If we do not care to eliminate the goldenrod from the national flower contest because of thoughtfulness for our friends and neighbors who suffer from its existence, let us do so merely from the efficiency standpoint, both individual and state. HORACE GUNTHORP WASHBURN COLLEGE, TOPEKA, KANS. SCIENTIFIC BOOKS The Theory of Relativity of Motion. By R. C. TOLMAN. University of California Press. ix225 pp. This book, which the author calls an introduction to the theory of relativity, is very attractive in style, sufficiently accurate, and covers the subject rather thoroughly. After a brief sketch of the historical development and statement of the postulates on which Einstein founded the theory, there is a very interesting chapter containing "elementary deductions " of some of the most striking results. This chapter makes it possible for students of physics to get a fairly definite idea of the subject without the rather perplexing mathematics in which it is usually hidden. Unfortunately the author finds it necessary to state that observers moving relatively to each other would find the same measurements perpendicular to the line of motion because they could make a direct comparison of their meter sticks when the motion brings such meter sticks into juxtaposition. There is nothing in the previous discussion that shows why this applies when the meter sticks are perpendicular to the line of motion and not when they are parallel to it. A reader interested in the formal development would perhaps turn first to the chapter on the Lorentz transformations for, as Poincaré pointed out, these constitute the real essence of relativity. Most writers have some difficulty in logically deducing these from Einstein's postulates, the reason apparently being that it can not be done. The author avoids this difficulty by showing that the transformations do satisfy the postulates without attempting the impossible converse. The applications cover the dynamics of a system of particles, elastic bodies, thermodynamic systems, and electromagnetic theory. In a chapter on the chaotic motion of a system of particles there is given what amounts to statistical mechanics in the form required by the principle of relativity. The last chapter is an introduction to the four-dimensional vector analysis used by Wilson and Lewis. This will be welcomed by many readers who have struggled with the original. The book does not enter into the extended relativity proposed by Einstein in connection with his speculations on gravitation. H. B. PHILLIPS SPECIAL ARTICLES ON EXPLAINING MENDELIAN PHENOMENA So many devices have been invented for representing the possible combinations of the various factors in Mendelian inheritance that one comes to entertain a suspicion that other folk have their troubles also in the presentation of this subject to beginners. The following suggestion is offered as having helped in serious cases. The beginning student of heredity is dealing with unfamiliar terms and, unless considerable laboratory work has rendered him no longer a beginner, he is considering unfamiliar processes. In his quicksand of strangeness he is glad to find a firmament of familiarity and he, therefore, welcomes a process of reasoning or of routine that he has employed before. Practically every high school graduate has had at least a year of algebra and has learned by rote the square of a+b. Whether or not he remembers that a2+2ab+b2* represents all the possible combinations of the two factors, he is in a position to be reminded of that fact and to take the first short step into the unfamiliar. If a and b represent the two types of gametes produced by the heterozygous parents F,, then a2+2ab+b2 represents all possible progeny in the F2 generation. Factors of second power represent pure strains because the determiner is the same from both parents. Conversely factors of the first power represent heterozygotes or the union of unlike determiners. 2 The greatest service of this method appears when the two sets of allelomorphs are combined. The student has learned to multiply a2+2ab+b2 by the expression x2+2xy + y2. He will perform the operation as one familiar to him and he can readily be taught to recognize the four pure strains a2x2, a2y2, b2x2, b2y2. Suppose a and y represent the dominant characters and b and x represent the recessives, emphasizing the fact that the dominant is effective whether appearing as the first or as the second power. Suppose a represent tallness and y represent red flower in a plant. Gathering the results of the multiplication according to visible attributes, we have four columns representing the Mendelian ratio 9:3:3:1. such body of silica has impressed itself upon the writer during the preparation of a discussion of the acidic dikes of northern New York. Such terms as 66 quartz dikes" or "dike quartz" are not comprehensive enough, first, because much of the silica under consideration is not in dike form, and, second, because the silica may be either quartz or tridymite depending upon the temperature of crystallization. 66 The term selexite" is proposed for any body of pure or nearly pure silica of igneous or aqueo-igneous origin which occurs as a dike, segregation mass, or inclusion within or without its parent rock. This term is based upon the name "silex" used by Pliny in his "Natural History " for the mineral now known as quartz. "Silexite," therefore, not only has the advantage of simplicity as a name, but also it directly suggests the composition of the rock which it names. SMITH COLLEGE WILLIAM J. MILLER This is only one of many devices all alike fundamentally but it has the great value of utilizing a familiar process. Many times I have seen it clear up a badly fogged situation. It is worth trying on the discouraged pupil at any rate. LOYE HOLMES MILLER STATE NORMAL SCHOOL, LOS ANGELES, CALIF. SILEXITE: A NEW ROCK NAME IN the granites of the Adirondack region the writer has observed many bodies of pure or nearly pure silica of igneous origin in the form of dikes segregation masses practically in situ, or inclusions. Among many other districts where similar masses of silica occur is the Silver Peak quadrangle of Nevada in an account of which Spurr has described many considerable bodies of quartz of magmatic origin. Numerous fine examples of so-called " quartz dikes" occur in the Holyoke quadrangle of western Massachusetts described by Emerson. The need for a definite name to apply to any THE WESTERN SOCIETY OF NATURALISTS THE Bay Section of the society held a two-day meeting at Stanford University, November 29-30, 1918. The sessions, held in Jordan Hall, were well attended and the various papers which were of more than usual interest were enthusiastically received. Dr. Joseph Grinnell served as chairman. An informal dinner Friday evening and a field trip on Saturday afternoon were features of the occa sion. Dr. S. D. Townley gave the evening lecture on "The recent solar eclipse.'' The following papers were presented: Isolation as a factor in species forming: DAVID STARR JORDAN, Stanford University. A Thanksgiving Day registration of plants in bloom on Mt. Tamalpais: ALICE EASTWOOD, California Academy of Sciences. Use of selective dyes in sanitary examination of water: IVAN C. HALL, University of California. The naturalist's place in his community: E. W. ALLEN, Fresno High School. Adaptation of the eyes of birds for rapid flight: J. R. SLONAKER, Stanford University. Intrauterine absorption of conceptsuses: A. W. MEYER, Stanford University. The relations between the salinity of water and the osmotic pressure of nereocystis: ANNIE MAY HURD, University of California. Gistel's natural history: DAVID STARR JORDAN. The English sparrow has arrived in Death Valley: J. GRINNELL, University of California. The Steinhart Aquarium of the California Academy of Sciences: B. W. EVERMANN, California Academy of Sciences Some phases of plant succession due to grazing: C. H. SHATTUCK, University of California. Larval stages of the Japanese blood-fluke, Shistosoma japonicum: W. W. CORT, University of California. Genetic investigations of the Composite: E. B. BABCOCK, University of California. New habitat groups in the museum of the California Academy of Sciences: B. W. EVERMANN. Demonstration of a plankton net: W. E. ALLEN. The discovery of some new white fishes in Bear Lake, Idaho: J. O. SNYDER, Stanford University. The work of the Committee on Zoological Investigation of the Council of Defense of California: B. W. EVERMANN. The Escalonias in Golden Gate Park: ALICE EAST WOOD. The five-toed kangaroo rats of west-central California: J. GRINNELL. Orthogenesis: DAVID STARR JORDAN. Mussels of the Pacific Coast: E. P. RANKIN, U. S. Bureau of Fisheries. The ovulation and Estrus cycle in the rat: J. A. Bacteriology of peanut butter: IVAN C. HALL. What kinds of botany does the world need now: Papers were read for C. V. Taylor, Forrest Shreve and D. T. MacDougal, the authors not being present. THE TENNESSEE ACADEMY OF SCIENCE THE tenth meeting (seventh annual meeting) of the Tennessee Academy of Science was held on November 29, 1918, at Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn., President John T. McGill presiding. The program was as follows: Memorial Sketch of Dr. A. H. Purdue, by Dr. L. C. Glenn. Annual address of the president, "Tobacco smoke; its composition and toxicity," by Dr. John T. McGill. A vocational survey of the chemical industries of Nashville, by Professor H. A. Webb. The effect of the Old Hickory Works upon Cumberland River water, by Dr. W. H. Hollinshead. Reelfoot Lake water, by Dr. J. I. D. Hinds. On the temperature of reduction with hydrogen, by Dr. J. H. Ransom and Dr. J. L. St. John. The sulphur industry in the United States, by Miss Gretchen H. Lee. The differential action of lime and magnesia upon the conservation of soil sulphur, by Professor W. H. McIntire. Carbocoal, a new smokeless fuel from high volatile coals, by Dr. C. H. Gordon. Geology as applied to warfare, by Wilbur A. Nel son. The contributions of biology to winning the war, by Dr. E. E. Reincke. Forestry and the war, by R. S. Maddox. Uses of meteorology in the war, by Roscoe Nunn. The geographic basis of the European war, by Professor A. E. Parkins. The migration of the birds of the Mississippi Valley, with special reference to Reelfoot Lake, by W. D. Howser. The future of the airplane, by Latimer J. Wilson. The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows: President, Dr. L. C. Glenn, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn. Vice-president, Professor Scott C. Lyon, Southwestern Presbyterian University, Clarksville, Tenn. Editor, Dr. C. H. Gordon, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tenn. Secretary-Treasurer, Roscoe Nunn, U. S. Weather Bureau, Nashville, Tenn. The annua! announcement, application blanks, and circular describing graduate courses may be obtained by addressing the Dear of the Johns Hopkins Medical School Washington and Monument St. Washington University School of Medicine REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION Candidates for entrance are required to have completed at least two full years of college work which must include English, German, and instruction with laboratory work in Physics, Chemistry and Biology. INSTRUCTION Instruction begins on the last Thursday in September and ends on the second Thursday in June. Clinical instruction is given in the Barnes Hospital and the St. Louis Children's Hospital, athliated with the medical school, the St. Louis City Klonpital, and in the Washington University Dispensary COURSES LEADING TO ACADEMIC Students who have taken their premedical work in Washington University, are eligible for the degree of B.S. upon the completion of the first two years of medical work. Students in Washington University may pursue study in the fundamental medical sciences leading to the degree of A.M. and Ph.D. For catalogs and all other information, address BALTIMORE, MD. TULANE COLLEGE OF MEDICINE P. O. Box 770, New Orleans, La. 1765 School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania The One Hundred Fifty-third Annual Session of this institution will open September 27, 1918, and continue The First and Second Year Classes are ordinarily limited to 100 students; during the period of the war this limitation will not be strictly enforced. Application for admission should be in the hands of the Dean before July 1st. REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION: Candidates must have successfully completed the work prescribed for the Freshman and Sophomore Classes in colleges recognized by this University, which must include at least one year of college work in Physics, General Biology or Zoology and Chemistry (Qualitative Analysis is required; Organic Chemistry is recommended, and in 1919 will be required), together with appropriate laboratory exercises in each of these subjects, and either French or German of more than elementary grade. For detailed information send for catalogue. UNDERGRADUATE COURSE: The course of instruction extends over four annual sessions, the work so graded that the first and second years are largely occupied by the fundamental medical subjects. The third and fourth years are largely devoted to the practical branches, prominence being given to clinical instruction, and the classes sub-divided into small groups so that the individual students are brought into particularly close and personal relations with the instructors and with the patients at the bedside and in the operating room. After graduation further hospital work is undertaken by the members of the class; and more than 90 per cent. attain by competitive examination or by appointment positions as internes in hospitals in this city or elsewhere. The Pennsylvania Bureau of Medical Education and Licensure requires of applicants for license a year spent in an approved hospital. POST GRADUATE WORK: (1) Any graduate possessing a baccalaureate degree may pursue work in Anatomy, Physiology, Physiological-Chemistry, Bacteriology, Pathology, Pharmacology, Research Medicine and Mental Diseases with view of obtaining the higher degrees of Master of Arts or Science and of Doctor of Philosophy in the Graduate School of the University. For information address Dean of Graduate School, University of Pennsylvania. (2) Courses in Public Hygiene (inaugurated in 1906) leading to diploma (Doctor of Public Hygiene, Dr. P.H.), are open to graduates in medicine who have had a preliminary education similar to that required for admission to the Medical School. The subjects comprehended in the course are: Bacteriology, Medical Protozoology and Entomology, Metazoan Parasitology Chemistry, Sanitary Engineering, Sanitary Architecture, Meat and Milk Inspection, School Inspection, Vital Statistics, Sanitary Legislation, and Personal and General Hygiene. The full course extends over one academic year. Special subjects in the course may be taken by any one possessing suitable preliminary qualifications. For details address Director of Laboratory of Hygiene. (3) From the opening of each term to about February 1 courses in Tropical Medicine are open to graduates in Medicine, comprehending instruction in Medical Climatology and Geography, Hygiene of Tropics and of Ships, Tropical Medicine, Bacteriology, Protozoology, Entomology, Helminthology, and General Medical Zoology, Pathology, Skin Diseases, Eye Diseases, and Surgery of Tropical Affections. (4) During the academic session special courses in any of the branches of the medical curriculum are open to graduates of this or other regular schools of Medicine, both in the clinical subjects and in laboratory studies. The excellent hospital facilities offered by the University Hospital, the neighboring Philadelphia General Hospital and other institutions with which the members of the staff of instruction are connected, guarantee exceptional opportunities for clinical observation. TUITION FEE: Undergraduate study, $200 annually; fees for special courses on application. For detailed information or catalogue address DEAN OF SCHOOL OF MEDICINE University of Pennsylvania University of Alabama School of Medicine Mobile, Alabama Entrance Requirements The satisfactory completion of two years of study, in an institution of collegiate grade, to include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and a reading knowledge of French or German. In addition to four year High School diploma. Combined Course The Combined Course which is now offered by the University in connection with its Medical Department gives to the student the opportunity of obtaining the B.S. and M.D. degrees in six years. This course is recommended to all intending students. The equipment of the school is complete. The clinical facilities ample. Eight full time teachers. For catalog and any desired information, address Tucker H. Frazer, M.D., Dean St. Anthony and Lawrence Sts., Philadelphia, Pa. University of Georgia MEDICAL DEPARTMENT Augusta, Georgia ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS The successful completion of at least two years of work including English, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in an approved college. This in addition to four years of high school. INSTRUCTION The course of instruction occupies four years, beginning the second week in September and ending the first week in June. The first two years are devoted to the fundamental sciences, and the third and fourth to practical clinic instruction in medicine and surgery. All the organized medical and surgical charities of the city of Augusta and Richmond County, including the hospitals, are under the entire control of the Board of Trustees of the University. This agreement affords a large number and variety of patients which are used in the clinical teaching. Especial emphasis is laid upon practical work both in the laboratory and clinical departments TUITION The charge for tuition is $150.00 a year except for residents of the State of Georgia, to whom tuition it free. For further information and catalogue address The Medical Department, University of Georgia AUGUSTA, GEORGIA |