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as before W=2.270 W, we find for b, the distance from the nuclei to the center of the molecule, the value 0.190 X 10-8 cm. The moment of inertia is thus 1.20 X 10-41 g. cm.2 Since this value does not agree at all well with the value 1.85 X 10-41 calculated from the spectrum it is improbable that this model corresponds to the true structure of the hydrogen molecule in its normal state. It may be however that such a model with a different value for b may apply to a disturbed state of the molecule.

According to Bohr's theory in which the paths of electrons are circular, a hydrogen ion consisting of two hydrogen nuclei with one electron, should not be capable of existing, for the value of W for such a structure (0.88 W) is less than that for the hydrogen atom and the ion should therefore break up into an electron and a hydrogen atom. There seems to be considerable experimental evidence2 that the positive H, ion is stable and is formed from ordinary molecular hydrogen when an ionizing voltage of about 11 volts is applied. Since the H+ ion has two nuclei there is no obvious necessity for assuming a circular path for the electron. I have therefore considered a model in which the electron oscillates along a rectilinear path passing through the center of the ion and perpendicular to the line joining the nuclei. By the methods of the classical mechanics it can be shown that if we take b, the distance between the center of the ion and the nuclei, as unity, then the maximum displacement of the electron from the center (i. e., at the end of its path) is 2.214. The velocity of the electron when it passes the center of the ion is such that if it should continue to move with this velocity it would travel a distance 5.148 during the time that it actually takes to move from the center to the point furthest from the center. The total energy W of the ion is 0.6468 Wao/b. As soon as b is known the ionizing potential of hydrogen corresponding to this model can be calculated.

I have tried to apply the quantum theory 2 See particularly Franck, Knipping and Krüger, Deut. Phys. Ges. Verh., 21, 728 (1919).

in two different ways, although without certainty that either way is correct. According to the first method I have assumed that the angular momentum (or the moment of momentum) of the electron about each of the nuclei is h/2" when the electron passes through the center. Of course the angular momentum about one of the nuclei decreases as the electron moves further from the center but this is due to the fact that the momentum is imparted to the other nucleus. A consideration of Landé's models for the octet, as well as the model which I previously proposed for the helium atom, suggests that in structures having more than one electron and one nucleus, we are concerned not with the momentum possessed by any electron, but rather with the momentum which is transferred from one electron to another or from an electron to a nucleus. On the basis of this assumption, it can be readily calculated that the value of b, the distance of the nuclei from the center, is 0.4250 a, or 0.225 X 10-8 cm. The energy of the ion is then 1.522 W。. Since this is larger than that for the hydrogen atom, this ion will be stable. The difference between this energy and that for the hydrogen molecule (i. e., 0.748 W) corresponds to the energy required for ionization. Expressed in volts this is 10.15 volts, which is in fair agreement with the experimental values (11 to 11.5 volts).

In the second method of applying the quantum theory I have used the relation [pdq=h where I have taken q to be the distance measured from the center along the rectilinear path, and p is the momentum in the direction of this path. As far as I know there is no good reason for choosing this particular coordinate system except that it seems to be the simplest. These assumptions lead to the value b=0.5261 a。 = 0.279 X 108 cm. The energy is then 1.229 W, which again corresponds to a stable hydrogen ion but the ionizing potential is 14.1 volts.

The evidence in favor for these models is far from conclusive but in view of the fact that Bohr's models for the hydrogen molecule and ion can not be correct it seems important

to test out the new models in as many ways as possible. The mathematical calculations upon which these models are based will probably be published in the Physical Review. IRVING LANGMIUR

RESEARCH LABORATORY,
GENERAL ELECTRIC CO.,

SCHENECTADY, N. Y.,

October 13, 1920

SCIENTIFIC EVENTS

THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS

EDWIN S. CARMAN, manufacturer, of Cleveland, Ohio, has been elected president of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in a mail ballot covering a membership of 13,000 engineers, managers and technologists in every industrial center of the country. Mr. Carman succeeds Major Fred J. Miller, of this city. He will take office after the society's annual convention, which will be held in New York in December.

John L. Harrington, consulting engineer, of Kansas City; Leon P. Alford, editor, of New York, and Robert B. Wolf, president of the R. B. Wolf Company, of New York, were chosen vice-presidents for two years in succession to John A. Stevens, of Lowell, Mass; Henry B. Sargent, of New Haven, Conn, and Fred R. Low, of this city.

Three managers, each for a term of three years, were elected, as follows: Henry M. Norris, of Cincinnati; Carl C. Thomas, of Los Angeles; Louis C. Nordmeyer, of St. Louis. Major William H. Wiley, publisher, of New York, was re-elected treasurer. The secretary will be elected by the society's council in December. Calvin W. Rice has held this office since 1906.

Following a meeting of the society's council, composed of the president, vice-presidents, managers, past presidents, treasurer and secretary, representing engineering effort in many sections of the country, and with a membership of twenty-one, broad plans for promoting professional endeavor and public service, particularly as to industrial relations and rewarding engineering achievement, were an

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THE AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

THE thirty-eighth stated meeting of The American Ornithologists' Union will convene in Washington, D. C., November 9-11.

Headquarters will be at The Harrington, 11th and E Streets, N. W., four blocks from the U. S. National Museum. Owing to the crowded condition of hotels in Washington members intending to be present are urged to make reservations well in advance.

The public meetings will be held in the U. S. National Museum, from 10 A.M. until 4.30 P.M. each day.

The reading of papers will form a prominent feature of the meetings. All classes of members are earnestly requested to contribute, and to notify the secretary before November 1, as to the titles of their communications and the length of time required for their presentation, so that a program for each day may be prepared.

In addition to the usual social features there will be opportunities to visit various places of interest, including the National Zoological Park and the Library of Congress. Arrangements have been made for a special exhibit in the library, showing the development of zoological illustrations as applied to birds and original drawings and photographs of birds by American artists and photographers.

1939 BILTMORE ST., N. W., WASHINGTON, D. C.

T. S. PALMER, Secretary

THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NATURALISTS

THE American Society of Naturalists will hold its thirty-eighth annual meeting at Chicago, under the auspices of the University of Chicago, beginning on Thursday, December

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THE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN GEOGRAPHERS AT THE CHICAGO MEETING

THE seventeenth annual meeting of the Association of American Geographers under the direction of the President, Professor Herbert E. Gregory, will be held at Chicago, on Thursday and Friday, December 30 and 31, and also Saturday, January 1. Through the courtesy of the department of geography of the University of Chicago, the meetings will be held in Rosenwald Hall, where facilities for use of illustrative materials are provided.

The morning sessions will open at ten o'clock and close at one o'clock; the afternoon sessions will run from two-thirty to five-thirty. On Thursday evening at eight o'clock there will be a round table conference on the policy of the association at the hotel; on Friday evening there will be an informal conference at the hotel on cooperation in geographic research.

By vote of the council there will be a joint meeting with the Ecological Society of America on Friday morning. The speakers from this Association will be Professors Henry C. Cowles and A. G. Ruthven; the speakers from the Ecological Society will be Drs. D. T. MacDougall and V. C. Shelford. The President's address will be given at the opening of the session on Friday afternoon, and will be followed by three invited papers on industrial geography, according to the decision of the council at the spring meeting.

The nominating committee, consisting of R. H. Whitbeck, chairman, R. DeC. Ward and J. W. Goldthwaite, presents the following nominations for officers for 1921.

President-Ellen Churchill Semple.
Vice-presidents-A. J. Henry, Curtis F. Marbut.
Secretary-Richard E. Dodge.
Treasurer-George B. Roorbach.
Councilor-Nevin M. Fenneman.

All interested in geography, or its allied subjects, are cordially invited to attend the meetings of the association.

RICHARD ELWOOD DODGE,
Secretary

STORRS, CONNECTICUT,

October 20, 1920

THE DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY OF THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY

THE department of chemistry of The Ohio State University held a chemical symposium on Saturday, October 16, as one of its contributions to the celebration on the occasion of the semi-centennial of the founding of the university from October 13 to 16. The following program was presented by the alumni of the department:

"A brief history of the department of chemis try," by William McPherson, head department of chemistry, The Ohio State University.

"The organization of a chemistry department," by Winfred F. Coover, professor of chemistry, Iowa State College.

"A chemical attack upon the unsolved problem of human diabetes," by Dr. Edgar J. Witzemann, research chemist for the Otho Sprague Memorial Institute, Rush Medical College, University of Chicago.

"Problems in the petroleum industry," by Colonel George A. Burrell (formerly head of Research Division, Chemical Warfare Service, U. S. Army), now president, The Gasoline Recovery Co., New York City.

"The composition of automobile exhaust gas in reference to the ventilation of vehicular tunnels,'' by Major Arno C. Fieldner, research chemist, Bureau of Mines, Pittsburgh, Pa.

On Friday evening preceding the symposium, a banquet of one hundred and thirty alumni and former students of the department was held at the Hartman Hotel. Among the speakers on this occasion were: Mr. Frederick W. Sperr, Jr., The Koppers Co.; Dr. Benjamin T. Brooks, The Mathieson Alkali Works; Mr. Frank O. Clements, General Motors Research Corporation; Professor Charles W. Foulk, department of chemistry, The Ohio State University; Mr. Cole Coolidge, department of chemistry, Ohio State University; Mrs. Carl Gay, and Mrs. George W. Stratton.

DEDICATION OF THE EDWARD ORTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY

THE Edward Orton Memorial Library was dedicated on Saturday, October 16, the exercises forming a part of the semi-centennial celebration of the Ohio State University. Edward Orton was the first president of that institution, its professor of geology until 1899, and state geologist of Ohio from 1882 until his death in 1899. The library, named in his honor, is a gift of his son, Colonel Edward Orton, Jr. It is located in Orton Hall and was opened for use late in 1917. The absence of Colonel Orton because of his duties in the war department prevented a dedication at that time.

Dr. I. C. White, president of the Geological Society of America, spoke on the contributions of Dr. Orton to geology; Colonel Orton spoke on the Edward Orton Memorial Library and announced the presentation of a set of the Alpine Journal and of $500 and stated that he would give a like amount from time to time. A reception followed and later the guests were entertained at luncheon.

The books of this library consist chiefly of

the university collection, the geological survey collection and the Prosser library. The rooms are well lighted and commodious and the furnishings and equipment are unsurpassed by those of any similar library in the country.

SCIENTIFIC NOTES AND NEWS

NOBEL prizes have been awarded to Dr. Jules Bordet, professor of bacteriology at Brussels, and Dr. August Krogh, professor of oceanography at Copenhagen.

PROFESSOR F. FRANCIS, professor of chemistry in the University of Bristol, has been elected a corresponding member of the Belgian Royal Academy of Medicine.

DR. P. V. WELLS is returning to the Bureau of Standards after completing his investigations on the stratification of thin soap films, which he has been carrying forward at the laboratory of Professor Perrin in Paris.

GEORGE C. WHIPPLE, Gordon McKay professor of sanitary engineering, has returned to Cambridge after an absence of eight months, during which he has been chief of the Division of Sanitation of the League of Red Cross Societies, with headquarters at Geneva, Switzerland. His term of service ended on October 1, when he became consulting sanitary engineer. During the month of May, Professor Whipple and others visited Roumania to make an inspection of the methods for combating typhus and cholera.

NEIL M. JUDD, curator of American archeology, United States National Museum, has returned to Washington after having spent the last five months in Utah, Arizona and New Mexico, engaged in archeological investigations for the Bureau of American Ethnology and the National Geographical Society.

ERNEST M. GRESS, Ph.D. (Pittsburgh, 1920), has been appointed botanist in the Pennsylvania Bureau of Plant Industry, Harrisburg. In connection with his other duties Dr. Gress will undertake the upbuilding of an extensive herbarium at Harrisburg.

A. C. BOYLE, JR., mining engineer, and professor at the University of Wyoming, has re

signed from the university to accept the position of geologist with the Union Pacific R. R. Co., with headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska.

F. W. LOMMEN, formerly research chemist in the Sprague Memorial Institute, Chicago, is now research chemist with the National Carbon Company at Cleveland.

THE Proceedings of the Washington Academy of Sciences records resignations from the scientific service of the government as follows: Mr. A. H. Taylor, of the photometer section of the Bureau of Standards, has accepted a position at the Nela Research Laboratory of the General Electric Company.

Mr.

F. H. Tucker, associate chemist at the Bureau of Standards, has taken up research work at the New York laboratories of the Chile Exploration Company. Mr. Reeves W. Hart has resigned from the Leather Section of the Bureau of Standards, to become research chemist at the Benicia tannery, California. Mayo D Hersey, chief of the Aeronautic Instrument Section of the Bureau of Standards, has taken the position of associate professor of properties of matter, in the department of physics of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is succeeded at the bureau by Dr. F. L. Hunt. Dr. Harrison E. Patten has resigned from the Bureau of Chemistry, U. S. Department of Agriculture, to accept a position as chief chemist with the Provident Chemical Company of St. Louis, Missouri. Kenneth P. Monroe, of the color laboratory of the Bureau of Chemistry, has accepted a position at the Jackson Laboratory of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Wilmington, Delaware.

Ar the meeting of the American Philosophical Society on November 5 the program consists of an illustrated paper by the president of the society, Professor William B. Scott, on "The Astrapotheria, a remarkable group of prehistoric South American animals.”

A GENERAL discussion on "The physics and chemistry of colloids, and their bearing on industrial questions," was arranged jointly by the Faraday Society and the Physical Society of London, on October 25. The discussion

was presided over by Professor Sir W. H. Bragg, and was introduced by Professor Svedberg, of the University of Upsala.

PROFESSOR LEOTTA, of Rome, Dumas, of Paris, and S. Rossi, of Montevideo, have recently delivered scientific lectures in Vienna.

ARTHUR SEARLE, Phillips professor emeritus of astronomy at Harvard University, died at his home in Cambridge on October 23. Professor Searle, who was born in England in 1847 and graduated from Harvard in 1856, became assistant in the Harvard College Observatory in 1869, retiring from active service in 1912.

PROFESSOR YVES DELAGE, professor of zoology at the Sorbonne, Paris, died October 8, at sixty-six years of age.

SVEN LEONHARD TÖRNQUIST, Professor of geology at Lund, died on September 6 at the age of eighty years.

DR. F. HOFMANN, professor of hygiene at the University of Leipzig, has died at the age of seventy-seven years.

GENERAL WILLIAM C. GORGAS, former surgeon general of the Army, left an estate valued at $20,500, according to the petition of the probate of his will filed by his widow, Mrs. Marie D. Gorgas. The estate includes a house at Chevy Chase, Md., and life insurance.

THE dean of the medical faculty of the University of Paris has been authorized in the name of the university to accept from Mme. Auguste Klumpke, widow of Professor Dejerine, the gift of the pathologico-anatomic collection of Dr. Dejerine, as well as a fund yielding 100,000 francs annually. A museum of neurology, including a laboratory, will be established which will bear the name of the J. Dejerine Foundation

A RAMSAY Memorial Fellowship of the value of £300 a year for three years has been founded by subscriptions received from the Swiss Government and from Swiss donors, through the good offices of Professor Ph. A. Guye, of Geneva. The first Fellow to be elected is M. Etienne Roux, of Vich (Vaud),

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