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gradually breaking down from the impossible burden.

A generic name as we use it to-day is made to serve two purposes. It is, (1) a term by which we indicate to others what we are talking or writing about, and (2) a term by which the systematist indicates what he regards as a recognizable phylogenetic group.

It is suicidal for any system of nomenclature that names for "things" should be constantly changed to fit our ever changing ideas of their relationships. Surely there should be some way of indicating the progress of our studies in the relationships of birds, for instance, without rendering unintelligible to all save a few specialists, the very names by which we refer to those birds.

We are already striving to find a solution of this problem, as is evidenced in the growing tendency to abandon the technical name entirely in semi-scientific publications in favor of the English name, and restricting the constantly increasing generic terms to systematic or phylogenetic discussions. It seems to me, however, that there is another way open. we could be content to use the broader generic terms of a few years ago for nomenclatural purposes and use another term, call it subgenus or what you will, for further systematic refinements, without incorporating it in the name itself, we should accomplish our aim.

If

We make no effort to incorporate in the scientific name of an animal or plant its family relationship, and we arrange animals and plants according to geographical relationships without insisting upon modifying the name to indicate such relationship. Why then should we insist upon imparing our system of nomenclature by constantly changing the generic names every time we change our minds as to how many minutely different subdivisions we are going to recognize in the group?

It is very easy to ridicule my proposal to use broader generic terms for nomenclatural purposes by saying that we do not wish to return to the ideas of Linnæus, and place for example the Swallow, the Swift and the Pratincole in the same genus, or to have only one generic name for the sparrows and one for the warb

lers. This is very true and it is perfectly obvious that we must adopt some position midway between the two extremes, while at the same time we must frankly admit that such a position can only be reached by a purely arbitrary decision as to how many genera we are going to recognize. In any Check-list or monograph, however, we settle this matter by arbitrary decision anyway, as we have no criterion as to what constitutes a distinct genus. Therefore why not adopt an arbitrary set of genera de convenience so far as nomenclature is concerned and use subgeneric terms when we desire to call attention to more refined phylogenetic groups. At the present time we constantly make use of "group" names in diecussing the relationships of different sets of species in a large genus without in any way interfering with the nomenclature and the practise could just as well be extended.

I do not propose any radical action in the way of lumping present-day genera. In birds, with which I am most concerned, the genera of the A. O. U. and B. O. U. Check-lists could be taken as a point of departure and with some slight alterations and adjustments be adopted. The main point would be to check the excessive generic subdivision which is to-day rampant in certain quarters. If some such reform be not inaugurated technical nomenclature will soon be if it is not already-useless to anyone but a narrow specialist.

For example the botanist has long known of the differences between the so-called flowering dogwoods and those without involucral leaves, but what profit does he gain by changing the generic name of the former to Conoxylon compared to the loss that he inflicts upon the ornithologist, the entomologist, or the student of general scientific interests, who knew them under the name Cornus and who, unless they be Greek scholars a rapidly expiring race by the way-have no conception of what sort of herb, shrub or tree a Cynoxylon may be. So too the unfortunate botanist who may have learned to know certain sparrows as species of Ammodramus fails utterly to recognize his old friends under the names Thryospiza, Ammospiza and Passerherbulus.

Is it small wonder that the majority of us are turning to the use of English names except in some group with which we happen to be familiar.

I am perfectly aware that the systematist who concerns himself only with questions of the number of species and genera and the names for the same, in a single branch of science in which he specializes, will regard my remarks as pure rubbish. We must all admit, however, that specialization makes us blind to the views of outsiders and to some of the broader aspects of our specialty. Things that seem to us from long association as necessary, may be found upon unbiased consideration, susceptible of very important modifications and the present problem seems to be one of these.

In presenting these ideas I do not wish to be misunderstood. I do not wish to be placed in the same category as the carping critic of all nomenclatural changes who, by the use of clever sarcasm, appeals to the multitude who know as little about the facts as he does himself. I am a staunch supporter of the International Code of Nomenclature and all of the changes which its enforcement requires. They are necessary for ultimate stability and are happily permanent. I would encourage the study of geographic variation in the species and the establishment of subspecies since no matter how many of the latter we may have, their relationship to specific groups is always clearly indicated by the accompanying specific

name.

I would encourage, to the fullest, research into the relationship of species, with however as much consideration for their resemblances as for their differences, and I would endorse the establishment of as many groups as may be desired under subgeneric headings or any other term that may be preferred-but let us not insist upon introducing our conclusions on this matter into the technical name with the result of seriously imparing the principal use of that name.

Let us be conservative in the number of generic names that we recognize, and let general utility have a voice in the matter, of equal weight with that of the splitter and the lumper,

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just as to-day in another field of discussion the public is becoming recognized as a third party on an equal footing with labor and capital. WITMER STONE

ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES,
PHILADELPHIA

OSCAR A. RANDOLPH

DR. OSCAR A. RANDOLPH, associate professor of physics in the University of Colorado, lost his life in a snow storm on April 11, during a trip to the Arapohoe Peaks on the Continental Divide. He made the trip with one companion Mr. Ellett, also of the department of physics, for the purpose of photographing winter storm scenes. They ascended to an altitude of about 12,500 feet and then descended into what is known as the Hell Hole. On the trip Dr. Randolph became ill and was unable to overcome the handicap of a sudden heavy fall of snow accompanied by bitter cold. Mr. Ellett had assisted him on the return trip till they were both exhausted. Mr. Ellett then protected Dr. Randolph with all the means at his command and started for help at the cabin of two trappers who were living some five miles away. In his weakened and confused condition he wandered for several hours without making much progress in the deep snow. One of the trappers finally found him and learned of Dr. Randolph's condition. Dr. Randolph died however before the trapper could reach him. Owing to the fact that both men were experienced mountaineers and had often made trips to the peak their friends at the university did not become alarmed till noon on April 12, when a rescue party started for the scene. Mr. Ellett, though terribly exhausted and somewhat frozen, will recover. O. C. LESTER

ALFRED J. MOSES, 1859-1920

By the death, on February 27, of Alfred J. Moses, professor of mineralogy at Columbia University, the science of mineralogy has lost one of its most eminent and valued exponents. Professor Moses's work as a teacher, as a

writer and as a scientific investigator can hardly be too highly esteemed and his loss to all branches of his profession is most keenly felt. His text-book on "Mineralogy, Crystallography and Blowpipe Analysis" will for many years remain the standard in a large majority of the universities in which courses in these subjects are given. His work on "The Characters of Crystals," published in 1899, is the first treatise published in America upon physical crystallography, a branch of crystallography which was early recognized by him as of primary importance to chemists, geologists and mineralogists and which has within very recent years assumed a scope, and developed practical applications which have more than justified his early visions of its future.

The research work of Professor Moses was marked by a conservative distaste for announcing a result until he had thoroughly verified it. This admirable tendency was also evidenced in the terseness and finished quality of his statements of fact, whether written or spoken. He was seldom under the necessity of erasing a word from his lecture notes or modifying a statement made to any one consulting him, whether student or scientist.

His personal dealings were marked by a large sympathy coupled with a modesty which was almost shrinking in its avoidance of the prominence which was by reason of his attainments thrust upon him. Yet his vision and enthusiasm for his science was such as to inspire those who worked in close touch with him, and who will long treasure his memory as a master in science, as a man of large ideas and high attainments and as a sympathetic and valued friend.

SCIENTIFIC EVENTS

H. P. W.

INVESTIGATIONS IN POLYNESIA

Two problems of outstanding importance in the study of native races are the Origin and Migration of the American Indian, and the Origin and Migration of the Polynesian

A study of the first problem has been made possible by the gifts of Morris K. Jessup to the American Museum of Natural History,

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as a result of which ethnologists, botanists and zoologists are tracing the American tribes back through British Columbia and Alaska to Siberia and the regions beyond.

The Polynesian problem is in some respects more difficult than the Indian problem because it involves the collection of scattered data from hundreds of islands, some of them no longer inhabited, and the separation of racial traits and interlocked customs and languages of Polynesian, Melanesian, and Micronesian peoples. It probably can be solved by carefully organized investigation in widely separated areas over a period of years.

It is an undertaking which if adequately supported involves the expenditure of about $50,000 a year for a period of four or five years. But the problem of a vanishing race is so urgent that even a one-year study is likely to yield large return.

It is generally recognized that the institution best suited to carry on the Polynesian work is the Bishop Museum of Honolulu, founded and endowed for studies in Polynesian, ethnology and natural history. With this in mind, funds sufficient for one year's work, contributed to Yale University by Bayard Dominick, of New York City, have been placed at the disposal of the trustees of the museum. Investigations resulting from the use of these funds will be credited to the "Bayard Dominick Expedition." In the hope that further funds will be contributed for this work, the director has formulated a program for two years' study which in outline is as follows:

A. 1920-21: Parties consisting of an ethnologist, an archeologist, a botanist, with necessary interpreters and assistants to be stationed at what might be termed strategic points to make studies essential in establishing standards of physical form, material culture, traditions and language of the Polynesians. This is essential as a basis for the determination of the significance of changes brought about by the overlapping with other races. For this work the existing means of transportation combined with the use of local small boats is fairly satisfactory. The areas

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selected are Marquesas Islands, Austral Islands, Tongan Islands, Hawaiian Islands.

B. 1921-22: A boat with a crew and staff of scientists to make careful observations, in selected localities along the route Honolulu, Wake, Marshall, Eastern Carolinas, Gilbert, Ellice Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Friendly, Cook, and Society Islands, returning to Honolulu via Tongareva, Malden, Christmas and Fanning Islands. In connection with the previous year's work this cruise should aid in determining through what place or places in the "Polynesian Sieve" the ancient migrations came.

THE PAN-PACIFIC SCIENTIFIC CONGRESS

As the result of informal conferences and much correspondence, a scientific congress has been organized to meet at Honolulu, August 2 to 20, 1920.

The purpose of the congress is to outline scientific problems of the Pacific Ocean region and to suggest methods for their solution; to make a critical inventory of existing knowledge, and to devise plans for future studies. It is anticipated that this congress will formulate for publication a program of research which will serve as a guide for cooperative work for individuals, institutions and governmental agencies.

Representative scientists from the countries whose interests in whole or in part center in the Pacific will be present, and a number of men whose researches demand a knowledge of the natural history of the Pacific islands and shore lands have expressed their intention to attend.

The program of the conference is in the hands of the Committee on Pacific Exploration of the National Research Council, which consists of the following members:

John C. Merriam, University of California, chairman; Wm. Bowie, U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey; R. A. Daly, Harvard University; William M. Davis, Harvard University; Barton W. Evermann, California Academy of Science; Herbert E. Gregory, Yale University; E. B. Mathews, National Research Council; George F. McEwen, Scripps Institute; Alfred

G. Mayor, Carnegie Institution; William E. Ritter, Scripps Institute.

The meetings will be arranged to place emphasis on the following topics:

1. Research desirable to inaugurate; projects described in considerable detail with reference to their significance, and their bearing on other fields of study. Investigations designed to lay the foundation for a higher utilization of the economic resources of the Pacific may be included.

3. Methods of cooperation with a view to eliminating unnecessary duplication of money and energy.

4. The best use of the funds now available and the source of further endowments.

In addition to those maintained by the Federal and Territorial governments, the active scientific organizations of Hawaii include the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum of Polynesian Ethnology and Natural History, the College of Hawaii, the Sugar Planters' Experiment Station, The Marine Aquarium and the Volcano Observatory.

Between Honolulu and San Francisco regular sailings are maintained by four steamship companies, and established routes bring Hawaii into connection with Canada, New Zealand, Australia, the Philippines, China and Japan. In order to procure desirable accommodations, reservations for both outward and return passage should be made at an early date.

Further information if desired may be obtained from members of the Committee on Pacific Exploration or from the undersigned. HERBERT E. GREGORY, Chairman, Pan-Pacific Scientific Congress BERNICE PAUAHI BISHOP MUSEM, HONOLULU, HAWAII,

March 20, 1920

APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE NEW YORK STATE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE

THE Governor of New York State has signed the annual appropriation bill, providing for the maintenance and future development of the State College of Agriculture at Cornell University. The college thus becomes assured of a total appropriation of $1,787,888.80, of which $517,000 is for the erection of

new buildings and $14,530 for the State Game Farm,

Although the new law makes only a little more than half a million dollars available at once for new construction, it directs the state architect to prepare plans for the further extension of the college; and it authorizes the board of trustees, following the architect's plans, to enter into contracts for additional construction to the amount of $3,000,000.

The remaining $1,256,358.80 is for the salaries of the staff and expenses of operation during the fiscal year from July 1, 1920, to June 30, 1921. This appropriation is larger than last year's by $282,855, of which about two thirds will go for increased salaries.

The law also provides for some new officers of administration, principally a vice-dean of resident instruction and a vice-director of the Experiment Station. There is already a vice-director in charge of the extension service. The filling of the new positions will therefore complete the administrative organization in the three chief phases of work which the law requires of the college.

SELENIUM AND TELLURIUM

Ar the recent meeting of the American Chemical Society in St. Louis a report of progress of the sub-committee of the National Research Council on The Uses of Selenium and Tellurium was presented by Victor Lenher, of the University of Wisconsin, at the request of the Engineering Division of the National Research Council. This sub-committee is working in close contact with all of the producers of selenium and tellurium in the country, and is carrying out one of the ideals of the National Research Council, which is to promote and coordinate research work in every direction.

Council to create a committee whose duty it is to find possible methods for their utilization. This committee consists of Arthur E. Hall, chairman, H. G. Greenwood, Victor Lenher, O. C. Ralston, E. W. Rouse, S. Skowronski and A. W. Smith, and it has been working in close contact with the producers of selenium and tellurium. Arrangements have been made whereby large quantities of these elements can be procured for experimental purposes at cost price from the Raritan Copper Works, Perth Amboy, N. J., the United States Metals Refining Co., Chrome, N. J., the American Smelting and Refining Co., Omaha, Nebraska, and the Baltimore Copper Smelting and Rolling Co., Baltimore, Md.

Mr. E. W. Rouse, of the Baltimore Copper Smelting and Rolling Co., Baltimore, Md., will ship at any time reasonable quantities of selenium gratis to investigators upon the recommendation of the Committee of the National Research Council on the Uses of Selenium and Tellurium. Mr. Arthur E. Hall, of the Omaha plant of the American Smelting and Refining Company, will forward reasonable quantities of tellurium gratis under the same conditions.

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CONSTANTS

THE American Chemical Society at its St. Louis meeting passed the following resolution: WHEREAS, every industry, for its successful operation, depends upon an accurate knowledge of the properties of the materials it uses and produces and the numerical values of these properties which are known as their constant, and

WHEREAS, during the war, it became evident that much of the published data on these constants was found to be extremely inaccurate, entailing considerable loss in time and money and it was found in many cases that data very much desired was not to be found in published records, and

WHEREAS, up to now publication of such constants in tabular form has been mostly in some

ability, and

The source of selenium and tellurium is in the anode mud from the electrolytic refining of copper. Copper refineries can annually produce under present conditions approximately foreign language and consequently of limited avail300,000 pounds of selenium and about 125,000 pounds of tellurium. A few hundred pounds of these elements would amply supply the market to-day. The large amounts of these elements available and for which there is no practical use, has caused the National Research

WHEREAS, under allotment by the Inter-Allied Council and the International Research Council, the National Research Council of the United States (an organization duly created by the President of the United States) has decided that this deficiency

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