ture are worth far more than the time they take.

THE SELECTION AND TRAINING OF STUDENTS FOR INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH

Research leading to the discovery of new ideas requires not only intellect and training, but also initiative or genius; it can come only from an individual who possesses unusual intuition and insight. It follows, therefore, that there is a scarcity of men gifted with the genius for industrial research and that it requires much experience in selecting suitable men and in training them to the desirable degree of efficiency, after having determined the particular qualities required.

The important requisites for industrial research are often unconsidered by manufacturers, who, in endeavoring to select a research chemist, are likely to regard every chemist as a qualified scientific scout. The supply of men capable of working at high efficiency as investigators is well below the demand; and chemists having the requisites and spirit of the researcher are indeed difficult to find even by those experienced in the direction of research. All research professors know that the location of a skilled private assistant-one who possesses not only originality, but also sound judgment and intellectual honesty-is not easy, because it frequently involves the gift of prophecy on the part of the searcher.* It has been truly said that the "seeds of great discoveries are constantly floating around us, but they only take root in minds well prepared

to receive them."

On account of the extraordinary importance of new ideas, particular emphasis should always be laid upon finding and supporting brilliant researchers. Such individuals can best be found in the universities. The function of the university is to work with the beneficent idea of increasing the sum of human knowledge, and among its most valuable products are those who will work for the exercise of the investigative instinct and the pleasure of overcoming difficulties.

4 See discussion in SCIENCE, N. S., 41 (1915), 319.

The examination of the training necessary for those proposing to take up industrial research which is common with all scientifically trained men, is too extensive a subject to be discussed by the subcommittee at this time. It is, however, appropriate to consider those subjects in which it seems desirable for the prospective researcher to specialize: reference is, of course, had to subjects other than those required by the average student of the sciences as distinguished from their industrial application, but the assumption is not made that what is desirable for research work should not also be available for all.

Research men frequently possess adequate training and scientific acumen, but fail in their ability to use it. There is no question that the element most noticeably lacking in the modern graduate is resourcefulness. A qualified research chemist who possesses initiative is usually a creator; but owing to the neglect of existing difficulties in chemical pedagogy, the present-day graduates of our schools of chemistry are too often deficient in inspiration, ingenuity and insight.

The failure to provide adequate and systematic instruction in chemical literature is illustrative of this contention.

Before commencing laboratory work upon any problem, it is obviously necessary to digest intelligently the important contributions which have been made upon the subject and to take advantage of what other workers have done in the same field. The average graduate is usually almost helpless when attempting to do this and consequently requires close supervision. The main difficulties are:

(a) He does not know how to go about it; he does not know where to look as the most probable source; and he is not familiar with the standard treatises and important journals.

(b) He fails to analyze the subject into its factors and hence generally looks for topics which are too general. Because he does not find any reference to the problem as a whole as he has it in mind, he assumes that nothing has been done upon it and that there is nothing in the literature which will be of aid to him in the investigation. Were he to sepa

rate his subject into its essential parts and then to consult the literature on each factor, he would find considerable information which he otherwise would miss.

(c) He does not critically digest the articles under examination, but often he makes only a few disconnected quotations and fails to interpret the work done.

The solution is to be found in the provision in the chemical curriculum, preferably in the senior year, of a course of lectures on the literature of chemistry, with particular reference to the character of the writings and the status of the authors. The purpose of these lectures should be to present a general survey of the voluminous literature and to impart an accurate, systematic working knowledge of chemical bibliography. A concurrent seminar should be devoted to indexing and tracing chemical literature, to the cultivation of an acquaintanceship with authorities, and to the solution of bibliographic problems.

The subcommittee also recommends that pedagogic attention be given to the arrangement of a course of study in the principles of technical reporting and in the criteria of literary excellence in the preparation of reports of researches and professional reports. The completion of such a subject, with its accompanying analysis, practise and criticism, would usefully supplement the training received in chemical bibliography and would develop a capability which is much needed by chemical graduates.

It may be noted in passing that, during the academic year 1914-15, distinct courses in chemical literature and in technical reporting were established at the University of Pittsburgh. Much success has attended this pedagogic innovation.

The chemical graduate of to-day is also deplorably deficient in resourcefulness in planning research. While this is an extensive subject, a research student may be trained in correct methods of attack, namely:

(a) Analytical Methods.-Almost all investigations require analytical control. In no feature of chemical work is there more appar

ent an inability to use the analytical training which the man has received.

(b) Planning the Investigation.-Resourcefulness in separating a problem into its essential factors and in clearly grasping the interrelationship of these factors is most important. Too many men desire to start in at once and solve the problem at the first attempt. All ΑΠ this might be summed up in the expression "methods of research."

(c) Apparatus.-The subcommittee has not considered just how a man could be trained to be more resourceful in this respect, but it is surely a marked weakness in the average graduate. While a native cleverness is doubtless born, and not made, it ought to be possible to give the undergraduate some training in the use of his mental equipment in designing and planning apparatus which is to accomplish the desired end.

THE FACTORS INVOLVED IN THE PROMOTION OF COOPERATION BETWEEN MANUFACTURERS

AND THE UNIVERSITIES5

The recent impetus imparted to the research activities in American chemical manufacturing has materially altered the traditional policy of industrial secrecy. A striking illustration of this improvement is to be found in the reports of the Industrial Conferences held at the fifty-third meeting of the American Chemical Society. This change in attitude, a natural result of the appreciation of urgent action in industrial research, has long been desired by our universities and it will undoubtedly result in the extension of the practise of referring certain of the problems of industry to university laboratories for study. Many of the numerous problems of chemical as well as mechanical technology could be advantageously attacked outside of the plants, but some central organization is needed for securing and properly distributing those problems which are pressing. It is clear, however, that stable 5 The president of the American Chemical Society has been authorized to appoint a central committee from representatives of the universities and the industries to study opportunities and to make recommendations for cooperation.

See J. Ind. Eng. Chem., 8 (1916), 947 et seq.

relations between the universities and industrialists will be worth while only if some mutual benefit can accrue therefrom. This cooperation can therefore be most satisfactorily promoted by actively demonstrating the advantages of the exchange or interchange of subjects for research, which primarily presupposes a reasonable freedom from the concealment of knowledge which persistently adheres to all industrial research.

Industrial research laboratories can be of mutual aid by supplying advice and materials. These laboratories should also publish reports of investigations just as freely as possible and thus, by proving the utility of it, assist in the general scheme of the universities-promote the dissemination of knowledge.

In general, the subcommittee endorses the conclusions of the University and Industry Committee of the New York Section of the American Chemical Society."

THE PROMOTION OF A BETTER APPRECIATION
OF RESEARCH

The promotion of a better appreciation of research by the general public can only be obtained by publicity. No complaint can be made of a lack of this at the present time. The large corporations supporting industrial laboratories are themselves expending great sums on giving publicity to their research work. The subcommittee thinks, however, that though the general public now appreciates the value of scientific research, the thing required to increase the number of laboratories is more information as to specific plans for starting and running them. General articles on the advantages of research work would be very much helped in carrying conviction if they were accompanied by definite proposals telling manufacturers of different industries and of different grades in the size of their

7 See J. Ind. Eng. Chem., 8 (1916), 658.

8 It is important to mention here that the American Chemical Society has under consideration the publication of a journal of popular chemistry, a periodical for which there is a real need because of the desirability of the proper dissemination of chemical information to the public.

work what they could do in the way of research work themselves.

The average person who has to decide whether his corporation will support research work can, in the nature of things, know little about it. about it. He desires either to spend much less than is necessary for effective work or he is frightened by the size of the expenditure which he thinks will be necessary. More specific information would enable him to form a truer idea as to what he was committing himself and what he was likely to get.

As far as possible, arrangements should be made for research institutions to have information as to their work available and to persuade them to give this information freely to inquirers. It would be a considerable step in cooperative effort if all the research institutions that can be reached could be persuaded to put information regarding themselves into some form so that a comparison could be made.

THE ESTABLISHMENT OF STABLE RELATIONS BETWEEN RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS AND THE RESEARCH DEPARTMENTS OF INDUS

TRIAL PLANTS

The suggestion has been frequently made that the establishment of stable relations between the types of organizations mentioned might be effected if a small group of selected representatives thereof could arrange to confer at regular times. After consideration, the subcommittee recommends the formation of an association of research institutions, that is, an association of all those bodies engaged in scientific and scientific industrial research, including such organizations as the research laboratories of Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and other educational institutions, the Carnegie Institution laboratories, the Mellon Institute of Industrial Research, and the research laboratories of the corporations which are conducting a certain amount of research of scientific importance. Undoubtedly, an association of this nature would meet with satisfactory support and it would eventually prove an important factor in improving the methods of research organization.

Stable relations between various research organizations will be worth while only if some mutual benefits can accrue. These can be brought about by an exchange or interchange of "commodities," such as—

(a) Subjects for research.

(b) Special facilities for extraordinary conditions, such as extreme pressures, extremes of temperatures, etc.

(c) Special pieces of expensive apparatus. (d) Helpful ideas on research already in

progress.

(e) Candidates for employment.

This presupposes a freedom from the secrecy which still surrounds the industrial research of certain organizations. Undue secrecy is unnecessary and unwise, but it is only in those cases where publicity is compatible with industrial progress that full cooperation between the universities and the industries can be effected.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF INVESTIGATIONAL
ACTIVITIES

This study would be distinctly worth while, but before the initiation of such a movement there must first be established more mutual confidence than now exists. A comparative study of this kind would be very difficult and would necessitate the expenditure of much time. Probably such information could be secured by obtaining the reports regarding the industrial research laboratories in operation, and there is no reason why a suitable questionnaire could not be prepared and distributed, in order to obtain information regarding research conditions and comparative data relating to the organizations maintaining laboratories.

It would be very useful indeed to have available a yearbook pertaining to research laboratories, with the following lines of information: institutions, organizations or concerns supporting them, approximate purpose of laboratory, divisions of science represented therein, manufacturing facilities directly associated therewith, approximate annual expenditure for maintenance of research, number of and particulars relating to the training of the mem

bers of the investigatory staff, and, finally, a list of the scientific publications for the past year. Such a book might also advantageously include mention of the special equipment of the laboratories unlikely to be possessed by every similar institution.

The National Research Council, through its committee on research in educational institutions, could well arrange to have some one whose sole duty it was to coordinate the work in university laboratories with reference to general or national welfare. While any attempt which may be made by a national society or association to secure cooperation between industrial and institutional laboratories will invariably encounter the difficulty of invested interests, an organization with governmental support might accomplish much fruitful research work through institutions of learning and in such a way that this would be of material benefit to the institutions concerned, as well as to the nation.

SCIENTIFIC EVENTS . THE CONTROL OF TUBERCULOSIS IN FRANCE GOVERNOR WHITMAN, of New York, has granted Dr. Hermann M. Biggs, state health commissioner, leave of absence to go to France, at the request of the Rockefeller Foundation, to conduct an organized campaign to combat the spread of tuberculosis among noncombatants. In a letter to Governor Whitman, Mr. Jerome D. Greene, secretary of the foundation, wrote:

For some time past our representatives in France have been much impressed by the need of effective measures for the relief and control of tuberculosis. A number of voluntary American agencies in France have exerted themselves with great zeal to arouse the sympathy of the American public and to do what could be done to provide hospital care for the more urgent cases that have

come under observation. A committee of French citizens has also been organized in close cooperation with the government, and appeals have been made to us on behalf of the work undertaken by this committee.

In response to the appeals we have received, our representatives have made a careful preliminary study of the situation, and the trustees of the Rockefeller Foundation have been so impressed with the gravity of the need that they have decided to take steps to ascertain definitely the lines along which American sympathy and generosity can be made most effective. With this end in view, they have sought to find the man who in all the country was best qualified both as a physician and as a public health administrator to study the situation in France and to determine the lines along which help could best be given.

They have had no difficulty in making up their minds that Dr. Herman M. Biggs was the man whose character and attainments best fulfilled the requirements of the case. They realized that it would be asking a great deal of Dr. Biggs to make the sacrifice involved in a visit to France, and that the state of New York had the first claim on his services. They felt, however, that if it should be the happy result of Dr. Biggs's going to France that the benefits of his long and wonderfully fruitful service in New York could be availed of in the organization of the campaign in that country, the effect in terms of human welfare would be so large and far-reaching as to constitute a very strong claim both on his public spirit and upon the generosity of the state of New York.

During Dr. Biggs's absence Dr. Linsly R. Williams, deputy commissioner, will be acting commissioner; Dr. Matthias Nicoll, Jr., now secretary of the board, will be acting deputy commissioner, and Dr. John A. Smith, at present sanitary supervisor, will act as secretary.

THE NATIONAL PARKS CONFERENCE

UNDER the auspices of the National Park Service of the Department of the Interior there was held in the auditorium of the New National Museum, Washington, D. C., on January 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, 1917, a National Parks Conference, at which many important papers and lectures were presented. The program included:

Our National Parks: Franklin K. Lane, secretary of the interior; Senator Reed Smoot, of

Utah; Representative Scott Ferris, of Oklahoma; Representative Irvine L. Lenroot, of Wisconsin; Carl Vrooman, assistant secretary of agriculture; Enos Mills.

Canadian National Parks: J. B. Harkin, commissioner of Dominion Parks, department of the interior, Canada.

The Public and the National Parks: Huston Thompson, Jr., assistant attorney general.

University Classes in the National Parks: Professor E. M. Lehnerts, of the University of Minnesota.

Public Schools and the National Parks: Philander P. Claxton, U. S. Commissioner of Education.

National Parks as a Scientific Asset: Dr. Charles D. Walcott, secretary, Smithsonian Institution.

Teaching by Picture: Gilbert H. Grosvenor, editor, National Geographic Magazine.

The Painter and the National Parks: William H. Holmes, head curator, National Gallery of Art. The Photographer and the National Parks: Fred H. Kiser.

National Forests and National Parks in Wild Life Conservation: Henry S. Graves, forester and chief, Forest Service.

The Yellowstone Elk Herds: E. W. Nelson, chief of the Bureau of Biological Survey.

Future of the Antelope: E. Lester Jones, superintendent, Coast and Geodetic Survey.

National Monuments as Wild Animal Sanctuaries: T. S. Palmer, assistant in charge of Game Preservation, Bureau of Biological Survey.

Colossus of Canyons: Representative Simeon D. Fess, of Ohio.

The Survey's Contribution to the National Park Movement: Dr. George Otis Smith, director, U. S. Geological Survey.

The Problem of the Greater Sequoia: Representative Frederick H. Gillett, of Massachusetts. Perhaps Our Greatest National Park: Enos Mills.

The Tehipite Valley and Kings Canyon: Robert Sterling Yard.

The Top of America-Mount Whitney: Emerson Hough.

A FRENCH NATIONAL PHYSICAL LABORATORY

THE question of national laboratories of scientific research has been brought forward recently in France. In the Comptes rendus of the Academy of Sciences for November 13, as summarized in Nature, is a preliminary