ordinary Cepheids range from two hundred to ten thousand times that of the sun. Fewer than one-third of the stars have parallaxes greater than a thousandth of a second, and the most distant Cepheids now known are nearly 20,000 light-years from the sun. While the ordinary Cepheids are strongly concentrated towards the galactic plane, the cluster-type variables are in- different to that plane. The wide dispersion of the latter may probably be accounted for by their rela- tively high velocities in space. RapiaL VELOCITIES OF 119 Stars.—A_ preliminary account of the radial velocities of 119 stars, as deter- mined at the Cape Observatory, has been given by Dr. J. Lunt (Astrophys. Journ., vol. xlviii., p. 261). The number of these stars which probably have con- stant velocities is seventy-six, while the remaining forty-three are either known or suspected spectro- scopic binaries. Eighteen of the stars in the first NO. VOL. 102] Q2n49 rey fre} | class were very frequently observed in connection with the spectroscopic determination of the solar parallax, the total number of plates obtained for them being 552. The following are among the results for some of the bright stars, as compared with the values obtained at the Lick Observatory :— Radial velocity Star Cape Lick kun. km, a Arietis ~.. ae wee 153 —14-0 a Tauri + 54-0 +5571 a Can. Min. — 36 — 35 8 Geminorum ane we + 3:2 +> 3:9 a Hydra — 46 — 35 BS VACA IS sce eee —143 — 13:2 a Bootis.... see ace nse? — 39 a Serpentis koe ees oh e2g + 34 A Sagittarii 2 we 43-4 — 43:1 a Aquarii + 68 + 75 Approach to the sun is indicated by a minus and recession by a plus sign. ““ANUARIO DEL OBSERVATORIO DE Maprip.’”’—This useful annual for 1919 contains all the customary astronomical data, including the times of rising and setting of the moon (which might with great advan- tage be inserted in our own Nautical Almanac). There are also several essays; one, by A. Vela, gives a résumé of researches on the temperature of the sun’s photosphere, concluding in favour of 7o00°. C. Puente shows how to find time and latitude from the observed altitudes of two stars; this can be solved graphically by the well-known Sumner method. Dr. F. Iniguez, the director of the observatory, gives an interesting monograph on Nova Aquilz, with photographs of the spectrum from June 9 to September 4, and a light- curve, which appears to show that the period of varia- tion was about twelve days in July, but more than a month in August and September. Very full details are given of the sun-spots and prominences, observed at Madrid in 1917; also the results of observations of solar radiation between 1917 September 1 and 1918 August 31. The remainder of the volume is occupied by the meteorological observations of 1917. / THE CHEMISTRY OF SEAWEEDS. HE scarcity of potash compounds, of iodine, and of foodstuffs caused by the great war has directed increased attention to seaweeds during the past four years, and to the possible extension of the use of these as a source of such materials. For some years before the war the giant seaweeds of the Pacific Coast were the subject of systematic investigation in the United States, especially with a view to their utilisation as a source of potash. After the outbreak of war, when many countries, including the United States and the countries allied against Germany, were cut off from their usual supplies of potash compounds from the German mines, examination began to be made of all sources from which potash might be ob- tained independently of Germany, and seaweeds came in for an increased amount of attention. If we consider the great supplies of seaweed which are available, especially in the case of an insular country like our own, with a long and deeply indented coast-line, it is remarkable how little has been done, either from the purely scientific or from the industrial point of view, for the thorough and systematic exploration of the chemistry of seaweeds. A criticism by Prof. C. Sauvageau,! of Bordeaux, of 1“ Réflexions sur les Analyses Chim‘ques d'Algues Marines.” Revue Générale des Sciences, 29@ Année, No. 19, October, 1918. ' ——— © _and structure and in their habitat. FrBRUARY 20, 1919| | the analytical work which has been carried out to determine the chemical composition of marine alge brings out clearly how incomplete and scrappy is our knowledge of the chemical composition of these plants, and how untrustworthy and unscientific is much of the work which has already beengdone. Prof. Sauvageau reviews what has been done in France, Britain, and the United States dying recent times, and especially during the past thirt§ years,¢in the analysis of seaweeds, and he is specfAlly i on some of his own countrymen for theig ignorance of botanical nomenclature and for the congempt with which they treat natural science, as sho by their failure to learn the rudiments of the I#guage’ of botany before undertaking to deal with # botanical subject. Much of this criticism is just, atd some of the examples given of the use of out-of-date and inexact nomenclature are sufficiently seriots to show that it was necessary. While thus dealin faithfully with his own countrymen, Prof. Sauvagear@recognises that some chemists have taken the trouble{Qo idegtify with sufficient care the .species which~ they, have analysed. Thus he says that “the accuracy with which Stanford names the plants studied inspires more confidence in the reader than the uncouth ap- pellations of Allary.’’ He also recognises that Ameri- can workers like Wheeler and Hartwell have taken care to obtain competent assistance in identifying the species they have examined. At the same time Prof. Sauvageau appears to under- estimate the difficulty in which the careful chemist who wishes to identify and name his species correctly sometimes finds himself. He himself offers a good illustration of this difficulty in his reference to the present writer’s recent work on the composition of five of our commonest seaweeds collected on the coast of Scotland. Two of these belonged to the genus Laminaria, and are similar both in their appearance There is no diffi- culty to one who takes the trouble to make himself familiar with them cither in distinguishing these species, or in recognising from Prof. Sauvageau’s own description that what is called in my _ papers L. digitata is what he calls L. cloustontt, and that what I analysed under the name L. stenophylla he calls L. flexicaulis. But standard works of reference which were consulted were not agreed as to these names, which I used only after reference to a distinguished botanical colleague; and to make as certain as possible that there should be no mistake as to what species were intended, a standard work on seaweeds in accordance with which these names were used was referred to in one of my papers. Nevertheless, Prof. Sauvageau writes:—‘‘His L. stenophylla is probably a mixture of that which Eng- lish botanists call L. digitata (L. flexicaulis) and L. stenophylla, that being a close ally, if not a variety, of L. flexicaulis.’’ He himself does not appear to be clear either as to the nomenclature of English botanists or as to the species which were identified with so much care. He can scarcely expect the chemist to do more than accept the best botanical guidance to be obtained on a point of this kind where, he admits, the practice of botanists is not uniform. Another criticism which Prof. Sauvageau offers of the work of chemists is also valuable, and requires careful attention from the chemist, but again one cannot help thinking he would have been more effec- tive if he had not attempted to press his criticism too far. He points out that if the analyses are to have a scientific, and not merely an industrial, value, not only should species be properly identified, but also samples collected for analysis should be clean and biologically pure, and obtained, if possible, from NO. 2573, VOL. 102] NATURE 495 the actual habitat, with a careful record of the season, the condition of growth, and the state of the plants, whether fertile or sterile. All these are important points which have too often been neglected. The large common seaweeds are frequently garnished with a great variety of other organisms, both animal and vegetable, making it difficult to procure even a reasonably pure sample. In some cases these foreign organisms can be removed, but it is generally difficult to remove them entirely. It also introduces errors, as great in many cases as those which are being avoided, if attempts are made to wash the samples, as compounds which properly belong to them are also removed in the wasn-water. All that one can do is to collect reasonably pure samples and to pick off all the foreign organisms which can be distinguished. In many cases, however, the chemist was not attempting to analyse a pure botanical species, but to determine the composition of the impure substance used for some industrial purpose, such as the drift-weed which is washed up on the beach, and used as manure or for kelp-burning. The value of such analyses is limited by the object in view. Prof. Sauvageau has performed an important service in directing the attention of chemists to the pre-’ cautions which they require to take when they enter on the systematic study of the composition of sea- weeds or of any other species of plant. Our know- ledge of the composition of seaweeds is still quite rudimentary, and very valuable work might be done in this field by chemists with a competent knowledge of the botany of seaweeds, or working in collaboration with botanists who would collect and identify the samples for analysis. The recorded analyses show wide variations in the composition of seaweeds of the same species, and Prof. Sauvageau is inclined, on account of this, to cast doubt on the samples or on the conditions under which they were colNected. In the present state of our knowledge this is scarcely justified. Numerous well-authenticated cases of simi- lar wide variations in composition are found in the case of other plants, even when they appear to be grown under similar conditions in the same locality and are collected at the same stage of growth. James HENpDRICK. ITALIAN CLIMATOLOGY. WO more contributions by Prof. F. Eredia to our knowledge of the climate of Italy have recently appeared, one dealing with the normal mean values of annual rainfall in Italy, and the other with diurnal temperature variation in Sicily. In the first paper, ‘‘Le Medie normali della quantita’ di Pioggia in Italia” (Giornale del Genio Civile, anno lvi., 1918), the mean values for each calendar month are shown for nine well-distributed cities on the basis of the fifty-year period 1866-1915; and it is calculated that the values are correct to within 5 mm. for the rainier winter months and g mm. to 12 mm. for the summer months of smaller rainfall and more irregular dis- tribution. In northern or continental Italy, as exemplified by Milan and Turin, the seasonal variation of rainfall is not prominent, but the wettest periods are early summer and autumn, the highest figures being for May and October. In peninsular Italy the typical Mediterranean feature of wet winters and dry summers is conspicuous, especially in the extreme south. Thus at Palermo the figure for December, the wettest month, is ro8 mm. (4-3 in.), and for July, the driest, only 7 mm. (0-28 in.). The wettest city quoted is Genoa, on the Ligurian coast, where the wettest month, October, has 190 mm. (7-6 in.), and the driest, 496 NATURE [FEBRUARY 20, 1919 July, 47 mm. (1-9 in.); and here also the winter, as a | whole, is considerably rainier than the summer. The other paper, “La Variazione Diurna della | Temperatura a Catania e a Messina” (Bollettino dell’ Accademia Gioenia di Scienze Naturali in Catania, fascicolo xliv., Luglio, 1918), shows that, excepting the months of June, July, and August, which have. practically identical mean temperatures at Messina | and Catania, ranging between 22° and 26° C. (72° to 79° F. circ.), the latter place is distinetly colder. The greatest difference is in January, when the mean for Catania is 9-5° C. (491° F.), and for Messina 11-6° C. (528° F.). The difference is attributed to the fact that for the major portion of the year Mount Etna, being snow-clad, exerts a chilling effect upon the air at Catania, rendered the more marked from the cir- cumstance that the prevailing wind direction is N.W. at both places. Thus the wind at Messina blows straight in from the warm sea surface, but blows down on Catania from the snows of Etna. The mean diurnal range of temperature is greater at Catania in every month of the year except August, the greatest difference occurring in November. In this month the daily range is 5-19 C. at one place and 2-9° C. at the other, or a difference of 21°. The regulating action of the sea is thus more marked at Messina. At both places the diurnal range of tem- perature is small, but, as is very generally the case, greater in summer than in winter. UNIVERSITY AND EDUCATIONAL INTELLIGENCE. CamBripGE.—Lord Moulton, of Christ’s College, honorary fellow of St. John’s College, has been ap- pointed Rede lecturer for the present year. Mr. A. Hopkinson, of Emmanuel College, has been appointed additional demonstrator of human anatomy for five years. Capt. J. T. Saunders, formerly junior fellow of Christ’s College, has been elected to a senior fellow- ship, and Capt. C. G. Darwin, lecturer in mathe- matics at the college, to a junior fellowship. Capt. Saunders is University demonstrator of animal morphology, and Capt. Darwin was bracketed Fourth Wrangler in 1909. Oxrorp.—By the death of the late Provost of Oriel, Dr. C. L. Shadwell, the University has lost a well- known and characteristic figure. Though but slightly in sympathy with many of the movements and aspira- tions of present-day Oxford, Dr. Shadwell gained universal respect by the acutely legal turn of his mind, by his remarkable business ability, and by the devotion with which he threw himself into the public affairs of both University and city. A life-long advocate of education on a wide and general basis, he yet found time and opportunity to become a master in many departments of curious and specialised learning, often surprising his hearers by the sudden display of some i unusual piece of erudition. These dicta were delivered with a characteristic incisiveness, and not without a suggestion of latent and kindly humour. Amongst his accomplishments was a wide and thorough knowledge of botany, which he turned to account as a curator of the botanic garden. For the last four years he had been living in retirement, but his loss will be deeply felt by his own college and by the University at large. On February 18 a decree was introduced by the Warden of Wadham providing for the acceptance by Convocation of an offer by the trustees of the Christopher Welch benefaction to provide 4sol. a year each for five years for a lecturer in clinical physiology and in economic zoology respectively. Mr. H. C. Bazett, fellow of Magdalen College, and Mr. N. NO. 2573, VOL. 102] Cunliffe, Trinity College, Cambridge, were appointed lecturers, these being the first appointments made under the Welch bequest. At the same meeting of Convocation the report for 1918 of the Committee for Rural Economy was pre- sented, recording, amongst other items, that a farm of 355 acres at Sandford-on-Thames had been secured on lease for the purpose of providing facilities for experiments and demonstrations in connection with the work of the School of Agriculture and Forestry. Tue Regional Association—an organisation for the promotion of regional research—is arranging for a vacation meeting at Malvern from April to April 16. All further particulars can be obtained from the hon. secretary, Mr. Geo. Morris, 7 West Road, Saffron Walden. WE learn from the Times that at a meeting of the Edinburgh University Court, on February 18, a letter was read from the Treasury intimating that an ad- vance of 7oool. by way of a grant from the Develop- ment Fund would be made to the University in aid of the endowment of a chair of forestry on the condi- tion already accepted by the University—that the remaining 7oool. required was provided by the Uni- versity from other sources. The Court resolved to institute a chair. Str Ernest Casset-has placed in the hands of trustees a sum of 500,000l. for the following educa- tional purposes :—(1) The promotion of adult educa- tion in connection with the Workers’ Educational Association or any other association or body approved of by the trustees. (2) The establishment of scholar- ships for the encouragement of the education of work- men or their.sons and daughters. (3) The promotion of the higher education of women by the assistance of colleges for women. (4) The promotion of the study of foreign languages. (5) The establishment of a faculty of commerce in the University of London in such terms as may be approved by the trustees. The trustees are Mr. Asquith, Mr. Balfour, Miss Philippa Fawcett, Mr. H. A. L. Fisher, Lord Hal- dane, Sir George Murray, and Mr. Sidney Webb; their secretary is Mr. A. E. Twentyman, 6 Stanhope Gardens, Highgate, N.6. ANNOUNCEMENT is made that the general committee of Lloyd’s Register of Shipping will grant the fol- lowing scholarships for the study of naval architec- ture and marine engineering :—Three scholarships in naval architecture at Glasgow, Durham, and Liver- pool Universities, tenable for three years; three scholarships in marine engineering at the University of Liverpool, tenable for three years; and two scholarships in marine engineering in connection with the Institute of Marine Engineers, tenable for two years. The regulations governing the scholarships have been amended in order that the field of com- petition may be widened. Before 1915 five scholar- ships were competed for each year, and were of a value of 50l.; the committee has resolved to increase this amount to tool., and since no scholarships have been awarded during the past three years, and also that probably there will be a larger number of candi- dates offering themselves than has hitherto been the case, to authorise the grant of more than one scholarship to each institution for the present year, provided the authorities can recommend that such a course can be adopted with advantage. Full par- ticulars of the qualifications and details of the sub- jects of examination can be obtained from the Secre- tary, Institute of Marine Engineers, 85-88 The Minories, Tower Hill, London, E.r. FEBRUARY 20, 1919] NATURE 497 Ix 1914 the Education Committee of the City of Coventry had made all arrangements for erecting a technical institute, which, with equipment, was esti- mated to cost 4o,oool. The war prevented the scheme being carried out, and the expansion of the city during the war has been such that the scheme has had to be entirely rejected as inadequate. The site selected being too small, it was necessary to find another. There is every prospect of a better site being obtained, with the additional advantage that there will be ample provision for extensions when the necessity for these arises. The Education Committee has approached the Cham- ber of Commerce with the view of obtaining assist- ance to make the new technical college worthy of the city. The Chamber of Commerce has treated the pro- posal very sympathetically, and will probably give material help in providing for the cost of the equip- ment; 50,0001. is the sum mentioned. Messrs. Alfred Herbert, Ltd., have given an impetus to the scheme by a very generous gift of 50001. towards the equip- ment, and it is confidently expected that the other firms in Coventry will be relatively as generous. It is gratifying to note that the manufacturers, as a rule, take a keen interest in the technical education of their employees, and the interest shown by the Chamber of Commerce will probably lead to active co-operation between the Education Committee and the manufacturers. It is estimated that the whole scheme will cost between 100,000l. and 120,000l. At a meeting of the Committee for the Furtherance of University Education in South-West England, held at Exeter on January 27, a report was iven of the recent deputation to the, President of the Board of Education to urge the matter. The deputation sought for the approval of the Govern- ment for the scheme of a university for the South- West, which should comprise colleges at Exeter, Plymouth, Newton Abbot, and Camborne, each doing the type of work suitable to its own locality. No fewer than ninety-one publicly elected councils have supported the scheme, and more than 250 Labour organisations are in favour. In reply, Mr. Fisher pointed out that in the university proposed for the South-West it appeared that the several faculties were to be widely separate from one another. Mining would be located at Camborne, agriculture at Newton Abbot, engineer- ing and marine biology, and possibly commerce, at Plymouth, and the humanities and pure science at Exeter. In regard to finance, he felt that it would be difficult to establish a first-rate university of the South-West with the funds which at present seemed likely to be available. The number of university students would depend upon the development of secondary education in the area from which the uni- versity would draw. The 10,000 pupils given as the number in the secondary schools of the area concerned might be expected to yield rather fewer than 7oo uni- versity students, and with some 200 of these probably going to Oxford or Cambridge, there would scarcely be enough left to justify the creation of a South-Western University. He would be very glad to see a really effective university set up in the West of England, but at the present moment, and in view of existing circumstances, he did not think that there was a sufficient promise of students, teachers, or financial support to justify the establishment of a degree- giving body in the two western counties, and that before such a step could be properly taken a good deal of preliminary work had still to be accomplished, not only in the sphere of secondary education, but also in the development of the higher forms of educa- tion at both Exeter and Plymouth. With these views before it, the committee decided to direct the execu- NO. 2573, VOL. 102] tive committee to invite representatives of the govern- ing bodies of University College, Exeter, Seale-Hayne College, and the Cornwall School of Metalliferous Mining, as well as the education authorities of the South-West, to confer with them in regard to the prospects of the further development of such institu- tions. SOCIETIES AND ACADEMIES. Lonpon. Royal Society, February 6.—Sir J. J. Thomson, president, in the chair.—A. Mallock ; Note on the elas- ticity of metals as affected by temperature. The present note is an account of some preliminary ex- periments on the variations with temperature of Young’s modulus for fifteen selected metals. The choice was influenced largely by the ease with which specimens could be procured. No allovs are included. The metals chosen were rhodium, platinum, iron, palladium, nickel, copper, gold, silver, magnesium, aluminium, zinc, lead, cadmium, bismuth, and tin. The procedure was to determine the frequency of the vibrations of a stiff rod carried at its lower end by a small thin plate of the material to be tested, the other end of the plate being clamped to a fixed support. The plate and its support could be immersed in fluid of any desired temperature without wetting the rod or in any way interfering with the mounting. The temperatures employed were those of liquid air, 0° Centigrade, ordinary temperature (1o°-15°), and as near 100° C. as was practicable. The measured fre- quencies of vibration at these temperatures furnished the necesary data for determining the changes in Young’s modulus. The results showed that the more infusible the metal, the less the modulus was affected for a given change of temperature, and this suggested that there might be a real connection between the variation of the modulus (M) and the melting point @, in Absolute temperature. A diagram is given com- paring the experimental results with what they would have been had the relation dM/d@=6, been true. If this relation holds, and 6,, 6, are two temperatures for which the moduli are M,, M., then would M,/M.=6x—6;/6x— 9, and if 6, is Absolute zero and 6,=0° C., then in this Bese Mi /Mi= _ melting point Absolute melting point Centigrade temperatures differing by 270° C. The experimental results show a distinct resemblance to those obtained on this supposition.—W. L. Cowley and H. Levy: Vibration and strength of struts and continuous beams under end thrusts. In a previous communication, “The Critical Loading of Struts and Structures,” the authors investigated the stability of a strut under end thrust and simply supported at a number of inter- mediate points. The method of analysis has been extended in the present paper to include the more general problem of the vibration of such a system when the lateral load is periodic and the supports are assumed in a state of vibration. The flexural rigidity and the end thrust, constant along each bay, are taken for further generality to vary from bay to bay. These conditions correspond closely with those originated in a wing spar of an aeroplane when in flight and influenced by engine-throbbing. A very general form of the equation of three moments is derived, and the conditions for resonance and crippling are expressed in a convenient determinantal form. The general case where the end thrust, the flexural rigidity, and the mass per unit length vary between the sup- ports according to any assumed law is discussed, and the method of solution illustrated in the particular case for any two 498 NATURE [FEBRUARY 20, 1919 TT ee of the crippling of a strut of variable flexural rigidity. The result is expressed in a form extremely convenient for graphical treatment.—A. Dey: A new method for the absolute determination of frequency. (With a prefatory note by C. V. Raman.) Aristotelian Society, February 3.—Prof. T. P. Nunn, hon. treasurer, in the chair.—Prof. H. Wildon Carr : Philosophy as monadology. The monad is a substance conceived as an active subject owning its activities, and not as a substratum of qualities or attributes. Monads are a mental or spiritual order not to be con- fused with physical atoms, which are an external order. In ordinary experience we find it necessary to regard the world from two points of view: (1) as an extended sphere of activity in which space, time, and matter are common to all subjects, and (2) as a_ private universe existing only for, and reflected into, one individual subject. Monads are windowless. This negative attribute is not a defect, but a positive character distinguishing the monadic order from the atomic. Every centre of life or consciousness possesses the unity of a subject of experience, and every change of its state is wholly within itself. No monad by inter- course parts with its substance or deprives another monad of its substance. There are not monads and atoms. When we view existence as a monadic order there are no atoms; when we view it as a system of external relations, atoms, there are no monads. The two orders, though each effacing the other, are not of equal validity. Monads alone are real; atoms are an abstract view of reality for a practical end. Physical Society, January 24.—Prof. C. H. president, in the chair.—S. Skinner: Notes on lubrica- tion. Experiments on the pressure of air in the neighbourhood of a flywheel running in contact with a flat tangential board are described to exhibit the properties of a compressible lubricant. A ‘comparison of the compressibilities and viscosities of the vege- table and mineral oils leads to the conclusion that the special property of “oiliness” is the physical pro- perty of incompressibility. In note ii. Worthington’s experiments on the adhesion of two solids immersed in a stretched liquid are explained as an illustration of the phenomena of lubrication in a stretched liquid. In note iii. the effect of glass beads, etc., in pro- moting the free boiling of air-free water is explained by the occurrence of cavitation behind the moving beads, etc., the steam entering the cavities thus pro- duced and dilating them into large bubbles.—Prof. W. B. Morton: Sir Thomas Wrightson’s theory of hearing. The theory seeks to explain the power pos- sessed by the ear of analysing into its component tones a compound aerial disturbance. It assumes (1) that impulses act on the mechanism of the ear corresponding with the maxima and minima of the compound vibration-curve, and also with the points where the curve crosses the axis; (2) that among the spacings of these impulse-points there is a prepon- derance of intervals which approximate to the periods of the component tones, their lower octaves and their combination tones, and that these spacings determine the sensations of the component tones. The present note is concerned with the second of these assump- tions. Graphs are drawn which exhibit the way in which the distribution of impulse-points varies when relative intensities and phase-relation of the component notes are changed. Difficulties are found in (1) the large number of other spacings presented to the ear, (2) the variations of the spacings with loudness-ratio and phase relation, and (3) the fact that in a single pure tone the spacing is a quarter of the period of the vibration.—Dr. A. Russell: Electrical theorems in connection with parallel cylindrical conductors. Many NO. 2573, VOL. 102] S Lees, Australasian, Antarctic, and sub-Antarctic life. problems in connection with parallel cylindrical con- ductors occur in practical electrical work. The formulz for the capacity between the conductors and for the effective inductance are well known, but the values of the capacity and potential coefficients and of the inductance coefficients have not yet been deter- mined. It is shown that for the case of a cylinder inside a cylindrical tube their values can in all cases be easily computed. When the cylinders are external to one another it is proved that the three capacity coefficients are connected by two very simple relations. Limiting values between which these coefficients must lie are found, and methods of obtaining closely ap- proximate values in special cases are given. Prac- tically identical formula enable us to find the current density and the inductance coefficients with high- frequency currents, both for a cylinder inside a cylin- drical tube and for two parallel cylinders. In the latter case it is shown that when the phase difference between the currents is less than 90°, the mechanical force between the cylinders is repulsive when they are close together and attractive when they are far apart. At a definite distance apart, therefore, the cylinders when carrying high-frequency currents are in stable equilibrium. Since the potential coefficients can always be determined experimentally, it follows that the inductance coefficients for high-frequency currents, which are equal to them, are also found by the same, experiments. Royal Anthropological Institute, January 28.—Sit Hercules Read, president, in the chair.—Sir Hercules Read: Presidential address: War and anthropology. The president dealt with some of the scientific problems that confronted the institute as a con- sequence of the war, and suggested that it would be good for the institute, as well as for the world at large, if such societies were to take up the considera- tion of the physical well-being of the people regarded from every side. He referred first to the research work that had been done by his predecessor, Prof. Keith, in regard to the change in shape of the jaw and face contours of the British race in consequence, to some extent, of improper diet. He insisted upon the great importance of such investiga- tions, and upon the duty that lay upon the Govern- ment to tale measures to prevent degeneration owing to neglect of the obvious measures that would put a stop to such a decline. The institute had done excellent work in the establishment of a Bureau of Anthropometry, a branch of investigation that had been put to practical use in the Army, and no doubt numberless records had accumulated during the last four years. These would be of very great value as a demonstration of the physical condition of the British population, and in particular of the great gain that had resulted to the youths during their period of training—a period generally of very short duration, but of enormous benefit to the recruit. The president strongly advocated the continuance of such training, insisting upon the obvious advantages to the race on the physical side, and holding as strongly to the view that if in the course of training the youth could at the same time attain to the condition of being able to defend himself and his belongings against any aggressor, it would be an added advan- tage. Sir Hercules then dealt briefly with the diffi- culties connected with the Government scheme for the housing of the people, especially in relation to the healthiness of the proposed dwellings. Zoological Society, February 4.—Dr. S. F. Harmer, vice-president, in the chair.—Sir Douglas Mawson : A large series of lantern-slides was exhibited, illustrating the FEBRUARY 20, 1919] NATURE 499 scenery, mammals, and birds of the South Polar zone. | tide in “nests,” i.e. rocls cavities, containing a number The author commented on the urgent need of inter- national measures to preserve the fauna of these regions. ; Mathematical Society, February 13.—Mr. J. E. Campbell, president, in the chair.—Prof. H. S. Carslaw: Diffraction of waves by a wedge of any angle—T. C. Lewis: General pentaspherical co-ordinates. or non-orthogonal MANCHESTER. Literary and Philosophical Society, February 4.— Mr. W. Thomson, president, in the chair.—R. S. Adamson and A. McK. Crabtree: The herbarium of John Dalton. The paper consisted of a short account of the history of the collection and of Dalton’s botanical work. Some of the more important points of botanical interest in the collection were dealt with. Paris. Academy of Sciences, February 3.—M. Léon Guignard in the chair.—M. Pierre Viala was elected a member of the section of rural economy in succession to the late A. Muntz.—A. Angelesco: Two extensions of algebraic continued fractions.—E. Maillet: The gradually varied movement and the propagation of bores.—L. Décombe: Sadi Carnot and the principle of equivalence of heat and work; his calculation of the mechanical equivalent of heat reconstituted with the aid of data taken exclusively from the “ Réflexions sur la puissance motrice du feu.’’ Following Clausius, the reproach has frequently been made against Carnot that he adopted the material theory of heat, but it should not be forgotten that this was done with serious reserves, and this is shown by passages from his memoir. In the manuscript notes of Sadi Carnot, quoted in full, is a series of objections to the material theory of heat, followed by a formal enunciation of the principle of equivalence, in the following terms :— *“From some ideas which I have formed on the theory of heat, the production of one unit of motive power necessitates the destruction of 2:70 units of heat.” This figure of Carnot leads to 370 kg. for the mechanical equivalent, as against the 365 kg. given at least ten years later by Mayer. Carnot also sketched out a programme of experiments practically identical with those carried out fifteen or twenty years later by Joule, Colding, and Hirn.—MM. Gutton and Touly : Non-deadened electric oscillations of. short wave-length. The apparatus, which is described in detail and with a diagram, furnishes waves of less than two metres in length, and the harmonic vibra- tions are extremely small.—G. Claude: A new applica- tion of viscosity. An account of the use of a very viscous liquid in connection with the recoil of artillery. A diagram shows the increased accuracy of shooting obtained by this method of control when compared with the gun in current use.—P. Gaubert: Liquid crystals of agaricic acid.—P.-W. Stuart-Menteath : The tectonic of the Pyrenees.—A. Nodon: Researches on a new method of meteorological prediction. The method is based on the connection between the visible disturbances of the solar surface, electrical and mag- netic disturbances on the earth, and those of the atmo- sphere.—-M. Mirande: The chondriome, the chloro- plasts, and the nucleolar corpuscles of the pratoplasm of Chara.—M. Marage: The timbre of the voice in the partially deaf. Wasuincton, D.C. National Academy of Sciences, November, 1918 (Pro- ceedings, vol. iv., No. 11).—L. B. Arey and W. J. Crozier: The ‘‘homing habits” of the pulmonate mollusc Onchidium. O. floridanum lives during high NO. 2573, VOL. 102] of individuals. The individuals leave the nest in low water to feed, and return simultaneously to it before the tide rises again, giving evidence of homing be- haviour.—W. J. Crozier: (1) Growth and duration of life of Chiton tuberculatus. The growth-curve is obtained on the assumption that the age of a Chiton may be estimated from the growth-lines upon its shell. The mean duration of life is probably a little less than eight years. (2) Growth of Chiton tuber- culatus in different environments. Growth-curves obtained under different conditions are compared.—C. Barus: The interferometry of vibrating systems. The high luminosity of the achromatic interferences and the occurrence of but two sharp fringes make ~it possible to utilise them even in cases when the auxiliary mirrors vibrate. The vibration interfero- meter is quite sensitive, provided the average currents are of the order of several micro-amperes.—Sir Joseph Larmor: The essence of physical relativity. A general discussion of the physics underlying relativity, with particular reference to an article by Leigh Page.—C. Barus: Gravitational attraction in connection with the rectangular interferometer. The rectangular interfero- meter is so sensitive in the measurement of small angles that it may be used for the measurement of the Newtonian constant of gravitational attraction.— W. P. White: The general character of specific heats at high temperatures. The general law covering the behaviour of atomic heats from the lowest tempera- tures up demands that at sufficiently high temperatures all atomic heats at constant volumes should have the value 5-96. A contrary hypothesis has been made, namely, that atomic heats continue to increase with the temperature. The substances here examined give evidence that the atomic heats do increase above the value 5-96.—G. M. Green: Certain projective generalisations of metric theorems, and the curves of Darboux and Segre. The continuation of earlier work by the same author in the Proceedings.—C. Barus: The rectangular interferometer with achromatic dis- placement fringes in connection with the horizontal pendulum. BOOKS RECEIVED. Astrographic Catalogue, 1900-0, Hyderabad Section. December — 16° to From photographs taken and measured at the Nizamiah Observatory, Hydera- bad, under the direction of R. J. Pocock. Vol. ii. Measures of Rectangular Co-ordinates and Diameters —21°. of 61,378 Star-images on Plates with Centres in December —18°. Pp. xlix+218. (Deccan, India: Nizamiah Observatory, 1918.) 16s. net. Annuaire Astronomique et Météorologique pour 1919. Par Camille Flammarion. 55¢ année. Pp. 364. (Paris: Librairie Ernest Flammarion, 1919.) 3-50 francs. Meddelanden Frain Statens Skogsférséksanstalt. Hafte 15. Pp. 288+xxxii. (Stockholm: Aktiebolaget Nordiska Bokhandeln, 1918.) 4.50 Jsronor. Essays and Discourses. By Sir P. Chandra RAy. With a biographical sketch and a_ portrait. Pp. xxxii+349. (Madras: G. A. Nathesan and Co., Igid.) 3 rupees. “Organic Thio-compounds, with Special Reference to Tautomeric Changes and the Formation of Poly- sulphonium "Derivatives. Part i. By Sir P. Chandra Ray. Pp. iii+7o0. (Calcutta: The University, I9IQ.) Traitement des Psychonévroses de Guerre. Par G. Roussy, J. Boisseau, and M. d’Oelsnitz. Pp. 191. (Paris: Masson et Cie, 1918.) 4 francs. Mirrors, Prisms, and Lenses: A Text-book of Geo- metrical Optics. By Prof. J. P. C. Southall. (New York: The Macmillan Co.; London: Macmillan and Co., Ltd., 1918.) 3.25 dollars. Recent Advances in Physical and Inorganic Chemis- try. By Dr. A. W. Stewart. With an introduction by Sir William Ramsay. Third edition. Pp. xv+284. (London: Longmans, Green, and Co., 1919.) 12s. 6d. net. : Recent Discoveries in Inorganic Chemistry. By J. Hart-Smith. Pp. x+91. (Cambridge: At the Uni- versity Press, 1919.) 4s. 6d. net. The Great War Brings it Home. The Natural Re- construction of an Unnatural Existence. By John Hargrave (‘White Fox”). Pp. xvi+367. (London : Constable and Co., Ltd., 1919.) tos. 6d. net. The Voice Beautiful in Speech and Song: A Con- sideration of the Capabilities of the Vocal Cords and their Work in the Art of Tone Production. By Ernest G. White. New and enlarged edition of “Science and Singing.” Pp. viii+3130. (London: J. M. Dent and Sons, Ltd., 1918.) 55. net. The Cultivation of Osiers and Willows. By W. P. Ellmore. Edited, with introduction, by Thomas Okey. Pp. x+96. (London: J. M. Dent and Sons, Ltd., IQIg.) 45. The Theory of Modern Optical Instruments. A Reference Book for Physicists, Manufacturers of Optical Instruments, and for Officers in the Army and Navy. Translated from the German by Dr. A. Gleichen, H. H. Emsley, and W. Swaine. With an Appendix on Rangefinders. Pp. xii+376. (London : H.M.S.O., 1918.) Mikrographie des Holzes der auf Java Vorkom- menden Baumarten, im Auftrage des Kolonial- Ministeriums. Unter leitung von Prof. J. W. Moll. Bearbeitet von Dr. H. H. Janssonius. — Fiinfte Lieferung. Pp. 337-764. (Leiden: E. J. Brill, 1918.) THURSDAY, FrEBRUARY 20. Roya Institution, at 3,.—Prof. H. M. Lefroy: Insect Enemies of our Food Supplies. Rovat Society, at 4.30.—Jean Dufrenoy: Note on the Metabolism of the Glucosides of the Arbutin Group.—S. S. Zilva and BF. M. Wells: Dental Changes in the Teeth of the Guinea-pig produced by a Scorbutic Diet.—W. E. Bullock and W. Cramer: A New Factor in the Mechanism of Bacterial Infection.—Major W. J. Tulloch: The Distribu- tion of the Serological Types of &. te¢an? in Wounds of Men who received Prophylactic Inoculation, and a Study of the Mechanism of Infection in and Immunity from, Tetanus. H INSTITUTION OF MINING AND METALLURGY, at 5.—S. J. Truscott : Slime Treatment on Cornish Frames : Supplements.—Edwin Edser : The Com- parison of Concentration Results, with Special Reference to the Cornish Method of Concentrating Cassiterite.—C. W. Gudgeon: The Giblin Tin Lode of Tasmania.—G. F. J. Preumont : Wolfram Mining in Bolivia. LiInNEAN Society, at 5.—C. E. Salmon : Drawings of British Orchids and Sea Anemones, by Mr. T. A. Stephenson.—R. H. Burne: Specimens of Sound-producing Organs in Invertebrates and Fishes. INSTITUTION OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS, at 6.—G. L. Addenbrooke : Dielectrics in Electric Fields. Cuemicat Society, at 8.—R. G. Fargher and F. L. Pvman: Nitro-, Arylazo-, and Amino-glyoxalines.—J. Knox and M. R. Richards: The Basic Properties of Oxygen in Organic Acids and Phenols; and the Tetravalency of Oxygen.—W. N. Rae: Note on the Action of Chlorine on Tetramethyl Ammonium Todide. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21. GEOLOGICAL Sociery, at 3.—Annual General Meeting. Rovat Instirurion, at-5.30.—A. T. Hare: Clock Escapements. {NsTITUTION OF MecHANICAL ENGINEERS, at 6.—Annual General Meeting. —Resumed Discussions: T. T. Heaton: Electric Welding.—H. Cave: The Development of the Oxy-acetylene Welding and Cutting Industry in the United States.—J. H. Davies : Oxy-acetylene Welding.—F. Hazledine : Oxy-acetylene Welding. SATURDAY, Fesruary 22. Roya INsTITUTION. at 3.—Hon. J. W. Fortescue: The Empire's Share in England’s Wars—Western Europe. MONDAY, Fesrvary 24. Roya Society or Arms, at 4.30.—Prof. J. A. Fleming: Scientific Prob- lems of Electric Wave Telegraphy. 4 Rovat GEOGRAPHICAL Society, at 8.—Lt.-Col. H. S. L. Winterbotham : Geography with the British Armies in France.. 2k42 NO. 2573; VOL. 102] NATURE [FEBRUARY 20, I919 TUESDAY, Fesrvary 25. a ot InstiruTion, at 3.—Capt. G. P. Thomson: The Dynamics of Flying. Roya Society or Arts, at 4.30.—E. J. Duveen: Key Industries and Imperial Resources. F InsTiruTION OF Civit, ENGINEERS, at 5.30.—F. J. Mallett ; The Flow of Water in Pipes and Pressure Tunnels.—A. A. Barnes: Discharge of Large Cast-icon Pipe-lines in Relation to their Age. ILLUMINATING ENGINEERING Sociery, at 8.—A, on Railway Lighting and its Maintenance. WEDNESDAY, Fesruary 26. Roya Society or Arts, at 4.30.—W. L, Hichens: The Wage Problem in Industry. GroLocicat Society, at 5.50.—Lieut. E. H, Pascoe: The Early History of the Indus, Brahmaputra, and Ganges. Royat Aeronautical Society, at 8.—Capt. F. S. Points on Aeroplane Design. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27. Ss INSTITUTION, at 3,—Prof. H. M. Lefroy: How Silk is Grown and ade. RovAac Society, at 4.30.—Frobable Papers: Bon. R. J. Strutt: Scattering of Light by Solid Substances.—Sir James Dobbie and Dr. J. J. Fox: The Constitution of Sulphur Vapour.—Dr. W. G. Duffield, 1. H. Burn- ham, and A. H. Davis: The Pressure upon the Poles of the Electric Are. Cnitp-Stupy Society, at 6.—Dr. P. B. Ballard: The Claim of the Indi- vidual Child. INSTITUTION OF ELECTRICAI. ENGINEERS, at 6.—Dr. S. F. Barclay and Dr. S. P. Smith: The Determination of the Efficiency of the J urbo- alternator. 2 FRIDAY, Fesrvuary 28. PuysicaL Society, at 5.—Philip R. Coursey: Simplified [nducrance Calculations, with Special Reference to Thick Coils. —Dr. Ralph Dunstan : Demonstration of Some Acoustic Experiments in Connection with Whistles and Flutes.—G. A. Brodsky : Demonstration ofa New Polariser. Roya InstTITUTION, at 5.30.—Sir Oliver Lodge: Ether and Matter. SATURDAY, Marcu 1. Roya InstituTIon, at 3.—Hon. J. W. Fortescue: The Empire's Share in’ England’s Wars—Eastern Europe. unnington : Some Notes Barnwell: Some CONTENTS. Mducation inthe :Army,.y 21.) au ace ee Ancient Palestinian Folk-lore. By R.C.T. .. . 483 The Past and Future of Organic Chemistry. By JOB. C.n LOR, OL ee A ee Our Bookshelf ely ful July ur ave a eS Letters to the Editor :— The Supposed ‘‘ Fascination” of Birds by Snakes and the ‘“‘Mobbing” of Snakes by Birds.—Prof. Edward B. Poulton, F.R.S.. 4.9. . 2. 4 «400 The Shortage of Research Workers.—Chas. R. Darling? sae 486 The Indian Rope Trick.—Lt.-Col. G. Huddleston 487 The Use of Helium for Aircraft Purposes, .... Birds andthe War. By Capt. Hugh S. Gladstone. 488 Prof. G.'Carey Foster, F/RiS: 9) 2s cue) es. aeo Notes . DUREY EA RIAA ER Ry ace tio rama Our Astronomical Column :— Luminosities and Distances of Cepheid Variables . . 494 Radial Velocities of 119 Stars Maree «* Anuario del Observatorio de Madrid” ...... The Chemistry of Seaweeds. Ly Prof. James Hendrick <5) 3) cos status iene: =pnek, =e) aks Pees Italian Climatology . Ded ee PROS oo SS University and Educational Intelligence . .. . 496 Societies and Academies’. ........ «++ 497 Books Received HRA. (cio pM RR bo Lic h5 Ru a7 ()) Diary’ of Societies. viii 2. ee ee Editorial and Publishing Offices: MACMILLAN AND CO., Ltp., ST. MARTIN’S STREET, LONDON, W.C.z. ‘ Advertisements and business letters to be addressed to the Publishers. . Editorial Communications to the Editor. Telegraphic Address: Puusis, Lovxpon. Telephone Number: GERRARD 8830. A WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL. OF SCIENCE. “To the solid ground Of Nature trusts the mind which buil ids for aye."—W ORDSWORTH. No. 2574, VOL. 102} THURSDAY, FEBRU ARY, 273 1616 ; [Price NINEPENCE. __ Registered as a Newspaper at the General “Post ‘Office.] ee oe __ [All Rights! Reserved OPTICAL LANTERNS CHEMICALS for Educational, Welfare, Scientific, and oth = . csih ot WATNUMAS” INDORCRNCE Analytical, Technical and Research. = ae APPARATUS eee =O Balances + BENCHES Fume Chambers, etc., for A SNow crystAL Chemical Laboratories Price Lists and Estimates on Application, REYNOLDS & BRANSON, LTD., Contractors to the War Office, Admiralty, and Egyptian Government, &c., NEWTON & CO., » Makers of Optical Projection Apparatus of every description (ESTABLISHED OVEk 200 YEARS), 72 WIGMORE STREET, LONDON, W. 1. 14 COMMERCIAL STREET, LEEDS. DUROGLASS L” || BECKMANN THERMOMETERS 14 CROSS STREET, HATTON GARDEN, E.C. RET With 6 degrees Centigrade divided Borosilicate Resistance Glassware. Beakers. Flasks, Ete. | into OO1° C., are now made Soft Soda Tubing for Lamp Work. throughout at our own works. General Chemical and Scientific Glassware. Special Glass Apparatus Made to Order. NEGRETTI & ZAMBRA DUROGLASS WORKS, WALTHAMSTOW. 8 eee AGENTS: | 5 LEADENHALL ST., E.C.3 BAIRD & TATLOCK (LONDON) LTD. 122 REGENT STREET, W.1 14 CROSS ST., HATTON GARDEN, E.C. 1. ll LONDON. ccil UNEMPLOYED CHEMISTS. In connection with the demobilisation and resettlement of Chemists who have been serving with the Forces, or otherwise engaged in war work, the Institute of Chemistry has issued notices through the Press asking com- panies and firms who wish to employ qualified analytical, research, or works hemists to communicate with the Registrar of the Institute, who will assist in filling vacant posts with suitable men. The notices state that ‘* where appointments at salaries of £300 a year and upwards (with prospects) are offered, a good selection of candidates may be expec ed.” A representative of the Daily Chronicle was told, ‘Ask us to-day for 200 chemists at £300 per annum, and we can provide them to-morrow.” The effect of these widely circulated announcements, coming from a body with the status and authority of the Institute of Chemistry, must be to make £300 the standard maximum salary which employers will offer, and which a fully qualified and trainee chemist can expect to obtain. This sum, equivalent to a pre-war salary of less than £150, is not only a miserably inadequate remuneration for the services rendered by the chemist, but is not even sufficient to enable him to maintain a decent standard of life, much less to incur the expenses which are necessary for him to continue the scientific development on which the future of the nation depends. Besides publicly sanctioning the notorious underpayment of a professional class which has given services of inestimable value to industry, the nation, and humanity, the Institute is undertaking to help employers to perpetuate the deplorable conditions under which our scientific work has hitherto been carried on. In the interests not only of professional men of science, but also of national welfare and progress, the Executive Committee of the National Union of Scientific Workers feels that it 1s necessary to raise the strongest possible protest against the notices quoted above, and requests that the Press will assist in giving this protest a publicity equal to that of the Institute's announcements. ERIC SINKINSON, on behalf of the Executive Committee of the National Union of Scientific Workers. February, 1919. KEBLE COLLEGE, OXFORD. NATURAL SCIENCE SCHOLARSHIP, 1910. An examination will be held in this College on March rz for a SCIENCE SCHOLARSHIP of the annual value of £60, with laboratory fees £20. Subjects: Chemistry 0» Biology, with elementary Physics, and for Biologists elementary Chemistry as well. Intending candidates should apply to Dr. Hatcuerr Jackson, the Science Tutor, for information. UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH. SUMMER SESSION, 1919. FACULTY OF MEDICINE. Applicants for admission to the Classes of the First Year during the Session which opens on April 15, who have not previously matriculated, are requested to send in their names to the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine not later than March 8. L. J. GRANT, Secretary. NORTHAMPTON POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, 280 ST. JOHN STREET, LONDON, E.C.1. TECHNICAL OPTICS DEPARTMENT. Applications are invited for the position of DEMONSTRATOR in the OPTICAL LABORATORIES; whole-time appointment. C: mmencing salary, £180 per annum. For conditions and other information, apply to R. MULLINEUX WALMSLEY, Principal. DUDLEY EDUCATION COMMITTEE. TECHNICAL SCHOOL. Principal—A. Couison, B.A., M.Sc. WANTED at once, SCIENCE LECTURER for Day and Evening Classes. Knowledge of Engineering subjects an advantage. Commencing salary £250 per annum. Further particulars can be obtained from the Princivat. Foruis of application can be obtained from the undersigned, and should be ?eturned not later than Tuesday, March 4. J. M. WYNNE, Director of Education. Education Offices, Dudley THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, LOUGHBOROUGH. Applications are invited for the postof LECTURER in MECHANICAI ENGINEERING, at a commencing salary of 4259 per annum, with increments of £25 per annum up to £300, subject to satisfactory service. Further particulars and forms of application may be obtained from the Principat. These must be returned to the College before March 12. WELLINGTON SCHOOL, SOMERSET. ENGINEERING MASTER required in May next. Practical know- edge in Electricity and Magnetism, and workshop experience in Metal work essential. Apply HEADMASTER, Wellington School, Somerset, vi NATURE 5 [| FEBRUARY 27, 1919 LINEN INDUSTRY RESEARCH ASSOCIATION. Applications are invited for the post of DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH for the Linen Industry Research Association. Candidates should state their scientific and other qualifications, such as administrative, industrial, &c., and furnish the names of three references. The functions of the selected candidate will be to make a survey of the entire field of Research in the Linen Industry from the growing of the flax to the completion of the finishec! product, to draw up a programme of Research, to organise the scheme, and to supervise its carrying out, A salary of not less than £1000 a year is offered. Further particulars and the Prospectus of the Association may be obtained from the SECRETARY, 3 Bedford Street, Belfast. THE SOUTH AFRICAN SCHOOL OF MINES AND TECHNOLOGY, JOHANNESBURG. (UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA.) The Council invites applications for the following positions :— (1) PROFESSOR OF ANATOMY; (2) PROFESSOR OF PHYSIOLOGY. In each case the salary will be £10co per annum, and the appointments will, in the first instance, be on two years’ probation. The Professors will be full-time teachers. £75 wil! be allowed to each Professor for travelling expenses to South Africa, and half salary will be paid from the date of salling until arrival in Johannesburg. The Professors should arrive in Johannesburg about the end of July, 1919, to organise their Departments for starting teaching in March, 1920. It may be possible to do some preliminary work in Anatomy with first-year medical students towards the end of 19109. Applications, in triplicate, stating age, professional qualifications and experience, as well as information regarding publications or researches, should, with copies of three recent testimonials, be sent by March 22 to the undersigned, who will supply further information ifdesired. Before appoint- ment the selected applicants will be required to pass a medical examination. CHALMERS, GUTHRIE & CO., LIMITED, 9 Ipot Lane, Lonpon, E.C. 3. UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD. PROFESSORSHIP OF EXPERIMENTAL PHILOSOPHY is vacant. Subjects: Mechanics, Sound, Light, and Heat. The Professor will have charge of the Clarendon Laboratory. Annual stipend £900. Applications to RecisTRAR, University Registry, | Oxford, by March 3r. UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD. Dr. LEE’S PROFESSORSHIP OF CHEMISTRY is _ vacant. Subjects: Inorganic and Physical Chemistry. Annual stipend £900. Applications to Recistrar, University Registry, Oxford, by March 31 THE ROYAL TECHNICAL COLLEGE, GLASGOW. DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING. Two Assistants wanted. Salary (1) £200 to £300; (2) 4150 to £175. Applications, stating age, training, and experience, with any testimonials and references, should be sent to the PROFESSOR OF ELFCrRicAL ENGINbERING before March 31. BIOCHEMIST, accustomed to microscopical work, wanted for a year (or more) to co-operate in Bee-Disease Investigation, Apply before March 15, with two references or 435° testimonials, to the SEcrETARY of the University, Aberdeen. DEMOBILISED OFFICER, B.Sc., A.R.C.Sce L., seeks evening work, teaching or otherwise, Mathematics, Physics, Mechanics. —B -x 188, c/o Nature Office. LADY CHEMIST, graduate, wanted for Chemical Laboratory.—Apply Cuier Inspector, West Riding Rivers Board, Wakefield, stating present salary. LABORATORY ASSISTANT REQUIRED (Woman) with knowledge of Chemistry, able to take charge of lecture experiments and general laboratory work.—Box 157, c/o NATURE WANTED, a first-class MICROSCOPE for Bacteriological Research work. Stand must be by well known makers and of recent date, with good optical equipment and polarising apparatus.—State full particulars and price'to J. Lomax, Oakenbottom. ‘Yonge, Bolton. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1QIQ. THE PROFESSION OF CHEMISTRY. * f Dining professional status of the medical practi- tioner is clearly established by definite legal enactments ; the public, therefore, has no difficulty in recognising those who alone are entitled to act as saviours of its health. Lawyers are almost equally clearly marked out as a class apart. But in other cases the lines of demarcation are very indefinite. Thus the term “engineer ’”’ is applied skilled manual workman. The term ‘“‘chemist’’ is one of even greater vagueness. It is not only used by those who, in one form or another, are engaged in the practice of chemistry; also, through long usage, it is associated in the public mind with the apothe- cary, druggist or pharmacist, who both dispenses drugs in accordance with medical prescriptions and is the salesman of a considerable variety of proprietary articles. Although pharmacy is an organised, protected calling, the sale of drugs is no longer confined to registered pharmacists but is an open trade, provided always that a qualified | assistant be employed in dispensing. Another class is now coming into existence, viz. the speci- ally qualified body of apothecaries or pharmacists attached -to hospitals throughout the country; these are skilled in the principles of pharmacology and in the use of drugs. It is being recognised that, in the interests of this latter body, as well as in those of pharmaco- logy generally, a clear distinction should now be made between the honourable calling of pharmacy and that of the chemist proper; in fact, that it would be generally advantageous to dissociate the term “chemist ’’ from the .term “pharmacist,” especially as the three distinctive titles of apothe- cary, druggist and pharmacist are all at ‘ the disposal of those engaged in the calling of pharmacy. But, even were this distinction made, the term “chemist ’’ would still cover far too wide a range to admit of any simple definition, beyond that of a person more or less acquainted with the principles of the science and more or less skilled in their application—ranging from the professor, in close contact with progres- sive knowledge, to those employed in works laboratories in carrying out some routine testing operation, such as the determination of carbon in steel, the one being a man who is a highly skilled observer and worker and has learnt to think NO. 2574, VOL. 102] NAMBRE (aw Wy, broadly, the other merely a‘ afiémnan skilled in the exercise of certain operations: ae \Vith rare exceptions, the line of demarcation, in future, must depend upon the training received. The profession should include all those who occupy certain recognised academic positions, togéther with those whose course of training has been of sufficient breadth and depth to justify their admis- sion into the Institute of Chemistry, which is clearly marked out as the main avenue of approach. Now that the Institute is recognising ; Z | the evils of our examination system and j - equally to the members of the engineering pro- | | - sghages ” fession—whose standi i blish } : : et aeens Pee establis ed, througa’ duce satisfactory proof that they have passed their connection with certain recognised institu- | Z tions—and to the craftsman who is simply a/| pared to grant membership to those who can pro- creditably through the necessary course of train- ing, so that it no longer seeks to interfere with the freedom of the schools, those who have the ability and aspire to be reckoned members of the profession should have no difficulty in securing entry. No one will gain—least of all the pro- fession of cheniistry—from the recognition of any other than a high qualification. But, as, uncon- ventional, if not irregular, methods of study may sometimes be attended with better results than regular, it will be desirable to keep an avenue open to those who prove themselves to be com- petent, should they desire to receive official recognition. The recent establishment of a Federal Council for Pure and Applied Chemistry, to advance, safe- guard and voice the interests of chemical science, marks a step forward of great importance to the Chemical Profession. It is taken advisedly, with the object of focussing opinion and of bringing about an affiliation of interests. At present the council consists of delegates appointed by the Chemical Society, the Society of Chemical In- ‘dustry, the Association of British Chemical Manu- facturers, the Institute of Chemistry, the Society of Public Analysts, the Faraday Society, the Bio- chemical Society, the Iron and Steel Institute, the Institute of Brewing, the Society of Dyers and Colourists, the Society of Glass Technology and the Ceramic Society. In all these chemistry is of primary importance, though not in every case the dominant interest. The chairman is Sir William Pope, president of the Chemical Society and professor of chem- istry in the University of Cambridge; and Prof. H. E. Armstrong is the hon. secretary. One of the first cares of the new council will be to promote the formation of an association or guild of the societies specially engaged in further- ing the interests of chemical science and to pro- vide adequate quarters for the conjoint labours of the’ various sections. A complete library for the D=D 502 common use of chemists will be one of the chief features of this scheme. The step was one that was urgently called for to give dignity to the pro- fession of chemistry and to secure for it the recognition it may justly claim from the public; it was also essential if the work of British chemists was to be carried on at the high level at which it must be maintained to meet our Imperial needs. If we are not mistaken, the position of British chemical science is now reassuring. Gradually, during the war, the nation has been made aware that chemists have played an all-important part, both offensive and defensive; people are also more or less alive to the fact that industries in which the chemist is the leading spirit have been greatly developed. As a consequence, the popular feeling that English chemists were inferior to German has disappeared. It is certain, moreover, that the view put forward, notably by Prof. Carl Duis- berg—the leading mind of the great Bayer firm— at the Perkin celebration in London, that his countrymen inherit peculiar aptitudes which must give them supremacy as chemical manufacturers, has no longer a shadow of foundation. It is now proved that English chemists are as capable as any others; that, in fact, our fault in the past has merely been that we have not given the chemist his opportunity. Yet, although academic and industrial interests have been brought into effective co-operation, with mutual good results, it is none the less clear that the approach made to an appreciation of the value of scientific method in- industry and in the public service is by no means so close that the future is assured. “Science ’’ is practically voiceless in the House of Commons; our State Departments © still show too little tendency to move with the times and to gtve heed to expert advice, though there are signs of change even in this particular: a great work is still to be accomplished, therefore, by the schools, to develop a more sympathetic and intelligent attitude in the governing class of the near future. CONIFEROUS TREES. Coniferous Trees for Profit'and Ornament. Being a Concise Description of each Species and Variety, with the most recently approved Nomenclature, List of Synonyms, and Best Methods of Cultivation. By A. D. Webster. Pp. xx+298. (London: Constable and Co., Ltd., 1918.) Price 21s. net. ONIFERS are extensively cultivated in this country for the production of timber, for shelter, and for ornament. The number of species employed for these purposes is very great, and NO. 2574, VOL. 102] NATURE [FEBRUARY 27, 1919 their discrimination is often a difficult matter, especially in the young state before they begin to bear cones. Closely related varieties or species may differ widely in value. This is well seen in the Douglas fir, the Pacific coast form of which is perhaps the most valuable conifer that has been introduced, owing to the excellent quality of its timber, of which an enormous volume per acre can be produced in suitable soils and situa- tions in a short period of years. The Rocky Mountain form of this tree, which differs only slightly in appearance, is practically useless in this country. Few books point out clearly the distinctive characters by which species can be identified, and there is great need for a small, handy volume which will supply concise botanical descriptions with adequate keys, and an accurate account of the natural history and uses of the conifers that can be cultivated in the open air in this country. The present ‘work, while handy in _ form, is disappointing on account of its lack of botanical details, there being no clue to the identification of the species, but scattered remarks of an indefinite kind. The descriptive part of about 200 pages is arranged alphabetically, ’ and much attention is paid to varieties and sports which are of minor interest. Some rare species are described at length, of which living specimens are unknown in this country; for ex- ample, Torreya taxifolia, Pinus clausa, etc., while more important species, of which there are living examples in Kew Gardens, are omitted, as Larix sibirica and L. kurilensis, Pinus armandi and P. leucodermis. It is doubtful if the author has ever examined the beautiful example of Brewer’s spruce, near the pagoda at Kew, judging from his remark that “this species has leaves which resemble those of the Norway spruce.”’ The book concludes with several short chapters, dealing mainly with the cultivation, propagation, uses, variations, and diseases of conifers. For economic planting, Mr. Webster gives notes on the species commonly used for this purpose, but includes the Nootka cypress and the Atlas and Lebanon cedars, which are rarely planted for timber in this country, while he omits the Japanese larch and Abies grandis, which are of consider- able merit in some situations. Mr. Webster has a high opinion of the Corsican pine for timber production, and instances a plantation of thirty- two years’ growth in which this tree has attained 65 ft. in height. The chapter on diseases and attacks by insects, birds, squirrels, etc., is “popular,’’ and has some curious errors of nomen- clature. The insect with a woolly covering which lives on the bark of the Weymouth pine is not a species of Coccus, being Chermes corticalis. The woolly aphis on the larch is Chermes laricis, and not Bostrichus laricis, which is the name of a bark beetle. The usefulness of this book for students and practical men is impaired by such errors, which are calculated to throw doubt on the general accuracy of the descriptive matter, which, nevertheless, is readable, and contains much interesting information. FEBRUARY 27, 1919] BIOLOGISMS EXPOSED. From Darwinism to Kaiserism. Being a Review of the Origin, Effects, and Collapse of Ger- many’s Attempt at JWorld-Domination by Methods of Barbarism. By Dr. Robert Munro. Pp. xx+175. (Glasgow: James Maclehose and Sons, 1919.) Price 4s. net. a MUNRO is a whole-hearted selectionist, but a great part of his vigorous book is devoted to exposing the fallacy, not confined to Germany, that might is right, a fallacy which finds its theoretical foundation in a misunderstand- ing of Darwinism. Natural selection has worked so well, they say, in the evolution of animate Nature that we cannot do better than continue it in the kingdom of man; but, as the author reminds us, it has to be recognised that natural selection has resulted in efficient parasites, as well as in efficient Primates. It is preposterous to assume that the conditions of modern warfare represent a logical continuance of the struggle for existence as observed in wild Nature, for the sifting processes of the terrible four years that the world has wrestled through are in a different category, as Dr. Chalmers Mitchell has well shown, and have worked in great part in the wrong direction—dysgenically, not eugenically. Man cannot, indeed, hope to keep his foot- hold, still less make progress, without sifting, but Dr. Munro shrewdly lays bare the folly of thinking that man is shut up to Nature’s methods. He must assist, improve on, or even counteract them; and civilisation has in” great part consisted, as Sir Ray Lankester and others have made clear, in throwing off the yoke of natural selection. More positively, man must substitute rational, social selection for natural selection. Since Huxley’s famous essay, many antitheses have been drawn between natural selection and the sifting methods which experi- ence indicates as spelling progress for man, but there has been a tendency to conceive of Nature’s tactics too crudely and without Darwin’s subtlety. For Darwin quite clearly recognised that en- deavours after the well-being of the family are included in the struggle for existence, as well as internecine competition around the platter of sub- sistence. : Dr. Munro has done a useful piece of work in once again nailing to the counter the false coin of pseudo-Darwinism, and in trenchantly exposing the shallowness of would-be “scientific ’’ bio- logisms. Man is to make progress not only along the lines of the common gréund which he shares with other mammals, but also along the lines of his distinctive peculiarities which make him ‘a man for a’ that.’’ We have not been able to do more than allude to one of the main ideas of an arresting volume, which many will heartily welcome, though they cannot agree with it all. Thus we regret to see the confident statement that “acquired peculiarities during " lifetime become sometimes permanent.’’ What proof is there ? NO. 2574, VOL. 102] NATURE ; 593 OUR BOOKSHELF. A School Chemistry Method. Being the Teacher’s Supplement to Chemistry Notes and Papers. Parts 1., li., and iii. By G. N. Pingriff. Pp. xii+8o0. (London: ‘“Geographia,’’ Ltd., n.d.) Price 1s. gd. net. Chemistry Notes and Papers for School Use. (Notes and Question Papers to Supplement the Pupil’s Own Laboratory Notes.) In three parts. By G. N. Pingriff. (London: “Geographia,”’ Ltd., n.d.) Price 2s. 3d. net each. In ‘A School Chemistry Method’’ an attempt is made to overcome the well-known difficulty of preaching from another man’s notes by the issue of a companion booklet explaining the author’s method. This part of the work will be found useful, though the first chapter, on “The Aims of Science Teaching,’ is either not necessary, since the book is intended only for teachers of chemistry, or, alternately, must be considered to be by implication a rather severe indictment of that part of the teaching profession. The re- mainder of the book explains the manner in which the author intends ‘Chemistry Notes and Papers ’’ to be used. It must, however, be noted that there are also a detailed syllabus of the course, a list of essay subjects, well graduated and not too difficult, a key to the exercises—both practical and numerical—and a short selection of books suitable for the science library. The “Chemistry Notes ” are made up in twenty- four loose sections, perforated, and fastened to- gether temporarily. The pupil is supposed to make his own text-book from the results of his practical work, and at intervals a section of the notes is to be inserted in this book following some practical work leading up to the subject- matter of the section. The notes are brief, but interesting, and they cover a wide range of topics. LEDPITERS *TO THE EDITOR. [The Editor does not hold himself responsible for opinions ecpressed by his correspondents. Neither can he undertake to return, or to correspond with the writers of, rejected manuscripts intended for this or any other part of Nature. No notice is taken of anonymous communications. | The Neglect of Biological Subjects in Education. Tue two recent letters in Nature (January 23 and February 6) under the above title expose a defect in our science teaching which has been plain to me for some years. Hitherto I have refrained from referring to this publicly owing to my lack of authority in educational matters, but I now feel emboldened not only to acknowledge my hearty agreement with the views expressed in these two letters, but also to venture upon a few remarks of a critical nature on a concrete case of science teaching, viz. that of the University of Cambridge. When I took the Natural Sciences Tripos the student had a free choice of sub- jects (and I faney the same still holds), selecting usually three or four; none were compulsory. Thus a candidate could graduate in high honours in natural science and yet be totally ignorant of biology. The converse could also occur—for example, by taking 504 zoology, botany, and physiology, the physical sciences could be shirked altogether. The latter course was, perhaps, rarely pursued, but the former, | imagine, must have been commonly followed. It is gratifying to find that at last natural science is to receive a much overdue recognition in the Cambridge Previous Examination, and, though the exact details are not yet to hand, one fervently hopes that both branches, the physico-chemical and the biological, will be included and made obligatory for all students. It appeared to me in the past that-the Cambridge medical student who took the Tripos along with his M.B. examinations received (in theory, at any rate) the broadest education in science that the University had to offer; for in his first M.B. he was obliged to take both physics and chemistry as well as biology. It thus struck me that some such examination should have been made universal for all honours candidates in natural science. Now that. science is to be intro- duced into the “ Little-go,”’ the necessity for such an intermediate examination may be less urgent, though one doubts if the need is entirely removed. A further test to ensure a grounding in, not a mere smattering of, all the principal sciences would seem desirable. Then the actual degree examination could have a more restricted range, and at the same time be of a more advanced character than it is presumably at present. Part II. of this Tripos could then be more circumscribed as to its subject-matter, and might with advantage consist partly of a training in research. Surely, for instance, the whole domain of either physics or chemistry is too vast a field for anyone adequately to explore and master with profit for a single examination. Little change, I surmise, beyond the abolition of that irritating second subject in Part II., has taken place in the Natural Sciences Tripos since the early ‘nineties, when I was closely familiar with it. If a radical reconstruction be not feasible, may I plead for a greater selection of subjects for Part Il. bythe introduction of border-line ones? By way of illustra- tion, let me refer to one of these—biochemistry. Have not the watertight-compartment system and_ the lack of breadth in the elementary training arising from the option of subjects acted adversely on the output of biochemical research (at any rate, as applied to plants) by the Cambridge school? For instance, the newly fledged botanist who may desire to research in plant physiology from the chemical side is often hampered at the start from. his lack of knowledge of, and want of practice in, organic chemistry. The chemist, on the other hand, through being allowed to ignore biology in his training, may not only feel himself unfitted to tackle biochemical problems, but may even be unmoved by them; and yet from his fami- liarity with organic chemistry he may be quite com- petent to attack them from this side. The introduction of a subject in Part II. embracing, say, organic chemistry and the physiology of animals or plants (or both, if not too extensive) would tend to produce men thoroughly equipped to undertake biochemical re- search. Surely here the harvest is great. but the labourers still are few. JouN PARKIN. The Gill, Brayton, Cumberland, February §. Arthur Eckley Lechmere and Science at Ruhleben. Tue sad news of the premature death on February 14 of Dr. A. E. Lechmere prompts me to write a few words on what this distinguished and promising biologist was to us at Ruhleben. Tt was the writer’s privilege to collaborate with Dr. Lechmer and others in the building up of that little oasis in Ruhleben, the natural science laboratories. Unique an institution—science laboratories NO. 2574, VOL. 102| as in NATURE 27; [FEBRUARY 1919 an internment camp—unique also in their aboriginal primitiveness—the hay-loft, and later the horse-boxes, of the oldest and most ramshackle stable in the camp they became in course of time quite well equipped, and the scene, not only of steady and systematic teaching and study, but even of research. " The history of the science laboratories at Ruhleben is the history of a development in the face of powerful internal and external opposition, and may be said to have reached its climax on the occasion of the Natural Sciences. Exhibition in September, 1915, when the laboratories of Ruhleben were thrown open to the “ general public’ of the camp and proved themselves the greatest popular attraction that the camp had experienced, receiving in due course the patronage also of the commanding officer and his staff. Of all, those who worked assiduously for the cause of science in. Ruhleben, Dr. Lechmere was alike the most distinguished and the most enthusiastic. A: keen worker anda true lover of science, he was at the same time a man of extraordinary versatility. He was qualified as an electrical engineer, and at Ruhleben, besides inaugurating and leading the biological department, he devoted considerable time and thought to artistic bookbinding and to the de- signing and finishing of dresses and decorations for the: Ruhleben stage. During his four years at Ruhleben Dr. Lechmere gave numerous popular lectures to large audiences * on biological subjects of general interest, such as evolution, parasitic diseases, inoculation (at the time of the smallpox scare), “Some Monkeys and Man,” etc., generally illustrated with lantern-slides, most of which were made. by himself at Ruhleben. In the biology laboratory itself he was always at work, and found in the small pond situated in the middle of the playing-field a plentiful reservoir for, in par- ticular, microzoological study. The writer speaks as a layman on the subject of biology, but he can safely assert that the biology laboratory, with its first-class microtome, its stoele of fine microscopes, its excellent electrically regulated thermostats, was an achievement that the camp could be proud of, and Dr. Lechmere himself loved the place and practically lived in it. As the laboratory accommodation and the facilities grew, the contact between the various branches of natural science became more close, geology, chemistry, and physics all having a large number of students. Thus laboratory work could be found in all branches for students of natural science, and we may say that nothing could have been more harmonious than the co-operation of all the science departments of Ruhleber Camp School. - Space here does not admit of a description of the exhibition; may it suffice to say that one could occupy: several hours profitably in passing through and ob- serving the various exhibits and the experiments being carried out; it was noted that its effect was to stimu- late energetically the interest of the general public in natural science. To this achievement, of the sciences in Ruhleben Dr. Lechmere contributed the largest share, and con tributed it with that extraordinary grace and with that infinite kindness which were his. He was often in in bad health. The severe winters almost un- heated barracks told on him. But he stuck to his: task under the most trying conditions. To his colleagues and friends at Ruhleben, to the students who profited by his wonderful teaching and lecturing, many of whom are now pursuing their studies at our universities—to all these his untimels death, coming so Soon after his return to England. J... We3B: is deeply tragic. , 1919] - aay A FEBRUARY NA SEA AGGRESSION.} “HE appearance of a second edition of Prof. Matthews’s book on ‘Coast Erosion and Protection ’’ is testimony to the value of the publication, and, at the same time, to the concern years over which has been aroused of late the Photo) {Fic. 1.—General view of Holderness Coast, showinz erosion. From ‘ eontinued inroads of the sea on the shores of this country, and the,much debated responsibility of the State the preservation of its coastline. The erosion of the littoral, and particularly that part which fringes the and southern counties of at Britain, been evident process for centuries, but it is only re- for eastern Gre has an Coast Erosion and Protection. 05 On TURE of 7 miles, of which 34 miles have probably been wasted since the date .of the Roman invasion), Prof. Matthews had unique opportunities of study- ing the subject, particularly as it fell to ‘his lot to carry out protective works to secure the township from further encroachments. The measures which he adopted, and the designs which he prepared= and executed for the walls on the sea-front, are fully described, and the details will be extremely valuable for reference by those who have similar problems to face. The volume, however, is more than a merely local survey; useful particulars are given of work carried out at other coast towns Hartlepool, Folkestone, and Hastings, for instance — and there is some description of protection works on the coast of Holland. Groynes are illis- trated, as well as sea-walls, and there is an interesting in- vestigation, with a description of experiments carried out by the author on _ small-scale models, into the effect of pro- jections in the coastline on the travel of sand and shingle. The book is profusely illustrated; in less than 200 pages of printed matter there are as many figures, including thirty photographic plates. Some very effective snapshots of storm | Waves are included among them, of which Fig. 2 j It enables some idea to be formed | | | (Spurr, Bridlington as 100 is an example. cently that its cumulative effects have be- He an extent, indeed, i feeling of consternation on eome realised, to such as to excite the part of those whose property is threat- ened with obliteration. In 1906 a Royal Commission was appointed to investigate the situation and to advise as to the best means of preventing further depredations. Its recommendations were embodied in a final report To put the matter briefly, it repudiated the contention of national liability, approved the establishment of a central authority for the care and administration of the coast- line, and the conferment of powers upon the Board of Trade to pre- vent the unauthorised depletion of shingle beaches. issued in IgQIt. but suggested As engineer to the Municipality of y Bri li r he Holde = ots. Fic .—Storm ave at Hastings, October I, 1911. From Coast Erosio: id ridington, on the olderness coast Protection. of Yorkshire, where erosion has_ been perhaps more marked than in any other part of the tremendous force of wave impact; sufficient of the British Isles (between Flamborough | to try the stability of carefully constructed walls of Head and Spurn Head there is a_ recession | solid masonry, the effect on unprotected cliffs: of chalk and clay can readily be imagined. _) ‘Coast Erosion and Protection.” By Prof. Ernest R. Matthews The arrangement of the book, embodying as it Second .edition, enlarged. Pp. xvi+195. .(London: Charles Griffin and . E 5 y 2 =e Co., Ltd., 1918.) Price 125. 6d. net does a series of articles contributed at different NO. 2574, VOL. 102] 506 NATURE [FEBRUARY 27, I919 times to engineering journals and to the proceed- | are essential in modern warfare or necessary for ings of technical societies, is possibly susceptible of some slight improvement in co-ordination, which will no doubt receive consideration in future editions, and so bring it up to the admirable standard of the subject-matter. A chapter is devoted to a consideration of the action of sea-water on cement, in which the author details the results of certain experiments which he carried out. The conclusion which he arrives at in regard to the use of salt water for mixing is scarcely one which will be endorsed by all engineers who have had experience in maritime works. When concrete is deposited, as is often the case, beneath the surface of the sea, in a viscous condition, it is a matter of indifference whether it has been mixed with fresh water or with salt—the salinity of its environment is bound to permeate it before it has time to set. This consideration applies equally to mass ‘work deposited at low water in tidal situations. BrySSON CUNNINGHAM. SOME DEVELOPMENTS IN BRITISH INDUSTRY DURING THE WAR. {3 too soon to attempt to gauge the full effect of the great war upon the is, of course, development of the world’s industries, or to seek to determine how it will ultimately affect the rela- tive position of the belligerent nations as trading communities or their respective influence upon international commerce. But there can scarcely be a doubt that with the defeat of the Central Powers, and the consequent upheaval in their social and political status, the centre of gravity, as it were, of the whole system of the world’s trade has been profoundly, and, indeed, funda- mentally, changed. During the last four or five decades Germany had achieved an astonishing expansion in industrial progress. In certain branches of manufacture, especially in those directly dependent upon the © application of science, she was rapidly becoming supreme among the nations, and could, in many cases, impose her own terms upon those who desired to purchase her products. The war has served to bring home to us, as nothing else could have done, the ramifications of the subtle and insidious conspiracy by which her Government and her leaders of finance, commerce, and industry sought to make that supremacy com- prehensive and complete, assured and unassail- able. As regards the technical applications of science, blinded by her unquestioned successes in assimilating and turning to practical account the discoveries of more creative nations, she had lulled herself into the belief that she had nothing to fear from any of her trade competitors, certainly not from this country, from whom she had appro- priated and steadily exploited certain “key ” indus- tries Furthermore, she had persistently, b» methods fair and foul, sought through the course of years to obtain control of the principal sources of important raw materials, especially of such as NO. 2574, VOL. 102] | contemplated. the welfare of her people in such a war as she that this control should work to the disadvantage of this country in case we should be drawn into the struggle. This latter fact might be illustrated | by a hundred examples culled practically from every oversea Dominion. It was only on the out- break of war, and on our inevitable participation in it, that the meaning and true intention of this. crafty and treacherous combination were fully realised. When, therefore, we were driven to draw the sword in compliance with our treaty obligations, we were suddenly face to face with the peril in which we stood from a too trustful confidence in the integrity of a nation the highest ethical and political ideals of which are now seen to have been based upon the precepts and practices of a dynasty which, in raising it to power with a ruthless disregard of every moral consideration, at length over- reached itself, and involved itself in ruin and its people in disaster. How we grappled with this peril and overcame it has been the wonder and admiration of the civilised world, and willever remain one of the proudest episodes in our national history. Nothing in our existence more strikingly exemplifies the innate qualities and genius of our race. for years past it was the confident belief of the intellectuals of Germany that we were a decadent people, that we had lost our old-time virility and were enervated by wealth and material success. To those who only superficially knew us, and were, moreover, biassed by a_ pre- disposition to exalt themselves and to regard more the motes in other people’s eyes than the beam in their own, there might appear some ground for this belief. We were too much concerned in minding our own business and in seeking to solve our own social problems to pay the heed that the sequel showed we ought to have done to the Machiavellism of our cunning and deceitful foe. But the shock of war brought a rude awakening, at first to us, and ultimately to our enemies. We, like them, have been tried as in a furnace, and we at least have come triumphantly through the ordeal, welded, strengthened, and ennobled, with purer ideals and a larger and richer conception of our place and destiny in the world. The beaten and disillusioned foe will, we may hope, be no less bettered by the fiery trial; bruised with adversity, her pride fallen with her fortune, and_ her “Sswashing and martial outside” a _ hateful memory, let us trust that she will throw down her false gods. In that case, what we learned to know and to respect in the Germany of old will not be wholly destroyed; we may hope it is too ingrained in the national character not to reassert itself, and that it will bring her once more within the comity of nations. The true story of this most momentous episode will tax the insight and imagination of successive historians for centuries to come, for the world has never witnessed the like of it, and will, we trust, She had studiously contrived also | a, ‘by Mr. Kellaway, has been as “a star-shell illu- FEBRUARY 27, 1919] . never see its repetition. Civilisation has at length risen, as never before, to the conception that such a method of settling national aspirations or international disputes is an affront to the common sense of humanity, and’ that it ought not to pass the wit of man to devise some more rational means of composing them. What the method is to be is the great problem, for a solution of which the whole world waits with anxious expectation. In analysing the conditions and circumstances which have determined the issue of this great struggle the historian must necessarily have regard to the genius, mentality, and characteristic attributes of the contending nations, for, in the long run, they ave the main factors which tell for success. In this age of printing and of meticulous care in the preservation of public docu- ments he will not be gravelled for lack of matter. We have already almost countless memorials and mémoires pour servir. Among them we may cite a stimulating paper by Mr. F. G. Kellaway, M.P., on “Some Developments in Industry during the War,’’ addressed to the Industrial and Reconstruction Council, and published in an abridged form in Nature of January 30. Even on its own subjects it is by no means exhaustive. But ex pede Herculem. We may judge of the whole from the specimens. And Mr. Kellaway’s specimens are admirably typical and illustrative of the point which we desire to enforce: that it was to the inborn qualities of our race, its courage and tenacity of purpose, its resourcefulness and power of initiation, its inventiveness, adaptability, and steady determination to “win through,” in spite of every obstacle, setback, or difficulty, that brought us victory in the end and crushed the greatest crime against humanity the world has ever known. The war, in the Prime Minister’s phrase, quoted minating the dark places in our national life.”’ It has “revealed with pitiless accuracy the defects in our industrial equipment.” It is the purpose of the paper to show how, as the result of the war, many of these defects have been over- come, and that the United Kingdom, as a con- sequence, is now first in the world in almost every sphere of industrial effort. As we have already reproduced the main part of Mr. Kellaway’s inter- esting paper, it is unnecessary to go into any great detail now concerning its contents. Its author shows how we have incidentally wrested from Germany her predominant position in electrical industry, and once more secured the control within our own Dominions of such vital materials as mica, tungsten, and chromium (for the manufac- ture of high-speed steel, armour-piercing shells, the wearing parts of aeroplane engines and gears in motor vehicles, stainless cutlery, and _ rustless steel). Tungsten and chromium were among the non-ferrous metals of which Germany had managed to capture the main sources of supply. We are told that before the war the British Empire produced 40 per cent. of the wolfram ore, but so successfully had Germany secured the trade NO. 2574, VOL. 102] NATURE exerted 597 that no British manufacturer had been able to establish the industry in this country. ‘At the outbreak of war ore of the two firms endeavour- ing to manufacture in this country was only able to keep going with difficulty, and the other only succeeded in keeping its works going by entering into a contract to supply the whole of its output to Messrs. Krupp, of Essen.” We have changed all that. British manufacturers are now in a position to deal with all the ore produced within the British Empire, and could, if necessary, con- vert the whole world’s output into tungsten metal or ferro-tungsten. A similar result may—and, if Wwe are wise, certainly will—follow in the case of zinc, which occupies the third place in importance among the non-ferrous metals, and of which Ger- many, owing largely to the control she had secured over the Australian concentrates, was the largest European producer, 77 per cent. of that which we needed being imported by us from her. Australia will no longer supply Germany with her zinc ore, and the British Empire bids fair to share with America the bulk of the zinc production of the world. Even if space had permitted, it is unnecessary, for the reason already given, to dwell in any detail upon the other instances which Mr. Kellaway adduces of England’s “wakening up” and of the rousing of her energies as the consequence of the call to arms. Official control, co-operation, and combination of effort unquestionably accelerated and facilitated the introduction of improvements in organisation, management, and practice, and have a permanent influence upon industries which have been pressed into the service of war. It is seen in its effect upon the manufacture of machine-tools; in a vast improvement in machinery ; in increased accuracy of work as a re- sult of the necessity for organising the production of interchangeable repetition work; in improved methods of shop transport; and in a wider appre- ciation of the value of scientific knowledge in machine construction. In no department is this more marked than in aircraft work. The experience of the war has effected nothing less than a revolution in this industry. A single instance must suffice. As Mr. Kellaway states, modern warfare, no less than much of modern transport, and, indeed, of modern industry in general, is dependent upon the mag- neto. “In the air it is an essential source of power and movement.” Our position in 1914 with regard to the production of magnetos was ex- ceedingly grave. Practically everything needed to make them in sufficient quantity was not pro- curable in the British Isles, and it required months —nay, years—of effort to surmount our difficul- ties. But they have been surmounted. ‘Instead of one firm producing only 1140 magnetos in a year, as was the case in 1914, we now have some fourteen firms producing 128,637 magnetos in a year. . It is not only that we are producing in quantity which makes us independent of outside sources; the quality of the British magneto is the highest in the world. It is lighter in weight and 505 NATURE [FEBRUARY 27, 1919 more reliable in service than the Bosch mag- netos manufactured before the war, or than the latest examples found in captured German aero- planes.” “Tt is thus not only on the field,’ adds Mr. Kellaway, “that we have beaten the Bosch.” What is true of the magneto is equally true of the ignition-plug. In 1914 three firms were pro- ducing a yearly output of not more than 5000 plugs. By October 31, 1918, the yearly output of five firms had risen to 2,148,725, and they were being supplied, not only to our own Services, but also to our French, Italian, and American Allies. The story of the influence of the war upon our glass industry, and especially upon the manufac- ture of scientific and optical glassware, is no less inspiriting. Germany has once more been beaten at Jena. But it will scarcely be credited that at the outbreak of war a considerable part of our artillery was equipped with gun-sights exclusively “made in Germany ’’—the dial sight No. 7 of Goerz. There is much that needs clearing up concerning the pre-war methods of the War Office, and surely this is a case in point. That we should have become dependent upon a potential enemy for so essential a piece of mechanism as a gun- sight is surely one of the most astonishing instances of departmental ineptitude that could be conceived. But it is reassuring to be told that the resourcefulness of our opticians has been equal to the nation’s emergency. The British sight is described as “a beautiful and delicate piece of work, and its production in such numbers, and ip a perfection which Germany never exceeded, is a triumph for British skill.” NOTES. Tue achievement in wireless telephony recorded in the daily Press during the past few days is by no means unique. It is reported that Mr. Daniels, Secretary of the U.S. Navy, successfully telephoned a wireless greeting to President Wilson on board the George Washington when the vessel was more than eight hundred miles out at sea. According to a paper presented before the American Institute of Electrical Engineers, wireless and wire telephone systems can be linked so that the human voice will perform one lap of its journey over wire and the next lap through the ether to its final destination, while the replying waves will travel the air waves first and then proceed on wire. The operation of transferring sound from wire to air can be accomplished by a device similar to the repeater now used in long-distance telephony. Latest developments in connection with the wireless telephone would suggest the latter as an excellent supplement of wire systems. As a rival, however, it has not yet reached the stage when its claims can be considered seriously, partly because of the lack of secrecy involved in its use. PROCLAMATION is made that the unlicensed importa- tion into the United Kingdom is prohibited of the following articles :—AlIl derivatives of coal-tar generally known as intermediate products capable of being used or adapted for use as dyestuffs, or of being modified or further manufactured into dyestuffs. All direct cotton colours, all union colours, all acid wool colours, all chromé and mordant colours, all alizarine colours, NO. 2574, VOL. 102| 25 all basic colours, all sulphide colours, all vat colours (including synthetic indigo), all oil, spirit, and wax colours, all lake colours, and any other synthetic colours, dyes, stains, colour acids, colour bases, colour lakes, leuco-acids, leuco-bases, whether in paste, powder, solution, or any other form. THE municipality of Le Havre, by a resolution of September 11, 1918, established the Institut Océano- graphique du Havre and appropriated funds for its maintenance. This places on a secure and public foundation the institute and laboratory of the Uni- versity of Caen at Le Havre, and it will be ‘conducted by the same staff, to the efforts of which during the past few years this last success is due, namely, the director, Dr. A. Loir, medical officer of health; the head of the laboratory,-Mr. H. Legangneux; and the superintendent of biological research, Mr. E. Peau. Daily observations on the temperature and condition of the water, and on its bacterial, plank- tonic, and general biotic content, will be recorded at three fixed points, with the co-operation of naval officers. Other observations will continually be made at the French and British naval stations in the port, by permission of the respective commanding officers. Results of scientific and practical importance have already been obtained, and will now increasé in number and extent. Mr. R. C. J. Swinuor, of Mandalay, has presented to the Geological Department of the British Museum a collection of red amber from Burma, sometimes known as burmite, which contains the remains of a remarkably interesting imsect fauna. The material has been examined by Prof. T. D. A. Cockerell, who has published in Psyche and in the Annals of the Entomological Society of America the descriptions of thirty-one new species, five of which are types of new genera. Most of these were contained in a blocks of amber rather larger than a man’s fist; this has been cut into slices about half an inch thick, and every one of them is crowded with insect remains. There are representatives of Hymenoptera, Hemiptera, Homoptera, Diptera, Trichoptera, Coleoptera, Ter- mites, Acarina, and Diplopoda—in fact, ants are about the only kind of insect the absence of which is con- spicuous. The amber occurs in clay beds of Miocene age, but it was washed into them from higher levels, and may be much older. This is certainly the most important addition made of recent years to the very large collection of insects in amber already preserved in the department. It is unfortunate that the deep colour of the amber renders it very difficult to exhibit the specimens so that their contents can be seen by the public. Ix many cities of the United States there are his- torical societies which have organised museums illus- trating the history of the State or locality, but there is no central museum of national history. So, too, there are many museums of art, well known for their treasures and their enterprise, but such col- lections as pertain to the National Gallery of Art are provisionally housed in one of the halls of the Natural History Museum. It is, therefore, good news that on January 29 a Bill was introduced by Con- gressman Hicks in the House of Representatives to provide for a national museum of history and the arts, and it was a happy thought of his to propose such an institution as a memorial to Theodore Roose- velt. The idea is one that would have commended itself to that wide-reaching, enthusiastic, and patriotic spirit, for it is intended to assemble and display, not merely relics illustrating the personal and_ political history of the United States, but also such objects as —————— FEBRUARY 27, 1919| will elucidate all the cultural development of the | nation. Thus the museum will comprise, in addition to the collections of fine art and the national portraits, exhibits elucidating the evolution of all the arts and crafts and their application to all branches of human activity. The same applies to the application of science to the industries and the exploitation of the natural resources of the country—a subject in which Mr. Roosevelt took a profound and practical interest. It is proposed that the building shall be erected in Washington. We wish the scheme all success. SuMMER time will be brought into force this year on the morning of Sunday, March 30, and will continue until the night of Sunday-Monday, September 28-29. WE announce with much regret the death on February 19, at eighty-five years of age, of Dr. F. Du Cane Godman, F.R.S., trustee of the British Museum, and distinguished for his worl in natural history, especially ornithology. WE notice with regret the announcement of the death, in his fifty-seventh year, of Lt.-Col. A. M. Paterson, professor of anatomy in the University of Liverpool since 1894, and ex-president of the Ana- tomical Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Tue Linen Industry Research Association of Belfast is about to appoint a director of research at a salary of not less than 1cool. per year. The selected candi- date will be expected to make a survey of the entire field of research in the linen industry, to draft a programme of research, and to organise and super- vise the carrying out of the scheme. Dr. T. A. Henry, superintendent of the laboratories at the Imperial Institute, London, has been appointed director of the Wellcome Chemical Research Labora- tories, London. Dr. F. L. Pyman, the former direc- tor of these laboratories, has accepted the professor- ship of technological chemistry in the College of Technology, University of Manchester. Ir is intended to hold a discussion on ‘** Metrology in the Industries ’’ at the meeting of the Physical Society on Friday, March 28, at the Imperial College of Science, South Kensington. Sir R. T. Glazebrook, Director of the National Physical Laboratory, has promised to introduce the discussion, and it is ex- pected that several of the leading authorities on fine measurements will take part. Tue fifth lecture of the series arranged by the Industrial Reconstruction Council will be held in the Saddlers’ Hall, Cheapside, E.C.2, on Wednesday, March 5. The chair will be taken at 4.30 by Sir George Riddell, Bart., and a lecture entitled ‘‘ Indus- trial Changes Caused by the War” will be delivered by Prof. A. W. Kirkaldy, University of Birmingham. Applications for tickets should be made to the Secre- tary, Industrial Reconstruction Council, 2 and 4 Tudor Street, E:C.4. Next Tuesday, March 4, Prof. H. Maxwell Lefroy will deliver a lecture at the Royal Institution on how silk is grown and made—mulberry silk, and on March 11 on insect problems. discourse on March 7 will be delivered by Prof. H. C. H. Carpenter on the hardening of steel; on March 14, Prof. A. Keith on the organ of hearing from a new point of view. On Saturday, March 8, Sir J. J. Thomson will give the first of a course of six lectures on spectrum analysis and its application to atomic structure. Prof. Hele-Shaw’s lectures on “Clutches,” announced for March 4 and 11, are un- avoidably postponed until after Easter. NO. 2574, VOL. 102] NATURE The Friday evéning 509 WE regret to record the death of Mr. Henry Bell Wortley on February 17. An account of his career appears in the Engineer for February 21. Mrv Wortley was a member of the firm of steamship owners, Alfred Holt and Co., of Liverpool, and was fifty-one years of age at his death. He was trained as a nayal architect with various firms on the Tyne, and after joining the Liverpool firm he was responsible for new features in the design of many ships belonging to the Holt Co. Mr. Wortley was a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers and the Institution of Naval Architects. During the war he took an active part in placing Liverpool in the forefront as a muni- tion-producing area. THE next ordinary scientific meeting of the Chemical Society will be held at Burlington House on Thursday, March 6, at 8 p.m., when Prof. J. W. Nicholson will deliver a lecture entitled ‘‘Emission Spectra and - Atomic Structure.” It was announced at the meeting held on February 20 that the following changes in the list of officers and council had been proposed by the council :—President: Sir James J. Dobbie. New Vice-Presidents: Dr. H. J. H. Fenton and Prof. James Walker. New Ordinary Members of Council: Mr. J. A. Gardner, Prof. F. E. Francis, Dr. C. A: Keane, and Sir Robert Robertson. The anniversary dinner of the society will be held in the Connaught Rooms, Great Queen Street, W.C.2, on Thursday, March 27, at 6.45 for 7 o'clock. WE extract from the Lancet the following obituary notice of Prof. R. Blanchard, who died on February 8 at sixty-one years of age. Prof. Blanchard had occupied for long the chair of parasitology at the faculty of medicine in Paris, and his great reputation in France and abroad was due to his works on medical zoology, and particularly to his researches on the animal carriers of pathogenic germs and their réle in the propagation of epidemics. The ‘‘Traité de Zoologie Médicale,” in two volumes, first appeared in. 1886-90. At the time of his death he was engaged on the great task of a history of medicine, and had made some progress in the publication of a corpus inscriptionum devoted to medicine and biology. His diligence was incredible. Prof. Blanchard was secretary to the Academy of Medicine, and he founded the French Society for the History of Medicine, the Colonial Institute of Medicine, and the French Congress of Zoology. For twenty years he acted as general’ secre- tary to the Zoological Society of France. Owing to the part which he took at several of the Inter- national Congresses of Medicine he became a well- known figure abroad. MATHEMATICIANS and astronomers will learn with much regret that news has. been received through a correspondent in Stockholm announcing the death of Alexander Michailovitch Liapounoff. He is said to have died at Odessa by his own hand as. a result of the Bolshevist régime, but we have no means of con- firming the report. Liapounoff held the chair of applied mathematics in the Petrograd Academy. His more important papers were published mainly in the Memoirs of the Academy and in Liouville’s Journal. Unfortunately for English readers, a number were written in Russian, only summaries and abstracts appearing in French. His earlier work lay in. the direction of broad, general theorems in hydro- dynamics and the theory of gravitating masses. His later, and perhaps best-known, work dealt with the stabilitv of the pear-shaped figure of a rotating mass of liquid, a problem of the first importance to theories: of cosmogony. Poinearé had developed a method for the analytical, discussion of the problem in r1g01, but 510 did not carry out the necessary calculations in detail, and so reached no definite conclusion. ‘In 1902 Sir G. Darwin announced that he had proved the pear- shaped figure to be stable, but this announcement was followed by a paper from Liapounoff in 1905, in which it was claimed that the pear-shaped figure was unstable. Liapounoff’s work was distinguished by the combination of clear physical insight and masterly analytical skill. INFLUENZA has again further increased in severity over the British Isles, and the Registrar-General’s return for the week ending February 15 shows the deaths in London (County) to be 273 due to the epi- demic. Forty-eight per cent. of the deaths occurred at the ages from twenty to forty-five, so that the death incidence is similar to that when the present epidemic was most virulent at the commencement of ‘last: November, the complaint attacking most severely the strong and able-bodied. Influenza caused 13 per cent. of the total deaths during the week énding February 15, pneumonia 13 per cent., and bronchitis 16 per cent.; in the early part of November influenza caused 57 per cent. of the deaths from all causes, but deaths from pneumonia and bronchitis were not very different from those at present. In the ninety-six great towns of England and Wales, including London, there were 1363 deaths during the week from influenza, and since the commencement of the epidemic in October last there have been 48,736 deaths, whilst in London there have been 12,286 deaths. The total deaths in any previous epidemic in London have only amounted to about 2000. The present is the twentieth week of the epidemic, five of the previous epidemics having continued as long, and the epidemic from October 1904 to April 1905 continued for twenty-six weeks, but in London during the whole time the total deaths from influenza were only 707, and the maximum number in any week was only forty-five. AN interesting note is contributed to the German weekly scientific paper, Die Umschau, for Novem- ber 30, 1918, by the editor, Prof. J. H. Bechhold. Prof. Bechhold indicates the manner in which German’. science can aid the Fatherland in its hour of defeat and assist it to gain the supremacy in the economic sphere. After pointing out that reconstructed Ger- many must perforce be simple in order to conform to the new conditions of life imposed upon her by recent events, fhe asks the question: In what relation shall science, technics, and art stand in the new State? Germany, it is explained, must in future seek to live upon her own resources; further, she will have only a small amount of raw material surplus to her own needs, and for this reason it will be in- cumbent upon her to export the output of her genius; to meet the situation as it should be met, Germany will have to build herself up on efficiency manage- ment. She is told that she must attempt to excel all other countries in the quality of her precision in- struments and lenses, artificial silks and textiles, dyes and medicines, high-class furniture and works of art, in order to create a demand for these valuable pro- ducts of her industry in foreign lands. For this reason, Germany will require, says Prof. Bechhold, highly trained engineers, chemists, electricians, skilled mechanics and artificers, and, in order that her needs in these directions may be suitably met, she will further require first-class teachers, first-class training institutions and research laboratories, as well as col- leges. These matters are, it is stated, of such over- whelming importance that they must not be permitted to become a class or caste auestion; there is little NO. 2574, VOL. 102] NATURE | | | | | | cluding a stool from Cuba of very unusual type. [FEBRUARY 27, 1919 danger of this at the present time, for already the intellectual men in Germany are combining forces in various directions: this is so in the case of the tech- nical man and the academician, as well as in that of the artificer and the university professor. Finally, an inventors’ institute must be founded in order that the inventor may be furnished with advice, the commercial possibilities of his work tested, a selection made of what is best, and a good market found for that which is of real worth. Prof. Bechhold evidently intends that German science shall make a mighty effort in order that Germany in defeat may prove herself as formid- able in the economic sphere in the future as ever she was before her great downfall. Mr. ArtHuR L. Leacn has published an account of the prehistoric remains in the museum at Tenby. An interesting series of adinole and flint implements was acquired from the Hoyle Cave. Mr. Leach main- tains that the relics found in the caves on Caldey Island prove that it was connected with the mainland when the mammoth, rhinoceros, and reindeer were the characteristic fauna of this region, a connection which lasted until Neolithic times. The collection includes many later remains of the Bronze and Romano-British periods. A little rock-shelter, Nanna’s Cave, in the Isle of Caldey, the earliest inhabited site which can be approximately dated, was occupied between about 250 and 400 A.D. Tue measures for the reformation of the numerous wandering criminal tribes which pervade northern India, and are a serious menace to the cultivating classes, have long engaged the attention of the Govern- ment. Deposits on glass surfa¢es in instruments. The first section of the paper contained a summary of the various phenomena that have been described under the name of ‘‘film.’? In instru- ments deposits occur most frequently on the graticules, and a discussion is given as to the probable action of the lubricants in bringing about the forma- tion of the deposit. The qualities desirable in a lubricant to be used on optical instruments are also enumerated, and a brief summary is made of the results of hitherto published information on the subject of the deposits. The second section gives a short classification of the deposits according to their microscopic appearance, and describes a series of ex- periments made to test the cause of the formation of the deposit. The experiments were conducted by means of brass cells into which graticule blanks were fitted as windows, these glass surfaces being examined microscopically during the course of the experiments. Royal Meteorological Society, February 19.—Sir Navier Shaw, president, in the chair.—Dr. S. Chapman: The lunar tide in the earth’s atmosphere. The lunar tidal variation of barometric pressure has been well determined at Batavia, from fifty years’ hourly record, and from shorter series of data, ex- tending over about five vears in each case at St. 515 Ifelena, Singapore, Rome, and:Samoa. As _ very little was known about its dependence on latitude, season, and the distance, declination, and phase of the moon, a new and detailed discussion has been. made of thirty and twenty-eight years’ records of barometric pressure at Batavia and Hong Kong respectively. The results are described in this paper, and considered alongside the pre-existing values from the stations above-named, together with the Green- wich determination recently published in the Quarterly Journal of the society. It appears that the ampli- tude varies approximately as the fourth power of the cosine of the latitude, while the phase varies somewhat irregularly from 33° (Samoa) to 114° (Greenwich), where 90° corresponds with the occur- rence of maximum pressure when the moon is on the meridian. No dependence on lunar phase or declina- tion was detected, while as regards the moon’s dis- tance, an increase of amplitude from apogee to perigee was observable, though less than the increase in the tide-producing force. Distinct evidence of a seasonal variation of amplitude and phase was shown by both the Hong Kong and Batavia determinations. The conclusion drawn from the various results is that the lunar atmospheric tide is not a simple tidal pheno- menon, but is complicated by other effects, notably by resonance with an adjacent free period of vibra- tion of the atmosphere, and possibly also by more local causes, such as the rise and fall of the ocean.— M. Christy: The gunfire on the Continent during) 19otS: its audibility at Chignal St: James, near Chelmsford. Observations on the audibility of the Continental gunfire have been. made by the author for four vears. The results for previous years were brought forward in earlier papers. In 1018 the first sounds were heard on the evening of Mav 8 and the last on August 26, thus confirming previous experi- ence that there is audibility at the writer's post of observation in Essex only during the summer months. The period of audibility in’ 1918 amounted to 15 weeks, 5 days. In previous years the periods were: 1915. 17 weeks. 3 days; 1916, 1< weeks: 1917, 19 weeks, 4 days. The average for the four vears is 17 weeks. A feature of ror&8 was that the sounds were less loud and distinct than in previous vears, and there were none of the neriods of extreme loud- ness which had been noticed before. SHEFFIELD. Society of Glass Technology, February 19.—Mr. J. Connolly in the *chair.—J. D. Cauwood, ‘Constance Muirhead, and W. FE. S. Turner: The properties of the lime-soda glasses: (2) The resistance to water and other reagents. Several glasses had been melted on a small scale, and the lime content increased by definite amounts. The resistance of each glass to the following reagents—water, caustic soda solu- tion, sodium carbonate solution, hydrochloric acid— had been tested. In every case it was found that increasing the lime content brought about increasing) resistance.S, English and W. E. S. Turner: The properties of the lime-soda glasses: (3) The thermal expansions. ‘The same series of glasses mentioned above (i.e. lime contents increasing to 10 ver cent.) had been tested in regard to thermal expansion. It had been proved that the expansion decreased as the lime content increased. Both papers proved the value of lime as a constituent of ordinary glasses.—Prof. P. H. Boswell; Impressions of the glass industry of the United States gathered on a recent visit. The author dealt first with the supplies of raw materials as found in the States. Six sands were in general use; one of them, a beautiful sand from Rockwood, NO. 2574, VOL. 102] NATURE | FEBRUARY 27, 1919 Detroit, was used exclusively for optical glass. The American ‘‘ sands’? are not found as such, but in the form of sandstone (fairly soft), This is blasted, washed by water, under pressure, into the bottom of the pit, whence it is dredged up to the top of the pit. It is emptied into concrete bins, and works down through steam pipes until it emerges as dry, clean-running sand. Prof. Boswell afterwards dealt briefly with American supplies of potash and felspar, and then passed on to the question of refractories. He showed a specimen of a glasshouse pot which had been developed by Dr. Bleininger, and this pot, after the melt had been performed, was perfectly white in colour and very close in texture. In making their pots the Americans were substituting Cornish kaolin by kaolin frem Georgia, and using ball clays from Tennessee and Kentucky in place of those from Devon and Cornwall. Paris. < Academy of Sciences, February 10.—M. Léon Guignard in the chair.—The president announced the death of Jean Jacques Théophile Schleesing, member of the section of rural economy and_ the oldest member of the Academy.—A, Lacroix: Dacites and dacitoides, with reference to the lavas of Martinique. The name dacitoide is proposed for a class of mineral hitherto classified as andesites and allied to dacites. Twelve complete analyses of Martinique minerals are given and discussed from the point of view of this new classification.—J. Bergonié: The reconstitution of isolated muscles or of muscular groups by intensive rhythmic faradisation. The method has special refer- ence to the treatment of wounded men; it causes no nervous fatigue, and for the greater part of the time of application is not felt. The improvement in many directions is marked.—M. Jean Effront was elected a correspondant for the section of rural economy in succession to M. Leclainche, elected member of the section,—L. Roy: The dynamical resistance of steel. —A, Sanfourche : The oxidation of nitric oxide by dry air. The rate of oxidation of nitric oxide was studied over a range of temperatures from — 50° C. to 450° C. The first stage of oxidation, to nitrous anhydride, is very rapid, and is unaffected by temperature. The oxidation of nitrous anhydride to nitrogen peroxide is a reversible reaction, takes an appreciable time, and the rate is dependent on the temperature if above 200° C.—L. Joleaud: The migrations at the neogene epoch of MHipparion, Hippotragina, and Tragel- aphine.—M. Rouch: The land and sea breezes at Bayonne.—M. Mirande: The microchemical reactions and localisations of the alkaloid of Isopyrum thalic- troides.—J. Pantel: The réle of calcium in the mineralisation of the nucleus of the excreting cells in the Phasmides.—R. Fosse: The formation, by oxida- tion of organic substances, of an intermediate term spontaneously producing urea. Proteins and amino- acids, oxidised by potassium permanganate by Béchamp’s method, give appreciable proportions of urea, and the amounts are increased if ammonia is present. The urea formed is senarated and estimated by the xanthydrol method previously described by the author.—Em. Bourquelot and M. Bridel: The bio- chemical synthesis, with the aid of emulsin, of the B-glucoside of a-naphthyl alcohol.—E. Debains and E. Nicolas: The causes of death in horses immunised with dead bacteria or bacterial extracts. MELROURNE. Royal Society of Victoria, November 7. 1918.—Mr. T. A. Kershaw. president, in the chair.—R. T. Patton : Notes on fossil Eucalvpt leaves from the Tertiary at Bulla.—Dr. E. F. J. Love: The real significance of the FEBRUARY 27, 1919| NATURE bes Michelson-Morley experiment.—Prof. A. J. Ewart: (1) Contributions to the flor. of Australia. No. 27. (2) The synthesis of sugars from formaldehyde. A detailed account was given of the polymerising action of various alkalis on formaldehyde, and also of the influence of temperature, dilution, etc. In the presence of a calcium salt the polymerising action of sodium hydrate is greatly increased, and evidence is brought forward to show that the polymerising action is analogous to that of a condensing enzyme. December 12, 1918.—Mr. J. A. Kershaw, president, in the chair.—F. Chapman : New or little-known fossils in the National Museum. Part xxiii. : Some Hydroid remains of Lower Palzozoic age from Monegetta, near Lancefield.. These are well-preserved specimens, and are referred to the order Calyptoblastea. Two new genera and four new species are described. The genera represented are Mastigograptus, Ruedemann, Archzolafoéa, gen. nov., and Archzocryptolaria, gen. nov. Gonothecee appear to be present in three of the forms. The horizon is the lowest in the Ordo- vician.—R. T. Patton: The structure, growth, and treatment of some common hardwoods. Attention was directed to the core-wood of some hardwoods which are soft and sappy, such as is shown by timber grown in excessive shade, the result of overcrowding whilst young. The author showed that there was no advan- tage in stacking timber on end, and gave the rates of drying of timber cut in various ways. The electrical resistance of a piece of timber determined whether it was properly seasoned. Estimates of the growth and timber yield of mountain ash and Messmate were explained in the form of curves, from which the forest yield at various ages could be predicted.—J. T. Jutson : The sand-ridges, sand-plains, and sand-glaciers at Comet Vale, in sub-arid Western Australia. The physical features of Comet Vale, sixty miles north of Kalgoorlie, include a portion of a “dry lake” (Lake Goongartie), and a belt of rocky “‘high” lands on its western shore composed of ferruginous laterite and “ sreenstones,’ and dissected by narrow valleys. North, north-west, and east are extensive sand-plains with ridges trending east and west. Immediately to the west of the “ high” lands a sand-plain slopes gently to the west. The sand drifts eastward through some ““passes”’ in a laterite ridge (the western end of the “high” land area) and spreads out as “‘ sand-glaciers,”’ according to the term used by Free. The sand form- ing the smooth sand-plain and glaciers is wind-borne. This will probably explain the origin of extensive sand- plains elsewhere in Western Australia. The eastward march of the sands has blotted 6ut the drainage lines to the west of the “high” lands.—Dr. C. Mackenzie and W. J. Owen: Note on the parathymus gland in the marsupials Three glands new to science in the Platypus have lately been described by the authors. One of these, the parathymus, has since been described by them in the Tasmanian Devil, in which it is larger than in the Platypus.—N. C. B. Allen and Prof. T. H. Laby : The sensitivity of photographic plates to X-rays. SYDNEY. Linnean Society of New South Wales, September 25, 1918.—Prof. H. G. Chapman, president, in the chair. —Prof. W. N. Benson: The geology and petrology of the Great Serpentine Belt of New South Wales. Part viii. : The extension of the Great Serventine Belt from the Nundle district to the coast.—G. I. Playfair : New and rare fresh-water Algae. Sixty-six new forms are described and figured, twenty-eight being admitted to specific rank, twenty-nine classed as variations, and nine as forms; one genus is proposed as new.—Dr. J. Shirley and C. A. Lambert: The stems of climbing plants. Abnormal stem-structures in climbing plants have for their object the free flow of elaborated sap NO. 2574, VOL. 102] in the bast-tissues. Seven classes of Dicotyledons and two of Monocotyledons are proposed, based on the arrangement of the tissues concerned.—Dr. V. F. Brotherus and the Rey. W. W. Watts: The mosses of North Queensland. Being essentially Malaysian, rather than Australian, in their affinities, the number of new species was smaller than was anticipated. Seventeen genera new to Australia are listed, and some thirty known species. One genus and fourteen species are described as new.—Dr. R. J. Tillyard : Mesozoic insects of Queensland. Part iv. Hemiptera Heteroptera: the family Dunstaniida. With a note on the origin of the Heteroptera. Originally described in 1916 as a Lepidopteron by the author, the fossil Dunstania pulchra has created considerable interest and discussion. ‘This paper, first of all, gives an account of the various suggestions that have been put forward as to its true affinity, and shows that opinions have favoured its relationship with no fewer than four orders (Lepidoptera, Homoptera, Diptera, and Plectoptera). Having definitely rejected all these, the author only found the true solution from the study of more recently discovered material from the same Upper Triassic beds at Ipswich, Queensland. ‘These prove that the family Dunstaniidee belongs to the Hemiptera Heteroptera. ©The mew material is described and placed in two new genera, Dun- staniopsis and Paradunstania, each containing a single new species. The venation is worked out by com- parison with the nymphal tracheation of a recent Heteropteron (Syromastes sp.). Finally, in consider- ing the origin of the Heteroptera, the author shows that the Dunstaniidz are closely related to the Permian fossil Prosbole, placed by Handlirsch in a separate order, Palzohemiptera. This order is considered to be only a sub-order within the Hemiptera; and the Dunstaniidz, which are true Heteroptera, are derived from the immediate ancestors of Prosbole, not from Prosbole itself. Royal Society of New South Wales, December 4, 1918. __Mr. W. S. Dun, president, in the chair.—Marguerite Henry: Some Australian Cladocera. The fresh-water Crustacea dealt with in this paper were collected at Kendall, Cumbalum, Casino, and byron Bay on the north coast; in the neighbourhood of Sydney; and at the Lett River, Blue Mountains, Port Stephens, Bathurst, Mudgee, and Corowa. Twenty-six species were found, of which nine are described as new.—!. H. Maiden : Notes on Eucalyptus (with descriptions of two new species in co-operation with Mr. R. H. Cambage). No. vi. One of the two new species described is a Box from just south of the Gulf of Carpentaria, the other a Stringybark from the Blue Mountains, long confused with E. capitellata originally described from Port Jackson. The Flooded Gum of the coastal districts is proposed to be raised to the rank of a species, following an almost forgotten suggestion of Mr. Walter Hill, of Brisbane, made many years ago. It is suggested that Miiller’s abandoned name for the morrel-tree of Western Australia should be revived, and a remarkable variety of FE. pvriformis is described from the interior of that State. The paper contains a number of critical notes in regard to the distribution and morphology of Australian gum-trees.—Dr. T. H. Johnston and Miss M. Bancroft; Some new sporozoon parasites of Queensland fresh-water fish. On various occasions there have broken out in western Queens- land serious epidemics amongst the fresh-water fish, resulting in their wholesale destruction, and, as a result, pollution of the water supply has taken place. The authors have investigated the outbreak in order to determine its cause. They have been engaged in field work, and in the course of their inquiry came across a number of minute protozoon parasites of J ie) 1e) fishes. These tiny parasites form cysts in various of the body, particularly in the gills. They lo seem to have any. marked detrimental effect n their hosts. -The parasites are distributed amongst five distinct genera, all belonging to the Sporozoa. Of these five genera only one had been previously recorded from Australia.—H. G. terpene terpinene in the oil of Eucalyptus megacarpa. This somewhat rare terpene has rot previously been detected in eucalyptus oils. The oil of this species consists prineipally of terpenes with about 30 per cent. of cineol (eucalyptol) and a small quantity of the esters geranylacetate and butylbutyrate. The characteristic terpinenenitrosite, m.p. 155° C., was prepared without difficulty. It is interesting that’ terpinene should occur in a species belonging to the earlier portion of the genus Eucalyptus and in Western Australia, while the corresponding terpene phellandrene is found in the oils “sans not of the more recent species growing in the south- | eastern portion of the continent. BOOKS RECEIVED. The Drift to Revolution. (Papers for the Present. Third series. No.9.) Pp. 52+iv. (London: Headley Bros., Ltd., 1919.) Is. The Strawberry in North America: History, Origt . Botany, and Breeding. By Prof. S. W. Fletcher. Pp. xiv+234. (New York: The Macmillan Co.; London : Macmillan and Co., Ltd., 1917.) 8s. net. Le Nubi. By Luigi Taffara. Parte prima. Parte ii., Atlante (plates). Tav. xxvi. Tipografia Ditto L. Cecchini, 1917.) Pp. 67. (Roma : Joys of the Open Air. By William Graveson. Pp. 115. (London: Headley Bros., Ltd., n.d.) 3s. 6d. net. America at School and at Work. By Rev. Dr. H. B. Gray.) Pp. sx46172. Nisbet and Co., Ltd., 1918.) 5s. net. The Spiritual Foundations of Reconstruction: A (London : Plea for New Educational Methods. By Dr. F. H. Hayward and Arnold Freeman. Pp. I!xi+223. (London: P. S. King and Son, Ltd., 191g.) tos. 6d. net. . Dynamics. Patt ii. By R. C. Fawdry. (Bell’s Mathematical Series.) Pp. vilit179-355+vii. (Lon- don: G. Bell and. Sons, Ltd., 1919.) 2s. 6d. The ABC ‘of Aviation. By Capt: 'V. ‘W. Pagé. Pp. xii+13-274++7 plates. (New York: The Norman W. Henley Publishing Co.; London: Crosby Lock- wood and Son, 1918.) 12s. 6d. Standard Tables and Equations in Radio-telegraphy. By Bertram Hoyle. Pp. xiv+159. (London: The Wireless Press, Ltd., t919.) os. net. DIARY OF SOCIETIES. THURSDAY, Freoruary 27- Roya InstivuTIon, at 3.—Prof. H. M. Lefroy: How Silk is Grown and Made. Roya Sociery, at 4.30.—Hon. R. J. Strutt: Scattering of Light by Sold Substances.—Sir James Dobbie and De J. J. Fox: The Constitution of Sulphur Vapour.—Dr. W. G. Duffield, 1. H. Burnham, and A. H. Davis: The Pressure upon the Poles of the iectric Arc. Cuip-Stupy Sociery, at 6.—Dr. P. B. Ballard: The Claim of the Indi- vidual Child. INSTITUTION OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS, at 6.—Dr. S. F. Barclay and Dr. S. P. Smith: The Determination of the Efficiency of the ‘Turbo- alternator. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28. Puysicat Society, at 5.—Philin R. Course Simplified (mductance Calculations, with Special Reference to Thick Coils. —Dr. Ralph Dunstan ; Demonstration of Some-Acoustic Experiments in Connection with Whistles and Flutes.—G. A. Brodsky : Demonstration ofa New Polariser. Roya INSTITUTION, at 5.30.—Sir Oliver Lodge: Ether and Matter. SATURDAY, Magrcu 1x. Rovac InstiTurion. at 3.—Hon. J. W. Fortescue England's Wars—Eastern Europe. NO. 2574, VOL. 102 | : The Empire's Share in NATURE Smith; The occurrence of the [FEBRUARY 27, 1919 : MONDAY, Marcu 3. Vignal INSTITUTE, at 4-30.—M. J. Rendall: The eacher. ARISTOTELIAN Society, at 8.—Mrs. N, A. Duddington: of Other Minds. Sociery of CHemicat Inpustry, at 8.—Adjourned Discussion: A, Ry Ling: Refractometry and its Applications in Technical Analysis.— Papers: F. Esling : Notes on the Setting Time of Portland Cement.— Dr. G. H. J. Colman and E. W. Yeoman: The Determimation of Benzol, Toluene, ete., in Coal Tar and similar Products.—Dr. P. E. Spielmann and F. Butler Jones: Estimation of Carbon Disulphide. A Critical Examination of the Various Methods usually employed. TUESDAY, Marcu 4. Royat InstiTuTion, at 3.—Pro® H. Maxwell Lefroy : How Silk is Grown and Made—Mulberry Silk. Rovat Society or Arts, at 4.30.—Prof. J.C. McLennan: Science and Industry in Canada. ZooLoGIcaL Society, at 5-30.—Dr. J. A. Murray: Report on the Deaths in the Gardens during the Year 1918 —G. A. Boulenger ; A Collection of Fishes from Lake ‘Vanganvika, with Descriptions of Three New Species. Pe: Joan B. Procter: The Skull and Affinities of Rana subsigillata, um. Vocation of a Our Knowledge WEDNESDAY, Maxch 5- Rovat Society or Arts, at 4.30.—B. D. Porritt: The Rubber Industry— Past and Present. Geo1ocicar Socirry,fat 5.30.—Col. T, W. Edgeworth David : Geology at the Western Front. Royat AERONAUTICAL SocieTy, at 8.—Capt. A. P. Thurston: The All Steel Aeroplane. THURSDAY, ee 6. Royat Society or ARTS, at 4.30.—W. R. Gourlay: History of Bengal. INSTITUTION OF ELEcTRICAL EncinEERS, at 6.—G. L. Addenbrooke : Dielectrics in Electric Fields. Cuitp-Srupy Socirry, at'6.—Miss S. Walker: The Training of Teachers, from the Child-Study Standpoint. CHEMICAL Society, at 8,—Prof. [. W. Nicholson: Emission Spectra and Atomic Structure. ‘The Need fora FRIDAY, Marcu 7. Roya InstiruTion, at 5.30.—Prof. H.C. H. Carpenter: The Raa, of Steel. SATURDAY, Marcu 8. Royat InstiruTion, at 3.—Sir J. J. Thomson: Spectrum Analysis and its Application to Atomic Structure. CONTENTS. PAGE The Profession offChemistry |. .s onan) ae ene 501 Conmerous reese kee nn ae ee eee 502 Biolegisms Exposed) 200.0. . oo le OS Our Bookshelf ... Sl TR RT RS ae ean ee Letters to the Editor :— The Neglect of Biological Subjects in Education.— John ‘Parkin Bue 503 Arthur iol les Lechmere and Science at Ruhleben. —J. W. : 504 Sea Peas. (Ilustrated.) By Dr. Brysson Cunningham ... 595 Some Developments i in British Industry ‘during the Whar: esr Ee SOA een ae 3 506 Notes .': 508 Our Astronomical Column: — Comets .. Beers 512 “* Annuaire ” of the* Bureau des Longitudes Ls 512 The Chemical Detection of Strain in Iron and Steel: By AL(C.jBe Co} crc tinue <” oP Ok) ene ee The: Ministry.of Health Bill. 25. (5°. . .ceun jane) Ses Forthcoming Books of Science . 3 BF 515 University and Educational Intelligence . Peres iy Societies and Academies . 517 Books Received. ony sant anes 529 Diary of Societies 520 Editorial and Publishing Offices: MACMILLAN AND CO., Ltp., ST. MARTIN’S STREET, LONDON, W.C.2. Advertisements and business letters to be addressed to the Publishers. Editorial Communications to the Editor. Telegraphic Address: Puusis, LONDON. Telephone Number: Gsrrarp 8830. \ Supplement to“ Nature,’ February 27, 1919. i €. BE enon Lt0, PRO & € ue “hives House GO, 29. N 25.215 ae nals Lon of Chemical & Py,,.- (e) actuFer’s, Weighis. 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Marine Engineer, 1915-17. Fairplay (Shipping journal), set Annals of Botany, 1907-17. Journal of American Folklore, set. Chemical Soc. Journal, 1866~70, or run including. Review of Neurology and Psychiatry, 1917. Proc. Aristotelian Soc., Vol. 16 (1915-16). Jnl. of Official Agricul. Chemists, Vol. 1. Canadian Entomologist, 1898-99, or run. Quarterly Journal of Microscopical Science. British Medical Journal, 1914-16. Society of Chemical Industry Journal. Metal Industry, set. Faraday Soc. Transactions and Proceedings. Analyst. Berichte der Deutschen Chemischen Gesellschaft. Jnl. Soc. of Glass Technology, set. Soc. of Dyers and Colourists Journal. International Sugar Journal. And many others. Also Libraries and parcels of Natural History and Scientific Books. Librarians, Executors, and others will get best terms and save unnecessary trouble by writing to JOHN WHELDON & C0., 38 GREAT QUEEN STREET, KINGSWAY, LONDON, W.C, 2. Telephone: Gerrard 1412. BOOKBINDING UNDERTAKEN BY EXPERIENCED WORKMEN. iv Supplement to“ Nature,’ February 27, 1919. British Chemical Ware Manufacturers Association, Limited, 51 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London, W.C. 2. Look for the mark of the manufacturer when buying the following Laboratory requirements. Protect yourself—buy British-made products, of reliable. high-grade quality. Write to the addresses given below for free samples, catalogues, and ‘further particulars of these high-grade Laboratory requirements. Name of Member DOULTON & CO., Ltd., Lambeth, London DUROGLASS, Ltd., 14 Cross Street, Hatton Garden, London, E.C. 1 R. JOHNSTON & CO., Ltd., 92-93 Fore Street, London, E.C.2 JOHN MONCRIEFF, Ltd., Perth WOOD BROS. GLASS CO., Ltd., Barnsley, Yorks THE WORCESTER ROYAL PORCELAIN CO., Ltd., Worcester Manufacturers of Chemical Laboratory Porcelain Chemical and _ Resistance Laboratory Glass Ware Soda and Lead Glass Tubing’ and Rods—Chemical and Laboratory Glass Ware Chemical and _ Resistance Laboratory Glass Ware Chemical and Resistance Laboratory Glass Ware Chemical Laboratory Porcelain — Combustion and Pyrometer Tubes Trade Marks por & Duro ked scoliwe “ Royal Worcester.” All the above products can be obtained from the usual trade houses—should any difficulty be experienced, however, write at once to the Secretary, British Chemical Ware Manufacturers Association, Ltd., 51 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London, W.C.2. Samples may be seen at the Office of the Association. PRINTED IN GREAT BRITAIN BY R. CLAY AND SONS, LTD., BRUNSWICK STREET, STAMFORD STREET, S.E. 1, AND BUNGAY, SUFFOLK, FEBRUARY 27, 1919| NATURE cCili in endorsine our claim that the Coolidge SN Tube provides them with an instrument of ; precision far in advance of any previously produced. Vhis is what they say :— “The Coolidge Tube possesses, among other advantages over ordinary X-Ray Tubes, the quality of extreme adaptability.” “It can be used continuously over long periods without risk of damage to the tube, with currents of any strength likely to be required for examinations.” “For single-flash exposures it constitutes the ideal tube.” “You can set the Coolidge Tube to do a certain thing in a certain time and you can rely on it doing the same thing each time.” ‘The COOLIDGE XRay Tube Coolidgs Tubes are available for immediate delivery from Stocks in London. They can be dem ustratcd by, and obtained 1.om, the princi.al dealers in X-ray apparatus. The British Thomson-Houston Co., _ Ltd., (Owners of the British Patents) Mazda House, 77, Upper Thames Street, London, E.C. 4. Send for free descriptive list No. 10760. “/>5 cciv NATURE | FEBRUARY 27, I919 Now Ready. Laboratory Glassware THE BEAKERS, FLASKS, RETORTS, & DRIFT 10 REVOLUTION Porcelain The Spirit of the Industrial Era. The Romance of Machine Production. Enter, CRUCIBLES AND BASINS. the Liberals and Radicals. The Money- spinners and their Deity. The Prophet of Socialism. The Imperialists and _ their Filter Papers Kultur. The People: Their Housing and Education. That Great Leviathan. The Duel of Anarchist and Financier. War, Revolution—or Eutopia. Price 1/-. Post Free, 1/1. JOHN J. GRIFFIN & SONS, || ‘mins Ne. oF Panes fore Present LTD., Published for the Cities Committee of the Sociological Society by KINGSWAY, LONDON, W.C. 2. || HEADLEY BROS., Publishers, Ltd., 72 OXFORD STREET, W.1. Pure Chemicals Advantages of the BELLINGHAM @& STANLEY IMMERSION REFRACTOMETER ra . r . . . . 1 . . ~ . The accuracy of measurement with this instrument is 3 unit in the fourth decimal place. The prism, if damaged or broken, may be replaced by the user without difficulty. The prism for range of refractive indices 1°325 to 1'367 may be replaced by others giving further ranges of refractive indices up to 1°55, covering, therefore, nearly all solvents. The instrument has the same scale value as the German type of instrument, and existing tables may therefore be used. Delivery of a limited number in 3 weeks from order. Suitable water baths for accurate temperature control are supplied. ‘ Full particulars of these instruments and of the British Abbe and Butter Refractometers from the makers— BELLINGHAM & STANLEY, Ltd., 71 Hornsey Rise, LONDON, N.19. sornses2im. | | FEBRUARY 27, 1919| NATURE ctv ABBE REFRACTOMETER 26 For the rapid measurement of the refractive indices and dispersions of liquids and solids from 1°3000 to 1°7000. Delivery in two weeks from receipt of order. Descriptive booklet post free on application. Just published. The Refractive Indices of Essential Oils. 15s. 4d. post free. ADAM HILGER Ltd., 75a Camden Road, London, N.W.1. Telephone Numbers: NORTH 1677-8. Telegraphic Address : ““ SPHERICITY, PHONE, LONDON.” ELEGTRO-CULTURE SET in weather-proof hut. 5 0- W. OTTWAY & Co., Ltd. (Established 1700) Orion Works, Ealing, London, W. 5. Side of roof removed to show interior. A Weather-proof lead-out. C Spark gauge. B Inner terminal ofabove. D Automatic switch & fuses. Pamphlet on application to HARRY W. COX & CO., Ltd. 42, 44, 46 Wigmore Street, London, W. 1. Manufacturers of all types of Astronomical, Scientific, and Optical Instruments. Catalogues free on application. NATURE Analytical Reagents | Chemicals characterised by the letters “A.R.” They are supplied in bottles sealed with a neck-band, which should be unbroken when the package is received, and bearing a label, of which the following is a specimen. das Hecessary the Councils Volumetric Solutions and Pure Chemicals for Standardisation Purposes. Test Solutions, Special Reagents, Indicators and Test Papers. Stains and Reagents for Microscopic Work Catalogue on application to— THE BRITISH DRUG HOUSES, Ltd., (Chemical Department), 22 to 30 Graham Street, City Road, LONDON, N.1. Chemical Works: Wharf Road, London, N.1. SMALL ELECTRIC LAMPS FOR ALL SCIENTIFIC PURPOSES. Apply to the ACANUFACTURERS : A. C. COSSOR, Ltd., Aberdeen Works, Aberdeen Lane, Highbury Grove, London, N.5. Telephone : North 1385. Telegrams: ‘‘ Amplifiers, Phone, London.” LIA DENT’S ASTRONOMICAL CLOCKS SIDEREAL OR MEAN TIME CLOCKS FOR OBSERVATORIES. PRICES ON APPLICATION Oe Nature says: Should find i its way ‘into many observatories where an accurate instrument is required at a moderate cost. For the sum of £21 they supply a | clock with a 10-inch dial, dead- beat escapement, and wooden rod seconds pendulum in a solid mahogany case, and after examining the instrument we have no hesitation i in | pronouncing ita a marvel of cheapness.” E. DENT & CO., Ltd., Watch, Cloek, and Chronometer Makers. By Special Appointment to H_M. the King. Makers of the Great Westminster Clock, Big Ben. the Btandard Clock of the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, and The Princips! Observatories throughout the World. Only Addresses— 61 STRAND, AND 4 ROYAL EXCHANGE, LONDON. ‘> Puy Exhibition. Makers of @ 3 Grand Prizes and 1 Gold Medal Franco-British — [FEBRUARY 27, I919 WATKINS & DONCASTER Naturalists and Manufacturers of CABINETS AND APPARATUS FOR COLLECTORS OF INSECTS, BIRDS' EQS AND SKINS, MINERALS, PLANTS, &c. N.B.—For excellence and superiority of Cabinets and Apparatus, references are permitted to distinguished patrons, Museums, Colleges, A LARGE STOCK OF INSECTS, BIRDS’ EGGS AND SKINS. SPECIALITY.—Objects for Nature Study, Drawing Classes, &c. Birds, Mammals, &e., Preserved and Mounted by First-class Workmen true to Nature. All Books and Publications (New and Second-hand) on Inseets, Birds’ Eggs, &e., supplied, 86 STRAND, LONDON, W.C.2. (Five Dabrs from Charing ices! ) FULL OATALOGUE POST FREE FOR SALE || SET OF METALLURGICAL OBJECTIVES By W. WATSON & SONS >’ Oil Immersion, 1°30 N.A., %”, and }”. ASTRONOMICAL TELESCOPES 44-in. NEGRETTI & ZAMBRA, on equipoise stand, finder, 3 astro. and 1 day eyepieces, horizontal movement by Hooke's joint, vertical rack attachment £45 00 3-in. AITCHISON, 1 astro. and 1 es cape. Be and 87 claw stand 15 Oo WANTED Microscopes, Telescopes, Drawing Instruments, | &c, “CLARKSON’S, 338 High Holborn, London, W.C.1 (Opposite Gray's Inn Road. WANTED.—Hilger’s Quartz Spectrograph, also compact Induction Coil, good 4” spark.—C. J. S. Baker, 28 Emperor's Gate, South Kensington. PETROLOGICAL MICROSCOPE by | STANLEY, in good condition, with r-inch, §-inch, and }-inch objectives. Polariser and analyser. In case complete, with two eyepieces. Price 40 guineas.—JOHN BrowninG, 146 Strand, W.C.2 MICROTOME — Reichert —very complete, | new condition, with knives, &c.; also Ether Freezing Machine. 20 | guineas cash.— JOHN BROWNING, 146 Strand, London, | SCIENTIFIC APPLIANCES for Electrical, Magnetic, Static, Optical, and Philosophical Apparatus and Materials. New and Second-hand P.O. Instruments and parts by high-class makers one-third cost. Achromatic Lenses, Prisms, and experimental sundries. Static Machines, Coils, Pneu- matic apparatus, and parts. Fifty years’ experience. Call and see or write for information, Our war-time list two stamps.— SCIENTIFIC APPLIANCES (Dale & Hollins), rz and 13 Sicilian Avenue, London, W.C. 1. OLD PLATINUM, GOLD Dental Alloy, Scrap, Pes Purchased for Cash or Valued, SPINK & SON, Ltd., 17 & 18 PICCADILLY, LONDON, W.1. EST. 1772. Fine Jewels or Plate also purchased or valued. JAMES R. GREGORY & Co. Are open to purchase fine Crystallised Minerals Address: 139 Fulham Road, South Kensington, S.W. 3. Telephone : } WESTERN 2841. Telegrams: “METEORITES, LONDON. FEBRUARY 27, 1919 | NATURE CHEMICAL & SCIENTIFIC APPARATUS ALL BRITISH ccvil BRAND. WwW MADE IN TWO QUALITIES. (1) An excellent Soda Glass, suitable for ordinary use, branded . ; : j (2) A Highest Resistant Glass for Ana- lytical and Research Work, branded WOOD BROTHERS GLASS COMPANY, LTD., BOROUGH FLINT GLASS WORKS, BARNSLEY. Obtainable from Laboratory Outfitters and always stocked by Wm. Toogood. Ltd., 77 Southwark St. Harrison, Parkinson & Co., Sunbridge Road. BRADFORD. C. & J. Montgomery, 147 Royal Avenue. BELFAST. Standley Beleher & Mason, Ltd., Church St. BIRMINGHAM. MeQuilkin & Co., 17 Sauchiehall Street. GLASGOW. Thomson, Skinner & Hamilton, 38 Sauchiehall St. GLASGOW. 14 Commercial Street. LEEDS. . LINCOLN. Reynolds & Branson, Ltd, Battle, Son & Maltby, Chemists. Orme & Co., Ltd., 17/19 Russell Street, London Road. MANCHESTER. LONDON, S.E. 1. Middleton & Co., 11 Linthorpe Road. MIDDLESBROUGH. Urwin & Co., The Manors. NEWCASTLE-on-TYNE. Brady & Martin, Ltd., Northumberland Road. NEWCASTLE-on-TYNE. J. Preston, Barker’s Pool. SHEFFIELD. W. Finlayson, 141 High Street. STOCKTON-on-TEES. F. A. Henriques, 56 Clarence Street. SYDNEY. Heynes Mathew, Ltd., Adderley Street. CAPE TOWN. South African Agents— / P.O. Box 834 CAPE TOW W. R. Everett, Ltd. | P.O. Box 1665 JOHANNESBURG INSIST ON HAVING THE BRAND. The MEDICAL SUPPLY ASSOCIATION, tia. (Electrical Dept.) Running cost gd. per hour. GS See article,‘ Deve. ment and Uses of the Static Electri Machine,” Navure, December 27, 1917, page 332 ACTUAL MANUFACTURERS OF SCIENTIFIC ELECTRICAL APPARATUS, 167-185 Gray’s Inn Rd., London, W.C. 1. HIGH-SPEED STATIC ELECTRICAL MACHINES FOR HEAVY DISCHARGES. Sizes 4 to 20 Plates. All Plates Revolving. ‘ LABORATORY USE, | PRODUCTION OF X-RAYS, PROLONGED HIGH TENSION DISCHARGES, ELECTRO-AGRICULTURE AND OTHER PURPOSES. No covering is required, as the machine is unaffected by climatic conditions. SEND FOR STATIC MACHINE CATALOGUE OF HIGH-CLASS, WELL-ENGINEERED MACHINES. British made throughout in our own workshops. A ChIENT WRITES regarding our BRITISH BUILT MACHINE :—“‘It is better than any other outfit 1 have seen, If it is all English made, then I am proud of the fact that English- men are not behind American and Continental houses in building a fine piece of apparatus.” SUITABLE FOR - ecviii NATURE [Fepruary. 27, 1919 The BECK -cicts BINOCULAR |SLIDER RHEOSTATS Patent il B&B LRN ( ) require a well-designed contact Not only an advance on Metick “thiag’ a Mbuebier TERE TT TS: with all powers. 1. Resolution equal to that of a Monocular. ISENTHAL & coLo 2. Equal illumination in ty coioe RODS both eyes. ra Saad 3. Short tube length, conrAacrs making Microscope | | compact. | vy 4. No special object- glasses or eyepieces required. 5. Standard angle of con- vergence. 6. Stereoscopic vision. 7. Binocular vision, saving eyestrain and giving better results than Monocular vision. BECK BINOCULAR Microscope. °® Converted into a Mon. . Nowa P's: ocular by a touch. ISENTHAL & 8 ‘s (Department 1), DENZIL WORKS, WILLESDEN, LONDON, N.W. 10. R. & J. BECK, Ltd., 68 CORNHILL, LONDON, £.C.3 Clits Ealantek lice a Baste sca Fuil descriptive Booklet and Price List on application. One of the reasons for the great popularity of the Versalic ;4, inch Oil Immersion Objective is the number of kind recommendations by Versalic users in every branch of science. Its long working distance, its immovable front lens, and the beautifully clear image that it gives have made it a universal favourite. The definition is always superb, even when deep eyepieces are used. Sole Manufacturers :— W. WATSON & SONS, Ltd., 313 High Holborn, London, W.C. 1. War Price £6 17 6 Accurately Graduated Glass Laboratory Apparatus. CYLINDERS, FLASKS, PIPETTES, BURETTES, NITROMETERS, Made by CARBON TUBES, etc. STANDLEY BELCHER & MASON, Lb., Church Street, Birmingham. Graduating and Glass Blowing-1 LUDGATE HILL, B’HAM. Pure Acid Works—HOOPER STREET, B'HAM. Printed in Great Britain by R. CLay AND Sons, Limrrep, at Brunswick Street, Stamford Street. S.E.1,and published by MACMILLAN AND Co., LIMITED, at St. Martin's Street, London, W.C. 2, and THe — p 66 5 ‘T6o York. —Tuurspay. February 27, ror SMITHSONIAN TW Hill | 1359 6986 9088 "wil