prepared a splendid and also unique outline of the "Proposed periods in the history of astronomy in America." Dr. Rufus showed clearly by six successive steps, or periods, how each developed and expanded into a "two-dimensional form," or system.

Beginning with the introductory period (14901600) he stated how astronomy played its part in early navigation and explorations. Following the colonial period (1600-1780) was the beginning of observational astronomy, dominated by John Winthrop and David Rittenhouse. Next was the apparent stationary period (1780-1830), the beginning of mathematical astronomy, established by Nathaniel Bowditch and Benjamin Peirce. Following this came the popular period (1830-1860), the beginning of practical astronomy and the rapid rise of college observatories. New astronomy (1860-1890) was the beginning of astrophysics the study of the chemical and physical properties of the star light. The last is the contemporary or correlation period (1890- ), the beginning of quantitative astrophysics.

In each of these six successive periods of course there is the overlapping in time-there is no clear demarcation setting off one period from another. Such an outline as presented by Dr. Rufus should form the basis of the history of the physical sciences in America. This paper is to appear in print in the course of a few months.

The last paper before the History of Science section was that by Dr. H. A. Bumstead, of the National Research Council and of Yale University. Dr. Bumstead presented the paper "The history of physics," which was one of a series of lectures on the History of Science given before the Yale faculty and students.

The history of experimental physics from the time of Newton to the present was given so ably and charmingly that one might almost say a standard of scholarly presentation of a scientific topic had been reached. Fortunately this paper also is to appear in one of the early numbers of the Scientific Monthly, and later to appear in book form. This marked the last public address of Dr. Bumstead, for on the followng day, en route to Washington, he died. The richness of Dr. Bumstead's singularly attractive personality, and the depth of his scholarship and culture have left an indelible mark on all those who have ever come in contact with him.

During the Wednesday session the election for officers of the section was held-and the following were accordingly elected:

For Vice-president: Dr. William A. Locy, Northwestern University.

For Sectional Committee: Dr. Florian Cajori, University of California; Dr. George Sarton, Carnegie Institution; Dr. Walter Libby, University of Pittsburgh; Dr. Louis C. Karpinski, University of Michigan.

For Secretary: Frederick E. Brasch, John Crerar Library, Chicago.

This holding of two conferences by two different organizations, marks the beginning of a new phase of scientific learning and scholarship in America.

In Europe much has been accomplished in the advancement of the History of Science studies, especially so in England. Oxford and Cambridge universities and University of London have recognized the cultural value and have established facilities for research work. Also, independent sections for the History of Science have been organized by the "Versammlung Deutscher Naturforscher und Aerzte," and by the "Società Italiana per il Progresso delle Scienze."' The activity of the Italian historians of science is evidenced by the new publication-Archivio di Storia della Scienza,'' edited by Aldo Micli; besides other historical publications that are appearing. And it is to be desired similar publications be encouraged and supported in this country. Therefore, it is to be hoped that through cooperation and coordination the History of Science movement, thus fostered and encouraged by the American Historical Association and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, can likewise aid in this "New Humanism.'' FREDERICK E. BRASCH,

Secretary

THE OPTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA

THE Optical Society of America was organized in 1916. As stated in its constitution, "It is the aim and purpose of this society to increase and diffuse the knowledge of optics, to promote the mutual interests of investigators of optical problems, of designers, manufacturers and users of optical instruments and apparatus of all kinds and to encourage cooperation among them." the society pays especial attention to "applied" optics and, on this account, covers a field not previously covered, it is not to be regarded as a technological society in contradistinction to a society devoted to "pure" science. The aim of the society is to cover the field of optics, including "pure" optics as well as "optical engineering."

While

tion and transmission factors (by title): ENOCH KARRER, Bureau of Standards

A comparison of retinoscopic, subjective and finally acceptable ocular corrections: CHARLES SHEARD, American Optical Company.

A new method of joining glass: C. O. FAIRCHILD, Bureau of Standards.

The effect of variations in intensity of illumination of functions of importance to the working eye (by title): C. E. FERREE and G. RAND, Bryn Mawr College.

Optical determination of stress in transparent materials: A. L. KIMBALL, General Electric Co.

The following papers were contributed by the Optical Society to a joint meeting with the American Physical Society:

Photographic reproduction of tone: L. A. JONES, Eastman Kodak Company.

The spectral distribution of energy required to evoke the gray sensation: IRWIN G. PRIEST, Bureau of Standards.

The propagation of light in rotating systems: L. SILBERSTEIN, Eastman Kodak Company.

The next meeting will be held in Rochester in October, 1921. Because of the optical industries centered in and near Rochester and the proximity to universities in which much attention is given to optics, it is expected that this will be a particularly notable and profitable meeting. The program will be announced about the end of September. Titles may be submitted to the secretary at any time prior to that date.

An important feature of the society's work lies in its continuous Committee on Standards and Nomenclature. This committee includes a number of subcommittees dealing with specific fields, such as: colorimetry, photographic materials, photometry, polarimetry, projection, pyrometry, reflectometry, refractometry, spectacle lenses, spectrophotometry, spectroradiometry, visual refraction, visual sensitometry and wave-lengths. Through the work of these committees the society is gradually bringing into being a body of standard data and standard nomenclature which will contribute materially to the progress of science.

The first number of the Journal of the Optical Society was issued under date of January, 1917. The publication was designated as "bi-monthly,' but during the war the dates of issue were necessarily irregular and the publication discontinuous. Librarians and others will be interested in the following statement of issues. During the calendar years 1917-1919 inclusive there were six separate issues designated as follows:

Vol. I., No. 1, January, 1917.
Vol. I., Nos. 2-3, March-May, 1917.
Vol. I., No. 4, July, 1917.

Vol. I., Nos. 5-6, September-November, 1917. Vols. II.-III., Nos. 1-2, January,March, 1919. Vols. II.-III., Nos. 3-6, May-November, 1919. There were no issues in the calendar year 1918.

Beginning with January, 1920, the size and style of the journal were changed, and it is now issued regularly bi-monthly.

The by-laws state eligibility to membership as follows: "Any person who has, in the opinion of the council, contributed materially to the advancement of optics shall be eligible to regular membership in the society. Any person or corporation interested in optics is eligible to associate membership." Associate members have the same privileges and duties as regular members except that they may not vote nor hold office.

The annual dues are five dollars for both classes of individual members and fifty dollars for corporation members. Dues include subscription to the journal.

Applications for membership should be addressed to Irwin G. Priest, secretary, Optical Society of America, c/o Bureau of Standards, Washington, D. C.

Payment of dues should not accompany application. Bill will be sent after action is taken on the application.

Information in regard to the journal may be obtained by addressing Paul D. Foote, editor, Journal Optical Society of America, c/o Bureau of Standards, Washington, D. C.

Sample copies of the journal can not be furnished free, but the complete table of contents for 1920 will be mailed free on request

A cordial invitation to become members is extended to all persons who are interested in the purposes and activities of the society.

The charge for tuition is $250 per annum, payable in three instalments. There are no extra fees except for rental of microscope, certain expensive supplies, and laboratory breakage.

The annual announcement and application blanks may be obtained by addressing the

Dean of the Johns Hopkins Medica School Washington and Monument Sts. BALTIMORE, M.D

SUMMER WORK FOR GRADUATES
IN MEDICINE

Beginning Tuesday, June 6th, and ending Thursday, July 16th, a course in medical diagnosis, including laboratory exercises in clinical pathology and demonstrations in pathological anatomy, will be offered. The course will be limited to twenty students, fee $100. Applications should be made to the Dean's Office.

Louisiana

SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

(Established in 1834)

ADMISSION: All students entering the Freshman Class will be required to present credits for two years of college work, which must include Chemistry (General and Organic), Physics and Biology, with their laboratories, and at least one year in English and one year in a modern foreign language.

COMBINED COURSES: Premedical course of two years is offered in the College of Arts and Sciences, which provides for systematic work leading to the B.S. degree at the end of the second year in the medical course.

School of Pharmacy, School of Dentistry and Graduate School of Medicine also.

Women admitted to all Schools of the College of Medicine

For bulletins and all other information, address

Tulane College of Medicine

P. O. Box 770

New Orleans, La,

Stanford University

Medical School

The Medical School of Leland Stanford Jr. University is an integral part of the University, and its Faculty controls the Lane and the Stanford University Hospitals, which together with the Lane Medical Library, are administered by the Trustees of the University.

Admission

Instruction

Tuition

Three years of University instruction, in-
cluding English and Physics, Chemistry,
and Biology with laboratory work in each,
also a satisfactory reading knowledge of
French or German, are required for ad-
mission to candidacy for the degree of Doc-
tor of Medicine. For these special require-
ments see the Medical School Announce-
ment which may be obtained on applica-
tion to the Dean of the Medical School.
The work in Medicine begins the first of
October each year and closes about the
middle of June. The first five quarters of
the four years Medical instruction are given
in the laboratories of the University at
Palo Alto, California, the last seven quar-
ters and the required interne year, in the
buildings of the Medical School in San Fran-
cisco. The degree of A.B. is granted upon
completion of the first three quarters of
the Medical curriculum; the degree of
M.D. upon completion of the interne year.
Students wishing to transfer from other in-
stitutions are advised to enter in the sum-
mer quarter, beginning the middle of June,
in order to make up deficiencies.

The tuition fee is $50 per quarter for twelve
quarters, payable at the beginning of each
quarter.

For information address THE DEAN of the Stanford University Medical School, 2398 Sacramento Street, San Francisco, California.

Marine Biological Laboratory

Woods Hole, Mass.

INVESTIGATION

Entire Year

INSTRUCTION June 29 to August 9 1921

SUPPLY DEPARTMENT Open the Entire Year

Facilities for research in Zoology, Embryology, Physiology, and Botany. Eighty-four private laboratories, $100 each for not over three months. Thirty tables are available for beginners in research who desire to work under the direction of members of the staff. The fee for such a table is $50.00.

Courses of laboratory instruction with lectures are offered in Invertebrate Zoology, Protozoology, Embryology, Physiology and Morphology and Taxonomy of the Algae. Each course requires the full time of the student. Fee, $75. A lecture course on the Philosophical Aspects of Biology and Allied Sciences is also offered.

Animals and plants, preserved, living, and in embryonic stages. Preserved material of all types of animals and of Algae, Fungi, Liverworts and Mosses furnished for classwork, or for the museum. Living material furnished in season as ordered. Microscopic slides in Zoology, Botany, Histology, Bacteriology. Price lists of Zoological and Botanical material and Microscopic Slides sent on application. State which is desired. For price lists and all information regarding material, address

GEO. M. GRAY, Curator, Woods Hole, Mass.

The annual announcement will be sent on application to The Director, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Mass.