of the assumptions made are not very plausible.

At first thought, one might conclude that, with the problem of asymmetric syntheses as with the problem of life itself, the main difficulty is to account for the initial step. Given the unit living cell, all others might have developed from this; likewise given the unit asymmetric group, this might serve as the "seed" from which all the countless forms that exist in nature may have sprung. Granting, however, that the formation of the original asymmetric group or groups is satisfactorily explained, another perplexing question at once presents itself. For with perhaps a single exception, in all the partial asymmetric syntheses effected in the laboratory, both forms have been produced. In other words, the best we can do is to synthesize the one form in excess of the other and as a rule this excess is only slight. On the other hand, out of all the infinite variety of optically active compounds found in nature, only in very rare instances are both forms found. Ordinary lactic acid, produced by the fermentation of lactose, contains both forms, although in slightly unequal amounts: dl-limonene (dipentene) occurs in certain turpentine oils, while levoasparagine is found in some plants along with small amounts of the dextro compound. In the laboratory, therefore, the production of both forms is the almost invariable rule; in nature it is the marked exception. To explain this difference upon the assumption that the methods of nature like those of the laboratory lead to the synthesis of both forms, one of which is destroyed as fast as generated, is, in the light of our present knowledge, quite as unsatisfactory as is the assumption that one form only is produced.

The assumption that there exists in the living organism a vital or guiding force which directs the changes that take place

within the organism has never been a popular one among chemists. It is fortunate that this is so, for to accept such a belief would be to destroy the spirit of investigation, so far as it applies to a study of many of the problems connected with the living organism. However, the chemist, familiar with the wonderful results that may be accomplished through the action of chemical forces and recognizing that as yet we have but little insight into the nature of these forces, is apt to ascribe to them powers that can not be justified in the light of the knowledge at hand.

The discovery of Wöhler that urea can be synthesized in the laboratory was of the greatest importance; but neither the synthesis of urea nor the synthesis of any other of the almost countless number of compounds effected in the laboratory actually disproves the existence of a vital force in the living organism. Likewise it is certain, to my mind at least, that while the facts of asymmetric synthesis, so far as we can discern at the present time, do not prove the existence of such a force in the living organism, neither do they present any valid argument against the belief in its existence. So far as they have a bearing upon the question, life remains as it always has been-the great mystery.

WILLIAM MCPHERSON

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY, COLUMBUS, OHIO

SCIENTIFIC EVENTS

MINUTE ON THE LIFE AND SERVICES OF HUGO MÜNSTERBERG

THE following minute on the life and services of Professor Hugo Münsterberg was placed upon the records of the faculty of arts and sciences of Harvard University at the meeting of January 16, 1917:

Hugo Münsterberg, professor of psychology, died in Cambridge on the sixteenth of December, 1916. He was born in Danzig, West Prussia, June 1, 1863. After leaving the gymnasium in his native

city, he studied philosophy in Leipzig, under Wundt among others, taking the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in 1885, and went on with physiological studies in Heidelberg (M.D., in 1887).

In 1887 he habilitated at Freiburg, in Baden, and in 1891 was made professor extraordinary there. An acquaintance with William James, whom he met at a psychological congress in Paris in 1889, led to a call to a professorship of experimental psychology in this university, and he began teaching here in the fall of 1892. The academic years 1895-96 and 1896-97 were spent in Freiburg again, on leave of absence, and on his return to Cambridge in 1897 he was appointed professor of psychology. Professor Münsterberg received the honorary degree of A.M. from Harvard in 1901, LL.D., from Washington University, St. Louis, in 1904, and Litt.D., from Lafayette College in 1907. He was president of the American Psychological Association in 1898 and of the American Philosophical Association in 1908, and was a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a member of the Washington Academy of Sciences. He had a leading part in forming and carrying out the plans for the International Congress of Arts and Sciences at the St. Louis Exposition in 1904 and in the subsequent publication of its proceedings. In 1901-11 he was the Harvard exchange professor at the University of Berlin.

Münsterberg's fertility and enormous industry were conspicuous from the beginning. While still at Freiburg he published four parts of a theoretical and experimental work entitled "Beiträge zur experimentellen Psychologie," and four volumes on psychological subjects.

His first years in Cambridge were mainly spent, beside the daily tasks of instruction, in developing the psychological laboratory and fostering research. To the students who resorted to him for training in the new methods of experimental psychology he gave freely of time and interest, and his fertile invention supplied many and varied problems for investigation. The production of the laboratory steadily increased in volume and significance, and in 1903 a medium of publication was established under Münsterberg's direction in the "Harvard Psychological Studies." The well planned and equipped laboratory in Emerson Hall, opened in 1905, was chiefly due to his efforts.

His first American book appeared in 1899, a collection of essays entitled "Psychology and Life." It was followed by more than twenty volumes, besides a prodigious number of articles in periodicals. Of his more strictly scientific writ

ings during this period the most important are "Grundzüge der Psychologie" (1900)-the first volume of a largely planned work which was never completed "Science and Idealism'' (1906), "The Eternal Values" (1909), "Grundzüge der Psychotechnik" (1914). In the latter years of his life his interest turned more and more to the applications of psychology, the practical bearings of the science on education, law, medicine and industry. To this series belong, "Psychotherapy" (1909), "Psychology and the Teacher" (1910), "Psychology and Industrial Efficiency" (1913), with many occasional publications. Münsterberg had a deep interest also in educational, social and political problems, and wrote much upon them, from 66 'American Traits" (1901) and "Die Amerikaner" (1904), translated (1905) "The Americans," to his recent books on "The War and America," "The Peace and America" and "To-morrow" (1916).

With this great productivity, he was a notable teacher not only of advanced students in the seminary or laboratory but of large classes of undergraduates whom from year to year he introduced to the elements of psychology.

A man of strong and self-confident opinions and positive expression, he was of a kindly spirit, hospitable, generous, appreciative of others. His mental energy seemed limitless, his industry tireless, his optimism unquenchable. He exemplified his own ideal of productive scholarship, and carried to the grave with him plans for more books than most of us would think of achieving in a lifetime.

MEMORIAL TO SUSANNA PHELPS GAGE PROFESSOR SIMON HENRY GAGE and his son Henry Phelps Gage, Ph.D. Cornell 1909, have given to Cornell University ten thousand dollars as a memorial to Susanna Phelps Gage, Ph.B. 1880, who was the first woman to take laboratory work in physics in that institution and who in her subsequent career as a neurologist showed the highest appreciation of the need for research in our country.

The fund thus established is to be known as the Susanna Phelps Gage Fund for Research in Physics in Cornell University.

It is the wish of the donors that the income be administered by the professors of physics with the cooperation of the president of the university; and that it be used in any way which at the time gives promise of advancing knowledge in physics. The

income could therefore be properly applied to a graduate fellowship or scholarship, the purchase of apparatus, of books and periodicals or for any other purpose which at the time and occasion give promise of advancing knowledge.1

The first installment of income becomes available at the beginning of the second half century of the university (1918–19).

On Wednesday evening. January 10, 1917, the members of the physics seminary and a few friends dined together at the University Club in Ithaca, on which occasion the establishment of the new research fund was celebrated. In expressing to the donors the appreciation of the department of physics Professor Nichols said:

The value of a gift like this, the income of which from year to year is placed freely at the disposal of those who are responsible for the promotion within the university of one of the fundamental sciences, to be expended in whatever manner from time to time may be most advantageous to the furtherance of research, is inestimable. It comes, moreover, at a time peculiarly opportune; when public opinion is aroused to some realization of the importance of research to human welfare. The history of science and industry teaches clearly that applied science upon which the material welfare of the race so greatly depends, advances only with the growth of pure science and that the university affords the most favorable, indeed, almost the exclusive, atmosphere in which research flourishes. Hence the demand, now beginning to be heard, not so much from within academic circles as from outside, that the universities of this country make the advancement of learning their prime function. Every such gift as this furthers that great end.

Modest though it be, in comparison with what men of great wealth may do for science without the least personal denial, this fund is especially welcome in that it comes from men of science and is given in a spirit of devotion to science and of real self sacrifice.

It is a notable and gratifying evidence of the unity of the scientific spirit that this fund for the promotion of physics is established in memory of one whose life was given to biology and who attained eminence by her contributions to that sister science; and that one of the donors who is with us to-night, and whom we delight to honor, is himself a biologist of renown.

1 Quotation from the deed of gift.

On behalf of my present colleagues of the department of physics I accept this gift. We shall endeavor to expend the income from it in the spirit in which it is given and in loving recognition of the generosity and devotion of the donors. In generations to come, we may rest assured, the noble intent of the donors will ever influence those intrusted with its administration and that thus it will ever be used for the true advancement of science.

THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF MINING
ENGINEERS

THE program of the one hundred and fourteenth meeting of the American Institute of Mining Engineers, which convenes in New York City on February 19, has been issued. Sessions will include the annual business meeting and presentation of papers on subjects of scientific interest in the mining field. In addition, a number of special social features are being planned, including an all-day excursion by special train to West Point, where the engineers will view a number of exhibitions and inspect the grounds of the Military Academy. According to registrations received, this year's prosperity of the mining camps in the middle and far west will be reflected in the attendance at the February meeting. Individuals connected with practically all of these will take some part in the technical sessions.

The meeting will extend over four days, and will open on February 19, with sessions on geology, metallography, petroleum and gas, and milling and smelting. On the following day, sessions will be held on iron blast furnace practise on flotation. The principal sessions of the third day will be held on the manufacture of iron and steel.

Among the papers which will be presented

are:

"Recent Geologic Developments on the Mesabi Iron Range, Minn.," by J. F. Wolff.

"Grain Growth Phenomena in Metals," by Henry M. Howe and Ray Jeffries.

"Evidence of the Oklahoma Oil Fields on the Anticlinal Theory," by Dorsey Hager.

"Magnetic Concentration of Low-Grade Magnetic Iron Ore," by S. Norton.

"The Conservation of Phosphate Rock in the United States," by W. C. Phalen.

SCIENTIFIC NOTES AND NEWS SIR WILLIAM CROOKES, the distinguished English chemist; Dr. C. A. Angot, director of the French Bureau of Meteorology, and Professor August Gärtner, professor of hygiene, University of Jena, have been elected foreign members of the Academy of Sciences of Sweden.

THE Elisha Kent Kane medal of the Geographical Society of Philadelphia was, on January 19, conferred on Dr. William Curtis Farabee. Dr. Farabee gave before the society an illustrated lecture on "Exploration in the Amazon Valley and in the Unknown Guinea,

1913 to 1916." Dr. Farabee has also had conferred upon him the gold medal of the Explorers' Club of New York.

PROFESSOR E. F. NORTHRUP, research physicist of Princeton University, has been awarded the Elliott Cresson medal by the Franklin Institute "in recognition of his electrical inventions and high temperature investigations."

PROFESSOR WILBUR M. WILSON, of the department of civil engineering at the University of Illinois, was honored by the Western Society of Engineers at its annual meeting on January 10, by having conferred upon him the Octave Chanute medal, in recognition of the fact that a paper presented by him in 1915 was judged to be the best in the field of civil engineering presented before the society during that year. The medal was established in memory of Dr. Octave Chanute, whose studies in the field of aerodynamics were notable.

BRIGADIER GENERAL JOSEPH E. KUHN has been appointed president of the War College.

E. D. BALL, formerly director of the Utah Station, has been made state entomologist of Wisconsin, vice J. G. Saunders resigned to succeed H. A. Surface as economic zoologist of Pennsylvania.

PROFESSOR WERNER has been appointed director of the Heidelberg Institute for the Investigation of Cancer established by the late Professor Czerny.

AFTER twenty years' service in the New York Department of Health, Dr. John S. Billings, now deputy commissioner of health and director of the bureau of preventable diseases, has offered his resignation, to take effect on May 1.

EARL B. SMITH, formerly with the U. S. Office of Public Roads and Rural Engineering has been transferred to the U. S. Bureau of Soils as mechanical engineer. His work will be on engineering lines in the design and construction of the new government potash plant at Summerland, California, where he, with Dr. Turrentine, of the Department of Agriculture, will investigate the commercial possibilities of extracting potash, iodine, tar

products, acetone, etc., from the kelps of the Pacific coast.

DR. L. H. BAILEY, Mrs. Bailey and Miss Bailey are preparing to leave Ithaca at the end of this month for a tour of the Far East to last the greater part of a year.

ROALD AMUNDSEN has definitely postponed the execution of his plans for an expedition to the north pole until after the war. His ship was almost equipped for the trip, which was to have lasted three or four years, and the crew had been hired; but the money difficulties proved insuperable. The necessary expenses of the expedition in consequence of war prices have mounted from $135,000 to double that figure.

THE annual meeting of the Brooklyn Entomological Society was held on January 13 and the following officers were elected for 1917: President, W. T. Bather; Vice-president, W. T. Davis; Treasurer, C. E. Olsen; Recording Secretary, J. R. de la Torre Bueno; Corresponding Secretary, R. P. Dow; Librarian, A. C. Weeks; Publication Committee, J. R. de la Torre Bueno, C. Schaeffer and R. P. Dow.

DR. JAMES R. ANGELL, of the University of Chicago, is giving a course of lectures on "The Makers of Modern Psychology" on the Spencer Foundation at Union College.

A COURSE of twenty-four lectures on ore deposits is being delivered before the department of geology of Columbia University by Professor John D. Irving, professor of economic geology, Sheffield Scientific School, Yale University.

PROFESSOR F. J. METZGER, of the department of chemical engineering, Columbia University, has resigned his position to accept the position of manager of chemical development, with the Air Reduction Company, New York.

UNIVERSITY AND EDUCATIONAL
NEWS

THE late Dr. John A. McCorkle had set aside in trust bonds of the market value of $50,000 which became payable to the Long Island College Hospital upon his death. A

committee of prominent citizens, headed by the Honorable Edgar M. Cullen, is endeavoring to raise an equal amount as a memorial fund to Dr. McCorkle.

A GIFT of $50,000 to the principal of the alumni fund, subject to an annuity, from a graduate of the class of 1867, Yale College, was announced at the last meeting of the corporation. This is the second gift of like amount and under similar conditions that has been made to the credit of the class of 1867 in the alumni fund. There has also been received, from Robert W. Kelley, '74, class agent and a director of the fund, $125,000 (subject to an annuity as to four fifths of the amount), the whole to be added to the Yale Alumni Fund as an addition to the permanent memorial fund of 1874.

DR. WILLIAM WISTAR COMFORT, professor of the Romance languages and literatures and head of the department at Cornell University, has been elected president of Haverford College. He will succeed Dr. Isaac Sharpless, who will retire after completing a service of thirty years in the Haverford presidency.

J. O. RANKIN has resigned as agricultural editor at the Missouri Station to become associate professor of agricultural economics at the Iowa College, and is succeeded by M. N. Beeler, agricultural editor at the University of Florida.

DR. RAOUL BLANCHARD, professor of geography and director of the Institute of Geography at the University of Grenoble, has been appointed exchange professor at Harvard for 1916-17. His term of service will fall in the

second half year.

DR. V. A. COULTER, Ph.D., has been appointed assistant professor of chemistry in the University of North Carolina.

DISCUSSION AND CORRESPONDENCE

NEGATIVE SURFACE TENSION

IN a recent number of SCIENCE (November 24, 1916) Professor W. A. Patrick in a note on "Ostwald's Handbook of Colloidal Chemistry," expresses doubt as to the existence of negative surface tension, and suggests that it