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British Science Guild
Annual report of the Executive

Committee
1977,

"Eleventh Ulnhdal Beport

oe = execurive COMMITTEE
BRITISH SCIENCE GUILD

‘JUNE, 1917

ONTENTS

ae ce The iPromotion of ‘Sclentific and ~-Industrial bata
i Research . re we iy. wo 4) ed
2. “Report of the Work of the Guild, 1916-17... 10
3. ca € oR ts |
iY 7th Annual Report of the Canadian Branch
_ of the Guild fag ek Feel ELD” ak a 26
EB TS Report ‘of the South Australian Branch
ee ae 1915-16 ... seh ae aM ie 31
9 he The Metric System and the Textile cagquen +
* by Professor Alfred Barker ah 33
- . \Government Committees a A Sea ae
, x ae - s \
/ ~ » Endowment of Education and Research Re 46
| National Instruction in Technical Optics — ... 50
_ Finance, Membership, Obituary - 433 «. §4-59

4, REPORT OF ELEVENTH ANNUAL MEETING -
OF THE GUILD, including addresses by :—

() The Rt. Hon. Lord Sydenham, on
** National Reconstruction *’

@) The Rt. Hon. H. A. L. Fisher, on
Ropes ‘Science in Education and Industry "
eg ee (3) Mr. H. G. Wells on “Science in the
le Sig See Curricula of our Schools and
CoS alana ; Universities *’

Offices:
“199, PICCADILLY, LONDON, W.1

Telephone: REGENT 5089

OS aes PRICE—ONE SHILLING —

BLEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT

OF THE

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

OF THE

mest SCIENCE GUILD

Adopted at the Annual General Meeting of the Members of the
Guild, held at the Mansion House, on Monday, 30th, April,
1917, at 4 p.m., the Right Hon. THE Lorp ‘Mayor presiding

The Guild very much regrets to announce that Sir William Mather
recently intimated his desire to retire from the position of President of the
Guild. At a meeting held on the 30th March, 1917, the following resolution
was passed by the Executive Committee :—

““ That the members of the Executive Committee desire to place on record

their very high appreciation of the services of Sir William Mather
as President of the Guild during the past four years. They consider
that the greatly increased prosperity of the Guild has been very
largely due to the interest which Sir William Mather has shewn in
its work, and to the personal influence which he has brought to bear
upon it, as well as to the very large amount of assistance which he
has so generously given in forwarding its aims.”’

The Guild has very great pleasure in announcing that Lord Sydenham
has accepted the invitation to be nominated to succeed Sir William Mather as
President; and also that the Rt. Hon. the Lord Mayor has consented to
become a new Vice-President of the Guild.

THE PROMOTION OF SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH.

During the past year there have been many signs of awakened interest
in the national significance of scientific method and work; and not the least
encouraging among them is the action taken by scientific workers,
individually and collectively. Until the war compelled attention to be given
to all matters affecting national efficiency, both in the present and the future,
little heed was paid to the warnings of those who discerned clearly the
consequences of the neglect of science by the State!

The only body which has seriously endeavoured to show the bearing of
science and scientific method upon public affairs of every kind is the British
Science Guild. It is a satisfaction to know that the pioneers of the movement
for a fuller recognition of science by the State have exerted a sub-conscious
influence upon the minds of scientific men, as evidenced by the manifestoes
issued, and meetings held, upon the subject of the co-ordination of science

-with industry, education, and administration, which the Guild has been

urging for the last twelve years. The Royal Society has formed a conjoint
committee of members of scientific societies ; a Committee on the Neglect of
Science has been formed to deal with science in the public schools, at Oxford
and Cambridge, and in examinations for the public services; an Education
Reform Council, having upon it representatives of science, industry and
commerce, as well as of education, has been brought into being by the
Teachers’ Guild; and suggestions for reforms have been issued, or are being
deliberated, by these and other bodies.

The Board of Scientific Societies, formed by the Royal Society, consists
of representatives of twenty-seven scientific, including technical, societies,
and has been established for the furtherance of the following objects :—
Promoting the co-operation of those interested in pure or applied science ;
supplying a means by which the scientific opinion of the country may, on
matters relating to science, industry, and education, find effective expression ;
taking such action as may be necessary to promote the application of science
to our industries and to the service of the nation; and discussing scientific
questions in which international co-operation seems advisable. The
executive committee consists of the following members :—Sir Joseph Thomson
(Chairman), Dr. Dugald Clerk, Sir Robert: Hadfield, Mr. A. D. Hall, Prof.
Herbert Jackson, Sir Alfred Keogh, Sir Ray Lankester, Prof. A. Schuster,
Sir John Snell, Prof. E. H. Starling, Lord Sydenham, Mr. R. Threlfall, and
Prof. W. W. Watts.

A deputation from this Board was received in December last by Lord
Crewe, Chairman of the Committee of the Privy Council for Scientific and
Industrial Research, and Lord Crewe then announced that the Government
had decided to form a new Department for this work. He stated that a block
grant would be made to cover five years’ expenditure, and in addition there
would be an annual vote in the estimates for various purposes and a sum
would be set aside to meet cases in which assistance was required by
individual workers or by professional societies which were in need of funds
to carry on research work. The Civil Service Estimates for 1917-18 include
a grant of £1,000,000 (which is presumably the block grant referred to for
operations during the next five years) and also the sums of £24,000 for
investigations carried out by learned and scientific societies, and £6,000 for
students and other persons engaged in research. The new Department
represents the beginning of the Board of Science and Industry, the establish-
ment of which was suggested in the Memorandum to the Reconstruction
Committee published in the Journal of the Guild for November, 1916; and
it is to be hoped that its functions will eventually comprise all the lines of
work suggested in that Mémorandum.

The official statement as to the constitution of the new Department is as
follows :—

DEPARTMENT OF SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH.

The Government have decided to establish a separate Department of
Scientific and Industrial Research for Great Britain and Ireland under the
Lord President of the Council, with the President of the Board of Education

as vice-president. They have also decided, subject to the consent of
Parliament, to place a large sum of money at the disposal of the new
Department to be used as a fund for the conduct of research for the benefit of
the national industries on a co-operative basis.

The Board of Inland Revenue have decided, with the approval of the
Chancellor of the Exchequer, that no objection shall be offered by their
surveyors of taxes to the allowance, as a working expense for income-tax
purposes, of contributions by traders to industrial associations which may be
formed for the sole purpose of scientific research for the benefit of the various
trades; and the allowance would be equally applicable as regards traders’
contributions specifically earmarked to the sole purpose of the research
section of an adapted existing association.

In both cases the allowance would be subject to certain conditions, e.g.,
the association or the research section to be under Government supervision
and the traders’ contribution to be an out-and-out payment, made from his
trade profits and giving him no proprietary interest in the property of the
association, etc.

In order to enable the Department to hold the new fund and any other
money or property for research purposes, a Royal Charter has been granted
to the official members of the Committee of the Privy Council for Scientific
and Industrial Research under the title of the ‘‘ Imperial Trust for the
Encouragement of Scientific and Industrial Research.’’ The trust is em-
powered ‘‘ to accept, hold, and dispose of money or other personal property
in furtherance of the objects for which it has been established, including
sums voted by Parliament to that end.’’ The trust can take and hold land,
and can ‘‘ accept any trusts, whether subject to special conditions or not, in
furtherance of the said objects.”’

A substantial gift has already been made to the trust by two members of
the Institution of Mechanical Engineers for the conduct of a research in
mechanical engineering to be approved by the Department in the hope that
this example will be followed by other members of the institution.

Mr. H. Frank Heath, C.B., has been appointed permanent secretary of
the new Department.

TRADE ASSOCIATIONS.

Several Trade Associations have been formed during the year, and
among their objects are the promotion of industrial research, as referred to
in the foregoing statement of the work of the Imperial Trust.

British firms engaged in the chemical and allied trades have formed an
Association of Chemical Manufacturers, with the following objects :—(1) to
promote closer co-operation and to place before the Government the views of
the chemical trade generally; (2) to further industrial research; and (3) to
facilitate closer co-operation between chemical manufacturers and various
universities and technical schools.

Broadly, the association aims to represent the chemical industry when
dealing with the Government, to develop technical organisation, and to
promote new industries and the extension of existing ones. The subscription,
which is based pro vata on the size of the subscribing undertakings, 1s

sufficiently large to ensure that the association, if successful, will have
ample funds at its disposal.

A number of members of The Manchester Engineers’ Club have formed
themselves into a Council for Organising British Engineering Industry,
which has secured the support of almost every important engineering concern
in the Manchester district, and ali but very few throughout South-East
Lancashire. Steps have already been taken to extend its activities to the
Midlands, and to co-operate with the British Engineers’ Association in the
organisation of British engineering industry. A report drawn up by the
Council, and submitted to the Board of Trade, includes the following
recommendations as to research :—

(a) That university teachers be encouraged to undertake research on
behalf of, and in co-operation with, manufacturing firms; and that additional
Government grants be paid to universities and colleges with this end in view.

(b) That, by the establishment of such an association of manufacturing
engineers as we have advocated and by other means, the volume of research
work carried out in connection with the British engineering industry be greatly
increased; and that provision be made for this increase in the volume of
research by fully utilising and extending the facilities already available in
universities and colleges, as well as in the works of private firms, and also by
establishing a central research laboratory for investigations that cannot be
undertaken elsewhere.

The relations of Trade Associations to technical education and industrial
research have been stated by Dr. William Garnett in a paper read before the
Scientific, Technical, and Trade Circle of the Institute of Journalists. The
chief conclusions arrived at were summarised as follows :—

(1) Education in elementary and secondary schools must be fhore directly
associated with things so as to develop self-reliance and resourcefulness, not
to teach trades. .

(2) A considerable proportion of teachers should devote a third year of
training largely to practical work under conditions enabling them to become
acquainted with the practice of some trades.

(3) A general knowledge of the phenomena of nature and the processes
applied to industry must be more widely diffused by means of popular
lectures and otherwise.

(4) More completely organised courses of instruction without breach of
continuity must be provided for industrial workers of all classes, including
the leaders of industry, together with the necessary scholarships, fellowships
or bursaries to enable the best students to carry on post-graduate research.

(5) Existing institutions must be improved upon and some additional
institutions must be provided, especially in the chemical trades, to enable
scientific discoveries to be developed sufficiently to demonstrate the conditions
under which they can be commercially successful.

(6) Some alterations must be made in the patent law to enable the profits
arising from investigations conducted wholly or partly at the public expense
to be divided between the State, the scientific workers and the manufacturers.

(7) Trades should be organised for the purpose of superintending the
research work in which they are interested, for the collection and dissemina-
tion of information, and the distribution of work among firms in the manner
in which it can be most effectively and economically carried out in the interest
of the industry as a whole.

(8) The Trade Associations should be in close touch with the Advisory
Council for Research and the Council should where necessary recommend
the award of Parliamentary grants in aid of the industrial research carried on
under the direction of the Associations, and make proyision for such work in
cases in which Trade Associations are not available, and the Advisory
Council should utilise to the utmost the services of these Associations and
professional and scientific societies.

(9) The National Physical Laboratory should be the Central Institution
for all Physical Measurements and Standardisation, but for chemical pro-
cesses a separate institution for a trade or group of trades will frequently be
required for the work intermediate between the discovery of a new product
or reaction in the research laboratory and the adaptation of the process to
commercial manufacture.

(10) Some method of financing new processes which have been approved
by a competent authority, other than the ordinary method of floating a

company, is desirable, and this may be provided by some form of Industrial
Bank.

A Federation of British Industries has been formed to provide a body
capable of representing the interests of the British manufacturing and
producing industries. The objects of the federation may be summed up
briefly as the organisation and development of industry now and after the
war, in co-operation with labour and in conjunction with the Government and
Government departments. A condition of membership is an annual subscrip-
tion of £100 a year, with an obligation to continue such subscription until

June 30, 1919.

ORGANISATION OF RESEARCH.

The advantages to be derived from the organisation of industrial
scientific research on a scale commensurate with our national position were
stated fully in a paper by Dr. Kenneth Mees, published in Nature of July 13
and 20, 1916. Dr. Mees said :—

‘‘ A laboratory on the smallest scale adequate to British industry would,
at the beginning, require a staff of about two thousand men, one thousand
of them scientifically trained and the other thousand assistants and workmen.
It should have about three or four hundred men of the rank .of professor or
assistant professor in the universities, or of works manager or assistant
manager or chief chemist in the factory. It would require land and buildings
costing about £600,000, and its annual upkeep with allowance for expansion
would be about £800,000.

‘Vast as these figures are, they are infinitesimal compared with the
value of the industries which they would serve. They represent a charge of

less than 1 per cent., and probably not more than 1/5th per cent., of the net
profits of British industry ; moreover, after the initial period had been paid
for, such a laboratory might be self-supporting, and might, indeed, finally
make a very handsome profit on the original investment.

‘“ Suppose that such a laboratory patented all inventions and licensed
manufacturers to use them, then I think, it is not too much to expect that
after the first five or six years it would be paying for itself, and that five
years later it would be able to establish a great many subsidiary institutions
from its profits; at any rate, such a vast laboratory would produce far more
results at lower cost than would result from any other expenditure of a
comparable sum of money on industrial research by the British industries.”

The steps taken by our Government to promote scientific and industrial
research have led to similar action being induced in other parts of the
Empire. The Commonwealth Institute of Science and Industry was described
in last year’s Report. . We have now to record that the Canadian
Government has appointed an honorary advisory council on scientific and
industrial research to advise a committee of the Cabinet on all matters
relating to science and industrial research, with a view to securing the united
efforts of scientific workers and industrial concerns, and of selecting the
most pressing problems indicated by industrial necessities to be submitted to
research institutions and individuals for solution. The members of this
advisory council are:—Dr. A. S. Mackenzie, president of Dalhousie
University, Halifax, N.S.; Dr. F. D. Adams, dean of the faculty of applied
science, McGill University; Dr. R. F. Ruttan, professor of chemistry, McGill
University; Dr. J. C. McLennan, director of the Physical Laboratories,
University of Toronto; Dr. A. B. Macallum, president of the Royal Society
of Canada, University. of Toronto; Dr. W. Murray, president of the
University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon; Mr. R. Hobson, president of the
Steel Company of Canada, Hamilton, Ont.; Mr. R. A. Ross, consulting
electrical engineer, Montreal; Arthur Surveyor, consulting engineer,
Montreal; and Tancréde Bienvenu, manager of La Banque Pro-
vinciale, Montreal. The question of co-operation between the scientific
men of the country and industrial concerns, with *a view of solving
the problems raised by the war and of placing the industrial resources of
the country in a position to meet the conditions that will arise after the war,
has been under consideration by the Canadian Government and by representa-
* tives of science and industry for some time, as it was felt to be desirable to
follow the example of the British Government in this matter. In a memoran-
dum Sir George E. Foster, Minister of Trade and Commerce, pointed out
‘“the urgent need of organising, mobilising, and economising the existing
resources of scientific and industrial research in Canada with the purpose of
utilising waste products, discovering new processes—mechanical, chemical,
and metallurgical—and developing into useful adjuncts to industry and
commerce the unused natural resources of Canada.’’ A beginning has been
made by the establishment of a.Research Bureau at Montreal.

So far as we know, nothing has yet been done in this direction in South
Africa, but Prof. J. A. Wilkinson, in his presidental address to Section B

of the South African Association for the Advancement of Science in July last,
_gave the following draft of a programme :—

1. Preliminary.—(a) A complete census of existing laboratories and
workers; (b) a complete census of facilities for the education of scientific
workers of all kinds and classes ; (c) a complete census of all manufactures,
their location, methods, raw materials, and output; (d) a complete census of
all known existing raw materials of South Africa, which might be put to use
for manufacturing or other purposes; (e) the collection of information from,
and reciprocity with, organisations having similar objects throughout the
Empire, and in Allied or friendly States.

2. Standardisation.—(a) Of scientific instruments of all kinds, whether
used in laboratories or works; (b) and scientific control of apparatus and
materials required in research.

3. Initiation.—The appointment of a central council which shall (a)
receive and suggest problems for research; (b) by the organisation of
manufacturers of the same or similar products, ascertain what is necessary
for the progress; (c) keep in close touch with all the universities and
scientific societies in the country.

4. Assistance.—(a) By endowments to laboratories and workers; (b) by
the collection, publication, and dissemination of information; (c) by the
establishment and endowment of libraries; (d) by the advancement of scientific
education in schools, colleges and universities; (e) by increasing the equip-
ment, etc., of existing laboratories, and the establishment of new ones; (f)~
by the provision of laboratories for the carrying out of suggested industrial
processes on a small commercial scale with the sanction and approval of the
central council.

5. Co-ordination.—(a) By annual reports from all laboratories; (b)
by bringing all workers in the same branch together ; (c) by the dissemination
of information respecting similar work done elsewhere; (d) by annual
congresses of all scientific societies; (e) by annual congresses of manufac-
turers and trade interests.

THe U.S. NaTIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL.

In the United States, in response to a request from the President, the
National Academy of Sciences has organised a National Research Council.

The purpose of the Council is to bring into co-operation existing
Governmental, educational, industrial, and other research organisations, with
the object of encouraging the investigation of natural phenomena, the
increased use of scientific research in the development of American
industries, the employment of scientific methods in strengthening the national
defence, and such other applications of science as will promote the national
security and welfare.

The Council is composed of leading American investigators and
engineers, representing the Army, Navy, Smithsonian Institution, and
various scientific bureaux of the Government; educational institutions and

research endowments; and the research divisions of industrial and manufac-
turing establishments.

In order to secure a thoroughly representative body, the members of the
Council have been chosen in consultation with the presidents of the American
Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Philosophical
Society, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American
Association of University Professors, and the Association of American
Universities, and with the advice of a special committee representing the
American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Institute of Mining
Engineers, the American Society of Electrical Engineers, and the American
Chemical Society.

Research committees of two classes have been appointed: central
committees, representing various departments of science, comprised of leading
authorities in each field, selected in consultation with the president of the
corresponding national society ; local committees in universities, colleges, and
other co-operating institutions engaged in scientific research.

The preliminary plan of procedure recommended by the National
Research Council, and approved by the council of the National Academy, is
as follows :—

(1) The preparation of a national census of equipment for research, of
the men engaged in it, and of the lines of investigation pursued in
co-operating » Government bureaux, education institutions, research
foundations, and industrial research laboratories ; this census to be prepared
in harmony with any general plan adopted by the proposed Government
Council of National Defence.

(2) The preparation of reports by special committees, suggesting
important research problems and favourable opportunities for research in
various departments of science.

(3) The promotion of co-operation in research, with the object of
securing increased efficiency ; but with careful avoidance of any hampering
control or interference with individual freedom and initiative.

(4) Co-operation with educational institutions, by supporting their efforts
to secure larger funds and more favourable conditions for the pursuit of
research and the training of students in the methods and spirit of
investigation.

(5) Co-operation with research foundations and other agencies desiring
to secure a more effective use of funds available for investigation.

(6) The encouragment in co-operating laboratories of researches designed
to strengthen the national defence and to render the United States independent
of foreign resources of supply liable to be affected by the war.

The National Research Council has shown much interest in the work of
the British Science Guild and has distributed to organisations and individuals
in the United States copies of the memorandum on the Relations which should
exist between the State and Science, presented to the Reconstruction Com-
mittee, and published in the Journal of the Guild for November, 1916.

NATIONAL RESEARCH LABORATORIES.

Engineering experiment stations have been established at several of the
universities in the United States. These stations have special staffs of
officers who are free from ordinary instructional work. The engineering
experiment station at the University of Illinois, which may be taken as
typical of the best organised and most highly developed of these stations, was
organised in 1903 for the purpose of conducting investigations of importance
to professional engineers and to the manufacturing, railway, mining, and
building interests of the State. The cost of maintenance of the station is
about 410,000 a year.

A Bill, having for its object the establishment of engineering experiment
stations in the State colleges of the United States, was introduced into the
Senate of the United States a few months ago. The Bill provides that ‘‘ in
order to aid in acquiring and diffusing among the people of the United States
useful and practical information on subjects connected with engineering and
other branches of the mechanic arts, and to promote the scientific investigation
and experiment respecting the principles and applications of the mechanic
arts,’’ there shall be established under the direction of the State college in

ce » Le ‘

each State a department to be known as an “ engineering ’’ or a “‘ mechanic
arts ’’ experiment station. The Bill provides also for a grant of £3,000 a
year to each State for the purposes of such an experiment station. It is
worthy of note in this connection that these State, or land grant, colleges
and the institutions of which they are part received in 1914, from the United
States, £500,000; from the States and from other sources, more than
£,6,000,000.

The question of national laboratories of scientific research was the
subject of a report by a committee to the Paris Academy of Sciences in
November last. The Committee pointed out that all the great industrial
nations possess national laboratories of scientific research, systematically
directed towards the study of technical problems. The National Physical
Laboratory in England, the Bureau of Standards and the Carnegie Institution
of the United States, the Physikalische Reichsanstalt and the institutes
founded by the Wilhelm Gesellschaft in Germany are given as examples.
France has no corresponding institution, and after a full discussion of the
questions of control, staff, and work to be done, the following resolution was
_umanimously carried :— ‘‘ The Academy of Sciences, convinced of the
necessity of organising in France, in a systematic manner, certain scientific
researches, expresses its wish that a National Physical Laboratory should be
started, for the prosecution of scientific researches useful to the progress of
industry. As in other countries, this laboratory would be placed under the
control and direction of the Academy of Sciences.’’ It is suggested that the
general direction of the laboratory shall be entrusted to a council, one-half of
the members nominated by the academy, one-quarter representatives of the
State departments, and the remaining quarter delegated by the principal
industrial interests.

ize)

WORK OF THE GUILD COMMITTEES.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, IQ16-17.
The President of the Guild:
Rt. Hon. Sir WILLIAM MATHER, P.C., LL.D.

The Chairman of Committees :
Sir NORMAN; LOCKYER? EK°C.-B:, °F /R-S:

The Vice-Chairmen of Committees:
SIR* HUGH BELLS Bari:
Hon. Sir JOHN COCKBURN, K.C.M.G,

The Depuiy Chairman:
Sir BOVERTON REDWOOD, Br., D.Sc.

The Hon. Treasurer:
Rt. Hon. LORD AVEBURY.

The Hon. Assistant Treasurer:
Lapy LOCKYER. :

Other Members:
Captain CHARLES BATHURST, M.P.
Sir WILLIAM BEALE, Br., K.C., M.P. (Vice-President).
sir GEORGE BEILBY, F.R.S.
W. H. COWAN, Esg., M.P.
Proressor R. A. GREGORY.
Sir ROBERT HADFIELD, F.R.S.
SURGEON-GENERAL Sir A. KEOGH, G.C.B., LL.D. (Vice-President).
Proressor A. LIVERSIDGE, F.R.S.
Sirk PHILIP MAGNUS, M.P.
Dr. T. A. MATTHEWS.
ROBERT MOND, Esg., M.A.
Major O’MEARA, R.E., C.M.G. (Vice-President).
PROFESSOR JOHN PERRY, F.R.S.
LiEUT.-COLONEL Sir RONALD ROSS, K.C.B., F.R.S.
A. A. CAMPBELL SWINTON, Eso., M.Inst.C.E., F.R.S.
Lapy NAPIER SHAW.
Rt. Hon. Lorp SYDENHAM; GiC!S, 1. 5G.CM.G: G. Cialis
F.R.S. (Vice-President).
CARMICHAEL THOMAS, Esg.
Dr. R. M. WALMSLEY.
Dr. HOWARD S. WILLSON.
Coronet Sir JOHN S. YOUNG, C.V.O.,

and the Officers of the Guild.

Under the direction of the Executive Committee, the Memorandum on
the Relations of Science to Industry and Education was widely circulated,
receiving many important signatures. It was then sent in to the Recon-
struction Committee of the Government, and was published in full in the
_November issue of the Journal.

In this connection it may be mentioned that a Government Committee
on the Civil Service Examinations has recently been appointed, which it is
hoped will be able favourably to consider the Guild’s recommendations with
regard to the reorganisation of the Examinations for the higher branches of
the Service. In the interests of the Nation the Committee should secure for
the future a Civil Service which will be fully alive to the necessity for the
application of science and scientific research.

The question of the composition of Food Parcels for our Prisoners in
Germany was brought before the Executive Committee in the early summer,
and a special committee, composed mainly of experts on foodstuffs, was
appointed to consider this very important matter. The report of the Com-
mittee will be found on pp. 21-22.

In December last the Committee appointed a small special committee
to consider the question of the Introduction of a Metric System of Weights
and Measures and a Decimal System of Coinage into this country, and the
report of the work of the Committee is printed on pp. 17, 18, 19.

Owing to the increasing claims of his private work and his moving to
another part of London, Dr. F. Mollwo Perkin resigned the position of one
of the Hon. Secretaries of the Guild at the end of 1916. The Executive
Committee are greatly indebted to Dr. Perkin for the services which he
rendered the Guild during nearly eight years.

Many applications for copies of the Journal have been received
from outside sources. Four issues of the Journal have now appeared. One
copy of each issue is sent gratis to every member of the Guild, and back
numbers, price sixpence each, may always be obtained on application to the
Secretary of the Guild at 199, Piccadilly, London, W.

It having been brought to the notice of the Guild that His Majesty the
King had conferred the honour of the ‘‘G.C.B.’’ on Sir Alfred Keogh, for
services rendered to the State during the War, and that in the present
Government Captain C. Bathurst had been appointed “‘ Parliamentary Secre-
tary to the Minister of Food,’’ and as both these gentlemen are members of

the Executive, it was resolved to send them the hearty congratulations of the
Guild.

The following replies were received from Sir Alfred Keogh and Captain

Bathurst :— J
War OFFICE,

5th February, 1917.
Dear SiR WILLIAM MATHER,

The letter which you have written to me, in which you have informed
me of the Resolution which has been passed by the Executive Committee,
has touched me very deeply, and I would ask you to be so kind as to convey
to the Chairman and Members of the Committee my warmest thanks for

their congratulations on the honour which the King has conferred upon me.
I have received that honour as a testimony that His Majesty recognises the
work of the Medical Corps on all fronts. I hope, when we come to sum up
the effects which modern science has had upon military problems, that it will
be agreed that all those principles for which the British Science Guild stands,
have been completely vindicated, and that the importance of Science to
Administration will be more fully recognised in the future

Believe me, yours sincerely,
ALFRED KEOGH.

Ministry oF Foon,
GrROSVENOR House, W.,
4th February, 1917.
DEAR Sir WILLIAM,

I desire to thank you and the members of the Executive Committee of
the British Science Guild for their cordial message of congratulation on my
appointment as Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food, contained
in your kind letter of the 2nd inst.

In the execution of my present duties I will certainly strive to merit the
confidence of my colleagues on the Committee, the expression of which you
so gracefully convey.

Yours sincerely,
CHARLES BATHURST.
The Rt. Hon. Sir WiLt1am Matuer, P.C.

GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTRE.

Members :—Professor R. A. Gregory (Chairman), Sir William Phipson Beale,
Bt., K.C., M-P., Professor A. Liversidge, F.R.S., Sir Norman
Lockyer, K.C.B., F.R.S., Lady Lockyer, The Rt. Hon. Sir William
Mather, P.C., LL.D., Major O’Meara, R.E., C.M.G., Sir Boverton
Redwood, Bt., D.Sc., A. A. Campbell Swinton, Esq., M.Inst.C.E.,
F.R.S., Carmichael Thomas, Esq., Colonel Sir John S. Young, C.V.O.,
and the Officers of the Guild.

The General Purposes Committee have met frequently during the year,
and have dealt with matters concerning the administration of the Guild
generally, the arrangements for the Annual Meeting, etc. ; and have also from
time to time recommended courses of action to the Executive in regard to
various subjects.

MEDICAL COMMITTEE.

Members :—Lt.-Col. Sir Ronald Ross, K.C.B., F.R.S. (Chairman), Surgeon-
General Sir Alfred Keogh, G.C.B. (Deputy Chairman), Dr. F. W.
Andrewes, F.R.S., Sir Thos. Barlow, Bt., K.C.V.O., F.R.S., Sir J.
Rose Bradford, K.C.M.G., F.R.S., The Hon. Sir John Cockburn,
K.C.M.G., Dr. James Cantlié, F.R.C.S., Dr. James Collier, F.R.C.P.,
Professor Crossley, F.R.S., Professor J. Bretland Farmer, F.R.S.,

Dr. F. E. Fremantle, F.R.C.P., Sir Archibald Geikie, K.C.B., F.R.S.,
Profesor Liversidge, F.R.S., Dr. Chas. Martin, F.R.S., Dr. Clifford
Secon, -hek.c.5., Sir ‘William “Osler,” F.RUS., “Prof. C."'\S:.
Sherrington, F.R.S., Professor Starling, F.R.S., Dr. D. Sommerville,
Dr. Halliday Sutherland, the Rt. Hon. Lord Sydenham, G.C.M.G.,
F.R.S., Dr. A. D. Waller, F.R.S., Dr. Howard S. Willson, and the
Officers of the Guild.

The work of the Medical Committee is still somewhat impeded owing to
so many of its members being on war service, but several meetings have been
held and several questions dealt with. The principal points discussed are
alluded to in the following paragraphs.

Feeding of Infants in Institutions ; Feeding of Boys at the Public Schools, eic.
In the autumn of 1916 the following letter, dealing with the subjects

mentioned in this heading, was sent to the Editors of the British Medical
Journal and the Lancet :—

DEAR SIR,

At a recent meeting of the Medical Committee of the British Science
Guild I was instructed to communicate with you upon the following points :—

(1). A letter received from Sir Lauder Brunton shortly before his death.
(I enclose copy).

With regard to paragraphs 11 to 14 inclusive, I am to say that the
questions therein mentioned—remuneration of the mgdical profession
generally, difference between fees commanded by surgeons and doctors, etc.
—are of particular interest to the Medical Committee of the Guild, who would
invite correspondence upon them through your columns if you are good
enough to publish the letter, or portions of it.

(2). A letter from the Local Government Board, a copy of which I enclose. .
Some months ago the Medical Committee of the Guild were informed
that there existed in certain Poor Law Institutions in England and Wales an
objectionable method of feeding a number of young children with the same
spoon, a practice calculated greatly to spread infectious and contagious
diseases. The Committee communicated with the Local Government Board,
suggesting the appointment of voluntary lady inspectors, who should visit the
institutions and see the children fed. The Local Government Board were,
however, unable to agree to this suggestion, but stated that the question
should be brought to the notice of their ordinary Inspectors. It has now
been finally stated by the Board that the practice does not exist in Poor Law
Institutions in England and Wales.

(3). Feeding of Boys in the Public Schools. —A letter was recently
addressed to the Medical Committee of the Guild, dealing with the following
points :—

(1). That boys are sent to the Public Schools at the most critical stage
of their development, and it is therefore most important for the future welfare
of the race that they shall have plenty of good, nourishing food.

(2) That under the prevailing system, the catering for each house is in
the hands of the housemaster, who to a great extent makes his living out
of the boarding fees.

(3). That in the majority of cases the food provided is not of a sufficiently
nourishing character, canned foods and twice-cooked meat figuring largely
on the menus, to the exclusion of fresh meat and vegetables.

The Medical Committee sent a copy of this letter to an eminent food
expert, and his reply is as follows :—

‘“ With reference to your communication on the Feeding of Boys
in the Public Schools, I think the facts as stated are true, and call for
correction. The system of housemasters living on the profits of their
catering also seems to me to merit the condemnation passed on it.
The remedy for the evils enumerated is not, perhaps, to be obtained
easily, but it ought to be within the powers of the Medical Committee
of the British Science Guild to lead public opinion on the matter.’’

The Committee also sent a copy of the letter to the Hon. Secretary of
the Incorporated Association of Head Masters, and his reply is as follows :—

‘*T am much obliged for the letter enclosed. The difficulty is
that schools vary very much; some of what is said would be quite
unfair if applied to a good many. If the British Science Guild would
produce some specimen dietaries—programmes for a month at a time,
so as to shew how a wholesome variety could be secured—I think it
might be a very useful piece of work.”’

In the original letter received by the Committee, the suggestion is made
that the catering at each Public School should be taken out of the hands of
the Housemasters, and put into the hands of an ad hoc committee.

I am to state that the Medical Committee are in general agreement with
the above proposal, and would be glad to receive correspondence on the
subject, if you are good enough to publish the above facts.

Very truly yours,
RONALD ROSS,

Chairman of the Medical Committee,
for the British Science Guild.

Extracts from Sir Lauder Brunton’s Letter.

The whole question of the remuneration of the medical profession and
of its various branches will naturally give rise to much discussion.

For example, I have of late years frequently been consulted in regard
to abdominal operations. The question shall an operation be performed or
not? has been left entirely in my hands, and on the correctness of my answer
the life of the patient has depended. Yet for my advice I received the fee

of three guineas. If an operation was necessary, the surgeon received 100
guineas.

This enormous disproportion between the values of mere mechanical
skill and trained brain work holds in other branches also.

These high surgical fees are one of the causes why some kind of co-
operative hospital is becoming so urgently needed.

Before the war began I was working with Lady Henry at the establish-
ment of some kind of insurance for officers’ families against sickness or
cperation. The officer himself was insured, but if one of his family got
appendicitis the operation and incidental expenses might run away with the
united income of the officer and his wife for a whole year.

With regard to the question of the wide disproportion existing between
the fees commanded by physicians and surgeons respectively, the Medical
Committee have received considerable correspondence. Copies of the letters
have, with the consent of the writers, been sent to the Royal Colleges of
Physicians and Surgeons, and to the General Medical Council, together with
a covering letter asking if the various Councils will consider the facts put
forward, and whether they think it desirable to take any action upon them.

Copy of Letter from Local Government Board.
17th July, 1916.
The Hon. Secretary,
Medical Committee,
British Science Guild.
SIR,

In reply to your letter of the 5th inst., I am directed by the President of
the Local Government Board to state that the feeding of a number of children
with the same spoon is not a practice adopted in Poor Law Institutions in
England and Wales.

I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
(Signed) H. W. S. FRANCIS.

The Medical Committee also circulated the following Resolutions, signed
by Sir Ronald Ross, the Chairman of the Medical Committee, to the Medical
Press in the summer of last year :—

Watering of the Streets.

The Medical Committee of the British Science Guild views with disfavour
the suggestion that has ‘been made by certain District Councils to cease
watering the streets as a war economy, and is convinced that such a step
would be prejudicial to the Public Health.

Pollution of the Streets by Dogs.

The Medical Committee also views with great disfavour the pollution
of the streets of London, and of most cities and big towns, by dogs, and
considers that the attention of the Government and of municipalities should
be called to the possibility of reducing the evil by increasing the tax on dogs
and by enforcing bye-laws.

The Committee considers that in towns the tax on one dog should be
doubled, and a large progressive increase imposed on each additional dog.

With regard to the latter subject, the Committee have also been
considering the advisability of holding a Conference on the Dog Nuisance.

Disposal of Manure at Camps.
The attention of the Medical Committee was directed during the early
summer to the problem of the disposal of manure at the various camps in this
country, and the following Resolutions were submitted to the War Office :—

1. The Committee has carefully considered the terms of the letter from
Captain Bathurst, M.P., and the information on the subject which
the Chairman collected from the War Office and the Board of
Agriculture, in pursuance of the request of the Executive Com-
mittee. The Committee is of opinion—

(1) That if means can be found by which manure can be retained
within a short distance of military camps and distributed from
them for sale, without tending in any way to increase flies,
or to spread disease, or to produce conditions likely to spread
disease, these requirements being conformed with to the com-
plete satisfaction of the military sanitary authorities; then
it is quite permissible from a sanitary point of view to sell
or use such manure for the benefit of agriculture.

(2) That four or five different methods may be suggested which
will enable the military authorities to conform to the con-
ditions laid down above, such as :—

(a) Burying in pits for a length of time under a coating of
soil and grass.

(b) Storing in fly-proof barns, with a properly regulated
method of draining fluids from beneath the manure
and with preservation from rain.

(d) Immediate storing in fly-proof barrels, with or without
mixture with chemicals. ; ;

(e) Methods of dessication and compression confidentially
communicated by the Chairman.

(3) If none of these methods is ultimately found to be practicable,
the manure can be burned once or twice a week, in such
a manner as to preserve most of the potash in the ash; but
this method wastes a large amount of the agricultural value
of the original mantre.

(4) In order to give effect to these requirements and to make the
best possible profit out of the manure, special arrangements
for supervision, instruction, and management will obviously
be needed.

ae.

(5) As the value of the manure is likely to increase very largely
in October, the Committee thinks that the military authorities
should proceed with the matter at once, with the assistance of
the Board of Agriculture, both for the benefit which will
result to agriculture and for the revenue which the properly
treated manure will bring in; but the Committee also
considers that a number of experiments will certainly have
to be made before the manure can be put on the market with
due safeguards for preserving the health of the troops.

The following reply was received from the War Office :—
21st July, 1917.
The Secretary,
British Science Guild.
Mapam,

With reference to your letter of the roth June last and correspondence
concerning the disposal of manure in mounted camps, etc., I am commanded
by the Army Council to state for the information of the Medical Committee
of the British Science Guild that, in conjunction with the Board of Agricul-
ture, the Department has considered the several Resolutions passed at a
meeting of the Medical Committee on 1st June last, and it has been decided
to take no steps so far as the several methods (b), (d), and (e) are
concerned. As regards (a) and (c), action is proceeding on lines similar to
those mentioned.

2. In conveying an expression of the Army Council’s appreciation of the
interest taken in this subject by the British Science Guild, the Council would
mention that both this Department and the Board of Agriculture have been
much concerned as to the best means of regulating the disposal of manure,
not only from the point of view of the health of the troops, but from an
agricultural and commercial standpoint, and the methods now in force are the
result of experience based on the circumstances obtaining at the various
military centres and camps.

I am, Madam,
Your obedient servant,
B..B. CUBITT.

Merric SystEM COMMITTEE.

Representing the Guild.—Sir William Phipson Beale, Bt., K.C., M.P.
(Chairman), Harry Allcock, Esq., M.I.E.E., The Hon. Sir John Cockburn,
K.C.M.G., W. H. Cowan, Esq., M.P., Professor R. A. Gregory, The Rt.
Hon. Sir William Mather, P.C., LL.D., Sir Alexander Pedler, C.I.E., F.R.S.,
and Frank Warner, Esq.

Representing the Decimal Association.—Sir Richard Burbidge, Bt.,
Edward C. Barton, Esq., M.I.E.E., F.R.G.S., and A. J. Naughton, Esq.

The introduction of a metric system of weights and measures into this
country has from time to time engaged the attention of members of the
Guild as a matter of paramount importance calling for any possible action

on suitable occasions on the part of the Guild to create, or assist in creating,
a public appreciation of its urgency as affecting our national trades and
industries and international dealings.

Although the Weights and Measures Act, 1878, made lawful the use
of a metric system substantially identical with that in use in France, it did
not come into general use in this country on account of the practical
difficulties which manufacturers and traders willing to adopt it met with in
the unwillingness of others (including railway companies, shippers, and
public bodies) to make the necessary modifications in, or additions to, their
methods and means of doing business. The conviction grew among its
advocates that some measure of compulsion was absolutely necessary, but an
opening for such a measure was not easy to find. A resolution in Parliament
failed some ten years ago through the opposition of the representatives of
manufacturers and traders, who contended that the exertion, expense, and
interim inconvenience which the changes must involve would outweigh any
advantages which they could appreciate. The present war conditions, and
the contemplation of the probable nature of the industrial exertions which
will be required in the future in order that Great Britain may obtain and
retain an adequate share in the markets of the world seemed, however, to
afford an opportunity for urging a re-consideration of the subject in a less
insular spirit, amd in February, 1917, the Executive of the Guild passed a
resolution as follows :—

‘* That a small committee be appointed to prepare a statement
for publication by the Guild on the opening which post-war con-
ditions would afford for the introduction of a Metric System of
Weights and Measures.’’

The Committee, following a practice encouraged by the constitution and
procedure of the Guild, invited three members of the Decimal Association to
join their deliberations, and received their cordial co-operation.

In the course of their deliberations two draft Bills, prepared for the
Association of Chambers of Commerce of the United Kingdom, were brought
to the notice of the Committee so constituted. The one Bill referred to the
Metric System, and is hereafter referred to as ‘‘ the Metric Bill.’’ The other
referred to the decimalisation of the coinage, and is hereafter referred to as
‘the Coinage Bill.’’

In order that the whole subject might be dealt with the Executive of the
Guild added the words ‘‘ and a decimal system of coinage ’’ after the word
measures ’’ in the resolution above quoted.

The consideration of the draft Bills of the Association of Chambers of
Commerce was not looked upon by the Committee of the Guild as exhausting
their mandate under the resolutions of the Executive, or even as the primary
object thereof, but was taken up as a practical way of facilitating a solution
of the special difficulties attending compulsory legislation. The Committee
bear in mind for constant and further consideration the view that by such
means as greater attention to the metric system as part of education, by the
adoption of the metric system in all government contracts, and by other ways

of clothing it with practical advantages, a great deal may be done without
legislation, and that convenience may operate to a considerable extent in lieu
of compulsion to lead to its general adoption and displacement of other
systems of weights and measures. The committee in considering and making
suggestions for alteration in the above-mentioned draft Bills, have especially
addressed themselves to the inexpediency of drastic enactment which would
seek wholly to prevent people from making, and honestly carrying cut, their
contracts and conducting their business in their own language, or to impose
penalties of a serious nature on persons acting in good faith recoverable by a
common informer. The Committee have suggested alternative provisions
intended gradually to bring about universal adoption by rendering it obligatory
to express all contracts in the metric system (and decimal coinage), for the
purpose of getting relief in law, with reasonable penalties enforceable only by
the Courts in proper cases.

These views of the Committee are, however, at present put forward
merely for the consideration of the Association of Chambers of Commerce,
who will be guided by their own draftsmen. It would be premature to
regard them as decisions of the Committee or as forming part of an interim
report to the Executive. The detailed views of different members of the Com-
mittee are still under discussion, and they will welcome any help or.suggestion
with a view to their ultimate report ta the Executive under the resolution.

A question has been raised whether the standard metre as expressed by
giving its equivalent in standard inches under the Weights and Measures
Act, 1878, and stated in the Schedule to that Act to be equivalent to 39.3708
inches, is correct. The standard laid down in the Act of 1878 is at present
adopted for the Metric Bill of the Association of Chambers of Commerce.
The Committee have been in communication with the Bureau International des
Poids et Mésures at Sevres on this subject, and have received much informa-
tion from Monsieur C. E. Guillaume, the Director of that Bureau. The
subject is not free from difficulty, but it may be enough to say that, whatever
definitions of the metre have heretofore prevailed, there would appear to be no
real obstacle to the adoption of an international standard, “‘ étalon inter-
national,’’ and framing the definition in any future British legislation by

reference to that, or to its equivalent in standard inches as ascertained by the
Act of 1878.
** SCIENCE AND THE STATE ’’ COMMITTEE.

Members :—Sir Norman Lockyer, K.C.B., F.R.S. (Chairman), Sir Wm.
Phipson Beale, Bt.,K.C.,M.P., The Hon. Sir John Cockburn, K.C.M.G.,
W. H. Cowan, Esq., M.P., Prof. F. @. Donnan, F.R.S., Prof.
Alexander Findlay, D.Sc., Prof. R. A. Gregory, Prof. Arthur Keith,
Pes, PLRS:,) Je) Es Marsh, Esq:, F.R.S:,. Prof. G. T. Morgan,
F.R.S., Major O’Meara, R.E., C.M.G., Sir Boverton Redwood, Bt.,
D.Sc., Lieut.-Colonel Sir Ronald Ross, K.C.B., F.R.S., Edwin O.
Sachs, Esq.

This Committee formed part of the special Committees responsible for the
Memoranda on the Relations between Science and Industry, and the Position

of Scientific Teaching and Research in British Universities, published in the
JouRNAL of the Guild for November, 1916. At the request of the Guild, Sir
Ronald Ross represented the views expressed in the latter Memorandum
before the Royal Commission on University Education in Wales.

EDUCATION COMMITTEE AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE.

Members of Joint Committee :—Rt. Hon. Sir William Mather (Chairman),
John Wilson, Esq., M.Sc. (Hon. Secretary), Captain Bathurst, M.P., :
Sir G. T. Beilby, F.R.S., Fred. Charles, Esq., B.A., Hon. Sir John
Cockburn, K.C.M.G., J. Easterbrook, Esq., E. Gray, Esq-., Prof.
R. A> Gregory, E. G. A. Holmes, Esq., M.A., T.-C. Horstalipeiages
Sir Alfred Keogh, G.C.B., Prof. A. Liversidge, F.R.S., Sir Philip
Magnus, M.P., C. T. Millis, Esq., Prof. Perry, F.R.S., A. T. Pollard,
Esq., Prof. T. Raymont, J. H. Reynolds, Esq., M.Sc., J. J. Robinson,
Esq., Dr. A. Shadwell, M.A., LL.D., Lady Napier Shaw, Dr. R. M.
Walmsley, Sidney Webb, Esq., LL.B., Prof. J. Wertheimer, Sir
James Yoxall, M.P., and the Officers of the Guild.

The Report prepared by this Joint Committee before the opening of the
War has been sent to the Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Reconstruction
Committee. It was printed in the JourRNAL of the Guild for November, 1916,
and anticipated in its recommendations the Memoranda issued during the past
few months by a number of educational and other organisations. The
Education Committee is preparing a Memorandum on Science Teaching in
General Education, which it is proposed to send to the Government Committee
on the Teaching of Science, and is also dealing with the important subject of
the establishment of a national register of schools.

AGRICULTURAL COMMITTEE.

Members :—Captain Charles Bathurst, M.P. (Chairman), H. R. Beeton,
Esq., Prof. "R. H. Biffen, F.R.S., The Rt. Hon. | Eorageaeas
The Hon. Sir J. ‘Cockburn, K.C.M:G., Prot EF. “Wea,
F.R.S.;° A.* D.. Hall,” Esq., -F.R:S:, W- Heape;” Fisqaaaeee
Dr. Augustine “Henry, Prof. “Bryner* Jones, “Sir @aeewea
Matthews, Prof. John Penberthy, F.R.C.V.S., Prof. J. Percival, Dr.
E. J. Russell, Christopher H. Turnor, Esq., and the Officers of the
Guild.

A Memorandum emphasising the need of greater home production of
food was circulated to the Press last year at the suggestion of the Agricultural
Committee. It was signed by Captain Bathurst, the Chairman of the Com-
mittee, who has since been appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry
of Food. The Memorandum was printed in the JourNaL of the Guild for
November, 1916.

MICROSCOPE COMMITTEE.
Members :—Dr. R. M. Walmsley (Chairman), C. O. Bannister, Esq., J. E.
Barnard, Esq., Dr. E. H. Barton, F.R.S., Sir George Beilby, F.R.S.,
F. J. Cheshire, Esq., Professor Cullis, Dr. Desch, Dr. J. W. Evans,

J. W. Gordon, Esq., K.C., Professor A. Harker, F.R.S., Dr.
Hutchinson, Professor Herbert Jackson, Professor Martin Lowry,
F.R.S., Robert Mond., Esq., Dr. Rosenhain, F.R.S., Dr. J. E. Stead,

Sir J. J. H. Teall, F.R.S., H. H. Thomas, Esq., and the Officers of the
Guild.

Draft specifications of Petrological, Chemical and Metallurgical Micro-
scopes have been prepared by the Committee, and were published in the
Journat of the Guild for November, 1916. The specifications have met with
the approval of leading manufacturers, who are, however, prevented from
undertaking the construction of the instruments until the pressure of war
work has been relieved.

TECHNICAL Optics COMMITTEE.

Members :—Dr. R. M. Walmsley (Hon. Sec.), T. H. Blakesley, Esq., Conrad
Beck, Esq., F. J. Cheshire, Esq., Sir F. W. Dyson, F.R.S., Lieut.-
Colonel J. W. Gifford, J. W. Gordon, Esq., K.C., Sir Howard Grubb,
F-R.S., S. Lamb, Esq., W. H. Maw, Esq., LL.D., Sir Boverton
Redwood, Bt., D.Sc., Dennis Taylor, Esq., and the Officers of the
Guild.

It will be remembered that much attention has been paid by the Guild
to the subject of Technical Optics, and that it was dealt with at the last Annual
Meeting.

The report, printed in Appendix VI., which is the first report
issued by the Board of Scientific Societies organised by the. Royal
Society, marks a distinct forward step in the setting forth of
considered proposals for dealing with the very important subject
of ‘‘ National Instruction in Technical Optics.’’ It embodies the
deliberate opinion of the foremost scientific, trade and _ educational
experts upon the question dealt with and its criticisms of preceding reports
cannot be ignored. It is to be hoped that these criticisms will have due
weight with the authorities who are dealing with the matter, and that they
may lead to effective action in the near future along lines which are likely to
be successful. It is to be specially desired that the “‘ serious defects ’? which
are so cogently referred to as existing in the scheme of the London County
Ceuncil, published last August, will be amended in the direction indicated by
such competent authorities.

COMMITTEE ON PARCELS OF FOOD TO PRISONERS IN GERMANY.

Members :—Prof. E. P. Cathcart, D.Sc., Miss Mary Marsden, Sir Alexander
Pedler, C.I.E., F.R.S., Lady Napier Shaw, Dr. D. Sommerville,
Carmichael Thomas, Esq., Prof. W. H. Thompson, D.Sc., Colonel
Sir John S. Young, C.V.O.

In the autumn the question of the feeding of our Prisoners of War in

Germany was brought to the notice of the Guild, and this Committee was
appointed to deal with it.

iS)
lo

Subsequently the Central Prisoners of War Committee sent in to the
Committee of the Guild a list of their ‘‘ standard parcels,’’ asking the opinion
of the Committee of the Guild as to whether the contents of the parcels were
considered sufficiently nourishing in view of the fact that the prisoners
received little other food.

‘

A detailed statement was supplied, giving the approximate ‘‘ energy
value’’ of each article contained in the parcels, and at a later date the
Committee—bearing in mind that a soldier leading the life of one of our
prisoners in Germany requires roundly 100 grammes of protein, 50 grammes
of fat, and 400 grammes of carbo-hydrates per day—sent in various sugges-
tions with regard to the composition of the parcels.-

Ultimately the following memorandum was drawn up, and circulated to
the Press and to the Regimental Associations, dealing with the sending of
parcels to “‘ Prisoners of War’’:

Memorandum.

Some time ago the British Science Guild was asked for advice as to the
most suitable and nourishing foodstuffs to send to Prisoners.

In view of the great importance of really nourishing foods being supplied,
and as economically as possible, the British Seience Guild appointed a Com-
mittee Composed mainly of experts on foodstuffs, to deal with the question.

Subsequently the Central Prisoners of War Committee, recently
appointed by the Government to control the supply of Food Parcels for
Prisoners of War, approached the British Science Guild for suggestions from
the Guild’s Food Parcels Committee.

Suggestions were promptly submitted.

In making such suggestions the Committee of the British Science Guild
laid great stress, in view of the undoubted adulteration and inferior quality
of many articles of food now on the market, on the selection of foods being
under the supervision of a scientific expert accustomed to deal with food-
stuffs; and it has been arranged that samples of various articles for Food
Parcels sent out by the Central Prisoners of War Committee shall be
analysed from time to time under the direction of a member of the British
Science Guild’s Committee.

As no doubt there are many Regimental and other local Associations
throughout the Kingdom purchasing supplies for Food Parcels for Prisoners
of War, the British Science Guild’s Committee make the following recom-
mendations in regard to the composition of parcels :—

1. That as tinning adds from to per cent. to 20 per cent. to the cost
of any article, tinned foods should, wherever possible, be replaced
by dried foodstuffs such as smoked herrings.

2. That where the Prisoners are supplied with bread from Switzerland
or elsewhere, toffee might replace biscuits in parcels, a good toffee
being nourishing and much appreciated by the men.

3. That only rich fruit cakes, and not light cakes, should be sent.

4. That stewed mutton, or beef rations, should be sent in preference to

other preserved meats.

5. That condensed or dried milk should be included in every parcel.

6. That raisins and dates are preferable to other dried fruits such as

prunes.
* Note.

The work of the Committee suggests a question, viz., How far has the
nation generally yet profited by physiological research on foodstuffs?
Probably not at all, or only to an infinitesimal degree.

It was assumed as a general working basis that a prisoner resting in
camp could subsist on a diet yielding 2,500 calories daily, and that such diet
might be conveniently composed of 100 grammes of protein, 400 of carbo-

hydrate, and 50 of fat.
But when these materials are collected, and it is ascertained that they

are good, fresh, and free from adulteration, only half the story is told. The
prisoner may be incapable of dealing with his ration—he may not be able to
digest one or more of the stuffs. Assimilation and oxidation, with the conse-
quent liberation of energy are dependent on digestion—putting the stuffs in

solution.
Can the Guild do anything in assisting the nation in the important
matter of digesting its food? This way lies increased physical fitness—

increased efficiency. “tf His 8 Galea

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE FOR 1917-18.

Under the resolution passed at the Third Annual Meeting, five of the
members of the Executive Committee retire each year and a new Committee
is elected. In accordance with the resolution passed at the First Annual
Meeting, the Executive consists of ndt more than thirty members. Usually
one or two places are not filled up in view of possible requirements during the
year.

The Executive Committee for the year 1917-18 is constituted as follows :
; The President:
THe Rr. Hon. Lorp SYDENHAM G.C.S.I1., G.C.M.G., G.C.L.E.,
BLK.
The Chairman of Committees :

sik NORMAN LOCKYER, K.C.B., F.R.S.

The Vice-Chairmen. of Committees :
Sir HUGH BELL, Br.
"The Hon. Sir JOHN COCKBURN, K.C.M.G.
The Honorary Treasurer:
Tue RicHT Hon. Lorp AVEBURY.

The Assistant Hon. Treasurer:

Lapy LOCKYER.

The Deputy Chairman:
Sir BOVERTON REDWOOD, Bt., D.Sc.

The following Vice-Presidents:
Captain CHARLES BATHURST, M.P.
Sir WILLIAM PHIPSON BEALE, Bart., K.C., M.P.
SURGEON-GENERAL Sir ALFRED KEOGH, G.C.B., LL.D.
THE Ricut Hon. Sir WILLIAM MATHER, P.C., LL.D.

The Hon. Secretary:
Sir ALEXANDER PEDLER, C.I.E., F.R.S.

Other Members:
Sir GEORGE BEILBY, F.R.S.
W. H. COWAN, Esg., M.P.
Proressor R. A. GREGORY.
Sir ROBERT HADFIELD, F.R.S.
ProFEssor A. LIVERSIDGE, F.R.S.
Sir PHILIP MAGNUS, M.P.
ROBERT MOND, Esg., M.A.
Major O’MEARA, R.E., C.M.G.
Dr. F. MOLLWO PERKIN.
ProFEessorR JOHN PERRY, F.R.S.
Lt.-COoLONEL Sir RONALD ROSS, K.C.B., F.R.S.
ALAN A. CAMPBELL SWINTON, Esg., M.Inst.C.E., F.R.S.
Lapy NAPIER SHAW.
CARMICHAEL THOMAS, Esg.
Dr. R. MULLINEUX WALMSLEY.
Dr. HOWARD S. WILLSON.
Cotonet Sir JOHN S. YOUNG, C.V.O.

APPENDICES.

Many important matters are dealt with in the Appendices to the Report.
Prof. Barnes records the establishment of an Advisory Council for Scientific
and Industrial Research in Canada, and other lines of advance in the Dominion.
Mr. R. Finlayson and Mr. W. Rutt, the Hon. Secretaries of the South
Australian Branch, state that the Guild’s Report has been submitted to the
Commonwealth Council of Science and Industry for consideration. _ Prof.
A. F. Barker states clearly the position of the Textile industries as regards
the adoption of the Metric System in this country. ~ Prof. Gregory has
prepared a list of the numerous Committees appointed by the Government to
consider scientific and related problems, and has also compiled a list of endow-
ments and gifts to education and research announced since the annual meeting
last year. The Guild is also indebted to Prof. Gregory for the account of
action as to scientific and industrial research given in the introductory pages
of this Report. The Memorandum upon National Instruction in Technical
Optics issued by the Board of Scientific Societies of the Royal Society follows
so closely the views expressed by-the Technical Optics Committee of the
Guild that it is reprinted for the information of members. It is hoped that

action will be taken in the directions indicated.

APPENDIX. [.

SEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF Ee
CANADIAN BRANCH OF THE BRITISH SCIENCE GUILD.

By Professor H. T. Barnes, F.R.S., Hon. Secretary.

In our report’ of last year we referred to the conference of the
representatives of Canadian Universities with Sir George E. Foster,
K.C.M.G., Minister of Trade and Commerce, at which the question of the
establishment of a Commission on Industrial Research was considered. As
a result of this conference and the most careful deliberation the Government of
Canada established the Honorary Advisory Council for Scientific and
Industrial Research in Canada.

The memo published by the Government setting forth the origin and objects
of the Council fully explains the importance of the work intrusted to it. It
states: On June 6th, 1916, a committee of the Privy Council of Canada,
consisting of the Right Honourable the Minister of Trade and Commerce
(Chairman) ; the Honourable the Ministers of the Interior, Agriculture, Mines,
Inland Revenue, and Labour, was formed by the Privy Council to have charge
of all measures to foster the scientific development of Canadian industries in
order that during and after the present war, they may be in a position to
supply all Canadian needs and to extend Canadian trade abroad

Under this committee of the Privy Council there was constituted, on the
29th of November, an Honorary Advisory Council for Scientific and Industrial
Research, composed of eleven members representative of the scientific,
technical and industrial interests of Canada.

This Advisory Council, by direction of the Chairman of the Committee of
the Privy Council, has been charged with the following duties :—

(a) To ascertain and tabulate the various agencies in Canada which are
now carrying on scientific and industrial research in the Universities and
colleges, in the various laboratories of the Government, in business organiza-
tions and industries, in scientific associations, or by private or associated
investigators.

(b) To note and schedule the lines of research or investigation that are
being pursued by each such agency, their facilities and equipment therefor,
the possibilities of extension and expansion, and particularly to ascertain the
scientific man power available for research and the necessity of adding
thereto.

(c) To co-ordinate these agencies so as to prevent overlapping of effort,
to induce co-operation and team work, and to bring up a community of
interest, knowledge, and mutual helpfulness between each other.

(d) To make themselves acquainted with the problems of a technical and
scientific nature that are met with by our productive and industrial interests,
and to bring thém into contact with the proper research agencies for solving
these problems, and thus link up the resources of science with the labour and
capital employed in production so as to bring about the best possible economic
results.

(e) To make a scientific study of our common unused resources, the
waste and by-products of our farms, forests, fisheries and industries, with a
view to their utilization in new or subsidiary processes of manufacture,
thus contributing to the wealth and employment of our people.

(f) To study the ways and means by which the present small number of
competent and trained men can be added to from the students and graduates
of science in our universities and colleges, and to bring about in the common
interest a more complete co-operation between the industrial and productive
interests of the country, and the teaching centres and forces of science and
research. '

(g) To inform and stimulate the public mind in regard to the importance
and utility of applying the results of scientific and industrial research to the
processes of production by means of addresses to business and industrial
bodies, by the publication of bulletins and monographs, and such cther
methods as may seem advisable.

“The Honorary Advisory Council hopes to render valuable assistance to a
movement, the success of which is not only vital to the proper development of
the resources of the Dominion, but which is absolutely necessary in order to
enable Canada to compete with progressive countries in the great race of
national expansion.

The Members of the Council are as follows :—

Administrative Chairman :—
AS BS Macallium, M.D:, Ph.D., D.Sc., LL.D.; F-R.S.:, Ottawa.
Members :— :
F. D. Adams, Ph.D., D.Sc., LL.D., F.R.S., Dean, Faculty of Applied
Science, McGill University, Montreal.
T. Bienvenu, Vice-President and General Manager, La Banque
' Provinciale du Canada, Montreal.
R. Hobson, President, Steel Company of Canada, Hamilton, Ont.
S. F. Kirkpatrick, M.Sc., Professor of Metallurgy, Queen’s University,
Kingston, Ontario.
J. C. McLennan, Ph.D., F.R.S., Professor of Physics and Director of
the Physics Laboratory, University of Toronto, Toronto.
A. S. Mackenzie, Ph.D., D.C.L., President, Calhousie University,
Maliiax, N.S. ”
W. C. Murray, M.A., LL.D., President, University of Saskatchewan,
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. ;
ROA Ross, E.E: (Tor.), M-.Can.Soc:C.E.,' Consulting Engineer,
80, St. Francois Xavier Street, Montreal.
R. F. Ruttan, M.A., M.D., D.Sc., Professor of Chemistry and Director
of the Chemical Laboratories, McGill University, Montreal.
Arthur Surveyor, B.A-Sc., M.Can.Soc.C.E., Consulting Engineer, 274,
Beaver Hall Hill, Montreal.
Secretary :—
J. B. Challies, C.E. (Tor.) M.Can.Soc.C.E., Superintendent, Dominion
Water Power Branch, Ottawa.

The work so far accomplished by the Council is chiefly that of
organisation. It is thus stated in the ‘‘ Canadian Engineer’’ for March,
1917

The Advisory Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, of which
Dr. A. B. Macallum is chairman, has just issued a very important review of
the subject, following a conference which was recently held in Ottawa.
Some forty projects, each bearing on vital phases of scientific conservation
and development of Canada’s natural resources, have been submitted to the
council.

Some of the larger projects now in view include a comprehensive
industrial census, the training and utilization in industrial establishments of
‘‘ efficiency experts,’’ the creation of technical laboratories under State
co-operation at the great industrial centres, to give free help to manufacturers
in solving their problems, the utilization and development of the latent fuel
resources, particularly of the Prairie Provinces, and the preservation of the
diminishing timber resources of Eastern Canada.

The council will issue questionnaires to the manufacturers, the technical
societies, the various Government Departments, and the universities of the
Dominion, asking for information with reference to the laboratories and
various other agencies of research now in operation in the Dominion; the
men now engaged in or available for research work; the raw materials
required for our industries; the by-products produced but not at present
utilized; and other matters required in the development of its work. In
securing this information the council will work in close co-operation with the
manufacturers’ associations and the various technical societies of the
Dominion. It is expected that the replies to the questionnaires will show
many lines upon which the council may assist in the development of Canadian
industries.

The council will recommend the establishment of twenty of more
studentships and fellowships in our universities and technical schools, which
will be given to men who have completed their regular course of study and
have displayed a special aptitude for scientific research. These will enable
such men to pursue a course of advanced work at college for a further period.
Arrangements will also be made by which men after graduation will be
placed in one or other of the great manufacturing establishments of the
Dominion, where they will continue their training under the conditions of
actual commercial practice.

In order to furnish direct assistance to ihe manufacturing industries of
Canada at once, the council is recommending the establishment at certain of
the great industrial centres of the Dominion, such as Toronto, Montreal, and
Winnipeg, in co-operation with the Provincial Government or other bodies,
of Industrial Research Bureaux, where a complete set of technical magazines
and trade journais will be found, and where technical staffs, provided with
suitable and properly equipped laboratories, will assist the manufacturers of
the district in solving problems which present themselves in their factories or
works.

In addition to these broad general movements for the advancement of

the industries of the Dominion, the Council has decided to examine carefully
a number of specific projects which have been submitted to it, and which
appear to give promise of yielding valuable results. Among these one may
be mentioned.

This has for its object the provision of an adequate supply of good fuel
for the western plains, more especially in the._provinces of Saskatchewan and
Manitoba. There are in the former province large supplies of lignite. This
is an inferior fuel, possessing a relatively low heating power, and which, fur-
thermore, will not stand shipment and storage. It is, therefore, of com-
paratively little value for domestic or manufacturing purposes. The
Council, however, believes that by a special treatment there may be produced
from this lignite two grades of high-class briquetted fuel, one similar to
anthracite or hard coal in character, and the other resembling soft coal in
general character; and at the same time certain very valuable by-products
may be secured. The Department of Mines and the Commission of Conser-
vation have already carried out a good deal of investigation in connection
with this problem, and the former department is now making some further
studies for the Council. If they give satisfactory results, the Council will
advise that an experimental plant to turn out this high-grade fuel on a com-
mercial scale be erected, and the possibility of producing this fuel at a cost
considerably lower than that at which coal from the United States is now laid
down in Manitoba and Saskatchewan be demonstrated on a large scale and
the coal actually placed on the market. With an abundant supply of good

cheap fuel the conditions of life on the great plains in winter will be much
improved.

Forestry Service.

The Canadian Forestry Association is doing most important work.
Their journal is full of valuable information and helpful advice, and is of very
great interest to the general reader.

The Association publishes from time to time valuable books and leaflets
dealing with forestry, both in French and English. These books are in great
demand, and the edition is soon exhausted.

The terrible forest fires of Ontario which caused the loss of many lives

this year are an object lesson which cannot fail to result in more adequate
forest protection.

Agricultural Education and Research.

The excessively high cost of food during the past year has brought before
the people clearly the need for greater production. The unfavourable weather
last summer together with the scarcity of workers has resulted in almost a
famine in some kinds of vegetables.

To meet this difficult and serious situation the public is Being advised
to cultivate as much as possible for individual use.

The larger question of improving agricultural conditions is being
considered by the Government and experts.

As an example of this, several free public lectiires on Gardening were
given in McGill University by experts from the Agricultural Faculty at

MacDonald College. The attendance and interest exceeded all expectation,
and much valuable information was given.

Dr. Frank T. Shutt, Chief Chemist of the Dominion Experimental
aims, advocated the establishment of. a Canadian Institute of Agricultural
Research, wherein the more difficult problems of agriculture could be studied.
He suggested the joint control of this institute by the Government and the
Universities.

Conservation Commission.

This Commission conhtinues to do most important work. The Seventh
Annual Report contains 260 pages, and includes important papers dealing with
Fire Protection, Conservation of Northern Mammals, Forestry, Bird
Conservation, Fisheries, Fur Farming, Minerals, Town Planning, Illustration
arms and Water Powers. The last forms the subject of several separate
reports of over 300 pages.

McGill University,
March gth, 1917. F

APPENDIX. II.

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN BRANCH OF THE BRITISH SCIENCE
GUILD.

REPORT FOR THE YEAR IQI5-16.

In presenting their report for the year 1915-16 your Committee cannot
record any great activity on the part of the Guild as a body, the war con-
tinuing to absorb the attention of the public to the exclusion of most other
subjects. Many of the most active members are, however, serving in their
individual capacities on boards, or in official positions, under the Government,
where their expert knowledge is being utilised in connection with the various
questions arising from the present war conditions and their probable future
results.

Puericulture.—A deputation, consisting of your Committee and the
Puericulture Sub-Committee, waited upon the Premier (the Hon. Crawford
Vaughan) on October 5, 1915, to impress upon him the importance of the
suggestions made in the report adopted by the Guild in February, 1914. The
Premier expressed his sympathy with the recommendations made, and his
readiness to receive any suggestions from the Guild as to the best way to
carry them into effect. This question will not be allowed to drop, and it is
hoped that when the present financial strain is eased practical results may
ensue. While on this subject, it may be stated that the School for Mothers,
an institution established and maintained by private persons on philanthropic
lines, being about to hold in August an exhibition in connection with Child
Welfare, has asked the Guild to co-operate by arranging for a lecture on a
suitable subject by one of its members.

Federal Institute for Original Research.—lIt is gratifying to know that
definite action has been taken by the Federal Government in the direction
advocated in the report on this subject adopted by the Guild in 1914, they
having appointed an Advisory Council of Science and Industry, and referred
the Guild’s report to it for consideration.

Botanic Garden Management.—Proposals for a modification in the
management and work of the Adelaide Botanic Garden with a view to ex-
tending its scientific and economic usefulness having been submitted to the
Government by a member of the Guild, a letter endorsing the same was
forwarded to the Hon. Commissioner of Crown Lands, pointing out that the
retirement of the present Director from superannuation made it possible to
carry out many of the proposals at once without entailing any present increase
to the annual expenditure. The proposals have also been approved by the
Council of the Adelaide University and by the Royal Society of South
Australia. Negotiations. are in progress between the Government and the
Board of Governors, and it is hoped that the present exceptional opportunity
for a useful advance may not be lost.

=
zy

General Interest in the Guild’s Work.—That the work of the Guild,
although carried on quietly and without ostentation, is not without interest
to the general public, is evidenced by the fact that one of the leading Adelaide
papers (The Mail) has re-published from week to week those of its reports
which bear upon the physical, intellectual, and moral improvement of child-
hood, and its development into a healthy and useful manhood and
womanhood.

ROBERT FINLAYSON,
WALTER RUTT,

Hon. Secretaries.

APPENDIX. IIT.

In previous attempts which have been made to introduce the Metric System
into this country, considerable opposition has come from those engaged
im the Textile Trades. In the following paper, Mr. ALDRED F. BARKER,
M.Sc., Professor of Textile Industries, Leeds University, discusses the
advantages and disadvantages which would result to the Textile
Industries if the Metric System were introduced.

PAE METRIC SYSTEM AND. THE. TEXTILE INDUSTRIES.

Within the British Empire there are five divisions of the Textile
Industries, each specially concerned with the manufacture of a particular
fibre. These, in order of importance, are the Cotton, the Wool, the Flax,
the Silk, and the Hemp and Jute industries.

The Cotton industry, drawing its raw material supplies principally from
the greatest non-metric country in the world—the United States of America—
and selling its productions largely to non-metric countries, is naturally the
. most conservative in its outlook, at least so far as its weights and measures
are concerned. Further, being a comparatively recent creation of the
mechanical genius of Lancashire, it is probably the most consistent in all its
phases, and naturally cannot be expected to wax enthusiastic until the case
for the adoption of the Metric System is placed beyond all question.

The Wool industry is very largely self-contained within the Empire, but
the large supplies of wool now coming from South America—a Metric con-
tinent—along with the present demands for wool textiles from metric
countries, have of late widened the outlook. An even more important con-
sideration is the restrictive effect of the remarkable variation in the standards
of measurement adopted in the various woollen centres. This variation is
due to the fact that many districts both within and without the Empire had
evolved their particular standards before the mechanical era, and these stan-
dards are often still most tenaciously guarded. Thus, Leeds speaks a foreign
language to Bradford, and no British woollen centre speaks the wool
language of the United States of America. The woollén industry is a greater
sinner in this respect than the worsted, simply because the worsted industry
—being to a greater extent the creation of the mechanical evolution than the
woollen industry—in its present form is a much later development. The flax,
hemp and jute industries are perhaps more nearly akin to, the woollen industry
owing to their comparatively recent development on to mechanical lines. The
silk industry, in the case of ‘‘ net ’’ silks, exhibits the influence of France and
Italy—being at least partially metric ; while. on the other hand, it exhibits the
effects of the inspiration it has received from the cotton industry in working
up “‘ wastes’’ into what are termed “‘ spun”” silks.

There is obviously no need to dwell upon the advantage which a common
system of weights and measures would confer, unless the trade axiom, that
in variation and change lie the financier’s opportunity, be accepted. But
surely the possible ‘‘ world-service ’’ of the financier under a more uniform

”

system of weights and measures would totally outweigh such ‘‘ opportunism ”’
as the medley of systems at present in vogue gives rise to.

Natural Measures in the Textile Industries.—Cotton, being, say, ?in. to
2in. long, must be treated with rollers of corresponding diameter. The short
wools used in the woollen trade must be carded and spun with machines set
according to the length of staple; while in the worsted trade the distance
apart of the drafting rollers, or ‘‘ ratch’’ as it is termed, must be based upon
the lengths of the fibres under treatment. In the flax and spun silk trades
the length of the fibres must be taken into account in the construction of
such machines as the carder and the dressing frame.

But in all these cases, the yard and its divisions is no better as a basis
than the metre and its divisions, and probably none of the scales of notation
employed is uniformly as simple and useful as the decimal or denary scale—
not excepting the binary or duo-decimal scales.

Artificial Measures in the Textile Industries.—The interesting fact that
we received our more artistic and complex textile industries from the Con-
tinent is. shewn by the survival of the Flemish ell (27in.) as a width in the
carpet trade; and, conversely, that the Continent received its mechanical °
inspiration from this country is in evidence in the employment of the English
inch in certain of the French, German and Russian textile districts. That
most of the present-day standards of measurement in the British industries
may be regarded as being based upon accidental conveniences is illustrated
by the fact that the Bradford worsted comber, spinner and manufacturer
indicates the weights and thicknesses of his ‘“‘tops’’ in ozs. per to yards, of
his ‘‘ rovings’’ in drams per 4o yards, and of his yarns in yards (or hanks)
per lb. ; while his woollen neighbour more often indicates both his rovings
(or condensed slivers) and yarns in yards per oz., or yards per dram. Some-
times, moreover, the worsted spinner adds to bad trade difficulties = selling
his yarns by the gross of hanks—the hank being 560 yards.

The system of indicating yarn counts by the yards (or hanks) to which
1 lb. of wool is extended, is, possibly not accidentally, convenient inasmuch
as the square root of the yards per lb. gives approximately the yarn diameter
as the reciprocal of the fraction of an inch. , On the metric system the
calculation stands—square root of metres per kilogram x 2.5 gives the
yarn diameter as the reciprocal of the fraction of a decimetre. Both systems
are equally useful in cloth structure calculations.

One other convenient relationship should be noted, viz., that as a gallon
of water weighs approximately ro lbs., 1 Ib. say, of soap per gallon gives
approximately a 10% solution. But the practical British manufacturer has
hardly discovered this relationship and comparatively rarely uses it.

Again, with the tendency to introduce scientific method into the Textile
Industries, the temperatures of the various scouring, dyeing, etc., baths are
being more closely regulated. But the testing laboratory employs the
Centigrade scale, while in the mill the Fahrenheit scale is employed, to the
distraction of the works chemist and the mill manager alike. For example,
quite recently certain controllers of industry, in discussing the temperatures

at which wool should be carbonized, were bewildered with the apparent
differences of temperatures employed until, fortunately, it was discovered
that some were working on the Centigrade and others on the Fahrenheit
scale. With the marked development of works laboratories in the hands of
men of science, how can such divergencies of scales be allowed to exist ?

All these differences stand in the way of a larger view of the world
service of the British Empire. If there were a British system, then the
question, British v. Metric System, might be debated. But the truth is there
is no British system. There is, rather, a wonderfully interesting medley of
British and semi-British systems. The word “‘ avoirdupois’’ indicates a
French origin for our best recognised system of weights. But why not be
up-to-date? The Metric System, whole-heartedly introduced, appears to be
the only possible solution.

Mechanical Difficulties.—Among the many varieties of machines em-
ployed in the Textile Industries, tooth-gearing and leverage mechanisms
reign supreme. In tooth gearing we already employ a decimal notation ; and
in leverage, relative lengths rather than the absolute measures of the levers
are the dominating factors.

Then the Textile engineers have given away their whole case against the
Metric System in that the several firms making similar machines or parts of
a machine have purposely adopted a slightly different pitch to prevent inter-
change of parts between similar machines made by different firms. And if
the truth must be told, it is that accuracy of pitch has so often in the past
been noticeable by its absence that many of the best firms are or will soon be
revising their models and gauges.* And why should not this re-gauging be
_ on the metric basis ?

There is one machine, however, which does really present a difficulty,
and that is the Noble Comb. Thé 72 boxes with which it is equipped is
probably based upon the half-gross. In view of the possibilities of increasing
the small circles from the usual number two to three, a comb of 100 boxes
might well be constructed. Or perhaps a reduction to 50 boxes with the two
small circles retained would meet the requirements of the case.

So far as loom-gearing is concerned, as this is changed at least every
year, there would be little difficulty in running it all on to a metric basis easily
within two years.

There may be disadvantages in changing on to the Metric System
throughout the engineering trades—the financing of such a change in such a
case obviously demanding serious consideration. But so far as the Textile
industries are concerned there is no such serious difficulty to be encountered.

Financial Difficulties.—One of the great obstacles in the way of the
adoption of the Metric System in the cotton trade is the confusion which would
apparently ensue in re-adjusting the wage lists—but just really efficiently
worked out. It has been proved elsewhere,+ however, that in such a matter
as the introduction of the Northrop loom, necessitating a change in the rate

*See *‘ Metric System in the Textile Industries,’’ issued by the Decimal Association.
+This is not so true of the Cotton machinery makers as of the Wool machinery makers.

and method of payment, there has been little difficulty in making the adjust-
ment; and it is feasible to suppose that the necessary wage list conversions
on to a metric basis, with the necessary adjustments, could readily be
prepared and would speedily be accepted.

The Metric System being a decimal system, particularly lends itself to
the calculating machine, and if the English vagaries of 36in., 37in., 54in.,
56in., and 58in. widths of fabric, with their respective weights, can be
brought down to a square metre basis, a decimalized monetary system
adopted, and rates of exchange standardized, then our merchanting system
will undoubtedly attain much nearer to the condition so strongly urged, for
example, by Ruskin, in ‘‘ Unto this Last,’’ than can ever be possible under
the present chaotic, and indirectly enervating, conditions. As an Empire our
interests lie with, not against, the change; that is, if we are prepared to take
our place in industrial world-service with clear brain and unfettered energy
of purpose. Of course, if we wish merely to drift and snatch as much of the
good thing's of this world as we can, then equally our course is clear—it may
even pay us to play the ‘‘ dog-in-the-manger ”’ game.

Staffing Difficulties.—This brief survey of the problems would not be
complete without some reference to the problems of the staffing of our mills
and warehouses when the change comes. In one case coming within the
knowledge of the writer, a Yorkshire manufacturer was deterred from
adopting the system throughout his works by the difficulty of training every
fresh hand he would naturally have to engage as he lost the trained members
of his staff. This is a very real difficulty which, fortunately, would be over-
come easily within two years were the Metric System definitely adopted, and
were our schools and colleges energetically to prepare for the change. There
would certainly be a weeding out of ‘‘ old-stager inefficients ’’ ; but would the
men who could not face the change be really worthy of any commanding
position in the industry? Certainly not if the world’s competition is to be
faced with efficient brains and efficient organisation. The revitalizing of the
industry in this way would be one of the great advantages which would follow
the change. That there are difficulties which cannot be ignored and which
must not be minimized, all will admit; but in view of the new light which is
breaking upon us as a world-wide Empire destined to lead the nations of the
world in a broad, beneficent service to mankind, can we hesitate? May not
this be our crucial test? How we respond to the test may not decide our
fate, but it will almost certainly decide the fate of our children and of our
children’s children. The question is urgent and possibly more important—
much more important—than it appears to be on the surface.

ALDRED F. BARKER.

APPENDIX IV.

GOVERNMENT COMMITTEES.

In March, 1916, Mr. Asquith, then Prime Minister, appointed a Com-
mittee of the Cabinet to consider and advise upon the problems that will
arise at the conclusion of peace, and to co-ordinate the work done by various
Departments of the Government in this direction. This Reconstruction
Committee has been reconstituted by the new Government, and Mr. Lloyd
George is now chairman of it, with Mr. Edwin S. Montague as Vice-Chair-
man. The cther members of the Committee are:—Prof. W. G. S. Adams,
Mr J. R. Clynes, Sir A. M. Duckham, Mr. R. Hazleton, Major J. W. Hills,
Mr. T. Jones, Mr. O. H. Kerr, Dr. Marion Phillips, Mr. R. Seebohm
Rowntree, the Marquis of Salisbury, Mr. Leslie Scott, Sir J. Stevenson, Mr.
J. H. Thomas, and Mrs. Sidney Webb. Mr. Vaughan Nash is the chief
secretary of the Committee. Several sub-Committees have been appointed to
report to the Reconstruction Committee, among them being the following :—

Review of Education.—To consider the system of education as a whole ;
to review and formulate from that point of view proposals for developing it,
particularly in directions indicated as desirable or necessary by experience
gained during the war, and with special reference to :—

(a) Proposals prepared before the war for the development of the national

system of educaticn ;

(b) The memoranda already submitted by the Education Departments for

the consideration of the Reconstruction Committee ;

special Committees, or from other responsible organisations.

Teaching of Science.—To inquire into the position occupied by natural
science in the educational systems of Great Britain, especially in secondary
schools and universities ; and to advise what measures are needed to promote
its study, regard being had to the requirements of a liberal education, to the
advancement of pure science, and to the interests of the trades, industries, and
professions which particularly depend upon applied science.

In considering the provision of scholarships, bursaries, etc., the Com-
mittee will take into account the report of the Consultative Committee of the
Board of Education on this subject.

Members: Sir J. J. Thomson (Chairman), the Right Hon. F. D. Acland,
Prof. H. B. Baker, Mr. Graham Balfour, Sir W. Beardmore, Bart., Sir G. H.
Claughton, Bart., Mr. C. W. Crook, Miss E. R. Gwatkin, Mr. A. D. Hall,
Sir H. Hibbert, Mr. D. H. Nagel, Mr. W. Neagle, Dr. F. G. Ogilvie, Dr.
Michael Sadler, Prof. E. H. Starling, Mr. W. W. Vaughan, Mr. F. B.
Stead, Inspector (Board of Education) (Secretary).

Teaching of Modern Languages.—To inquire into the position occupied
by the study of modern languages in the educational systems of Great
Britain, especially in secondary schools and universities, and to advise what
measures are required to promote their study, regard being had to the require-

ments of a liberal education, including an appreciation of the history,
literature, and civilisation of other countries, and to the interests of commerce
and public service.

In considering the provision of scholarships, bursaries, etc., the Com-
mittee will take into account the report of the Consultative Committee of the
Board of Education on this subject.

Members: Mr. Stanley Leathes (Chairman), Mr. C. A. Montague, Mr.
E. Bullough, Mr. A. C. Coffin, the Right Hon. Sir Maurice de Bunsen, Dr.
H. A. L. Fisher, Miss Margaret Gilliland, Mr. H. C. Gooch, Mr. J. W.
Headlam, Mr. Laurence D. Holt, Dr. Walter Leaf, Dr. George Macdonald,
Mr. Albert Mansbridge, Mr. Nowell Smith, Miss M. J. Tuke, Sir James
Yoxall, Mr. A. E. Twentyman, Board of Education (Secretary).

Juvenile Education in Relation to Employment after the War.—To con-
sider what steps should be taken to make provision for the education and
instruction of children and young persons after the war, regard being paid
particularly to the interests of those—

(1) Who have been abnormally employed during the war ;

(2) Who cannot immediately find advantageous employment ;

(3) Who require special training for employment.

Members: The Right Hon. J. Herbert Lewis (Chairman), Mr. W. A.
Appleton, Mr. R. A. Bray, Mr. F. W. Goldstone, Mr. Spurley Hey, Alderman
Hinchliffe, Miss C. Martineau, Mr. J. F. P. Rawlinson, Lady Edmund Talbot,
Mr. H. M. Thompson, Mr. Christopher H. Turnor, together with the
following representatives of the Government Departments concerned :—Mr.
A. B. Bruce, of the Board of Agriculture; Mr. E. K. Chambers, C.B., of the
Board of Education; Mr. F. Lavington, of the Board of Trade; Mr. F.
Pullinger, C.B., of the Board of Education; Mr. C. E. B. Russell, of the
Home Office; Mr. J. Owen, Board of Education (Secretary); Mr. G.
McFarlane, Board of Education (Assistant Secretary).

Commercial and Industrial Policy.—To consider the commercial and
industrial policy to be adopted after the war, with special reference to the
conclusions reached at the Economic Conference of the Allies, and to the
following questions :—

(a) What industries are essential to the future safety of the nation, and

what steps should be taken to maintain or establish them ;

(b) What steps should be taken to recover home and foreign trade lost

during the war, and to secure new markets ;

should and can be developed.

(d) To what extent, and by what means, the sources of supply within the

Empire can be prevented from falling under foreign control.

Members: The Lord Balfour of Burleigh, K.T. (Chairman), Mr. Arthur
Balfour, Mr. H. Gosling, Mr. Richard Hazleton, Mr. W. A. S. Hewins, Mr.
A. H. Illingworth, Sir William McCormick, Mr. A. McDowell, Sir J. P.-
Maclay, Bart., the Rt. Hon. Sir A. Mond, Bart., M.P., Mr. John O'Neill,

—_—

Mr. Arthur Pease, Mr. R. E. Prothero, Sir Frederick H. Smith, Bart., Mr.
G. J. Wardle, together withthe following gentlemen, who are presiding over
Board of Trade committees on the position of important industries after the
war :—Sir H. Birchenough, Sir A. A. Booth, Bart., the Lord Faringdon, Sir
Clarendon Golding Hyde, Sir Gerard A. Muntz, Bart., the Hon. Sir C. A.
Parsons, the Lord Rhondda, Mr. G. Scoby-Smith; Secretaries, Mr. Percy
Ashley, Board of Trade, and Mr. G. C. Upcott, Treasury.

In reply to a suggestion made by the Guild, Mr. Percy Ashley, one of the
Secretaries of this Committee, stated on April 20th that Sir William Pearce,
M.P., had been appointed to be a member, and that Sir William McCormick
had been specially added to the Committee in order to form a link between its
work and that of the Department of Industrial and Scientific Research.

The Committee is now considering the subject of the position and claims
of the metric system.

BOARD OF TRADE COMMITTEES.

In last year’s Report particulars were given of a number of Government
and other committees appointed to consider national scientific problems. In
addition to these committees and the sub-committees of the Reconstruction
Committee, the following have been appointed in connection with the Board
of Trade ‘‘ to consider the position of ’’ the various trades in question ‘“‘ after
the war, with special reference to international competition, and to report
what measures, if any, are necessary or desirable to safeguard that position.’’

Electrical—_The Hon. Sir Charles A. Parsons, Mr. J. Annan Bryce,
M.P., Mr. T. O. Callender, Mr. J. Devonshire, Sir John Snell, Mr. P. Ashley,
Prof. S. J. Chapman, Mr. B. M. Drake.

Textile Industries.—Sir Henry Birchenough, Sir Frank Forbes Adam,
Mr. J. Beattie, Mr. T. Craig-Brown, Mr. E. B. Fielden, Mr. J. W. Hill, Mr.
Peeieeliuneworth, M.P., Mr. J. H. Kaye, Mr. E. H. Langdon, Mr. J. W.
McConnel, Mr. H. Norman Rae, Sir Fredk. H. Smith, Bart., Mr. T. C.
Taylor, the Rt. Hon. Robert Thompson, Mr. C. T. Smith, Mr. Frank
Warner, Mr. T. M. Ainscough (Secretary).

Shipping and Shipbuilding Industries.—Sir Alfred A. Booth, Bart., Sir
Archibald Denny, Bart., Prof. W. S. Abell, Sir Edward Hain, Capt. H. B.
Hooper, Mr. Summers Hunter, Sir Joseph Maclay, Bart., Mr. J. Readhead,
Mr. O. Sanderson, Mr. J. Brown.

Non-Ferrous Metals.—Sir Gerard Albert Muntz, Bart. (Chairman), Mr.
C. L. Budd, Mr. C. Cookson, Mr. C. W. Fielding, Lieut.-Col. A. J. Foster,
Mr. A. W. Tait, Mr. A. H. Wiggin.

Coal Trade.—Messrs. Cory Brothers and Co., Ltd., Messrs. Mann,
George, and Co., Messrs. Hull, Blyth and Co., Messrs. William Mathwin
and Son, Messrs. Mackenzie and Phylson, Ltd., Messrs. Pyman,- Bell and
Co:; Mr. T. E. Watson, Sir Richard Mackie, Mr. A. E. Bowen, Mr. N.
Dunn, Mr. F. J. Jones, Mr. A. Nimmo, Mr. A. F. Pease, Sir Daniel M.
Stevenson, Bart., Mr. R. Warham, the Rt. Hon. Lord Rhondda.

Engineering.—Sir Clarendon Hyde (Chairman), Mr. Arthur Balfour, Mr.
A. ]. Hobson, Mr. W. B. Lang, Sir Hallewell Rogers, Mr. H. B. Rowell, Mr.
Douglas Vickers.

Iron and Steel Industries.—Mr. G. Scoby Smith (Chairman), Sir Hugh
Bell, Bart., Mr. A. Colville, Mr. J. E. Davidson, Mr. J. Gavin, Mr. ). Hodge,
Mr. J. King, Mr. G. Mure Ritchie, Mr. H. Summers, Mr. B. Talbot, Mr.
C. R. Woods (Secretary).

In addition to these the following Board of Trade Committees have been
announced during the year :—

A Committee to investigate the principal causes which have led to the
increase of prices of commodities of general consumption since the beginning
of the war, and to recommend such steps, if any, with the view of
ameliorating the situation as appear practicable and expedient, having regard
to the necessity ‘of maintaining adequate supplies. | Members :—Rt. Hon.
J. M. Robertson (Chairman), Mrs. Pember Reeves, Mr. W. C. Anderson,
, Prof. W. J. Ashley, Mr. John Boland, Mr. T. Brodrick, Sir Gilbert
Claughton, Bart., Mr. J. R. Clynes, Mr. R. E. Prothero, Mr. T. Shaw, and
Sir W. Capel Slaughter, Mr. E. C. Ramsbottom, of the Board of Trade, is
Secretary.

A Committee to consider and report what steps should be taken, whether
by legislation or otherwise, to ensure that there shall be an adequate and
economical supply of electric power for all classes of consumers in the United
Kingdom, particularly industries which depend upon a cheap supply of power
for their development. Members:—Mr. F. Huth-Jackson (Chairman), Mr.
H. Booth, Mr. J. Devonshire, Mr. J. Falconer, Mr. G. H. Hume, Mr. J-
Kemp, Mr. H. H. Law,,.Mr. C..H. Merz, Sir Charles, Parsons. san John
Snell, Alderman C. F. Spencer, and Mr. A. J. Walter. Secretary, Mr. M. J.
Collins. :

An inter-departmental Committee, presided over by Mr. Harcourt, has
arranged the respective spheres of work and co-operation, in dealing with
commercial inquiries, of the new Commercial Intelligence Department of the
Board of Trade and the Imperial Institute, which in recent years has become
a central department for information and investigation respecting the sources
and uses of the raw materials of the Empire. In future the Technical
Information Bureau of the Imperial Institute will answer all commercial
inquiries respecting the sources of supply, technical uses, and value of raw
materials within the Empire, and will be responsible for supplying all informa-
tion required in order to bring the producer overseas in touch with
the manufacturer at home. Inquiries as to immediate supplies may be
addressed either to the Board or to the Institute, as may be most convenient,
but the Commercial Intelligence Department of the Board of Trade will as a
rule be prepared to deal with inquiries for immediate supplies of well-known
raw materials which can be obtained at once through ordinary trade channels.
In answering those inquiries in which special statistical or trade information
is required in addition to technical information, the Board and the Institute
have arranged to co-operate. Investigations of the possible industrial uses

of raw materials will, as heretofore, be dealt with by the Imperial Institute.
The arrangement proposed by the Committee has now been accepted by the
Secretary of State for the Colonies, the President of the Board of Trade, and
the Executive Council of the Imperial Institute.

RoyaL ComMISSION.

To inquire into the supply of wheat and flour in the United Kingdom ; to
purchase, sell, and control the delivery of wheat and flour on behalf of his
Majesty’s Government; and generally to take such steps as may seem
desirable for maintaining the supply. Members:—The Earl of Crawford
(Chairman), Alan Garratt Anderson (Vice-Chairman), Sir Henry Rew, Sir
George Saltmarsh, Mr. H. W. Patrick, Mr. Hugh Rathbone, Mr. Oswald
Robinson, Mr. J. F. Beale, and Mr. T. B. Royden.

TREASURY.

A Committee to consider and report upon the existing scheme of
examination for Class I. of the Home Civil Service. The terms of reference
are :—To submit for the consideration cf the Lords Commissioners of his
Majesty’s Treasury- a revised scheme such as they may judge to be best
adapted for the selection of the type of officer required for that class of the
Civil Service, and at the same time most advantageous to the higher education
of this country ; and, in framing such a scheme, to take into account, so far
as possible, the various other purposes which the scheme in question has
hitherto served, and to consult the India Office, the Foreign Office, and the
Colonial Office as to their requirements, in so far as they differ from those of
the Home Civil Service. Members :—Mr. Stanley Leathes (Chairman), Sir
Alfred Ewing, Sir Henry A. Miers, Principal W. H. Gadow, and Prof. W.
G. Adams. Secretary, Mr. D. B. Mair.

INDIA OFFICE.

The Secretary of State for India has authorised the indian Committee of
the Imperial Institute to inquire into and report on the possibilities of
extending further the industrial and commercial utilisation of Indian raw
materials in this country and elsewhere in the Empire. The Committee has
already commenced its work and has appointed a number of sub-committees
to deal with the more important groups of materials, to consider the results
of investigations and inquiries already conducted by the Imperial Institute,
and to obtain the views of leading merchants, manufacturers, and other users
of the raw products of India. One of the important aspects of the Com-
mittee’s work will be to suggest openings for the employment of those Indian
materials which before the war went to enemy countries. The Indian Com-
mittee of the Imperial Institute includes Lord Islington (Under-Secretary of
State for India), Sir Marshall Reid (member of the India Council), Prof.
Wyndham Dunstan (Director of the Imperial Institute), Mr. L. J. Kershaw
(Secretary, Revenue and Statistical Department, India Office), Sir John

Hewett (formerly Lieutenant-Governor of the United Provinces), Mr. G. B.
Allen (of Messrs. Allen Bros. and Co. and Messrs. Cooper Allen, Cawnpore),
Mr. Yusaf Ali (late Indian Civil Service), Sir R. W. Carlyle (lately member
of the Viceroy’s Council), and Sir J. Dunlop Smith. Mr. C. C. McLeod,
Chairman of the London Jute Association, is Chairman of the Committee, and
the Secretary is Mr. A. J. Hedgeland, of the Imperial Institute.

BOARD OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES.

A Committee of representative agriculturists to advise on questions
arising in connection with the increased production of food. Members :—The
Right Hon. R. E. Prothero (Chairman), the Right Hon. Sir Ailwyn E.
Fellowes (Vice-Chairman), the Right Hon. F. D. Acland, the Right Hon.
Henry Hobhouse, the Hon. Edward G. Strutt, Sir Sydney Olivier (Board of
Agriculture), Mr. W. W. Berry (Development Commissioner), Mr. S. W.
Farmer, Mr. F. L. C. Floud (Board of Agriculture), Mr. A. D. Hall
(Development Commissioner), Mr. S. Kidner, Mr. T. H. Middleton (Board
of Agriculture), Mr. A. Moscrop, Mr. H. Padwick (National Farmers’ Union),
Mr. R. G. Paterson, Mr. G. G. Rea, Mr. E. Savill, Mr. Leslie Scott, and
Prof. W. Somerville. Mr. E. M. Konstam is the Secretary of the Committee.

A Committee to consider practical means for increasing the supplies of
sea-fish for the home markets and for encouraging the consumption of such
fish, whether cured or fresh, in substitution for other foods. The Committee
has received a grant from the Development Fund, with authority to expend
the grant, subject to limitations and conditions recommended by the Develop-
ment Commissioners and approved by the Treasury, at their discretion for the
increase of the fishing power of vessels other than steam fishing vessels. In
general their expenditure will be confined to assisting fishermen who are
owners of their own boats to develop their fishing power and to secure greater
quantities of fish. Members :—Mr. Cecil Harmsworth (Chairman), Mr. H.
S. M. Blundell, of the Admiralty War Staff (Trade Division), Mr. H. G.
Maurice, of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries; Mr. E. H. Collingwood,
of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries; Mr. Stephen Reynolds, repre-
senting the Development Commissioners; Mr: A. Towle, representing the
Food Controller. Secretary and Manager, Mr. G. K. Hext.

A Committee to consider whether any considerable addition to the home
food supplies of fish could be provided from the rivers, lakes, and ponds of
England and Wales. The Committee is requested to have special regard to
considerations affecting the practicability of any scheme for bringing fresh-
water fish supplies into consumption, such as the machinery and labour re-
quired to make the supplies available, facilities for their transport to market,
the food value of the different kinds of fish, the probability of its proving
acceptable to the consumer, the necessity for interference with private rights,
and the risk of damage to more valuable fisheries. Further, the Committee
will consider and report upon measures which might be taken for securing
a greater output of eels from the waters of the United Kingdom for home
ccnsumption. Members:—Lord Desborough (Chairman), Mr. R. B.

Marston, Mr. A. R. Peart, Mr. F. G. Richmond, Mr. H. T. Sheringham,
Mr. C. Tate Regan, and Sir John Wrench Towse. Secretary, Hon. A. S.
Northcote. F ’

Foop CONTROLLER’s DEPARTMENT.

A Committee of manufacturers of sulphate of ammonia to advise on
questions affecting its production and distribution, and to give effect to an
approved scheme for regulating the distribution of supplies to farmers in all
parts of the United Kingdom. Members:—Mr. D. Milne Watson (Chair-
man), Mr. W. Fraser, Mr. E. J. George, Mr. W. R. Hann, Mr. N. N.
Holden, Mr. A. K. McCosh, Alderman F. S. Phillips, Mr. A. Stanley, and
Mr. F. C. O. Speyer (Secretary).

A Committee to make such arrangements as may be necessary and ex-
pedient for the increase of supplies of fertilisers in the United Kingdom and
for controlling, so far as may be necessary, their output and distribution.
Members :—Captain C. Bathurst (Chairman), Mr. H. R. Campbell, Sir James
J. Dobbie, Mr. R. R. Enfield, Captain R. B. Greig, Mr. T. H. Middleton,
Mr. W. Anker Simmons, Prof. W. Somerville, Mr. G. J. Stanley, Mr. R. J.
Thompson, Prof. T. B. Wood, and Mr. H. Chambers (Secretary).

Ministry OF MUNITIONS.

A Petroleum Branch of the Ministry of Munitions has been formed, and
the Minister has appointed Sir Boverton Redwood as Director of Petroleum
Research, to conduct the investigation and development of hitherto unproved
home sources of supply of mineral oils.

Two Committees—an owners’ committee and a workmen’s committee—
to deal with certain problems connected with the Scottish shale industry.
Prof. John Cadman represents the Ministry, and acts as Chairman of the
two committees when they meet in joint session, Mr. J. C. Clarke representing
the Admiralty, and Mr. H. Walker, H.M. Divisional Inspector of Mines, will
serve on both the owners’ and the workmen’s committees. Sir George Beilby
has been appointed to act as technical adviser, and Mr. Hugh Johnstone is a
member of the Committee and acts as Secretary.

A new branch of the Ministry of Munitions has been established under Sir
Lionel Phillips as Controller, to deal with the examination and development
of such mineral properties (other than coal or iron ore) in the United Kingdom
as are considered likely to be of special value for the purposes of the war.
The Minister of Munitions has appointed the following to act as an advisory
committee on the development of mineral resources :—Sir Lionel Phillips, Bt.
(Chairman), Mr. F. J. Allan, Mr. C. W. Fielding, Mr. R. J. Frecheville,
Prof. F. W. Harbord, Mr. F. Merricks, Sir Harry Ross Skinner, Dr. A.
Strahan, and Mr. Edgar Taylor, together with a representative to be
nominated by the Board of Trade.

Apvisory COUNCIL FOR SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH.

A Standing Committee on Metallurgy consisting as to one-half of mem-
bers nominated by the professional societies concerned, the other half being

appointed direct by the Advisory Council. The Committee has been consti-
tuted with a view to the representation of both the scientific and the industrial
sides of the industries. Members :—Prof. J. O. Arnold, Mr. Arthur Balfour,
Prof. H. C. H. Carpenter, Dr. C. H. Desch, Sir Robert Hadfield, Mr. F. W.
Harbord, Mr. J. Rossiter Hoyle, Prof. Huntington, Mr. W. Murray
Morrison, Sir Gerard Muntz, Bt., Mr. G. Ritchie, Dr. J. E. Stead, Mr. H. L.
Sulman, and Mr. F. Tomlinson. Sir Gerard Muntz is the Chairman of the
full Committee and of the Non-ferrous Sub-Committee, and Sir Robert
Hadfield is the Chairman of the Ferrous Sub-Committee.

A Standing Committee on Engineering so constituted as to represent
both the scientific and the industrial sides of engineering, and including the
following members nominated by the professional associations :—Institution

of Civil Engineers, Sir Maurice Fitzmaurice; Institution of Electrical

Engineers, Mr. J. S. Highfield; Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Dr.
Dugald Clerk; Institution of Naval Architects, Sir Archibald Denny, Bart. ;
N.E. Coast Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders, Mr. Herbert Rowell ;
Manchester Association of Engineers, Mr. Alfred Saxon; Institution of
Engineers and Shipbuilders in Scotland, Mr. James Brown; and the following
members appointed directly by the Advisory Council :—Mr. F. R. Davenport,
Mr. Alfred Herbert, Prof. Bertram Hopkinson, Mr. C. H. Merz, Mr. V. L.
Raven, Mr. A. A. Remington, Mr. G. Gerald Stoney, Mr. Douglas Vickers,
and Prof. Miles Walker. Sir Maurice Fitzmaurice is Chairman of the
Committee.

A Standing Committee on Mining constituted so as to represent both the
scientific and industrial sides. The Committee includes the following
members nominated by professional associations :—Institution of Mining
Engineers: Sir William Garforth, Dr. Join Haldane, Dr. R. T. Moore, Mr.
Wallace Thorneycroft; Institution of Mining and Metallurgy: Mr. Edward
Hooper, Mr. Edgar Taylor; Iron and Steel Institute: Prof. H. Louis; the
South Wales Institute of Engineers: Mr. W. Gascoyne Dalziel; and the
following members appointed directly by the Advisory Council :—Sir Hugh
Bell, Bart., Mr. Hugh Bramwell, Lieut.-Colonel W. C. Blackett, Prof.
Cadman, Prof. Frecheville, Mr. Bedford McNeill, Mr. Hugh F. Marriott,
Sir Boverton Redwood, Bart., Mr. C. E. Rhodes. The Advisory Council has
appointed Sir William Garforth to be chairman. The Committee is divided
into two sections, as follows :—Section on*the Mining of Iron, Coal and
Hydrocarbons: Sir William Garforth (Chairman), Sir Hugh Bell, Bart., Mr.
Hugh Bramwell, Lieut.-Col. W. C. Blackett, Prof. Cadman, Mr. W. Gascoyne,
Dalziel, Dr. John Haldane, Prof. Louis, Dr. R. T. Moore, Sir Boverton
Redwood, Bart., Mr. C. E. Rhodes, Mr. Wallace Thorneycroft. Section on
the Mining of Minerals other than Iron, Coal, and Hydrocarbons: Mr. Edgar
Taylor (Chairman), Sir Hugh Bell, Bart., Prof. Frecheville, Mr. Edward
Hooper, Prof. Louis, Mr. Bedford McNeill, Mr. Hugh Marriot.

A Standing Committee on Glass and Optical Instruments. Members :-—
Prof. H. Jackson (Chairman), Mr. Conrad Beck, Prof. C. V. Boys, Mr. F. J.
Cheshire, Mr. A. E. Conrady, Mr. A. S. Esslemont, Mr. J. W. French, Dr.
R. T. Glazebrook, Sir Howard Grubb, Mr. E. B. Knobel, Dr. T. R. Merton,

—————

Prof. W. J. Nicholson, Capt. Creagh Osborne, Mr. H. J. Stobart, Mr. J.
Stuart, Mr. M. P. Swift, Mr. W. Taylor, Mr. F. Twyman, Lieut.-Col. A. C.
Williams, and Mr. W. F. J. Wood. The Committee, having regard to the
urgency of the problems requiring investigation in respect of these essential
industries, has appointed a series of sub-committees to which various special
problems have been referred. Among these problems the more important are :
(a) Raw material for glass and glassmaking. (b) Optical properties of a large
range of glasses. (c) General physical and chemical properties of glass and
glassware for scientific and industrial purposes. (d) Testing and stan-
dardising of glassware. (e) Workshop technique. (f) X-ray glass apparatus.
(g) Optical calculations and Jens designing. (h) Optical instruments.. (i)
Translation of foreign works on optics. The Standing Committee does not
propose to limit itself to these subjects, but is prepared to consider and report
upon the necessity for investigation in other directions relevant to its terms
of reference.

A Board of Fuel Research. Sir George Beilby is Director of the new
. organisation, and is assisted by the Hon. Sir C. Parsons, Mr. R. Threlfall,
and Sir R. Redmayne, as members of the Board. By arrangement with the
Governors of the Imperial College of Science and Technology, Prof. W. A.
Bone is retained as consultant to the Board of Fuel Research under the
Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, continuing to hold his
chair at the Imperial College.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR AERONAUTICS.

A Light Alloys Sub-committee, to advise Government Departments on
questions relating to light alloys, to institute research for the development and
improvement of such alloys and the methods of working them, and to assist
in the removal of difficulties which may arise in their production and use.
Members:—Mr. Henry Fowler, Superintendent of the Royal Aircraft
Factory, Chairman; Lieutenant-Commander C. F. Jenkin, and Prof. F. C.
Lea, representing the Air Board; and Captain H. P. Philpot, Mr. A. W.
Johns, and Dr. W. Rosenhain, representing respectively the Aeronautical
Inspection Department, the Director of Naval Construction, Admiralty, and
the National Physical Laboratory; together with the Chairman of the
Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, ex officio.

APPENDIX V.

ENDOWMENT OF EDUCATION AND RESEARCH.
United States.

The sub-committee on research funds of the Committee of One Hundred
of the American Association for the Advancement of Science has prepared a
report on research funds in the United States, particularly such as are
available without substantial limitations as to the residence and so on of the
person receiving the grant. A list of the more important endowments to
which no restrictions are attached, with the exception of those devoted to
medical research, has been published, and it shews that the total capital value
of these endowments is £4,603,150. Those funds where the endowment
reaches £5,000 or more are as_ follows:—The Carnegie Institution,
44,400,000 ; the Smithsonian Institution, £50,000; the Engineering Founda-
tion Board, New York City, £40,000; the National Academy of Sciences,
4#£30,640—including the Bache Fund, £11,200, and the Watson Fund,
45,000; the American Association for the Advancement of Science, £20,000,
made up of the Colburn Fund of £15,000 and the General Research Fund of
45,000 ; the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, £15,760, made up of
the Rumford Fund of £13,260 and the C. M. Warren Fund of £2,500; the _
California Academy of Sciences, £13,000; Harvard College Observatory
Advancement of Astronomical Science Fund, £8,000; the National
Geographic Society Fund fer Exploration and Geographical Research,
47,000; the Elizabeth Thompson Science Fund, £5,200; and the Archzo-
logical Institute of America, Washington, £5,000.

The General Education Board of the United States, founded by John D.
Rockefeller ‘‘ to promote Education within the United States,’’ without dis-
tinction of race, sex, or creed, has, since its organisation in 1902, made
grants amounting to £3,677,400. This amount was either appropriated
outright or towards total funds to be raised amounting in all to 412,897,400.
Of the grants made during this period, about {£600,000 was for medical
schools, $2,500,000 for universities and colleges, £20,000 for further prosecu-
tion of educational researches, £180,000 for colleges and schools for negroes,
460,000 for professors of secondary education, and £20,000 for farm demon-
stration work.

Among gifts and bequests to higher education in the United
States announced in Science and Nature since the last Report, the
following are noteworthy :—Yale University, £137,000, from the estate of the
late Mr. J. S. Hotchkiss. Under the will of Mr. W. W. Lawrence, of
Pittsburgh, Princeton University will ultimately receive £125,000. Under
the will of the late President of the University of Pennsylvania Museum, Mr.
E. B. Coxe, Junior, £100,000, as an endowment of the museum, and £20,000
towards increasing the salaries of professors. Columbia University,
420,000 from Mr. J. N. Jarvie for the new dental school; and the University
of California, £14,000 from Prof. G. H. Howison and his wife. £,200,000
by the Billings family of Chicago to the University of Chicago towards the

endowment of the medical school. #,10,000 by Mr. J. H. Schiff to New
York University for the division of public affairs in the school of commerce.
A bequest by Mr. J. D. Archbold to Syracuse University amounting to
£,100,000. Under the.will of the late Mr. C. W. Harkness, Yale University
to receive £100,000, and the Harkness Fund for scientific and educational
work £50,000. A bequest of £30,000 to John Hopkins University by Miss
Jessie Gillender for the purpose of instituting organised research into the
problem of epilepsy. A sum of not less than £50,000 to Lafayette College
as the residuary legatee of the late Mr. A. N. Seip, of Washington, D.C.
Harvard University, £10,300 from the estate of Mr..J. A. Beebe, and of
#10,000 from the estate of Mrs. F. W. Matchett, the income of both to be
used for general purposes.——By the will of the late Dr. J. W. White, and
Prof. J. R. Barton, £30,000 is bequeathed in trust to the University of
Pennsylvania as a permanent endowment fund, the income to be used for
establishing a professorship of surgical research in the medical department
of the university. Washington University Medical School, £100,000.
To the American Asociation for the Study and Prevention of Tuberculosis,
from the Metropolitan Life Insurance Co., £20,000 for a ‘‘ community
experiment,’’ with the idea of proving that tuberculosis can be controlled.

British Isles.

University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, from friends of the College,
£100,000 to the funds of the College, subject to a reservation of their right to
make such proposals as they may deem expedient to the Council, either as to
the capital or as to the income therefrom.——tThe late Mr. D. M. Forbes, to
the University of Edinburgh, the residue of his property, which will! amount,
it is understood, to about £100,000, for the purposes of education. By the
will of Sir George Franklin, in the event of his adopted daughter leaving no
issue, £25,000 to the University of Sheffield, to be applied for founding such
chairs as the Council may decide, and £5,000 to the Corporation of Sheffield,
the income to be applied by the local education committee in providing
scholarships tenable at Sheffield University for boys and girls educated at the
Central Secondary School. Mr. Joseph Constantine, a guarantee of
#,40,000 for the erection of a technical college on a piece of ground which had
already been purchased by the Middlesbrough Town Council for such a pur-
pose. The University of Sheffield, £32,000 under the will of Mr. Edgar
Allen, the greater part of the money to be devoted to the provision of
scholarships, half of them for sons of working men. Five thousand pounds
is to go to the Applied Science Department, and Sir Joseph Jones has added a
similar sum, making £10,000, which will be devoted to the provision of a
material testing laboratory. The Council has also received from Mr. Sydney
Jones a gift of £8,000 to endow a Chair of Classical Archeology to be asso-
ciated with the name of his late father, C. W. Jones. Prof... W.A.
Herdman and Mrs. Herdman, the sum of £10,000 to the University of
Liverpool, for the endowment of a Chair of Geology in the University, as a
memorial to their son, George Andrew Herdman, who was killed in action on
the Somme. Mr. H. Laming, £10,000 to Queen’s College, Oxford, to

establish four scholarships of 4100 per annum, tenable for either three or
four years, one to be offered each year. The scholars will, as a rule, be
expected to take the Russian language for the honours degree. Mrs.
Streatfeild, £10,000 in Consols, to be held in trust jointly by the Royal
College of Physicians of London and the Royal College of Surgeons in
Sir James Roberts, £10,000 to
the University of Leeds for the foundation and maintenance of
Anonymous

Mnglane. for the promotion of research.

a Professorship of the Russian Language and Literature.

donors to the University of Cambridge £10,000, for the endowment
of a school of Spanish.—Lord and Lady Cowdray, £10,000 for
the endowment of a Chair of Spanish Language and Literature
in the University of Leeds. Mr. Henry Musgrave, £10,000 to Queen’s
University, Belfast, to endow a chair in connection with Russian Language
and Literature. To the National Museum of Wales, £10,000, from Captain
W. R. Smith, towards the building fund of the new museum.——The late
Sir James Sivewright, £5,000 to Milne’s Institution, Fochabers, and £10,000
to the University of Aberdeen. Messrs. Baldwins, Ltd., 410,000 to the

Swansea Technical College for the endowment of a chair of metallurgy.
Miss C. E. Beckwith, one-half of the residue of her estate, which amounts to
about £8,000, to the Victoria University of Manchester in aid of the “‘ John
Henry Beckwith Scholarship,’’ founded by her mother. Miss E. G.
Everest, of Chippens Bank, Hever, Kent, bequeathed her house to the
National Trust to be used as a home of rest for tired brain-workers, par-

ticularly writers and artists; and the land round the house to the National
Trust to be used as a public park for the use of the nation, and as a bird
sanctuary, where bird-life shall be encouraged, together with £8,000 for the
maintenance of the estate. The late Lady Kelvin of Largs, widow of Lord
Kelvin, bequeathed to the University of Glasgow a legacy of £5,000, free of
duty, to be applied by the Senate for promoting research and teaching of
physical science in connection with the natural philosophy chair. The
Weardale Lead Company, two mining scholarships, each of the annual value
of £60, in connection respectively with the Royal School of Mines and Arm-
strong College, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, with the object of combining university
training with a year’s practical work calculated to advance a student in the
knowledge of mining engineering.

India.

In his presidential address delivered before the Indian Science Congress,
Bangalore, in January, 1917, Sir Alfred G. Bourne gave the following par-
ticulars of amounts allocated to research in India and institutions having that
purpose. The Government of India supports a Forest Research Institute and
College at Dehra Dun, and devotes about 4 lakhs a year to it; it contributes

5 lakhs a year to the Indian Research Fund, about 54 lakhs to the Agricul- .

tural Research Institute at Pusa, and a lakh to the Central Research Institute
at Kasauli. Some of the local Governments have entertained, or propose to
entertain, what they call in the Budget forest research officers. The Agricul-
tural College in the Madras Presidency has for part of its title that of

Research Institute. The Government of Bengal gives research scholarships.
The Punjab Government enters a small portion of its contribution to Govern-
ment colleges as a research grant. In Burma a small sum is devoted to what
are Called leprosy researches. The Budgets, however, provide for many
other forms of scientific activity in connection with which the word ‘‘research’’
does not happen to have been used, such as: further experimental work in
connection with agriculture, bacteriological work in connection with agricul-
ture, bacteriological work as affecting man and animals, other investigations
éf a medical nature, and work relating to fisheries and other industries.
Further, various Governments support museums, in some of which, at any
rate, scientific work is carried on, and the Institute at Bangalore receives an
annual grant of Rs.87,500 from the Government of India, which has promised,
should any private individual be willing to subscribe, to provide a like amount
so long as its total grant does not exceed Rs.150,000. There are also the
various Imperial surveys; in some of these the expenditure is, of course,
mainly debited to administrative work, but in the majority of them the funds
do something towards the progress of science. Without taking the surveys
into account, the annual expenditure from public funds on scientific work in
British India is somewhere in the neighbourhood of Rs.7o-80 lakhs—that is
to say, £500,0o00—and to this must, of course, be added large capital sums
invested in buildings. This expenditure is supplemented to some extent by
the more progressive of the native States.

Other Countries.

The intention of Mme. Mittag-Leffler, and her husband, Profes-
sor G. Mittag-Leffler, the eminent mathematician, to bequeath the
whole of their property to the promotion of pure mathematics,
was announced in last year’s Report. The bequest includes their freehold
villa with its contents, among which is a fine mathematical library ; and an
endowment to provide for its upkeep, salary of its curator, and other specified
purposes. To encourage the study of pure mathematics in Sweden,
Denmark, Finland, and Norway there are to be bursaries tenable by young
people of both sexes belonging to these countries. There is to be a gold
medal for pure mathematics belonging to these countries, and a prize for
pure mathematics, to be awarded, if possible, at least once in every six years,
to be open to the whole world.——From an anonymous donor, the sum of
#,20,000, to the Higher Institute of Medicine for Women at Petrograd for
the foundation of scholarships. The late Mr. J. Forte, his plantation
** Bennetts,’’ and the residue of his estate in Barbados, to Codrington
College in that island. The value of the bequest is expected to be not less
than £10,000. The University of Stockholm, from Mrs. Amanda Ruben,

the sum of 50,000 kroner (circa £2,700) to found a readership in experimental
zoology.

APPENDIX VI.
NATIONAL INSTRUCTION IN TECHNICAL OPTICS.

At a meeting of the Board of Scientific Societies, held on 12th October,
1916, the Board approved the appointment of the following Sub-Committee
to consider and report upon National Instruction in Technical Optics :—

Mr. Conrad Beck, Mr. F. J. Cheshire, Mr. E. B. Knobel, Sir Philip
Magnus, Prof. H. Jackson, Prof. A. Schuster.

This Sub-Committee, having given careful consideration to the subject
referred to them, reported as follows :—

REPORT OF COMMITTEE APPOINTED TO CONSIDER AND REPORT ON NATIONAL
INSTRUCTION IN TECHNICAL OPTICS.
Several attempts have been made during recent years to provide sys-

tematic training in Technical Optics, and a scheme prepared by the London

County Council will be referred to in this Report. But, before discussing the
details of any proposals, it is advisable to form a clear conception of the
requirements of the Optical Trade, and of the organisation of the teaching
best adapted to promote the interests of that trade without regard to existing
conditions, which no doubt will place some difficulties in the way of the
immediate adoption of a thorough-going and satisfactory scheme.

It is necessary at the outset to emphasize one point which is of vital
importance. If a perfect organisation for instruction and research in Optics
could instantaneously be called into being, some years would necessarily
elapse before the trade would appreciably benefit by it, because that trade
requires above everything a sufficient supply of men thoroughly trained in
the scientific principles underlying the proper construction of optical
appliances. Such men are not obtainable at the present moment; they will
have to be trained, and this requires time. But the next few years are the
years which will determine the future of the industries of the country. To
avoid a delay which might prove fatal, it is essential that provision should
be made at once to give the trade such assistance and advice as will ultimately
be supplied by the body of trained men which, it is hoped, will be available in
a few years.

This leads us to our first recommendation. Whatever scheme should be
adopted, it is essential that it should include the appointment of a highly
qualified scientific man, who will be charged with the organization and
direction of the whole of the teaching. This man, to whom we shall refer
as the ‘‘ Director ’’—-whatever title he may subsequently receive—ought to
be appointed at once. Among the duties specially assigned to him in the
preliminary period should be that of advising the trade in any difficulties they
may encounter. A sufficient staff should be assigned to him for the purpose.
The Director should not be attached exclusively to any of the existing
institutions.

A further need, which is urgent, is the supply of standard text books
dealing with those parts of Optics which at present are greatly neglected in
this country ; this includes practically the whole of Geometrical Optics and a

large part of Technical Optics. In our opinion, the quickest and most
effective manner of dealing with this requirement is by publishing translations
of existing foreign books and abstracts of important papers on the subject.

In defining the range of teaching to be provided, and forming an
estimate of the number and type of the students who may avail themselves of
the opportunities offered, we must keep in mind that the use of a knowledge of
Optics is not confined to those intending to enter the optical trade. The
Army, the Navy, the Patent Oftice, and ether Government Departments
employ optical experts. We are informed that the Royal Naval College
habitually send some of their ablest young officers to an optical firm, to be
instructed in the principles and designs of range-finders, gunsights, and other
optical instruments. Medical men, bacteriologists, surveyors, and nautical
men would, also, in many cases, welcome instruction in special branches of
Optics. We may here reter to the School of Economics, an institution
mainly devoted, as its name implies, to a highly specialized branch of
knowledge, which derives its practical importance from its connexion with
matters affecting the welfare of the country. In these respects, it presents
a certain analogy with the proposed School of Optics. _ Experience in this
case shows that the instruction given has attracted, from much wider circles
thafi was originally contemplated, students desiring instruction in special
departments of economics. It is, therefore, well not to take too narrow a
view, but to look upon the practical application of Optics as being one of the
many points of contact between the industries and pure science. Any
advance in its study will hence react beneficially on the advance of science
on which it is based.

We therefore look forward to the establishment of an Optical Institute
which would concentrate the efforts of all who are concerned with the
manufacture or use of optical instruments. It would bring together the
several Optical Societies, who might find a home within its building; it
would be the centre for the co-operation of the trade with students and
teachers ; it should contain a library with periodicals and books on optics.

The general direction of the courses of study should—as is the case in
the scheme of the. London County Council—be vested in an Advisory Council
on which the trade, as well as the optical.and learned Societies are
represented. It has already been insisted upon that there should be a
Principal or Director who is highly qualified both on the theoretical and
practical side, and who would be responsible to the Advisory Council. Full
courses of instruction, both in day and evening classes, will be required.
The day departments would consist mainly of youths between the ages of
fifteen and twenty, who would receive general and technical instruction,
including mathematics, physics, chemistry, and practical optical work.

The evening work would be adapted to the requirements—
(1) of students engaged in the trade during the daytime,

(2) of advanced students, some of whom would have graduated in
science, and would be preparing to occupy the position of managers
in optical works,

(3) of other persons interested in learning the scientific construction or
use of optical instruments.

Provision should be made for research work not requiring a highly
specialized or expensive plant. Special investigations might be referred to
the National Physical Laboratory, or any other laboratory suitable for the
purpose.

It is also worth considering whether a good journal or paper should not
be published, devoted to scientific instruments and other matters concerned
with Optics.

We are aware of the difficulties which stand in the way of putting into
immediate operation a scheme which would satisfy in a comprehensive
manner all the above conditions. It will therefore be necessary to contem-
plate a transitional period leading up to what we ultimately hope to obtain.

In considering the provisional’ arrangements, regard must be had to the
fact that already some very good work in the training of operatives of
different classes is being done at the Northampton Polytechnic Institute,
where a certain amount of modern machinery and apparatus has been
provided, and young men and women are receiving useful training, the value
of which has been recognised by the Government. We may also draw
attention to the valuable research work being carried out in King’s College,
London, under the Glass Research Committee of the Institute of Chemistry.
The instruction given at the Northampton Institute should, however, at once
be supplemented by more advanced teaching in some convenient institution
of University rank. Stress has already been laid on the immediate appoint-
ment of a Principal or Director, and there is no reason for delaying the
formation of the Advisory Council. So soon as the preliminary work of
organisation permits, plans should be prepared for a new building, which,
in Our opinion, is essential.

The scheme of the London County Council represents a carefully con-
sidered attempt to utilize and extend the teaching given in existing institu-
tions, and to reconcile conflicting interests. Its object is, therefore, the
same as that which we contemplate in the transitional period, and in its main
features it seems to differ little from our proposals. It is not with the object
of making any captious criticism, but merely to prevent possible misunder-
standing, that we desire to point out what seem to us to be serious defects in
the details of the scheme.

It is provided that the Imperial College of Science should institute a
separate Department of Technical Optics, with a Head who is also to exercise
some undefined powers of general supervision over the whole scheme. Being
a member of the staff of the Imperial College, he would presumably be
appointed to the governing body of that Institution, and primarily be
responsible to it. He would have at the same time powers over the course
of instruction at another institution that had no voice in his appointment.
His relationship to the Advisory Council is not defined, and the proposal in
its present form does not seem to us to be conducive to harmonious working.
It also seems to perpetuate what, in our opinion, should only be a transitional
stage. Our own proposal contemplates that the appointment of the Director

uw
2

of Studies should be primarily vested in whatever body is constituted as the
main governing body.

Another fundamental defect of the scheme is implied in the wording
defining the distribution of the work between the Imperial College and the
Northampton Institute. Stress appears to be laid on post-graduate work
conducted at the Imperial College, and research work is confined to that
Institution. If it be meant that the normal course of instruction should
begin with a degree course in pure science, and the higher technical teaching
should only begin after such a course is completed, we must express our
dissent from that view. There may be some cases, no doubt, where a
graduate in science will turn his mind towards Technical Optics, and pro-
vision should be made for him; but the centre of gravity of the institution
must be a course extending over two or three years, in which teaching in
science is, ab initio, directed towards the necessities of its optical applications.
As regards research work, the teachers in any institution which may be built,
or during the transitional period at the Northampton Institute, should be of
sufficient standing to be able to conduct research work, and though no
expensive or elaborate plant need be supplied, and such research work need
not form a prominent part of the activity of the Institute, it is not advisable
to lay down any hard or fast lines as to where researches are to be carried
out. Special investigations, as has already been said, will probably be
largely concentrated at the National Physical Laboratory, but they also should
not necessarily be confined to any one place.

In conclusion, we may sum up the requirements which appear to us to

require immediate attention :—

(1) The appointment of a supervising representative Council.

(2) The appointment, under the proposed supervising Ccuncil, of an
administrating Director, with special duties during the transitional
‘period, which will include advice to the trade and the organisation
of the different parts of the curriculum.

(3) The translation cf suitable works and the abstracting of other
important publications on Technical Optics.

(4) Pending the erection of a suitable building, the organisation of day
and evening courses at the Northampton Institute, and arrange-
ments for higher instruction at some other institution of University
rank,

’

The terin ‘‘ Technical Optics’’ throughout the Report is intended to
include the chemical composition and manufacture of glass.

The Committee is willing to give further advice with respect to the
selection of books for translating or abstracting, and any other matters
_ connected with subjects referred to in the Report.

(Signed) ARTHUR SCHUSTER, Chairman
This Report was received and approved by the Board at a meeting on

24th January, 1917.
(Signed) J. J. THOMSON, Chairman.

FINANCE.

The Annual Statement of Accounts for the year ending 31st December,
1916, will be found on page 56. In this connection the Executive Committee
desire to convey their thanks to Sir Alexander Pedler, C.1.E., FE. RoS.) ie
has kindly acted as auditor for the past year.

The revised list of donations is given on page 57.

The outstanding feature in the financial history of the Guild for the year
has been the decision to increase the rates of subscription for, any new
members. It was found that the former rate of yearly subscripticn
of two shillings and sixpence for members was really worked at a loss, as
this sum was insufficient to pay printing and postage charges for the
issue of the numbers of the Journal, notices, invitation cards to the Annual
Meeting, to say nothing of any payment for office rent, salaries, ete.
The annual rate of subscription for members joining the Guild in future was
therefore raised to ten shillings, and the compounding fee for such members
to five pounds instead of the previous two guineas. Also, as_ stated
previously, further efforts were made to increase the membership of the Guild,
and during the year 116 new members and fellows joined.

At the same time, on the change in the rates of subscription being
brought to the notice of the old members of the Guild, many of them
converted their life membership into life fellowship, or into life membership
on the new terms, and some increased their previous annual subscriptions.
From these two causes the amount received by the Guild during 1916 on
account of ‘* compounding fees, subscriptions, entrance fees,’ etc., was
#642 3s. od., an increase of £545 over the amount received from
similar sources in 1915. It must not be thought, however, that the whole
of this is an increase in the annual income of the Guild. The greater part
(probably about four-fifths of this sum of £545) represents the amounts which
were received in 1916 in payment of life compositions, etc., and therefore will
not occur again. The annual income of the Guild from the subscriptions of
the present number of fellows and members, together with the income from
the investments of the Guild, will only come to about £220 a year, which is
considerably less than the annual expenditure. It is therefore clearly
necessary that continued efforts should be made to increase the membership
of the Guild. :

In previous years the generous help of the President has
enabled the Guild to carry on its work and increase its scope of action, even.
though the usual sources of income are rather limited. Indeed, as will be
seen from the accounts of 1916, Sir William Mather has continued his
generous assistance.

In the year under review the increased receipts have placed the
Executive in a better position, and although further help had been very
kindly offered for the beginning of 1917 by Sir William Mather, it was found
not to be required. It must also be placed on record that during the year
another generous offer of financial help, if needed, was received by the
Executive from Mr. Robert Mond.

Further steps have also been taken to reduce the rent paid by the
Guild for its office from the beginning of 1917. Formerly the Guild shared
with Dr. F. M. Perkin the use of a second room, and on his removal elsewhere
this room was given up, and the Executive have to thank Dr. Perkin for the
consideration which he shewed toward the financial position of the Guild.

A reference to the balance sheet of the Guild for the year 1916
will shew that for this period its financial position is quite satisfactory.
The increased receipts have already been alluded to, but of course, owing
to the greater activity of the Guild and the larger membership, there has been
a corresponding increase in such items as printing, stationery, and postage.

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Mather, The Right Hon. Sir William
The Worshipful Company of Drapers
The Worshipful Company of Clothworkers

Strathcona and Mount Royal, The ek: Hon. Lord, P. C. x ‘G. C.M. G. ; G. C.V.O
F.R.S. (the late)... :

Blyth, The Right Hon. Lord cb

Lockyer, Sir Norman, K.C.B., F.R.S.

Longstaff, Lieut.-Colonel ...

Gray, C. H., Esq. “3

Gray, R. Kaye, Esq. (the late)

Watts, Sir Philip, K.C.B., F.R.S. a
Beale, Sir William Phipson, Bart., K C.. M.P. Jat
Haidane, The Right Hon. Viscount, K.T., P.C., F.R.S. «...
Caird, R. H., Esq. A

The Worshipful Company of Salters

Duveen, Edward, Esq.

Hannah, R., Esq. (the late)

Hawksley, Charles, Esq.

Seligman, Isaac, Esq.

Thomas, Carmichael, Esq.

Davis, Major (the late)

Prance, Miss Edith

Godman, F. Du Cane, Esq., F.R.S.

Lindley, The Right Hon. Lord, P.C., E.RS.
Lockyer, Lady .. 500

Morgan, S. mean, Beh Wiehe late)

Whitehead, Sir James, Bart.

Priestley, Lady (the late)...

Brassey, The Right Hon. Earl, G.C. B.

Waring, S. J., Esq., ic

Aitken, Dr. John, F.R.S.... es

Bevington, Colonel S. B. (the late) ...

Bolitho, Mrs. Robins bas ee
Jackson, Admiral Sir H. B., K.C.V.O., F.R.S.
Mallet, R. T., Esq. (the late) 3 Ee
Noble, Sir Andrew, Bart., K.C.B., F. R. S. (the late)
Brabrook, Sir Edward, C.B.

Heron, Francis, Esq.

Ingham, C. B., Esq. Ba

Mathews, Professor G. B., F.R.S. wat
Morgan, Alderman Sir W Siler Vaughan, Bart. (the Daite) ieee
Scott, Miss Eva Russe!

Singleton, Mrs. E.

Southall, John, Esq.

Stebbing, The Rev. T. R. R., F.R. Ss.

Douglas, James. Esq.

Herbert, Miss J.C.

Hunt, Wilfred, Esq.

Melchers, C. E., Esq.

Marconi, Senatore G., G.C.V.O.

MacNicol, Mrs.

Steers, W. E., Esq.

Bovey, Mrs.

Davidge, Professor

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Fairley, Thomas, Esq. ...

Petrie, Ses Flinders, F.R.S.

‘““A Friend’

Baillie, Miss Hunter

Banks, Arthur, Esq.

Bell, Dr. James, C.B., F.R.S. (the inte) ;
Buller, Sir Walter, K.C.M.G., F.R.S. (the late)
Creak, Captain, R.N., C.B., D.S.O.
Eccles, W. McAdam, Esq., M.S., F.R.C.S.
Gillespie, H. G., Esq. :
Green, The Rev. Herbert W. H.

Griffiths, Dr. A. B. <

Hambling, W. G. A., Esq.

Hobson, William, Esq.

Bagshawe, Mrs. Arthur G. =
Benham, Professor Blaxland, F.R. S.
Churchill, Miss C.

Craik. Mrs. G. L.

Dodds, P. A., Esq.

‘A Friend”

Hadfield, Lady

Lawrence, Miss A. L.
* Letcher, T: H., Esq:

Lowdell, S. P., Esg. .

Lowe, E\ E., Esq., B.Sc.

Taylor, William, Esq.

Wade, Mrs.

List oF NEW SUBSCRIBERS.

During the year 1916, 116 new members and fellows have joined.

Life Fellow.
Professor Archibald Barr, D.Sc., LL.D.

Life Members.
Richard Louis Carr, Esq., A.R.S.M.
J. B. Carrington, Esq.
Maurice Marcus, Esq.
Wilson Noble, Esq.
J. Q. Rowett, Esq.

Fellows.
Edward C. Barton, Esq.
Harry Baldwin, Esq., M.R.C.S.
A. R. Bayley, Esq., B.A.Oxon.
Douglas Berridge, Esq., M.A.
C. I. Bond, Esq., F.R.C.S., Hon. Colonel R.A.M.C.T.
Alexander Brémner, Esq.
Arthur W. Clayden, Esq.
Mrs. Stanton Coit.

ecoceoecoGéoecoocoeooecoscoescooceeooooecth

Names added since the last issue of the Journal (November,

—
nnranananne:

now o

NNN NNN NWO NNNNNTTU NH

AAMAHADRAHRAARAHRHECOCSSCOOSOSCOCSOCODOOHAO®™

1916).

Sir Alfred W. Croft, K.C.1.E.
John Furneaux, Esq.

Mrs. A. E. Llewellin.

foe. Mill, Esq., D.Sc., LL.D.
C. G. Montefiore, Esq., M.A.
The Rev. E. O’Connor, S.J., M.A.
E. H. Rayner, Esq.

Leslie Skinner, Esq.

W. B. Statham, Esq.

Mrs. Symonds.

R. S. Taylor, Esq.

C. T. Trechermann, Esq.
Glynne Williams, Esq.

Members.
Maxwell Adams, Esq. 7
Prof. P. Phillips Bedson.
R. T. Coryndon, Esq.
Miss M. Blanche Cuthbertson.
Miss Margaret Frodsham, B.Sc.
Professor Ernest Glynn, M.D.
F. Hodson, Esq.
J. A. Mills, Esq.
Professor Arthur Ransome, F.R.S., M.D., F.R.C.P.
G. Scott Robertson, Esq.
fee. H. Tripp.
A. C. Trotman, Esq.
Miss Maude Williams.

Obituary.

The Executive Committee greatly regret to announce that the following
members of the Guild have died since the last issue of the Journal was
published :—

The Rt. Hon. Lord Allerton, P.C., F.R.S., John Christie, Esq., Engineer
Vice-Admiral Sir John Durston, K.C.B., Dr. Johnston, Sir Hiram S. Maxim,
Alderman Sir Walter Vaughan Morgan, Bt., Sir S. W. Royse, Miss Katharine
Williams, Professor A. M. Worthington, C.B., F.R.S.

Annual Meeting at the Mansion House,
1917.

The Eleventh Annual Meeting of the British Science Guild was held at
the Mansion House on Monday, April 30, 1917. A large and distinguished
company accepted the invitation of the Lord Mayor. to attend, every chair in
the Hall being filled.

The Lorp Mayor (Sir William Dunn), who presided, in taking the
chair, remarked: Ladies and Gentlemen, it is a very pleasant duty I have to
perform *as Lord Mayor to-day—to bid you welcome to the Mansion House.
I consider we could not make use of the Mansion House for a better purpose
than in association with a meeting of the British Science Guild. I shall now
call upon Sir William Mather to open the proceedings.

Str WitiiAM MarTuHer said: My Lord Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,—
Usually at this function the President of the Guild has had the pleasing duty
of making some general observations on the objects of the Guild and its work
during the past year. On this occasion we have novel and very attractive
features, as you will have observed from your invitation cards, bearing the -
names of three gentlemen who have kindly undertaken to address the members
and friends of the Guild. Therefore our business will be curtailed to the
shortest possible time. I have only one matter I desire to mention to you
which I think is of some importance, and may be of some interest to you.
Since we last met the Guild has suffered a very severe loss, and the country a
much greater loss, by the death of that eminent man of science, Sir William
Ramsay. We had to deplore on the last occasion his very serious illness,
which then threatened to terminate fatally, but when the death came we found
we had lost one of the strongest pillars of the Guild, that the country had lost,
if not the very ablest, one of its ablest, men of science—certainly of the science
of chemistry—whose research work has conferred no end of good upon the
nation, and one who, had he lived, would have saved the country many lives
and millions of pounds through his remarkable knowledge of materials
which ought to have been contraband of war, and his knowledge in
regard to making the most satisfactory use of explosives in war. Sir William
Ramsay has left a record of work that will never die among men of science.
(Applause.) It is important that the British public should be reminded
from time to time of what they owe to their men of science. We know
soldiers, statesmen, men eminent in various walks of life, but scientific men
are greatly neglected by the public. . Their work is quiet and unseen; we get
only the effect of it. Knowledge of the character and the lives of our distin-
guished scientific men is very scant, and rarely are they com-
memorated in any adequate way. The memorial to Sir William
Ramsay for which we are. seeking ‘to collect funds has _ been
decided upon by a committee, including presidents of various institutions,

men of eminence and teachers of science in London and throughout the
country. The scheme is to invite the generous public, in spite of the many calls
that are made upon them, to subscribe £100,000 in the course of a year or two,
partly in order to establish Ramsay Fellowships for the encouragement of
research work, tenable at any University or Technical College. These
Fellowships are to be of the value of £200 a year and £50 a year
for expenses. Another part of the scheme is that a_ laboratory
shall be built at the University College of London, where Sir
William Ramsay pursued his life’s work with such remarkable success, in
order to attract students to engineering chemistry. As engineering science
has become absolutely essential to the carrying out of chemical discovery, it 1s
important to have courses of study connected with the subject. That will be
called the Ramsay Engineering and Chemical Laboratory. With £50,000
we could accomplish those two objects, and for the remaining £50,000 we
could no doubt find ample use in doing something to encourage the work in
which Sir William Ramsay lived, and from which he left so splendid a legacy’
for the benefit of his fellow-countrymen. (Applause.)

Now I should have liked to comment on the work done by the Guild since
the beginning of the war, but you will find it described in the Report, which is
printed and ready for publication. I have only a few minutes to live in
the position which I have held for upwards of four years. My presidency of
the Guild has, at my own request, come to an end, and I now introduce to

you my noble friend, Lord Sydenham, who has kindly consented to occupy the
_ office. I have known Lord Sydenham intimately for a number of years, and
the longer I know him the more I respect and admire his qualities and his
character. We met first on the Committee for the re-organisation of the
War Office, in 1901, of which we were members, he as a soldier and I asa
Member of Parliament. The Guild will be very fortunate if it can retain his
services in the position of President for the next four years. Lord Sydenham
“is a very rare example of an Englishman who knows a good deal about
everything, and he has filled offices of great trust and responsibility in
relation to a great variety of interests. As a Royal Engineer, early in his
career he attracted the attention of the War Office on account of his remark-
able engineering and scientific gifts. These gifts were exercised for a long
time in connection with fortifications and gunnery. He was elected a Fellow
of the Royal Society. He has held an important office at the Woolwich
Arsenal, where for years he performed great services and used his inventive
powers largely in the interests of the Navy. Subsequently he was asked to
take the office of Secretary of the National Defence Committee, which is, as
you know, a very important Cabinet Committee, charged with looking
forward and providing for the defence of our country and the Empire. Later
he went to Victoria as Governor of that Colony, and several years afterwards
he was made Governor of Bombay. I think that never in the annals of the
British occupation of India has there been an Englishman who won so rapidly
the admiration of his Legislative Council, and of all those who came into
contact with him, as the Governor known at that time as Sir George Clarke.
(Applause.) I was myself a witness of what he. was doing in

Bombay, having been his guest at Government House, and I
heard on all hands from members of the Legislative Council that
they thought he was the ablest man who had filled that high office. I
must apologise for speaking so frankly about him in his presence, but I have
the temerity to stamp the character of our new President with such well-
merited praise as that I have bestowed upon him. On coming home he
received high honours. Lord Sydenham is a man who has been very much
honoured in many ways, and I only wish he had been honoured in another
way, by having an office in which his great talents could have been used for
the successful prosecution of the war. One of his many gifts is displayed in
letters in the public Press, exhibiting a quality of lucid, logical and terse
expression, such as is very rare among our public men. I have now very great
pleasure in vacating my office in favour of my noble’ friend, our future
President. (Applause.)

The Lorp Mayor called upon Sir Boverton Redwood to move a
resolution,

SiR BOVERTON REDWOOD, in moving the adoption of the Report, said:
My Lord Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,—In view of the eminence of the
speakers who are subsequently to address you, it would be unbecoming on my
part, and I am sure distasteful to you, if I detained you for many minutes.
But there are certain features of the Annual Report to which I beg leave to
address myself very briefly. The most important of the announcements made
in the Report is that which concerns the office of President. It has already
been alluded to by Sir William Mather. Sir William was appointed to the
Presidency in 1913 in succession to Lord Haldane. He has therefore held it
for four years, and it is not too much to say that during the whole period of his
tenure of the office he has devoted himself with unremitting zeal to fostering
and encouraging the activities of the Guild. (Applause.) Previously he was
Vice-President, and in that capacity also he rendered very: valuable
service. He was a member of the Technical Education Com-
mittee and he was Chairman of the Joint Technical Education
and Education Committee, in which capacity he wrote an_ intro-
duction to the report of that Committee on the necessary reforms in national
education. Not only has Sir William given us the kind of help to which |
have alluded, but he has from time to time afforded to the Guild very material,
in addition to moral, support, and in the unanimous opinion of the Executive
Committee, expressed in a recent resolution recording its high appreciation
of his services, the greatly increased prosperity of the Guild has been very
largely due to the interest which Sir William Mather has shown in its work
and personal devotion which he has brought to bear upon it, as well as to the
large amount of assistance which he has so generously given in forwarding its
aims. It is now proposed that Sir William shall be elected one of the Vice-
Presidents, and in that capacity we look forward to receiving from him for
many years to come the wise counsel which he has given us in the past.
(Applause.) I may here also allude to the gratifying circumstance that the
Lord Mayor, besides having placed on the work of the Guild the civic hall-
mark by allowing us once again to hold our meeting at the Mansion House,

has kindly consented to become Vice-President, and has thus further shown
his appreciation of the work the Guild is doing. (Applause.) Sir William
Mather now desires, as he has told you, to divest himself of the responsibility
of the office which he has held, and I think we shall all agree that of the many
services which he has rendered, not the least has been that of inducing one
so highly distinguished and eminently fitted as Lord Sydenham to succeed him.
(Applause. )

‘During the past year there has been an alteratign made in the scale of
subscription rates, it having been found that the rate at which the minimum
subscription was originally fixed was insufficient to cover out-of-pocket
expenses. Concurrently, renewed effort has been made, to increase the
membership, and it is highly gratifying to record that the action thus taken
has been attended with substantial success. For the improvement in the
financial position we are mainly indebted to the Honorary Assistant Treasurer,
Lady Lockyer, who has, as in former years, administered the finances of the
Guild with wisdom and efficiency. (Applause.) I hope, however, that these
encouraging remarks may not be taken as indicating that there is any less
need for effort in further increasing the membership, and strengthening in
that way the pecuniary position of the Guild. The current income is still
below annual expenditure, and although Mr. Robert Mond has relieved the
Executive Committee of anxiety by a generous offer of financial help should
it be needed, we naturally desire to place the Guild in the position of not
having to avail itself of that aid. The routine work of the Guild has been
actively carried on during the year, though that of the Medical Committee,
under the chairmanship of Sir Ronald Ross, has been somewhat impeded,
owing to the circumstance that many of the members, including the Deputy-
Chairman, Sir Alfred Keogh, have been engaged on active war service. In
regard to science propaganda, I feel sure I shall have the support of my
colleagues in making reference to the very valuable services of the hard-
working, painstaking and exceptionally able chairman of the General
Purposes Committee, Professor Gregory—(hear, hear)—and I _ have
also to include in this connection, Sir Alexander Pedler, to whom
we all owe much. (Applause.) Early this year the Executive Committee
appointed a small committee, under the chairmanship of Sir William Phipson
Beale, to prepare a statement for publication on the opening which post-war
conditions would afford for the introduction of a metric system of
weights and measures and a_ decimal system of coinage. In
their consideration of the subject the Committee have so far been
largely guided by the view, or perhaps I should rather say the hope,
that through greater attention to the metric system as part of education, by
the adoption of that system in all Government contracts, and through such
other action ‘as will demonstrate the practical advantages of the system, a
great deal may be done without legislation, and that convenience may ulti-
mately operate to a considerable extent in lieu of compulsion in leading to its
general adoption. ‘This is not to be taken as necessarily a forecast of the
report which in due time the Committee will present, and I should add that the
Committee will meanwhile gladly welcome any help or suggestions in dealing

with this subject. It has been customary to give in the Annual Report
information as to the various Government Committees appointed during the
year. On the. present occasion this information, as you will see from the

Report, indicates greatly increased activity on the part of the Government in -

organising official effort in the application of science to industry and
education, and it should gladden the heart of Sir Norman Lockyer, the Founder
of the Guild, whom we are sorry not to have with us to-day, to note how very
largely the action the Government has thus taken is that which he has
consistently advocated for so many years. (Applause.) I have now, my
Lord Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen, to move the adoption of the Annual
Report, the election of the Right Hon. Lord Sydenham as President, and of
the Right Hon. The Lord Mayor, and the Right Hon. Sir William Mather,
as Vice-Presidents, and the election of the Executive Committee. I therefore
submit that motion to the meeting. (Applause. )

PROFESSOR R. A. Grecory seconded, saying : My Lord, my Lord Mayor,
Ladies and Gentlemen,—In seconding the motion I am not expected to make a
speech. I think, however, that this year’s Report of the Guild has such
exceptional features, that two or three minutes may perhaps be given me to
refer to them. One is the point, already mentioned by Sir Boverton Redwood,
of the great activity recently shown by the State in the encouragement of
interest in science and education and their application to national affairs.
Those of you who were members of the Guild at the outset will know that the
principles which are now accepted generally and are being taught by the
Press and by our statesmen were those for which the Guild was originally
founded. The Guild is now, and has been since the beginning of the war,
coming to its own. (Applause.) It has taken much T.N.T. and other high
explosives to awaken the nation to a sense of the importance of science and
the results of the application of scientific knowledge to national life. At the
beginning of 1915 we arrived at such a national awakening by the institution of
the Ministry of Munitions, which represented the first organised attempt to
mobilise the scientific knowledge of the country and to use it for our national
advantage. The establishment of the Ministry, as you know, has turned the
whole course of the war, and without the scientific work that it organised we
could not be in the favourable position which we occupy to-day in this world-
conflict. The Ministry of Munitions led to the formation by the Govern-
ment of various Committees on which men of science are represented, and in
this year’s Report we have many more scientific Committees recorded for the
first time than ever hitherto. The Report is indeed distinctive in this respect
of the number of Committees appointed dealing with scientific problems and
their relation to national affairs. The action of the Government and of our
statesmen in these matters has also had other far-reaching effects. We have,
for instance, the establishment of the Department of Scientific and Industrial
Research, to which Parliament, without . any hesitation, made a
block grant of $1,000,000 to carry on its work. In a Memorandum issued in
November by this Guild the work of such a board was outlined, and the
department which has since been instituted represents the policy there referred
to. Just as the trade follows the flag, so does the country follow the great

Statesmen who will take the lead in such matters. The Commonwealth of
Australia established an Institute of Science and Industry, as was referred
to at last year’s meeting of the Guild, and is prepared to provide half a
million pounds for it. Following on what had been done by our own Govern-
ment in establishing an Advisory Council of Scientific and Industrial Re-
search, the Canadian Government has taken steps in the same direction, and
the United States have formed a National Research Council of much the
same character. The chairman of that Council, when he _ wished
to know what the British people were thinking of the relation of
science to industry, sent to the British Science Guild for its Memorandum to
ascertain what should be advocated on the other side, and a number of copies
were sent by our Secretary for distribution among individuals and institutions
in the United States. Those two points are sufficient to give all members of
the Guild some reason for congratulation that the principles they have held
for some years are now beginning to bear fruit; that the seed they have sown
has been dispersed very widely since the beginning of the Guild, twelve years
ago. There is only one other point. The record this year of endowments of
higher education and research contains more gifts, and larger gifts, than in
any year previously. That also is another indication of how the country
follows the lead taken by its great statesmen. With these remarks I have
great pleasure in seconding the motion for the adoption of the Annual Report.
(Applause. )

The Lord Mayor put the motion to the meeting, and it was carried
unanimously.

THe Lorp Mayor: I have now the pleasure to call upon Lord Sydenham
to deliver an address on National Reconstruction. (Applause.)

Lorp SyDENHAM, whose address was frequently applauded, spoke as
follows :—

The British Science Guild, during the twelve years of its existence, has
earnestly endeavoured to promote the public and official recognition of
scientific research and of scientific organisation and methods as essential
factors in National progress. Our Journal and our Annual Reports show
the matters to which we have striven to direct attention. It is not our object
to secure the advancement of any particular branch of science: each has an
association created for that purpose. We seek to provide what may
be called a clearing house of progressive thought, in order that activities
which are mutually dependent may be harmonized for the welfare of the State
and the Empire, and that the application of scientific knowledge not only tu
industries, but also to every department of public life may become a reality.
We believe that thus only can our future National advancement and the well-
being of our people be placed upon a sound and an enduring foundation.

These are objects which in the past have powerfully appealed to men of
science whose vision extended beyond the horizon of their labours to the
conception of a State in which research was not only encouraged as a primary
necessity of progress, but the results were quickly applied to the direction of
energy, the prevention of waste, and the conservation of the forces’on which
the prosperity of mankind mainly depends.

Before the war, these were voices ‘‘ crying in the wilderness.’’ Govern-
ments and Parliament, which is supposed to control and inspire them, cared
for none of these things. In our great public offices, Science was apt to be
regarded as an abstruse mystery which possibly concerned business men and
might sometimes obtrude itself inconveniently upon public attention, but had
no part or lot in the administration. Speaking broadly, we have been ruled
by men for whom scientific conceptions and scientific methods had little or no
interest; and partly from this cause our industries were being stealthily
undermined and were passing into the control of another people who had
laboriously organised all their public and private activities, had been care-
fully trained quickly to turn scientific discoveries—largely borrowed—to
material advantage, and had become obsessed with the mad ambition of
imposing their theories of life and conduct by force upon the world.

It was the direction given to great national forces by an absolutely un-
scrupulous Government, acting in closest co-operation with Professors and
Captains of commerce and industry, and deliberately adjusting education in
all its branches to specific purposes, that brought about the greatest catas-
trophe that history records. We now see plainly that this was inevitable,
though we shut our ears to the warnings. The exaltation of the State as a
separate entity—the incarnation of force that could do no wrong and that
must be blindly trusted and obeyed—destroyed the moral sense of the German
people, and they now stand revealed as senselessly brutal barbarians. Their
National organisation proved pernicious, because it created an overweening
belief in the superiority of Germans and a self-centredness so extreme as not
only to ignore the elementary rights of other peoples, but also to under- .
estimate the forces which the violation of all laws, human and divine, must
sooner or later call into play. The Germans, wrote Count Reventlow in the
Christmas Number of the ‘‘ Deutsche Tages Zeitung,’’ ‘‘ will fight until
everything complies with their will—a will that vehemently and without
scruple puts all means into its service by which it desires to reach its aims.”’
That is the spirit in which the War was recklessly forced upon Europe and
has since been conducted—the spirit which has inspired outrages that have
disgraced civilisation, the spirit which is leading Germany straight to disaster.
While there is much that we may well learn from German methods, and
especially from German thoroughness and hard work, we have been provided
with a terrible warning of what to avoid.

The War has had the effect of turning a strong searchlight upon the
innermost workings of our national life. Our weakness and our potential
strength stand plainly revealed. We can see how severely we have suffered
and must still suffer from our neglect in the past ; and if we strive to ascertain
causes, we cannot fail to reach the conclusion that our lack of appreciation of
all that science, using the term in the broadest sense, could have conferred
upon us lies at the root of many present difficulties. When the question of
contraband was being considered, science could have told us what was vital
to the prosecution of war by an enemy, and what, therefore, we should use
every effort to exclude from his territories. Sir William Ramsay, whose loss,
as one of our greatest leaders of scientific thought, we deplore, pointed out

‘the gross fallacies which were permitted to mislead our policy in regard to
cotton. Lard was assumed by one of our rulers to be innocuous, because he
was unaware that its use for the manufacture of glycerine was an old dis-
covery. The painful revelations of the Dardanelles Commission establish the
facts that a fateful decision was arrived at by methods which flagrantly
violated scientific principles, and that a complete misunderstanding as to
some elementary artillery matters was allowed to exist. And now in the
handling of the difficult question of man power there is an evident want of the
grasp which sound scientific training can confer.

It would be easy to multiply instances of the ways in which the absence
of scientific habits of thought have prejudiced the conduct of the War; but
there is another side which must not be forgotten. If we have too often
failed in foresight and in the application of orderly methods to the direction
of policy, the national genius for improvisation has been strikingly mani-
fested. On the basis of a small army, the best we ever possessed, we have
built up, transported across the seas, equipped, and supplied vast national
forces which have shown fighting power unrivalled in our military annals, and
have determined the final victory of the cause of the Allies. And further,
under the stress of war, we brought science to bear on military requirements
in such a way as not only to overtake, but to surpass, German appliances
laboriously prepared in years of peace. On a different plane, the War
Savings propaganda is a good example of well-conceived and successful
effort. Nothing can be more certain than that we possess organising
capacity, which, if turned to full account, can perfectly respond to the future
needs of the Empire.

Reconstruction is now beginning to occupy the minds of all thoughtful
men.and women. After-the-War problems are being widely discussed, and
amid their baffling complexities some great principles stand out as signposts
along the path which we must follow.

The material prosperity and the financial stability of the country can be
restored only by an increase of production and interchange. This implies the
creation of new industries and the economic development of those which exist,
combined with a firm hold on old markets and the development of new ones.
If our national resources were exhausted, we might well despair of the future ;
but the resources of the Empire are almost inexhaustible, and their utilization
is only beginning. The Empire can produce all the great food staples—
grain, meat, sugar and fats—sufficient for the supply of a far larger popula-
tion than it now contains. The fish supply could be very largely increased
from Ireland and the banks of Newfoundland. Raw materials of every kind,
coal and mineral oil, abound. The Empire has almost a monopoly of some
of the rarer metals and earths of which science is making more and more use.
We have first to make certain that never again shall Germany obtain control
of our raw materials and our key products, and then to ensure that our
materials are, so far as possible, manufactured within the Empire. Before
the War, almost the whole of the Imperial production of palm kernels went to
Holland and Germany, and the oil expressed from them was exported to the
United Kingdom as such, or in the form of margarine and other prepared

fats. The story of the Australian zinc concentrates is well known. They
and the output of Australian copper were discovered to be in German hands
when war broke out, as was a great part of the manganese and hides of
India. The resources of the Empire amply suffice for the rebuilding of our
national prosperity, if by the unstinted application of science in the labora-
tory, in the workshop, and in the superior direction of commerce and tnelissiay
they are turned to the fullest account.

But more is necessary to the accomplishment of the gigantic task of
national reconstruction. ‘‘ In business,’’ said Mr. T. C. Elder at Manchester
not long ago, ‘‘ we had only a mob of private adventurers ’’ competing
against powerful German organisations. The great engineering industry,
states Mr. W. L. Hichens, ‘‘ is a conspicuous example of bad organisation.
Associations of all kinds and sorts exist within its borders; but . . . .
they have no ordered relations to each aes or to the inciintaiy as a whole,’
and he recommends the formation of **‘ one employers’ Federation
including shipbuilding,’’ which is vastly important, ‘‘ to deal with the iecimi
aspects of the Labour problem in relation to the whole.’’ Other industries
also stand isolated, competing with each other, and having no means of
reaching a common policy in combination with allied or dependent industries.
In business as in private life our individualistic tendencies sometimes weaken
our action and check our progress. The result is a loss of economy in preduc-
tion and an ebb and flow of employment which disorganises the Labour market
and imposes hardships on the workers. The grievances of which employers
and employed complain can be removed by negotiation between their organisa-
tions conducted with mutual goodwill and directed to secure the interests of
both. There is no insuperable difficulty in securing for the workers a fair
share in the prosperity which they help to create.

Since 1875, the Germans have built up a huge ‘* Central Verband,’’
in which industries are federated in ten groups. This body became very
powerful, and with the active assistance of Government it played a most
important part in directing the far-reaching and aggressive measures by
which German trade and commerce were advanced with rapid strides. I do
not believe that such an organization would thrive on British soil; but the
federation of allied and mutually dependent industries is essential for the
framing of a common policy and to secure economic production. At the
same time, it would not, like the great Trusts of America, crush out the
smaller undertakings, which might even be strengthened. From the point
of view of applied science, such federations would have many advantages. A
great joint research laboratory must be far more efficient and less costly to
maintain than a number of small institutions.

The handling of the great question of the supply of power cannot be left
to piecemeal treatment. We now have a Board of Fuel Research, which in
co-operation with the British Association is investigating economics, and
already an annual saving of fifty million tons of coal is known to be possible.
Mr. Newlands estimates that in Scotland more than 1,000,000 electrical horse
power could be obtained from water, and he points out that, in Switzerland,
one electrical horse-power obtained from water costs £1 19s. per annum, as

PPR LUT emer -

compared with £4 11s. 8d. in England from coal. The economic advantage
of employing water power, wherever practicable, is manifest, and in parts of
India, as elsewhere within the Empire, there are resources which need to be
turned to account. In matters of such broad importance as power, lighting
and heat, research on the widest scale is necessary, and when conclusions
have been reached their application can be secured by the active co-operation
of the interests involved assisted by intelligent legislation.

In trade, the first requisite is sound information kept up to date, to which
the Germans owe much of their success. We now have four Trade Com-
missioners representing the Dominions, and India must be similarly provided;
but the whole system of Consuls and commercial Attachés in foreign countries

"requires complete reorganization, which Government can carry out only by

seeking and following the advice of experienced leaders of commerce.

The Dominions Commission has shown the immense resources of the
Empire, and in their final report they direct attention to the importance of
cheap, speedy and efficient transport between Imperial ports. Some years
ago I proposed the establishment of an ‘‘ Imperial Maritime Council,’’ com-
posed of 15 representatives of the various parts of the Empire and financed by
a I per cent, ad valorem surtax upon all foreign imports into Imperial ports,
which in 1904 would have provided an annual income exceeding 44 millions.
The Council was to deal with all matters relating to the Maritime Communi-
cations of the Empire, to build up inter-Imperial transport, and to ensure close
study of the means of developing Imperial Trade as a whole. The Dominions
Commission has now recommended the formation of an Imperial Development
Board for these and other analagous purposes. This would be a great step
in Imperial reconstruction leading to far-reaching results, provided that the
Board was executive, amply provided with funds, and completely severed
from politics at home and overseas.

If we are able at length to substitute collective effort, scientifically
directed, for spasmodic enterprise which, however well conceived and carried
out, may fail from the national point of view for want of harmony, there will
remain the fundamental necessity for hard and conscientious work by all
classes. It is not by organisation alone that Germany quickly attained
astonishing success in trade and manufacture. Her 67,000,000 of trained
people were notably industrious, and whatever great political changes take
place after the War, they will retain the qualities which make them formidable
rivals in production. Our artizan class as a whole is second to none in skill.
No better work is done than in some British factories; but, for various
reasons, the output has been much below the powers of the workers. The
relative production of women during the War has painfully proved that large
numbers of men, acting on the false principles inculeated by Trades Unions,
have systematically stinted their efforts, and British trade as well as the
interests of the workers themselves, has suffered severely from this cause.

This is not the time or the place to consider the causes which led to a
situation threatening disaster ; but it must be said that, unless the relatiorfs
of employer and employed can be placed on a basis of mutual trust and
friendly co-operation, the rebuilding of our national prosperity will be

impossible.

70
°

Happily, there are hopes, arising from the new outlook, which the War,
with its shared sorrows and suffering, has brought to all classes. As Mr.
J. A. Seddon has pointed out: ‘‘ The War has broken down more class
barriers than a generation of maxims and precepts. The co-mingling of
classes and the fraternising with the Overseas forces is having a greater
effect upon all sections of the community than any agency hitherto possible.’’
There have been great faults on both sides, acting and re-acting upon each.
Good wages, better labour conditions, proper housing, and greater expendi-
ture upon public health are essential conditions of real national prosperity.
Unless they can be fulfilled, reconstruction must fail. “But only an increase
of economic production, demanding organised and trained brain-power on
the one hand and honest labour on the other, can create the funds required to
sustain the heavy burden of war-debt, and at the same time to secure national
progress. When peace comes, we shall possess a great increase of produc-
tive power, represented by more trained workers and by improved and en-
larged plants, developed by the necessities of War; but many normal
activities have been checked, and we must face a heavy loss of capital and
the impoverishment of our foreign customers. We must not only re-create,
but seek out new opportunities and establish new industries which research
can indicate.

We have now a Department of Scientific and Industrial Research with a
State endowment of one million, which will be able to exercise some of the
functions of the Board of Science that the British Science Guild has strongly
advocated. Each of the Dominions and India will require the same
machinery, and Mr. Hughes has undertaken that Australia shall be thus
provided, while the Canadian Government has appointed an advisory council
to advise a committee of the Cabinet on all matters relating to scientific and
industrial research. We have also a_ Board of Scientific Studies
which is carefully investigating our requirements. Systematic and
co-ordinated research on a large scale is a primary need, and
waste or duplication of effort can be prevented only by such general
direction as to ensure that problems are attacked in the localities
most favourable to their solution. Special attention must be given
to chemistry, which has many important secrets to yield. ‘‘ The country,”’
said Sir William Ramsay, ‘‘ which is in advance in chemistry will also be
foremost in wealth and general prosperity.’’ We have certainly fallen behind
Germany in this vitally important branch of science, not in the ability and
insight of our chemists, but in numbers and in the application of chemical
discoveries to industry. It is upon chemistry, the use of power, and co-
operative methods that agriculture must mainly depend for advancement.

National reconstruction will require in the future the sustained stimulus
which education alone can supply. In-.our public schools and colleges,
science must take the place to which it has been long entitled. While trained
specialists will always be relatively few, all who are destined to play a part in
national affairs must receive such a grounding in the natural sciences as to
ensure that physical laws and facts will appeal to them, and that scientific
methods of thought will become habitual. - For this reason, the British

Science Guild has strongly urged that a knowledge of science should be
required of all candidates in examinations for the Civil Service.
There need be no conflict with what are not well described as
““ humanistic studies.’’ A broad general education is the best foundation for
science training, and in so far’as literary studies develop breadth of vision
and clearness of style, they are valuable helps to the future specfalist. Con-
versely, such subjects as history take new form when they are approached in
a scientific spirit.

A Parliament or a Government composed of specialists would be unsuited
to its duties; but both need an intelligent appreciation of the relation of
science to national life which is now conspicuously lacking. ‘*‘ Mankind,”’
writes Professor Dewey, of Columbia University, ‘‘ so far has been ruled by
things and by words, not by thought. . . . If ever we are to be governed
by intelligence, not by things and by words, science must have something to
say about what we do and not merely about how we may do it more easily
and economically.’’

Apart from what we understand by science teaching, there is the
technical training which is needed by foremen’ and workers in industries,
which should be such as to help the abler man to rise. The Departmental
Committee on Juvenile Education and Employment has recently reported,
and its main proposals are the retention at school of all children up to the age
of fourteen, with attendance at continuation classes of at least eight hours a
week up to eighteen. These classes are ‘‘to include general, practical and
technical education,’’ and they will probably in many cases take the form of
trade schools carrying on the education of young workers who have found
employment. The advantages of manual training in primary schools are not
sufficiently emphasised in the Report. Manual dexterity can be acquired at
an early age, and boys might thus gain a truer conception of the dignity of
hand labour, while experience shows that technical or elementary scientific
knowledge, if attained by practical work, becomes a permanent possession.
Greater differentiation between the work of rural and of urban schools is
another pressing need.

No one can maintain that our system of primary education has been a
failure. As the Minister of Education pointed out the other day in his
admirable speech, we owe to it, in part at least, the new armies which have
brilliantly upheld our national honour on many stricken fields. But we
believe that education can do more in the future in developing moral strength
and in inculcating the sense of duty and good citizenship. Mr. Fisher has
laid down as the ideal of his office that it should build the foundation “‘ for a
patriotic and social education worthy of the genius of our people, and a
fitting monument to the great impulse which is animating the whole people
in the war.’’ We all hope that he will be spared to realize that high ideal.

In the tremendous tasks which lie before the nation, Government can
play an important part. Statesmanship worthy of the name must lead,
inspire, direct and initiate. In guiding education, assigning defined func-
tions to experts carefully selected for special purposes, exercising their
enormous patronage with a single eye to knowledge and efficiency, as well

as in encouraging the progress of applied science, and guarding against
legislation which may hamper trade and industrial activity, there is ample
scope for the action of Governments. Interference in the management of
business enterprises will usually be harmful, since for well-known reasons,
the conduct of business affairs by officials in democratic countries is rarely
efficient.

Some tariff adjustments may be found desirable; but the idea that
national prosperity can, in the long run, be assured by fiscal devices is base-
less. In so far as tariffs can stimulate the operation of natural laws, they
may be beneficial. | When they aim* at producing artificial conditions in
defiance of law, they usually defeat their ends. They may be used
legitimately, and we have been told that they will be used, to further the
development of the resources of the Empire, and the object having been
attained, they can be dispensed with.

I have only dealt with reconstruction in the material sense, which cannot
alone guarantee the purer and happier national life which we all earnestly
desire. That can be reached only if the whole nation will, in the difficult
times that lie before it, follow the shining example of duty, discipline and
self-sacrifice which have been set by our heroes on the seas, in the field, and in
the air. The men who have constantly faced death and shared in dangers and
hardships will come back with a new outlook on life. In the trenches there
have been no Party divisions, no attempts to set class against
class, but only shared efforts which are bringing certain victory to a
sacred common cause. May we not hope that the great lessons learned by
our best manhood in the storm and stress of war, will re-act upon the nation
as a whole and render the forms of politics to which we have grown accus-
tomed impossible in the future? The strife of parties and-of individuals
contending for office and power, the intrigues which have not wholly ceased
during this crisis in our fate, the machinery by which Party chests are filled
and constituencies are manipulated, the false discipline which, by preventing
men from voting according to their knowledge and conscience, vitiates the
decisions of Parliament upon vital issues, the triumph of words over
experience and powers of action—all these things and more have had their
day, and we begin to realise the inevitable results.

Reconstruction in the highest and fullest sense can be aélieeea only by a
great national party, seeking selely the welfare of the Commonwealth,
viewing every public question from the standpoint of the interests of the
community as a whole, and choosing leaders irrespective of class or party, who
can be trusted to bring a lofty patriotism and trained intelligence to bear upon
the vastly complex and far-reaching problems with which we are now con-
fronted. If these are only visions, then I see no certain prospects of
restoring the shaken fabric of the State, of rebuilding our prosperity on a
broader and an enduring foundation, of healing the open wounds in our body
politic, and of wresting lasting good from the gigantic evils of war.

THe Lorp Mayor then introduced Mr. Fisher, w ho was cordially received
on rising. ~

Mr. FisHER said: My Lord Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,—Lord

Sydenham has covered so wide an area of thought in his masterly discourse
that you will pardon me if my observations are brief. 1 understand that it is
the purpose of your Guild to promote the fruitful union of three valuable forms

i A a . - . .
of human activity, Science, Industry and Education, and it is, as Lord

Sydenham has pointed out, precisely in the co-operation of these three
_ forms of activity and effort that we as a nation and an empire have
to look for our economic’ reconstruction after the war. As_ to
_ education, I believe that the practical teaching of Science in our schools is
_ quite efficiently conducted, some experts tell me it is more efficiently conducted
. than it is in the schools of Germany and France. But it is, I think, no doubt
_ the case that we have failed so far to find a form of scientific instruction which
appeals to the imagination and the interest of the general mass ef school
children who are not: destined for what I may call a_ specifically
_ scientific career, and I hope that one of the results of the Government
_ Committee which is sitting under the chairmanship of Sir Joseph Thomson to
- investigate scientific teaching in this country will be a series of fruitful
_ suggestions as to the best method of improving the scientific education of the
_ boys and girls of this country who are going out into ordinary life as citizens.
q Lord Sydenham touched on the reorganisation of industry, and J feel sure
_ that in doing so he raised an extremely important issue. We are an old
country, an old country of old and small traditional businesses, businesses
which are run mainly by flair with a very slight admixture of science and
: “many palpable defects of organisation. We want to think in larger multiples.
_ Our businesses ought to be organised on a larger scale and with more science,
and at the same time when we are founding a new scientific institute or when
we are developing a university upon its scientific side we ought to get into
the habit of enlarging our scale to an extent which people in general do not
realise in the least. In my attempts to develop a northern University I have
been struck by a certain lack of imagination as to what the real scientific
needs of a university are, as to what the cost of satisfying those needs is, and
as to what is the minimum scale of requirements for adequate scientific
development. Until we can set into the habit of thinking on a larger scale,
both with respect to scientific equipment and with respect to the scale of
businesses, werare not in a fair way to achieve any very great result in applied
science.

It is a very satisfactory feature of the present situation that we
have at last in the Imperial Trust for Scientific and Industrial Research a
committee armed with a large and liberal fund which has been formed for the
purpose of co-operating with industries and with associations of industries for
the development of industrial research. Already a large number of important
_ problems have been submitted for the consideration of the committee. Lord
Sydenham has alluded to the important subject of fuel conservation.
Another subject which the committee are taking up is the action of salt
water on harbour works, a matter of the most vital importance
_ for an Empire which is scattered all over the seas. It is sometimes thought
that scientific development can only be achieved at the expense of what are
called the humanities, and that there is an irreconcilable opposition, not only

between scientific teaching and the training of the humanities, but also between
a general teaching in citizenship and technical training. Well, my Lord
Mayor, I do not believe in these antitheses. I believe there is no unnecessary
antagonism, in fact no antagonism at all, between those different aspects of
national education. I believe it is possible to give to young people an industrial
and a commercial training which at the same time may be a training for the
whole man, and that a form of scientific training conceived upon broad,
imaginative, fruitful lines may imprint upon the mind and character very
much the same influence which we are accustomed to ascribe to the older
discipline in the orators and the poets. No, Ladies and Gentlemen, there is no
such antagonism, and I am glad to lay stress upon this because I notice, and
it is a very promising symptom, that an important section of the working
population, which is really in earnest about the progress of popular education,
is inclined to condemn any form of technical training as a device of the
employer intended to perpetuate the enslavement of the employed. It may be
true that there are some forms of technical training which do not equip the
whole man, but those are bad forms of technical training. I believe myself
that there is no antagonism between a training in technique and a training in
citizenship, and I remember the other day a great employer of labour said to
me that in the first weeks of the war the volunteers who came forward to
enlist from his works—no less than 2,000 in number—were all his best
workmen. The technical training which they had received, the Conscience
and zeal which they had thrown into their work, had given them the true
sense of civic values. (Applause.)

I will only make one further observation. Lord Sydenham said very truly
that one of the essentials to national progress was that we should establish
more harmonious relations between employers and employed. And he alluded
to what has become a matter of very general comment, the limitation of output
deliberately encouraged by Trades Unions. Now, in the early part of this war
I was Vice-Chancellor of a northern University in a great armament city, and
a number of members of the university who were unable to go into the Army
went into the various munition works there. They came to me after three or
four weeks full of impatience at the restrictions that had been placed upon
their activity by their fellow workmen. They said, ‘‘ We were willing to work
twice as hard but they would not let us.’’ And I remember going to an
experienced and skilled engineer who held a professorial chair in my university
with this complaint, and I said to him, ‘‘ Can anything be done?’’ And he
said to me: ‘‘ Well, you must remember that these university people are only
going in for a few months, or perhaps for a year or two, and they can easily
work a good deal harder, but you have got to consider that the workmen in
the Unions are going to work until they are sixty-five: they are, working
against very great pressure in the way of speeding up of machinery, and it is
quite possible that although their pace may appear to any newcomer to be
slow, it is the most economic pace when you estimate it over a long period of
time.’? I do not say that this is true in any particular instance,
but I say that it is a consideration which must be borne in™
mind when you are criticising from the outside, with very little

knowledge, the action of the workers in a great industrial town.

_ And I will say this for the workers in an armament town which I know, that
many of them since the beginning of the war have worked full time and over-
time, strenuously and devotedly, so much so that clergymen who move among
them tell me they fall asleep over their meals, and many employers tell me that
little industrial difficulties which arise are very largely due to overstrain and
overwork. I think it is very important we should keep our minds open on this
question, because I believe a good deal of harm is done by criticisms passed
upon the working classes for slackness by persons who have not a first-hand
acquaintance with their conditions. (Hear, hear.) At the same time, do not
let it be supposed for a moment that I wish to encourage a policy of limitation
of output, but I think it has been very largely the effect of the speeding up of
machinery, and that it is to some extent a defensive weapon used, and often
no doubt abused, by working people who have no other weapon to which they
can conveniently resort. (Applause.)

Ladies and Gentlemen, may I finally say that I do think from a study of
industrial conditions that the auguries are good, and that after the war we
shall see a closer approximation of employer and employed and a greater and
completer state of harmony than has previously existed. (Applause.)

THE Lorp Mayor next announced’ Mr. Wells, who was greeted with
applause.

Mr. H. G. WELts said: My Lord Mayor, My Lord, Ladies and Gentle-
men,—You have heard two speakers admirably equipped upon this question
of National Reorganisation. The task for which the promotors of this
meeting have commanded me is different from the one they have discharged.
You have heard a great constructive, creative and administrative statesman,
you have heard a great educational statesman. My rdle is to speak as an
outsider wich no administrative or constructive experience at all. My rdle

is to give you some of the outside impressions of one of the governed. I am
here to speak as the average intelligent man who looks at this and that from
outside. I am a very bad speaker. Indeed, I dread public speaking.
(Laughter. ) But I have been so keenly interested in this question of
reorganisation that I have snatched at the present opportunity in order to say
one thing. I happen to be an old schoolmaster—I was a schoolmaster in those
days when one takes up things with enthusiasm. I am a parent who has
followed very closely the education of his boys and has attempted in one or two
instances experiments with them. And finally | happen to be an Englishman
who has a passion for his country, who is anxious to see it, not perhaps very
wealthy or from the point of view of aggrandisement, but playing a great part
in the great years that are ahead of us. (Applause.) All these things
combine to make me a fanatic for education. It seems to me in all these
questions of reconstruction you come round to education. When you talk of
commercial prosperity, political organisation, national unity, military
efficiency, it all finally brings you back again to this one cardinal question.
It is the ring upon which all the keys of national greatness hang. (Applause.)
If that is right, all is right. Now I have watched the case of education in
England from the outside—and sometimes an outsider has a certain advantage

E
j

—for the last thirty years, and I want you to bear with me when I say that
all is not well with education in this country and that it seems to me there is
a specific cause, and a cause that is not so clearly understood as it should be,
which lies at the root of all our educational deficiences. If this cause is
attended to all may be well. Its treatment opens the door, anyhow, for every
other sort of possibility. If it is neglected, shirked
have seen signs of shirking at the present time—then nothing will be well,
whatever you do. You who are members of the British Science Guild are
exceptionally aware of the symptoms of the case of education in Great
Britain. You are aware of the criticisms brought against the mentality of

and in certain quarters I

this country. First of all, we are told, there is a very wide neglect of
science ; there is a contempt for knowledge for its own sake, and arising out
of that there is infinite waste, there is planlessness, there is habit of
‘“ muddling through,’’ which has at last brought us extraordinarily near to
a crisis when it looks as though we should hardly muddle through at all.
Many of you think the whole trouble is met by saying that what is the matter

)

is *‘ want of science’’: that if we had more science teaching, more provision
for endowments, more intelligent organisation of research and a more general
interest in science in the country, then all would be well—that that is the
trouble, and that is how it is to be met.

Now here is where my use as a teacher of experience, as a parent of
experience who has been looking into the education of his boys, and as a
journalist who is frequently getting into discussions, comes in. I do not think
your diagnosis gets down to the roots of the case, or that your remedy meets
the occasion. None of these things that you want can possibly be got by
themselves under existing conditions. First, you cannot have more science
teaching at present because the school time-table is full. Next, you cannot
have much more or much better research than you have at the present time
because the ablest boys in better-class schools are being steadily taken away
to other things, and you have not got in the community enough understanding
of the nature and needs of research to establish and endow it properly.
Thirdly, you cannot get a more general interest in science at the present
time since you have no class of persons to get the general mass of people in
touch with contemporary scientific work ; because scientific men are, generally
speaking, scientific specialists, ignorant of philosophy and literature, and
without any bridge between them and the man of ordinary education.
(Laughter.) No, don’t laugh. These are serious things. The ordinary man
cannot reach over to the scientific specialist, and the scientific specialist cannot
reach over to the ordinary man. There is a gap in our public mentality at the
present time. It is by no means a comic gap.

Let me begin by saying a word or two about the first of these troubles, the
one at the root, the crowded time-table. I was thrown into a violent rage the
other day by a book called ‘‘ Science and the Nation,’’ a compilation of essays
by a number of Cambridge science teachers advocating an increase of scientific
teaching in this country. What threw me into a rage was an unfortunate
phrase in one of the articles. One of the contributors spoke of the ‘‘ ample
leisure of the schoolboy,’’ and expressed a hope that there would be plenty of

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_ time for both classical and scientific men to get all they wanted into the educa-
tion of our youth. Never was there a more unfortunate phrase. There is no
_ time whatever to waste in the education of the young, no ‘‘leisure’’ at all. In
no matter is economy more imperative in this country. For the first time we
_ are really grasping the idea of economy. At present there is a
4 shortage of bread, but that is only temporary. There is always a
_ shortage of time for education. No year in a boy’s life is like any other year
_ in that life. Each year has its task and opportunities. If you don’t teach a
_ boy to walk before he is three, he will never walk; if you don’t teach him to
! talk before he is five, to draw and read and sew before he is seven, he will
have no gift for these things ; he must begin mathematics before he is twelve
or he will never get on; and if he has not got philosophy before he is twenty-
one he will always think in a haphazard way. Each year opens opportunities.
Each year closes opportunities. Think of the hours available. How
much hard study can a boy do:in a day? I doubt if he can do
more than four; at the outside, five. That gives you, allowing
for half-holidays, twenty-five hours a week, and with forty weeks in
the school year you have a total of one thousand hours in a
year. You are lucky if you get half that of steady work. Very well,
in a case of boys who have been educated from seven to twenty-three—only the
most fortunate have that period—the utmost you can hope for is the little sum
of 16,000 hours, or if educated from 7 to 16, 9,000 hours. For the great
majority of the population it comes to 4,000 to 5,000 at the utmost. Allow for
wastage, for bad health, and for bad teaching—and in this country for the
next thirty years it is plain common-sense to allow for bad
teaching—you get for the most fortunate class in the community,
between 5,000 and 8,000 hours of teaching. Now what have you got to do in
that precious time? You have to make an educated man, a man equal to
modern demands, because 5,000 to 8,000 is the maximum for the best class,
the ruling class, the privileged people. They must have two or three modern
languages, not a large order as far as French and German go, but now there is
this matter of Russian. (Laughter.) No, I do not think it is at all funny that
we have got to learn Russian. This community must get on terms of under-
standing with the great Russian community. Unless a number of our better-
class boys talk and understand Russian, our relations with the Russian people
will be conducted very largely by political exiles and friendly Germans.
(Applause.) Then there is mathematics. In this mechanical age it is
ridiculous that our ruling class should not have a good mathematical training.
It is as necessary for the gentleman nowadays to understand a machine as it
was in the old days for a knight to understand his horse. Next, the history
of mankind, the history of the universe—you want your boy to know his place
in regard to the world, mankind, and the past, in order to know his relation
to the task in hand. Philosophy—you want social philosophy and a great
deal of political philosophy, though for the great mass of our ruling class it
does not enter into their education at all at present. There you have an
-explanation of the extraordinary difficulty of which we are constantly hearing
complaints, the failure not of the workmen to understand the employer, but

of the employer to understand the workmen. Because there is no social
political philosophy diffused through this country all these questions are dealt
with in a petty spirit which brings you, before you have got far with them, to
a bitter class personal dispute. . . . Lastly the Guild will not be pleased
unless I include some experimental science for the sake of method also in this
outline of a curriculum.

Now that is a good filling-up of the 5,000 to 8,000 hours of the boy’s
education. But let us look at the time-table of a reasonably clever boy of 14
or 15 at a public school. You find Latin, Latin, Latin, Greek, Greek, Greek.
Because of the traditional ineptitude of the teacher—and it is a traditional
subject—not one boy in ten who begins Latin will get to the mastery, and in
the case of Greek not one boy ina thousand. (Applause.) There, 1 think, we
come to the real sickness in British education. That classical teaching sticks
like a cancer in the time-table, blocking it up, distorting all other teaching.
It not only takes time, it takes other resources. It means you must staff your
school with men with a highly specialised knowledge of Greek, and the
expensive item of a Greek scholar too often means a cheap Science master.
You may say there are two sides to a school, the Classical and the Modern;
but as a matter of fact all boys are on the Classical side until they specialise.
Only the other day I had to interfere with a boy destined in a year’s time for
the Modern side who was solemnly beginning Greek. What for? Even in
the most modern public schools they are picking over the boys, and any boy
who can possibly be saved from the Modern side and sent on to the Classical is
taken. If you doubt this, read Lord Bryce in the April Fortnightly Review on
classical studies. In these matters he is counted as a very moderate-minded
man, yet he treats it as incontestable that the classical studies have the best
claim upon the best boys—and also, if you read his paper, upon the best
administrative posts in later life. (Laughter.) Read Mr. Livingstone’s
‘Defence of the Classics,’’ and you find the same thing, a calm assumption that
before boys go on to science they must be picked over and the best ones taken
for Classical work. You may say all this is going to pass away? Jt is not.
The Classical people have got hold of the schools and the Universities. The
whole country may feel the inconvenience of them, just as the whole body
feels the inconvenience of a cancerous growth. But it won’t cut itself out; it
it has to be cut out. (Laughter.)

Now let me develop this one thing. I have to say a little more because
this distortion of schoo! work by Greek and by excessive masses of Latin is
only the lower level of the evil. At present Greek is the shibboleth for
admission to Oxford and Cambridge. I admit there is a war relaxation
> but we are not sure it is

at present in Responsions and “‘ Little-go,
permanent. Suppose we get that barrier of compulsory Greek lifted
and it becomes possible to go right away from the Modern side to a Science
degree without Greek, is that all that is needed to set things right?
I would like to point out to you that it is not. It is only the beginning of the
cure, because a specialised education in Science is not a complete education for
aman. Let there be a straight open course without Greek from the Modern
side to the highest degrees in Science and to research, your man of science

will still remain a specialist out of touch with the general body
of thought. And the men who go through the big schools of
history and philosophy, and who will go on to politics, administra-
tion, writing, and public guidance generally, will still be out of
touch with Science. Why? Because the Greek shibboleth will still bar the
way to the study of either philosophy or history so far as the English univer-
sities are concerned. Consider the case of history schools at Oxford, or
“Greats,’’ the big philosophical school. In the first you must read, or
pretend to read Aristotle’s ‘‘ Politics,’’ in the latter Plato’s ‘‘ Republic ”’
@edeemtistoties “‘Ethics’’ in the original Greek. | These .are the
sacred texts without which there is no salvation. You cannot do philosophy
~ at Oxford or history at Oxford without this tribute of your time and life to the
Greek language fetish. Now upon this matter I have been conducting a little
experiment of my own, whenever I can get hold of a man who has done
Greats. You may know Plato from end to end in English—that matters
nothing unless you have done the Greek text of the ‘‘ Republic.’’ You may
be ignorant of all the rest of Plato’s writings; you may know only this one
early experiment of the great experimentalist in political and social ideas, you
may have failed to grasp even the nature of the general problems that exercised
him, you may be blankly ignorant of the modern forms in which these
perennial problems have re-stated themselves—but you suffice for Greats. On
the other hand, while the Oxford and Cambridge mandarins insist upon this
monstrous sacrifice of Plato to the language in which Plato wrote, they ignore
altogether the tremendous bearing of biology upon the problems of
individuation, those questions between unity and diversity, between the one
and the many, that are at the very roots of philosophical discussion.

You see now the real inwardness of the attack I am making upon the
Greek shibboleth. It splits and divides our national consciousness by setting
up a barrier that cuts science off from philosophy and history. We cannot
get along with our scientific men cut off from the general thought of the
community, and the general ideas of the community cut off by a devotion to
the dead languages from the stimulus of living science. The Greek barrier is
even more mischievous at the upper levels of the University course than at the
lower. It is far more important to free our philosophy ‘and history schools
from the Greek shibboleth so that philosophy and history can be brought into
proper relations with science and scientific men than it is to free Responsions
and the ‘‘ Little-go ’’ from compulsory Greek. Until you do that your man
ef science will still be an unphilosophical specialist and get as much respect
as he does to- day, and your literary and political men w ill be peel
unprogressive and unenterprising, full of conceit about their ‘* broader
outlook,’’ and secretly scornful of science.

That is my diagnosis. There is the fundamental disease from which
British organisation—English more than British—is suffering. We have to
get rid of this blackmail of the Greek language specialists upon our brains
and time and educational resources. Until we free our schools from it, and
our philosophical and historical schools from it, our British community, our
English-speaking community, will remain intellectually divided and enfeebled,

and year by year the British Science Guild will lift its voice and bewail neglect
of science, neglect of research, contempt for knowledge, failure of research to
secure the best men, and the lack of public interest in and respect for science.

Before I sit down let me add a footnote. It is so very hard in this country
to say anything without laying oneself open to the gravest misunderstanding.
(Laughter.) I have not said a word, in all that I have been saying, against
the beauty, the wisdom, and the wonder of the Greek literature. I do not
want to rob the Heaven-sent classical scholar of his Greek. I want only to
rob him of his monopoly, of his power of imposing upen modern philosophy
and modern historical study an amount of Greek that is neither beautiful nor
wise nor wonderful.. I do not even want to force upon him the fate he
thrusts so resolutely upon the scientific man, of specialisation and isolation.
What I do want is this. Here let there be an educational course leading up
to the fullest and completest knowledge of Greek and Latin literature.
Here let us have another course leading up to scientific studies
Let these be the two pillars, the two ways to the arch of the
whole system, the link and unifying structure of our imperial community, and
that is philosophy and history in English. Let the classical man irradiate that
crowning culture which is the light of other days; let the scientific man bring
to it his inexhaustible new suggestions. That, I submit, in broad outline, is
the higher education we need; that is the way to unify; that is the crown of
any complete system of National Reconstruction. (Loud applause.)

Sik WiLiiAM MaTHer: Ladies and Gentlemen, in your name I have to
express our cordia] thanks to the speakers who have given us memorable
addresses this afternoon and to the Lord Mayor for his kindness in placing
the Mansion House at our disposal. In relation to the speech delivered by
Mr. Wells, you all know that Mr. Wells is a research worker in many realms
of knowledge. His imagination carries him to the heavens above and the
earth beneath. He is capable of coming without much notice and speaking
to scholars and men of science and commerce, giving them always
something fresh derived from those realms in which he soars, and which he
delights to reveal to us whether as readers or in public meeting assembled. We
are very grateful to Lord Sydenham, Mr. Fisher, and Mr. Wells for their stimu-
lating addresses, in which they have given us suggestions enough to last the
rest of our lives. By the divers fields of thought into which they have taken
us, the speeches on this occasion mark a high-water level of instruction in
the annals of our annual meetings. I ask you to accord by acclamation your
thanks to the Lord Mayor and to the speakers. (Applause.) “

ALDERMAN SHERIFF NEWTON, replying in the absence of the Lord Mayor,
who had been called away to another engagement, said: On my own behalf I
fee] certain this historical Mansion House could not be used to better purpose
than for a meeting of the British Science Guild. As the afternoon is so
advanced I shall not call upon the speakers to reply to this Vote, but acknow-
ledge it on their behalf. But I would like to add for the Lord Mayor that he
desires me to express his great regret at his inability to remain to the end of
the meeting. (Applause.)

The proceedings then terminated.

Q British Science Guild

4l Annual report of the Ex-
B86 ecutive Committee

1917

Phrsical &
Applied Sci,

Seerigtg .-
[Soe earer4 )

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UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO LIBRARY

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