may safely be ignored in trying to determine the age and succession of the rocks.

It may be doubted, however, if any class of organisms do not have an interesting and important story to tell provided we learn their language. This has proven to be the case with our American foraminifera at the hands of Cushman. Since forams are generally small and abundant when present at all they stand a much better chance of preservation in both compact limestones and coarse sandy marls than do the tests of higher and larger marine organisms. They have been particularly useful in tracing the Tertiary geological zones around the equatorial belt of the world. In Panama, around the borders and on the islands of the Spanish Main, as well as in our own southern coastal plain, the Foraminifera have proven to be often the only, and always among the most satisfactory types of fossils. Widely distributed in the seaways, rapidly mutating into recognizable differentials, they have been one of the keys to our understanding of the history of equatorial America.

They, like the Bryozoa, are generally small enough to be present in well samples where larger forms are not encountered or are largely smashed beyond recognition by the drills. They have lately been shown to be of profound significance in the location of the oil sands by means of a study of well cuttings in the Texas oil fields. They are almost the only fossils in the thick series of calcareous clays that overlie the oil sands in the Tampico district, and in this last region alone will eventually contribute more in dollars and cents to the wealth of the world than all of the issues of the Congressional Record that have ever been printed.

Probably the laymen requires no introduction to corals. All boys can probably be divided into two classes, at least such was once the case those who avowed that they were going to be locomotive engineers when they grew up, and those who longed to explore a coral reef or live on a South Pacific coral atoll. Any one who has never experienced the thrill that comes from contem

plating the profusion of surging life in and around a coral reef, or does not know the fascinating beauty of even the dead skeletons of coral life would do well to read the popular illustrated account by Vaughan in the last annual report of the Smithsonian Institution.

Corals are all small marine animals, but many of them dwell in colonies, notably the so-called stone corals, and secrete the calcareous skeletons familiarly known as corals. Like the Bryozoa, corals are sedentary except for the short period when they have a freeswimming larval fling as it were. Their ancestors go back as far as the fossil records go, and they have never suffered the obliquity as horizon markers that has at times attached to the Bryozoa and Foraminifera. Reef corals require definite temperatures and environmental conditions in order to flourish. hence they are useful in retrospective prophecy. Geologically they are especially important during later geological times in Mediterranean regions-in the south of Europe, the Antilles, and the balance of equatorial America. Their contribution to our understanding of the relations and geological history of the Antilles is probably not equalled and certainly not exceeded by any other group of organisms.

In conclusion to cite but a single pragmatic instance of the ultimate commercial value of these monographic paleontologic studies that are published by the National Museum-the exploration for oil in central and northern South America, and the successful interpretation of structure that is the key to commercial success or failure in the far off tierra caliente of Colombia or Venezuela, rests very largely on the application of the results of the unostentatious and unadvertised paleontologic studies.

EDWARD W. BERRY

JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY

SCIENTIFIC EVENTS

A NEW OBSERVATORY IN CLEVELAND

CASE School of Applied Science, Cleveland, Ohio, dedicated a new observatory on Columbus Day, October 12, 1920. It is to be known

as the Warner and Swazey Observatory, in honor of the donors, members of the noted firm that have made so many of the largest and best telescopes in this country. Mr. Warner is a trustee of Case School of Applied Science, and both men have long taken an active interest in the work of the school. They secured the site on the brow of a hill overlooking a residential section of East Cleveland, about two miles from the campus, but easily accessible, and erected on it a handsome brick structure filled with all the necessary equipment to carry on college instruction in astronomy. The gift to Case is the most noteworthy addition to astronomical equipment in this section of the country, and especially significant because it is in the home city of the men whose name it will bear.

The observatory is L-shaped, with the tower and dome at the angle. One wing contains two astronomical transits, and a zenith telescope, all from the Warner and Swazey factory. The other wing contains a constant-temperature clock room, provided with two Riefler clocks, and a library room, suitable for class use as well, housing the school's collection of astronomical books. The tower will accommodate a small class where the ten-inch telescope is mounted. The lens was ground by John Brashear, of Pittsburgh. The tube is fitted with every device known to the expert makers to increase its usefulness. In the basement are living apartments for a caretaker, a storeroom, a battery room, and a dark room for photographic purposes.

At the dedicatory exercises, which were held outdoors on the grounds, both Mr. Swazey and Mr. Warner spoke, the former relating some of the firm's experiences in the making and improving of astronomical instruments, and the latter referring especially to the instrument presented to Case, and making the formal presentation. President Charles S. Howe accepted the gift on behalf of the trustees. The main address of the occasion was given by Director W. W. Campbell, of the Lick Observatory of the University of California, on the subject, The Daily Influence of Astronomy." Professor D. T. Wilson, professor of

astronomy at Case, outlined the work done at the school in astronomy, and the services he hoped the school would be able to render the community by means of this splendid observatory.

K. O. THOMPSON

A SURVEY OF FOREST RESEARCH

"NORTH American Forest Research" published as Vol. 1, Part 4, No. 4, of the Bulletin of the National Research Council, Washington, D. C., is a summary of the investigative projects in forestry and allied subjects. It covers the work carried on in 1919-1920 by national, state, and provincial governments, schools of forestry, scientific schools and private interests in Canada, Newfoundland and the United States. The work is a compilation by the committee on American forest research, of the society of American Foresters. It is the first and only authoritative and complete outline of research work in forestry devoted to increasing the knowledge of the best means of producing and utilizing one of the greatest natural resources of the North American continent.

Agricultural research, as exemplified by the agricultural experiment stations, has proved its practical value. Forest research attempts to do for forest production what agricultural research has done for agricultural production.

The bulletin describes the investigative work that is being done in four main fields. (1) Utilization of forest products; (2) Proper handling of the forest and its perpetuation; (3) Proper handling of the range within or adjoining forests; (4) Forest economics, or the relation of the forests and their products to the economic life of the continent.

The survey is said to contain brief descriptions of studies being carried on for practically every important forest region, type and tree and in every province and state in which the forests are an important economic factor in North America.

A SCORE FOR HEALTH ACTIVITIES

THE New York State Department of Health has prepared an activities score for cities with

a population of from 25,000 to 175,000 inhabitants. Of a possible 1,000 points for perfect, adequate public health nursing service counts 75; other follow-up social service 10; adequate dispensary or clinic service 70; hospital facilities for the communicable diseases 45; a day nursery 10; Little Mothers' League 10; good newspaper publicity regarding health matters 50; and a physician in charge of the infant welfare station 15. This gives a total of 285 points for activities in which the nurse is directly concerned. In general the score provides the following distribution of credit:

Communicable disease control:
Tuberculosis, perfect score

Venereal diseases, perfect score

Other communicable diseases, perfect score. Adequate laboratory facilities and use of

same

Infant and maternal welfare

60

828

70

80

100

90

COUNCIL MEETING OF THE ILLINOIS STATE ACADEMY OF SCIENCE

Ar the call of President Cowles a meeting of the council was held at the University Club, Chicago, on September 28. There were present President Cowles, retiring President Ward, Vice-president Knipp, Treasurer Watermann and Librarian Crook.

The first question taken up was how best to meet the great misfortune which had befallen the academy in the death of Secretary Pricer. It was voted that the librarian continue until the next meeting to serve as secretary, as he had been doing at the request of the president since the death of Secretary Pricer. With

some misgivings as to the wisdom of such appointment the librarian consented..

In conformity with action at the Danville meeting the following legislative committee was appointed: H. C. Cowles, Chicago, chairman; William Barnes, Decatur; E. W. Payne, Springfield; R. M. Barnes, Lacon; Geo. Langford, Joliet.

It was voted that the fiscal year of the academy begin with the calendar year and that dues be payable on the December 1st preceding, to accord with arrangements with the A. A. A. S. The secretary was instructed to mail the three volumes of Transactions which are to appear shortly, to paid-up members only.

It was decided to hold the annual meeting for 1921 at Carbondale some time in the spring with the hope of having a field day and the president was requested to begin arrangements for such meeting. The president was requested to appoint chairmen for the various sections which it might seem advisable to form at the coming meeting. The treasurer presented matters concerning various classes of members and the relation between the State Academy and the A. A. A. S. It was suggested that he publish a list of members whose address is unknown, in hope that some member can supply the information wanted.

The following committee was appointed to continue the work of interesting high school science clubs, other science clubs, boards of education, teachers, etc. in the work of the academy and to suggest to them the desirability of sending delegates to academy meetings: Charles meetings: Charles T. Knipp, Chairman, Urbana; W. G. Watermann, Evanston; R. H. Linkins, Normal; H. S. Pepoon, Chicago.

A. R. CROOK, Acting Secretary

THE ENGINEERING FOUNDATION

AN anonymous gift of $200,000 toward a fivemillion-dollar fund for the promotion of research in science and in engineering is announced by Engineering Foundation at its headquarters in the Engineering Societies Building, New York City. This contribution

brings the foundation's fund to $500,000. It is the aim of the foundation to obtain one million dollars by January first.

Engineering Foundation was organized to care for the gifts aggregating $300,000 of Ambrose Swasey, of Cleveland, Ohio, the income from these gifts being devoted to research. Since its organization as a trust fund in 1914, the funds of the foundation have been used to aid the National Research Council and others in performing research directly connected with engineering. Mr. Swasey's gifts were made to United Engineering Society as a nucleus of a large endowment "for the furtherance of research in science and in engineering, or for the advancement in any other manner of the profession of engineering and the good of mankind."

The Engineering Foundation is administered by the engineering foundation board composed of members from the American Society of Civil Engineers, American Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and American Institute of Electrical Engineers and members at large. The board is a department of United Engineering Society. It is the instrumentality of the founder societies named for the stimulation, direction and support of research.

The officers of Engineering Foundation are Charles F. Rand, chairman; Edward Dean Adams, first vice-chairman; Frank B. Jewett, second vice-chairman; Joseph Struthers, treasurer; and Alfred D. Flinn, secretary. The executive committee is composed of Charles F. Rand, chairman; Edward Dean Adams, George B. Pegram, Frank B. Jewett and H. Hobert Porter.

A statement issued by the foundation says: Potential benefits for the whole nation are very great, but these benefits can not be gained without expenditure of effort and materials. Research workers must be supported. Equipment, materials, working places and traveling facilities must be provided. Since the benefits accrue to the profession, the industries and the public in general, support in large measure should come from general funds, such as those provided by endowments.

Engineering Foundation seeks to build up its endowment to dimensions worthy of the engineering profession. Engineers connected with industrial and financial organizations having great resources can aid by convincing proper officials of corporations that the continued prosperity of our industries depends upon continued progress of research. Since the commercial and industrial establishments of the country reap the larger proportions of the financial profits arising from scientific and technological work, these establishments should contribute liberally to the support of research.

There are many problems relating to the materials and forces of engineering on which further knowledge is needed. Progress will be made approximately in proportion to the funds made available. But there are other kinds of problems which concern the engineer. No longer may one declare, as did Professor J. H. Johnson a generation ago, that "Engineering differs from all other learned professions in this, that its learning has to do only with the inanimate world, the world of dead matter and force."'

Many acute social and economic questions of our day need the dispassionate, impartial, patient study of scientists and technologists. To these questions must now be applied the scientific method of collecting facts by thorough study, and the engineer's capacity for planning and performing, instead of ill-considered "reforms."

Occasionally experimental work is undertaken in accordance with a well-conceived plan as a necessary or desirable adjunct to the main operation. In such cases the exigencies of the main operation sooner or later interrupt the experimental work; or the men who have it in hand leave the force; or the information is gained but never written up; or the statement is buried in some report of limited circulation; or greater familiarity with research methods and a broader conception of the problem could, with small additional expense, have secured much more valuable results and have made them more generally useful.

These services and many others could be performed by Engineering Foundation, if adequate funds could be placed at its disposal. The Foundation does not plan to build laboratories and conduct research work directly, but rather to stimulate, coordinate and support research work in existing scientific and industrial laboratories, cooperating, in so far as possible, with the National Research Council.

SCIENTIFIC NOTES AND NEWS

AT the annual meeting of the Royal Society on November 30, Dr. C. S. Sherrington, Wayneflete professor of physiology at the University of Oxford, was elected president to succeed Sir Joseph Thomson.

DR. E. H. GRIFFITHS has been elected general treasurer of the British Association in succession to the late Professor John Perry.

THE Weldon medal has been conferred by the University of Oxford upon Dr. J. Arthur Harris, of the Station for Experimental Evolution of the Carnegie Institution of Washington, in recognition of his work in biometry. The Weldon Medal, accompanied by a monetary prize of about £90 may be awarded every three years "... without regard to nationality, sex, or membership of any University, to the person who, in the judgment of the electors, has, in the six years next preceding the date of the award, published the most noteworthy contribution to biometric science," in the field of zoology, botany, anthropology, sociology, psychology or medical science.

THE King of Italy has conferred upon J. E. Zanetti, assistant professor of chemistry in Columbia University, the order of the crown with the rank of officer, for services rendered during the war as lieutenant-colonel in the Chemical Warfare Service. He has also received from the French government the legion of honor and from the British government the distinguished service order.

PROFESSOR ALBERT P. WILLS, of the department of physics in Columbia University, and Dr. Frederick Barry, formerly instructor in chemistry, have been awarded the Ernest Kempton Adams research fellowship by Columbia University. This fellowship was founded in 1905 by Edward Dean Adams in memory of his son Ernest Kempton Adams, E.E. '97, A.M. '98. The provision of the fellowship is that its incumbent "shall prosecute researches either in Columbia University or elsewhere, in the physical sciences, in psychology or in their practical applications."

DEAN P. H. ROLFS, for fifteen years director of the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station and for the past six years dean of the Agricultural College, has been granted leave of absence to locate, establish and conduct an agricultural institution for the state of Minas Geraes, Brazil. His address after January 1 will be at Bello Horizonte, Minas Geraes, Brazil. The president of that state desires to have a full corps of scientific workers appointed from the United States.

IT is stated in Nature that the following have been elected officers of the Cambridge Philosophical Society for the session 19201921: President, Professor Seward; Vice-presidents, Sir E. Rutherford, Mr. C. T. R. Wilson and Dr. E. H. Griffiths; Treasurer, Professor Hobson; Secretaries, Mr. H. H. Brindley, Professor Baker and Mr. F. W. Aston; New Members of the Council, Professor Marr, Mr. C. T. Heycock, Mr. H. Lamb, Professor Hopkins, Dr. Bennett and Dr. Hartridge.

FIVE university lectures on "The theory of relativity are being given at Cornell University by Dr. L. Silberstein, of the research laboratory of the Eastman Company, of Rochester. Dr. Silberstein suggested that a preliminary lecture beginning with the experimental basis of the theory of relativity would be helpful, and such an introductory lecture was given by Professors Floyd K. Richtmyer and E. H. Kennard, of the physics department of the university.

C. E. KENNETH MEES, director of the research laboratories, Eastman Kodak Company, delivered a lecture on December 2, before the Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, on "The structure of photographic images."

ELMER D. MERRILL, director of the Philippine Bureau of Science, delivered on November 18, an address on "Land and nature in the Philippines," before the Washington Academy of Sciences.

PROFESSOR J. STIEGLITZ, of the University of Chicago, gave three lectures on the Mayo Foundation at Rochester, Minnesota, on November 3, 4, and 5, on CC Chemistry and