ceptible and resistant phases, which fact constitutes additional evidence that a very intimate relation exists between the general physiological condition of the egg, and the physical state of its plasma-membrane. During the first ten to fifteen minutes after fertilization the eggs are more susceptible to all substances tried than at any other time until the period just preceding and during the division process. A period of marked increased susceptibility occurs during the division process which outlasts the furrow formation in most cases about ten to fifteen minutes, and during this interval, marked cytological effects in the eggs are noted. The best records were obtained using i-amyl and capryl alcohols, possibly indicating a higher specific toxicity of these men when compared to the others. Notes on the branches of the aorta (Arcus aorta) and the subclavian artery of the rabbit: FRANCIS MARSH BALDWIN. Although the usual number of blood vessels arising from the arch of the aorta in the rabbit is two -a so-called innominate or brachio-cephalic artery and a left subclavian artery-the variations from this condition indicate the possibility of a considerable departure. In a number of cases, three vessels have their origin on the arch and in these the order is the brachio-cephalic, the left common carotid and the left subclavian arteries. Conspicuous differences in the order and sequence of the vessels from the subclavian arteries of the two sides are noted. On the left side the vessels in a number of cases show a tendency to group themselves either proximally or distally in the form of a sort of corona. A study of the phylogeny of certain hymenopterous parasites of leafhoppers: F. A. FENTION. This paper deals with the Anteoninæ (Dryinida), a small parasitic group now classed with the Bethylida under the Proctotrupoidea. We are now able to trace the evolution of the peculiarly specialized species from the more simple and generalized types. So far as our present knowledge is concerned these insects are parasitic on the leafand tree-hoppers and there is an interesting relationship in the evolution of these parasites with their homopterous hosts. The larvae are mostly externally attached to the host and are incased and protected in the larval exuvia which form a protective sac. The fore tarsi of the adult parasites in a great many cases are modified into perfect chelæ or clasping organs, a fact not found in any other insect group. The relative position of the maxima contractions of the Amphibian muscle when subjected to various ranges in temperature: RALPH L. PARKER. The results of a series of twenty experiments upon the gastrocnemius muscles of frogs showed three apparent maxima contractions within the range of plus ten degrees Centigrade through zero degrees to rigor caloris. These varied to some extent as to what degree the maxima fell, depending upon the individual. Rigor caloris of the muscles generally proximated that of the greatest maxima, while that when all were combined and averaged was less than the greatest maxima. Selecting those which recorded in all ranges of temperature and averaging them (seven) the results were nearly parallel to the average of all the muscles and only two maxima contractions appeared. Rigor caloris was greater than the maximum contraction. A revision of the Cercopida of North America north of Mexico: E. D. BALL. The family Cercopidae is the smallest and best known of all the groups of the Homoptera. The writer's key to the genera and species of the family published over twenty years ago is now out of date. A number of changes in synonymy and distribution have been made and several species and varieties added and the whole information brought up to date. A review of the desert leafhoppers of the Orgerini (Rhynchota fulgoride): E. D. BALL AND ALBERT HARTZELL. These desert leafhoppers are a group of round, fat, short-winged insects with very peculiar structural modifications probably developed to adapt them to the extremely hot conditions of the deserts. These modifications consist in an elongation of the rostrum or beak and a lengthening of the legs so that the insect walks upright and its body is thus removed from close contact with the hot sands. These insects are all inhabitants of the arid regions west of the Rockies and are little known. A number of new genera and species are proposed, together with the classification and life histories of the group. Notes on some dipterous parasites of leafhoppers: I. L. RESSLER. Two new species of Pipunculidæ, of the genus Pipunculus, reared from the nymph of the leafhopper Deltocephalus sayi Fitch are described and discussed in this paper. The Pipunculidæ are small flies about one eighth of an inch long, the head being larger than the thorax, and consisting chiefly of the large, closely approximated eyes. While it is known that the larvae of these flies are parasitic in their habits, very little is known of their host relations. An intensive ornithological survey of a typical square mile of cultivated prairie: ARTHUR R. ABEL. Bird records of the past two winters, 1918–1920, in the upper Missouri valley: T. C. STEPHENS. A study of sociality in the phylum Coelenterata: H. J. WEHMAN AND GERTRUDE VAN WAGENEN. On the parasites of the unios of the Lake Okoboji region: HARRY M. KELLY. The 1919 outbreak of armyworms and variegated cutworms in Iowa: H. E. JAQUES. The pathology of lethargic encephalitis: HENRIETTA CALHOUN. Descriptive notes concerning the American bald eagle: BEN HUR WILSON. Some impressions obtained from a review of Professor Nutting's narrative of the BarbadosAntigua expedition: A. C. TROWBRIDGE. Archeology The material for a study of Iowa archeology: CHARLES REUBEN KEYES. The Keokuk type of stone ar: CHARLES REUBEN KEYES. General The comparative stability of colors in wallpaper: J. M. LINDLY. Iowa Section Mathematical Association of America Note on a generalization of a theorem of Baire: E. W. CHITTENDEN. A celebrated theorem of Baire states that the necessary and sufficient condition that a function F(x) defined on a closed set P in space of n-dimensions be the limit of a sequence of continuous functions defined on P is that if Q be a perfect subset of P, then F(x) has a point of continuity in every portion, however small, of the set Q. Professor Chittenden calls attention to the fact that a proof of this theorem given by Vallée-Poussin can be extended without difficulty to the case of a set P in an abstract space of a type studied by Fréchet. As a special instance, P may be a perfect set in a compact space of infinitely many dimensions. Notes on the history of indeterminate equations: R. B. MCCLENON. Professor McClenon traces the history of some indeterminate equations found in the writings of Leonardo of Pisa, showing the contributions that had been made to their solution by the Hindus and Arabs, as well as their further development by later writers, down to modern times. A pseudo velocity-resistance graph for low angle firing: M. E. GRABER. Mayevski's law for air resistance is unsatisfactory because the discontinuities introduced render numerical integration difficult. Professor Graber presents a smooth curve law for the velocity-resistance relation between the velocities of 750 ft./sec. and 1700 ft./sec. and compares it with a pseudo velocity-resistance standardization curve. What is number? C. W. WESTER. An attempt to state in a simple way some of the outstanding differences between current definitions of number, especially between what may be called the mathematical and the metaphysical definitions; and to suggest the lines along which a working agreement may be reached as to what shall be thought of as number in elementary mathematics. The teaching of limits in the high school: J. V. MCKELVEY. In this paper Professor McKelvey discusses certain popular misconceptions in regard to limits and outlines a point of view from which a rigorous and usable understanding of this seemingly bewildering subject may be obtained. No plea is made either for or against the teaching of limits in preparatory schools. The taxonomy of algebraic surfaces: R. P. BAKER, The integration of the indefinite integral in the first course: W. H. WILSON. A problem in summation of series: JOHN F. REILLY. SCIENCE FRIDAY, JULY 30, 1920 CONTENTS SOME OBLIGATIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES OF SCIENTISTS IN THE UPBUILDING OF PEACE1 To WE have been free from the turmoil of actual warfare for something over a year and it is high time we turn our faces with resolute courage toward the coming years with the determination that the world shall be a happier, saner, and safer one for humanity. The results of victory have probably not been all that we expected and certainly not all that many of us desired while in many respects the results have been entirely unforeseen. scientists, I imagine, one of the most surprising outcomes of the war has been the sudden and I believe permanent enthronement of science in the activities of humanity. In the carrying on and the winning of the war, men of science played an unexpectedly important and indispensable part. The roll of honor among the sciences is large and includes certainly all of them represented here to-night. The men in these sciences were called from every quarter of the nation; and the promptness with which they answered the calls and the effectiveness with which they met the demands made upon them should be a source of pride and profound satisfaction to every one of us. THE STANDING OF SCIENCE IN THE MINDS OF THE PEOPLE As a result of their work the value of research and investigation to the welfare of the nation, whether in peace or in war, has taken hold on the minds of the people as never before; and the worth and usefulness of the scientist to humanity have received general recognition from the public to an extent long justified but hardly expected in our day and 1 An address delivered at the installation of the new members of the Alpha Chapter of Sigma Xi at Cornell University, May 18, 1920. age. As one clear evidence of this I cite the adoption, by the American Federation of Labor at Atlantic City, of that noteworthy resolution with its remarkable preambles concerning the importance to the nation of scientific research. The resolution is well worth repeating here and is as follows: Resolved, by the American Federation of Labor in convention assembled, that a broad program of scientific and technical research is of major importance to the national welfare and should be fostered in every way by the federal government, and that the activities of the government itself in such research should be adequately and generously supported in order that the work may be greatly strengthened and extended; and the secretary of this federation is instructed to transmit copies of this resolution to the President of the United States, to the president pro tempore of the Senate, and to the speaker of the House of Representatives. The five preambles preceding the resolution set forth in a very clear, cogent manner the importance of research to the development of our industries, manufacturing, agriculture, mining, to increased production, and to the general welfare of the workers. One can not fail to realize that the accumulated achievements of science prior to the war together with the accomplishments of scientists during that terrible struggle have created a heritage for future generations of research workers from which they may "take increased devotion to their chosen pursuit. Although we may feel gratified with this background of the status of research and with the present position of science we must not forget that there is another and serious side to this situation. We must not forget that this world confidence in our work and reliance upon us for future accomplishment put upon us an enormous responsibility and a high obligation to show ourselves worthy of the faith and equal to the expectations of humanity. Moreover, we are now in a position where we must make a determined effort to meet these added obligations and live up to them in the same devoted, courageous, unselfish spirit of achievement with which this heritage has come to us and we must carry them on with energy, effectiveness, and joy. What, then, are some of the obligations and opportunities of the scientist in the coming years of peace? OPPORTUNITIES OF SCIENTISTS IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE OF THE PEOPLE First of all it seems to me that the student of science will necessarily take a more active part in certain directions, at least, in attempts to aid in solving some of the social and perhaps political problems of the people. Indeed it appears to be his duty to do so and the opportunity is worthy of the man. As a case in point with which I have been much impressed was the partitioning of Austria-Hungary by the Conference of Paris. Simonds points out very forcefully that in this partitioning there was created one state rich in minerals and possessing considerable industrial machinery but having no areas of soil on which food can be grown for the support of its people. Another state was created containing the city of Vienna which apparently has no sources of food, of raw materials, or of any of the elements necessary for self-maintenance, while a third state was set apart that has no minerals and few raw materials but can produce more food than is needed for its own consumption yet it was given no outlet to the sea and was left with no means of transportation by which products can be exchanged between it and adjacent states. Thus the economic situation created by academic statesmen and politicians is an impossible one. If the technically trained civil-engineer, mining engineer, geologist, soil technologist, and agronomist, for example, had been sent to study the regions and their data had been laid before the Conference and the vital bearing of their findings on the economics of the situation had been pointed out, perhaps, as Simonds says, from another point of view, the eggs would not now have to be wholly unscrambled in order to make living conditions for those middle European people possible. Certainly the opportunity for the scientist in this political matter was and is yet, I believe, perfectly evident and the world should be made to understand it. Another field in which the scientist must take a more active part in certain social problems of the people is the direct outcome of a state of affairs which his own efforts have produced. I refer to the results of research in the industrial world and the effect on the social condition of the worker. The researches of science in the industrial world and the enormous development of spe cialized machinery and processes of manufacture have resulted in producing great inequalities in the social life of the people. These researches have certainly resulted in giving power to a few men and in belittling the position and character of many men, notably, the individual workers. The technical results of industrial research have made possible the practical control of the world's production of clothing, furniture, much of its food, and means of transportation by a comparatively few men. Industrial research and development have made some men very rich and caused a great many men to remain uncomfortably poor. I do not mean to say that the laborer is not better off to-day in houses, supplies of food, clothing, entertainment, and the general comforts of life than he has ever been in the history of the world, but I do say that he is tending to become more of an automaton, more of a machine, and less of an individual and that he is still living largely under sanitary and health conditions that are wholly incompatible with the advancement of the age and our present knowledge. These effects on the worker and on society are some of the paradoxes of industrial scientific research and investigation. And it appears as though further activities of this line of research will tend still farther in the same direction, yet the need for similar and more intense investigation, as I shall try to point out, is absolutely imperative and more pressing than ever before. Unquestionably the major problems of social welfare must be left to the student of humanities who is especially equipped by his knowledge of the philosophies, religions, lan guages, racial temperaments, and histories of man, to deal with these questions. Yet I believe the scientist may do much to alleviate the effects of his industrial researches and, it seems to me, he has an obligation in this matter to meet and a duty to perform which perhaps have not been fully realized. The laboring men, in one of the preambles to the resolution which I have read, have already indicated the direction in which a part of the effort of the scientist must go in this matter. In speaking of the importance of scientific research the laboring men said "and the health and well-being not only of the workers but of the whole population as well are dependent upon advances in medicine and sanitation." In this direction, then, may lie some of the efforts of the scientist to ameliorate the unsatisfactory conditions brought about by industrial research. Certainly any improvement in the sanitary and health conditions of the laboring man will react upon his social welfare. Here the medical man, the sanitary engineer, and the biologist may find an enlarged opportunity and a chance to aid in undoing, as it were, some of the undesirable results that the scientist has unwittingly brought about in his zealous investigations. Indeed, in a wider way, anything that the scientist can do to vary the monotony of the laborer's job, to remove the danger of accident to life and limb, to relieve the abnormal strain of fatigue, or to improve the man's well-being in any way should be done and unquestionably the scientist has a duty in this direction to perform. SOME PROBLEMS AWAITING SOLUTION BY But aside from these questions which many of us will deem relatively unimportant there yet remain out of the many momentous problems facing the world to-day at least three which are pressing for immediate solution and a fourth one which needs new emphasis and added stress. The problems to which I refer are: (1) the serious need for an increase in the production of the necessities of life; (2) the development |