sand dollars, the income of which should be used to aid astronomers in existing observatories to work out their special problems. In 1890, Miss Catherine Bruce, inspired by this idea, gave six thousand dollars to be distributed in whatever way promised the greatest scientific return. Eighty-six applications were received, showing the great need that was felt by astronomers for just this sort of aid. Fifteen grants were made to men of eight different countries. Among those thus aided we find the well-known names of Adams, Gill, Newcomb, Rowland and Turner. Appropriations were also made to international associations of astronomy and geodesy. It was through this gift that the true explanation of the variations in latitude was discovered, which was in itself a complete justification of the plan. In 1903, Professor Pickering published a pamphlet showing the valuable results which might be expected by greater cooperation among observatories. He said we find "a great observer but no telescope, a great telescope but no astronomer to use it, and an astronomer whose valuable observations, the results of many long years of hard work, were rendered useless by the lack of a few hundred dollars to publish them." He showed how the appropriation of small sums would add greatly to the scientific output and advocated a sort of astronomical clearing house which would coordinate and support the best good of the science. But the results showed that the time was not ripe for such a forward step, for two leading astronomers declined to serve even on an informal advisory committee. A circular at this time was issued asking astronomers to state the needs of their work. Over one hundred replies were received and gave the best and most complete information ever collected on the subject. In 1904, the director issued another paper to meet the adverse criticism which the project had aroused. Though the ideas of Professor Pickering were not entirely realized, the plan had the effect of improving the relations between astronomers, and eventually a very large degree of cooperation was realized. In 1906, an address on "An International Telescope for Southern Latitudes was given before the American Philosophical Society and the plan received serious consideration by a man of means. In SCIENCE, 41: 82, Professor Pickering issued a questionnaire to twelve leading American astronomers asking them how they would use five thousand dollars if it were given them for research work. As a result of the replies it was found possible, through gifts and grants from existing research funds, to provide for a large part of these needs. Probably the director of no observatory of the world has done so much for the cooperative ideal in astronomy nor has shown more unselfishness in the practical work of cooperation than Professor Pickering. Instead of trying to build up Harvard Observatory as a separate institution exclusively, he has had deeply at heart the advancement of the science regardless of who should receive the personal credit for the discoveries. At the present time a large amount of work is carried on in cooperation with other institutions. One of the best illustrations of the value of this method is the determination of positions of the moon by the united efforts of Princeton, Yale and Harvard. Each observatory has carried on the part of the work for which it was best fitted, and which the others practically would have been unable to accomplish. The combined research has resulted in photographic positions of the moon which are, on the whole, the best so far obtained. The most extensive cooperation in astronomical investigation is the Astrographic Catalogue and International Chart of the Sky. In this great work, now well advanced, the determination of stellar magnitudes was assigned to Harvard, and a large part of the work has now been completed. By cooperation with the Mount Wilson, Lick and Yerkes Observatories the work has been extended to the faintest stars which now appear on photographic plates. At present the observatory is determining the standard for the magnitudes of Professor Kapteyn's "Selected Areas." The work is complete for the northern stars. Professor Kapteyn has thus determined the magnitude of about seventy thousand stars, which are now in print in Harvard Annals, Vol. 85. Professor Pickering has also shown great interest in developing useful work among amateur astronomers. It is through him that the chairman of the visiting committee has been able to do some work on the asteroids. Through lack of expert direction a large part of the efforts of amateurs has proved of little value. An exception to this rule has been the Association of Variable Star Observers, which was formed five years ago and has received much encouragement and help from the di rector. During the last year this association of enthusiastic amateurs, consisting of thirty observers, has made eleven thousand two hundred and fifty-two valuable observations of two hundred and ninety variable stars of long period. For this work the observatory has furnished suitable charts and determined the magnitudes of nearly five thousand stars needed for reference, so that all are now measured on the same scale. At a meeting of the Association of Variable Star Observers held at the observatory in November, 1916, nineteen skilled observers made estimates of the magnitude of the same object with the twelveinch telescope which showed an average difference of less than one-tenth of a magnitudean experiment altogether unprecedented. As these observers generally have access to only small telescopes and are therefore unable to measure variables when they are faint, Professor Wilson and Professor Mitchel have shown their spirit of cooperation by kindly agreeing to continue the work with their sixteen-inch and twenty-six-inch telescopes when the stars are too faint to be measured by smaller instruments. Also it should be mentioned that the observatory is cooperating with the other observatories of the world by furnishing magnitudes and classes of spectra in advance of their regular publication in the Harvard Annals, which has been spoken of in previous reports. These are some of the facts which show the large way in which the observatory of Harvard is interpreting its work, and give some idea of how much Professor Pickering has done to encourage friendly scientific cooperation both here and abroad. The fruits of much of this work will mature only in the future. Some of this cooperation the war has temporarily broken but we look to the speedy reestablishment of it when this world calamity be overpast, and it will help to bind up the wounds and soften the animosities which now divide the nations. The publishing of astronomical discoveries has not entirely ceased even now, and when peace is at last declared the common interest in the heavens will assert itself and bind together those whom the war has separated and estranged. Thus the cooperative study of astronomy will help to give us a new heaven through the interpretation of a nobler science and, through the good will which cooperation aways brings, a new earth, in which dwelleth righteousness. JOEL H. METCALF, Chairman, GEORGE R. AGASSIZ, SCIENTIFIC EVENTS THE MUSEUM OF THE UNIVERSITY OF AT THE close of its free public lecture season the officials of the University Museum call attention to the recent progress of the institution and to some facts in connection with its activities. Although only in its twenty-third year the University Museum is already recognized everywhere as one of the most important institutions of its kind in the world. Some of its collections are the finest in existence, its expeditions have gone to all parts of the globe, bringing back rare specimens, while from an educational point of view it has done more than any other museum in revealing the early history of Mesopotamia and throwing light on early culture. In spite of its youth the real estate, buildings and exhibits are given the very conservative valuation of more than four million dollars, or nearly the value of the total equipment of the entire university as carried on its books when founded. Its collections of Chinese art are the largest and most representative to be found anywhere in the world, including China. Its Babylonian collections are the most important in the world and scholars have used them to reveal millenniums of previously unknown history. The museum has published many of its translations, which have made a great impression upon the entire world. Its Egyptian collections are very large and representative, and when those now held in Egypt until the war ends arrive, the exhibit will be one of the most notable in this country. Its collections of Eskimo material are the most complete to be found anywhere, and it has a great collection of North American Indian specimens. Its South American collections, especially those gathered by Dr. Farabee, are not only unrivaled, but the archeological exhibits are the greatest and are almost unique. Its collections of Tibetan, Indian, Persian and Syrian art are large and valuable. It has vast stores of valuable art and ethnological material stored away which there is no room now to place on exhibition. How greatly the museum is appreciated outside this city is shown by the fact that within thirty days $75,000 has been given to the institution by men who have not even visited it, but who know of its value. Of this sum $30,000 has just been given by a New York man, who has watched its career with interest and approval, and has no connection whatever with the university, but desires to increase the museum's educational influences, and, approximately, $35,000 by another benefactor, also a non-resident of the state of Pennsylvania. The museum is preparing to enlarge its sphere of public usefulness and will shortly issue an announcement of its purposes. It has done much by giving free public lectures Saturday afternoons by the best specialists, has given Wednesday afternoon lectures especially for school children and now desires in the most practical way to further cooperate with all art schools, art clubs, school art leagues and high-school art classes not only in this city but in the entire surrounding country. Already much work has been done by assisting manufacturers who have sought collections in the museum for securing new designs or new ideas, and it proposes to extend this work so far as is possible so as to bring the practical results of the exhibits in touch with the commercial expansion of the city to a greater extent than ever. RECONSTRUCTION COMMISSIONS OF THE THE British ministry of reconstruction has just published a complete list of the various commissions and committees that have been set up, both within that ministry and within other ministries and departments of the British government, to deal with questions which will arise at the close of the war. These commissions and committees, which have been appointed at different times since the war began, now number 87 and fall into 15 groups. Among the committees on scientific and industrial research are the following: Fuel Research Board.-To investigate the nature, preparation and utilization of fuel of all kinds, both in the laboratory and, where necessary, on an industrial scale. Cold Storage Research Board.-Appointed to organize and control research into problems of the preservation of food products by cold storage and otherwise. Standing Committees on Engineering, Metallurgy, Mining and Glass and Optical Instruments.— To advise the council on researches relating to the lines of activity named and on such matters as may be referred to the committee by the advisory council. Joint Standing Committee on Illuminating Engineering. To survey the field for research on il lumination and illuminating engineering, and to advise as to the directions in which research can be undertaken with advantage. Mine-rescue Apparatus Research Committee.To inquire into the types of breathing apparatus used in coal mines, and by experiment to determine the advantages, limitations and defects of the several types of apparatus, what improvements in them are possible, and whether it is advisable that the types used in mines should be standardized, and to collect evidence bearing on these points. Abrasives and Polishing Powders Research Committee. (1) To conduct investigations on abrasives and polishing powders with a view to their preparation and use as one factor in accelerating the output of lenses and prisms for optical instruments, not only for peace requirements but in connection with the war. (2) To investigate the preparation and properties of abrasives and polishing powders. Food-research Committee.-To direct research on problems in the cooking of vegetables and meat, and in bread making, to be undertaken by two scholars of the committee of council. Building-materials Research Committee.-To make arrangements for carrying out researches on building construction instituted by the department at the instance of the local government board committee or otherwise, to be responsible under the council for the direction of such researches, and to deal with such other matters as may be referred to the committee from time to time by the council. Electrical Research Committee.-A committee of direction appointed in connection with certain researches affecting the electrical industry. Committee for Research on Vitreous Compounds and Cements for Lenses and Prisms.-To conduct researches into the preparation, properties and mode of employment of cements for lenses and prisms; to prepare a reference list of vitreous compounds, their composition, densities, refractive indices and dispersive powers. Tin and Tungsten Research Board.-The Cornish Chamber of Mines has been invited to nominate a representative of the landlords and a representative of the mine owners to serve on the board. A committee of control appointed in connection with certain researches into tin and tungsten. Lubricants and Lubrication Inquiry Committee. -To prepare a memorandum on the field for research on lubricants and lubrication, which will contain an analysis of the problems involved, to gether with a suggested scheme of research, which would be most likely to lead to valuable results. Provisional Committee on Research and Education for the Cotton Industry.-A committee appointed with a view to the organization of a research association for the cotton industry. Provisional Committee on Research for the Wool and Worsted Industries.-A committee appointed with a view to the organization of a research association for the wool and worsted industries. Provisional Committee for the Internal Combustion Engine Industry.-A committee appointed with a view to the organization of a research association for the internal combustion engine industry. MEETING OF THE GENERAL MEDICAL BOARD OF THE COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE DEDICATION of the Warden McLean Auditorium at Camp Greenleaf, the military medical school at Camp Chickamauga, Ga., on March 11 was made notable not only because of the presence of the Surgeon General of the Army and members of his staff, as well as many distinguished medical men from military and civil life, but also because of the regular meeting there March 10 of the General Medical Board of the Council of National Defense, usually held in Washington. About 1,000 doctors, who as medical reserve officers are taking the three months' course, accepted the invitation to attend extended by Dr. Franklin Martin, member of the advisory commission of the council and chairman of the board. These members of the General Medical Board attended: Dr. Franklin Martin, chairman; Dr. William F. Snow, secretary; Surgeon General William C. Gorgas, Dr. Victor C. Vaughan, Dr. William H. Welch, Dr. John Young Brown, Dr. John G. Clark, Dr. Thomas S. Cullen, Dr. Edward P. Davis, Dr. William D. Haggard, Dr. Jabez Jackson, Dr. Edward Martin, Dr. Charles H. Mayo, Dr. Stuart McGuire, Dr. John D. McLean, Dr. Hubert A. Royster. Introduced by Dr. Martin, Surgeon General Gorgas said he knew of no more important work than the activities being developed at Camp Greenleaf; that the necessity of military medical training is obvious; also that on a visit to England five years ago he learned that the great developments in the English system had been forced by the necessities arising during the Boer War; so, he said, the United States Military Medical Service is being developed by the exigencies now confronting us and would continue after the war. He said he gained from the British service ideas of value for his administration. Dr. William H. Welch read a statement showing that in February there was an exceedingly satisfactory decline in the admission rates for communicable diseases, as well as for all causes. In the force afloat, the situation as to pneumonia and cerebrospinal fever is very satisfactory. Scarlet fever has been slightly more prevalent than usual but in no sense epidemic; a very satisfactory decrease in measles; mumps continues as heretofore. For the committee on surgery, Dr. Charles H. Mayo told how data on 21,000 physicians had been gathered and placed on cards convenient for the ready selection of individuals and groups suited for any given task, a duplicate set of which cards has been prepared for the use of the Surgeon General's office in France. Dr. Mayo emphasized the need of reconstructing wounded men, not only for field service but also for labor after the war, inasmuch as the usual tide of immigration has ceased. Citing the many government activities in which medicine enters, he said these relations, he believed, could be coordinated in no way except by having a medical man as a Cabinet officer. Lieutenant Colonel Victor C. Vaughan, reporting for the committee on legislation, told of the request of the Army medical officers for higher rank and greater authority, and of the Owen-Dyer bill (S. 3748 and H. R. 9563) now pending in Congress. He cited instances which he said indicated need for greater rank, and then read the following letter from President Wilson to Dr. Franklin Martin, indorsing the bill: I read very carefully your memorandum of February 27 about the rank accorded members of the Medical Corps of the Army, and have taken pleasure in writing letters to the chairman of the Military Committees of the House and Senate, expressing the hope that the bill and resolution may be passed. LECTURES ON AGRICULTURE It has been arranged that a group of prominent agricultural speakers shall travel through the northern and western states, after conferences in Washington with Secretary of Agriculture Houston and Food Administrator Hoover to impress on the farmers the necessity of producing large crops during the coming season. A similar campaign already has been conducted in the southern states. The following have consented to take part in the campaign: Dr. W. O. Thompson, president Ohio State University, speaking in Idaho and Wyoming. Alva Agee, secretary of the New Jersey board of agriculture, speaking in Ohio. Dr. A. H. Jordan, director of the New York Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva, N. Y., speaking in Pennsylvania and Connecticut. Dr. J. L. Hills, dean of the College of Agriculture, University of Vermont, speaking in New Hampshire. Dr. C. F. Curtiss, director of the Iowa Agricultural Experiment Station and dean of the Iowa Agricultural College, speaking in Kansas and Nebraska. Dr. Eugene Davenport, dean of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois, speaking in Wisconsin. Dr. W. J. Kerr, president of the Oregon Agricultural College, speaking in Oregon and in Idaho. Professor William M. Jardine, president of the Kansas Agricultural College, speaking in Missouri. Dr. C. A. Lory, president of the Colorado Agricultural College, speaking in Colorado. Dr. S. C. Mitchell, president of Delaware College, speaking in New Jersey and Rhode Island. Dr. E. C. Perisho, president of the South Dakota Agricultural College, speaking in South Dakota and Montana. A. J. Glover, editor of Hoard's Dairyman, speaking in Minnesota. Dean Alfred Vivian, of the College of Agricul ture, Ohio State University, speaking in Iowa. Dr. T. F. Hunt, dean of the College of Agriculture, University of California, will go direct from California for speeches in the state of Washington early in April. SCIENTIFIC NOTES AND NEWS THE annual meeting of the National Academy of Sciences will be held at the Smithson |