(2) medical officers of the Royal Navy, the Royal Army Corps, the Royal Air Force, and the Indian and Colonial Medical Services, who have to attend postgraduate courses at stated intervals; (3) graduates from British colonies, India and Egypt, including those who have recently qualified, and wish to complete their medical education in England, and some senior men who fall into the same category as the men in Class 1; (4) graduates of allied countries, especially Americans, large numbers of whom have in the past studied in Germany and Austria, in many instances simply because they were unable to obtain equal facilities in England, as well as the French, who have hitherto rarely studied abroad, and the Japanese.

THE Civil List pensions granted by the British government during the year ended March 31 last, includes, as we learn from Nature, the following: Mrs. Edith Harrison, in consideration of the services rendered by her late husband, Colonel W. S. Harrison, in connection with inoculation against enteric and typhoid fevers, £50; Mrs. Cash, in view of the contributions of her late husband, George Cash, to the study of Scottish topography, £50; Mr. William Cole, in view of his contributions to the study of natural history and to scientific education, £50; Mrs. R. O. Cunningham, in view of the services of her late husband, Professor Cunningham, as naturalist on board H.M.S. Nassau during the survey of the Straits of Magellan and the west coast of Patagonia, and as professor of natural history in Queen's College, Belfast, £50; Mr. Benjamin Harrison, in view of his devotion to scientific work (in addition to his pension of £26 a year), £25; Mrs. E. A. Mettam, in view of the distinction of her late husband, Professor A. E. Mettam, as professor of pathology and bacteriology, and of his contributions to veterinary science, £75; Miss Helen Tichborne, in view of the late Professor Tichborne's scientific discoveries in chemistry and pharmacology, £60; Miss Eliza Standerwick Gregory, in view of her eminent services to botanical science, £60, and Lady Eleanor Charlotte Turner, in view of her late

husband, Sir George Turner's services in the investigation and prevention of rinderpest, and in consideration of his death through contracting leprosy in the public service, £50.

UNIVERSITY AND EDUCATIONAL
NEWS

BENNO LOEWY, a lawyer, has left the residue of his estate, said to amount to $250,000, in trust to his wife, to revert to Cornell University after her death. He gave his collection of stamps, pamphlets, engravings and illustrations to Cornell for immediate possession.

THE Connecticut state appropriations for the agricultural stations were increased by the last legislature. For the ensuing biennium the State Station will receive $45,000, an increase of $7,500, and the Storrs Station $25,000, an increase of $10,000.

DR. EDWARD G. BORING, recently of Cornell University, has been appointed professor of experimental psychology and head of the psychological laboratory at Clark University, to succeed the late Professor Baird. The staff of the department of experimental psychology will consist of Professor Boring, Professor Samuel W. Fernberger and Mr. Carroll D. Pratt.

THE department of forestry in Colorado College, which was suspended for the period of the war, is being revived under the charge of Mr. Gordon Parker, M.F. (Harvard), who has had charge of the Montezuma National Forest as supervisor for the past five years.

DR. HERMAN L. IBSEN, formerly connected with the University of Wisconsin, has been appointed assistant professor of animal genetics at the Kansas Agricultural College.

W. S. NELMS, Ph.D. (Columbia, '13), has been elected associate professor of physics, in charge of the department, of Emory University, in Atlanta, Georgia. He has been recently discharged from the army in which he was a first lieutenant in the technical staff of the Ordnance Department.

DR. L. BAUMAN, formerly assistant professor of medicine and director of research, at the University of Iowa has been appointed associate in medicine at Columbia University and assistant visiting physician to the Presbyterian Hospital.

THE following appointments to professorships in the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, have been made: Professor G. Owen, of the University of New Zealand, in physics; Professor W. H. Young, of the University of Liverpool, in mathematics; A. E. Jones, of the University of Wales, in agriculture; Captain W. T. Pugh, in geology.

DISCUSSION AND CORRESPONDENCE A POSSIBLE SOURCE OF COSMICAL ENERGY ACCORDING to the theory of J. J. Thomson, atoms are complex structures of systems of positively and negatively charged particles (such as, e. g., helium nuclei and electrons) in rapid rotation and held in position by an equilibrium of their mutual forces.

Various phenomena can be explained and a possible source of cosmical energy be found by the simple assumption that some constituents of the subatomic structure retard their speed in eons and thereby increase the weight of the atoms.

It was recently pointed out1 that the different atomic weights of the isotopes, such as, e. g., the different forms of lead, may be due to " age" of the chemical elements, whereby the different types of atoms are subject to a chemical evolution. In the case of lead the radioactive or young lead possesses the lower atomic weight and density than the common or old lead. According to this hypothesis the radioactive, that is newly formed, lead will eons hence have a higher atomic weight and density, while the common or old lead had eons ago a lower atomic weight and density. All other elements should be subject to this aging process, and by the catching of further electrons and helium nuclei transmute into elements of higher atomic weight. Evidence of this is seen in the occurrence of the chem1 SCIENCE, 49, 328, 1919.

ical elements and their distribution upon the earth's surface, where elements of the same period are mostly aggregated in definite mineral types.

Assuming that the orbital motion of the electrons is lessened in a certain time interval, it is evident that a steady and continuous amount of energy apparently disappears. This energy perhaps reappears as cosmical energy, for the principle of conservation makes it inconceivable that such a steady drainage of energy should be constantly

wasted.

If such a theory is substantiated, a link between the extreme sciences of the macrocosmos and microcosmos, astrophysics and subatomic physics, will be established and stellar evolution will be based upon a chemical evolution whereby all types of atoms change until they finally become radioactive, that is unstable, and disintegrate again. The smokerings of some planetaries are then perhaps clouds of helium gas formed by the radioactive disintegration of the nuclear star, and would thus indicate the last stage of chemical and stellar evolution and the beginning of a new series.

BERKELEY, CAlif.

INGO W. D. HACKH

THE IMPERFECT STAGE OF LEPTOSPHÆRIA TRITICI OF WHEAT

IN connection with studies of anthracnose of small grains a species of what seemed to be an Ascochyta has frequently been found on dead straw. Recently, while culturing Leptosphæria tritici the relationship of these two forms was revealed.

The pycnidial fruiting bodies grow side by side with the perithecia of L. tritici on dead wheat straw in the spring and are difficult to distinguish from them, both being dark, submerged and of the same size, though the ostioles of the perithecia are more protruding. The pycnidia are filled with guttulate spores, usually two-celled and approximately 12-20 X 3.5-4μ, their shape, size and manner of production suggesting Ascochyta graminicola as described by Frank. Single spore cultures of the ascospores of L. tritici obtained by the

Hansen method of isolation, produce on potato agar and on sterile straw, pycnidia and pycnospores like those found growing with the perithecia on the wheat plant.

L. W. DURRELL IOWA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION, AMES, IOWA

SCIENTIFIC BOOKS

A BRIEF SURVEY OF SOME RECENT
CHEMICAL LITERATURE

NOTWITHSTANDING the extraordinary demands which have been made upon the chemists of this and other countries during the recent years, there has been a considerable number of contributions to chemical literature. It has, however, also been a period in which reviewers were difficult to secure and the editor's table has accordingly been filled with an accumulation of material which the writer has been asked to pass in brief review. He has regretfully to confess to responsibility for a further considerable delay in the accomplishment of the undertaking. As a result, a number of the titles mentioned below will be recognized as already familiar; but it may, nevertheless, be useful to recall them.

In the field of inorganic chemistry Alexander Smith's "Inorganic Chemistry" (The Century Co.) has appeared in its third edition, in which the well-known character of that work is strictly maintained, the changes being chiefly those of amplification. Other standard texts which have recently appeared in revised form are: Holleman-Cooper's "Text-book of Inorganic Chemistry" (5th edition, John Wiley & Sons); Newell's "Inorganic Chemistry for Colleges" (D. C. Heath & Co., 2d edition), and Cady's "Inorganic Chemistry," which has appeared in a simplified form, under the title "General Chemistry" (McGraw-Hill Book Co.). In none of these has there been any marked change in the manner in which the subject is treated. Professor H. G. Byers, of the University of Washington, has contributed an interesting new volume ("Inorganic Chemistry," Charles Scribner's

Son's) which is more or less frankly constructed along the lines of Alexander Smith's texts, and, in scope, lies between his "College Chemistry" and the larger work mentioned above. It is rather a pity that the publishers saw fit to dress this material in a garb so exactly like that of Professor Smith's books that, in appearance of the printed page, the books are indistinguishable, which creates an unwarranted impression of reproduction of material, in view of the general similarity of treatment.

In the "Principles of Chemistry" of Dr. Joel H. Hildebrand (The Macmillan Co.) there is to be found a volume which has real freshness and originality of treatment of its subject matter. With a minimum of descriptive matter, for which the student is referred to existing texts, the fundamental concepts are clearly stated and well illustrated for beginners. The book contains much for the consideration of thoughtful teachers.

Two texts for secondary schools are to be found in the editor's collection, one by Dr. B. W. McFarland, of New Haven ("A Practical Elementary Chemistry," Charles Scribner's Sons), which presents a thoughtfully arranged course of instruction in which the laboratory forms the central feature, and another by Charles E. Dull, of Newark ("Essentials of Chemistry," Henry Holt & Co.), which has appeared since the beginning of the war and in which particular stress is laid on the importance of the science, through the use, as examples, of the chemistry of common things.

Laboratory manuals to accompany the texts of Newell and of Byers have been issued by the publishers of these texts; also one to accompany the well-known text-book of McPherson and Henderson (Ginn & Co.). Other manuals by W. A. Noyes and B. S. Hopkins (Henry Holt & Co.), W. J. Hale (The Macmillan Co.) and W. M. Blanchard (D. Van Nostrand Co.) make no reference to any specific text. All of these manuals are carefully prepared, and while each has some particular points of excellence, the material is presented along well-recognized lines. The "Laboratory Study of Chemistry," by H. R.

Smith and H. M. Mess (Henry Holt & Co.), on the other hand, is out of the ordinary. The authors combine with the directions for experimentation a large amount of interesting information, much of which is not to be found in the ordinary text-books, but which should serve to awaken scientific curiosity and stimulate interest in the work itself. The scheme

of instruction as laid down is exacting and calls for teaching of a high order. Whether or not one cares to adopt the procedure as a whole, the book will be found to be full of helpful suggestions and well worth study.

In the field of organic chemistry, the wellknown "Organic Chemistry for Advanced Students" of Professor J. B. Cohen (Longmans, Green & Co.) appears in a second edition, in which the material formerly included in two volumes is divided into three, dealing, respectively. with "Reactions," "Structure" and "Synthesis," with the purpose of grouping together to better advantage allied subjects and affording a more logical sequence. The rearrangement of the subject matter has given opportunity to bring the material up to date, and the new volumes seem to fully maintain the standard of the earlier edition as one of the notable works on organic chemistry. The book is written for advanced students and is not designed to have the sort of completeness which belongs to a work of reference, although these volumes will be found valuable in that respect as well. Professor Cohen had also prepared somewhat earlier a "Class-book of Organic Chemistry" (The Macmillan Co.) designed for medical students, and others who are not intending to make chemistry a profession, which merits attention as a carefully planned and simplified

course.

Professor J. T. Stoddard's "Introduction to Organic Chemistry" (P. Blakiston's Son & Co.) has appeared in a second edition and Professor E. P. Cook has prepared a little manual entitled "Laboratory Experiments in Organic Chemistry" to accompany it. Both are characterized by a simplicity and directness of statement which is welcomed by beginners.

Among the text-books on analytical chemistry which have appeared during the last few years are to be found several new editions of well-known works. These include a fourth English edition of Treadwell-Hall's “Analytical Chemistry, Volume II., Qualitative Analysis" (John Wiley & Sons), a standard authority; a sixth edition of A. A. Noyes' "Qualitative Analysis" (The Macmillan Co.), a manual based upon what is, perhaps, the most painstaking and thorough series of investigations ever undertaken as a background for the perfection of analytical procedures; and a second edition of Mahin's "Quantitative Analysis" (McGraw-Hill Book Co.), a manual which has already received deserved recognition. A less familiar manual which is in its second edition is that by Edmund Knecht and Eva Hibbert, entitled "New Reduction Methods in Volumetric Analysis" (Longmans, Green & Co.). It is of the nature of a monograph, dealing almost wholly with the applications of titanous chloride as a quantitative reducing agent. Other recent works in their first editions include an "Elementary Qualitative Analysis" by Professors Dales and Barnebey (John Wiley & Sons), a straightforward presentation of the subject, but without striking features; "Methods in Metallurgical Analysis," by Professor C. H. White, a work of somewhat uneven merit (D. Van Nostrand Co.); "An Advanced Course in Quantitative Analysis," by Professor Henry Fay (John Wiley & Sons), another manual based upon a long series of investigations; and a "Volumetric Analysis," by A. J. Berry (Cambridge University Press, England), a manual prepared for a college course in analytical chemistry, in which the general discussion of the subject appears to excel the directions for analysis.

Teachers of stoichiometry are already familiar with Dr. R. H. Ashley's "Chemical Calculations" (D. Van Nostrand Co.), of which a second edition has recently appeared. Errors have been corrected, but no change has been made in the subject matter.

Along the lines of what is commonly known as physical chemistry, the editor's collection

included the following: "Outlines of Theoretical Chemistry," by Dr. F. H. Getman (John Wiley & Sons), which is in its second edition and has been revised and enlarged, notably with respect to atomic structure, colloids, electromotive and photochemistry which has, no doubt, added to the usefulness of a work already respected. The literature relating to colloids has been extended by a second edition of Dr. M. H. Fischer's translation of Wolfgang Ostwald's "Handbook of Colloid-Chemistry" (P. Blakiston's Son & Co.), to which "Notes" have been added by Emil Hatschek, but without essential change in the nature of the material. A further new work is that entitled "The Chemistry of Colloids," by Dr. E. B. Spear (John Wiley & Sons), Part I. of which is a translation of Zsigmondy's "Kolloidchemie," and Part II. is on "Industrial Colloidal Chemistry," written by Dr. Spear, with a chapter on Colloidal Chemistry and Sanitation," by Dr. J. F. Norton. The subject is brought up to date in an easily readable fashion and is of interest to both the general and technical reader. Dr. F. P. Venable in his "Brief Account of Radio-activity" (D. C. Heath & Co.) has contributed in about fifty pages an entertaining and somewhat popularized summary of the phenomena of radioactivity and their influence upon our notions of atomic structure.

The editor's table contained but one volume on industrial chemistry, now become familiar, namely, Dr. Allen Roger's "Elements of Industrial Chemistry" (D. Van Nostrand Co.), an abridgment of the larger work by Rogers and Aubert. Both have an established place in chemical literature.

The fact that Dr. Phillip B. Hawk's "Practical Physiological Chemistry" (P. Blakiston's Son & Co.) has reached its sixth edition is sufficient evidence of its usefulness in "schools of medicine and science" for which it was written. The entire work has been revised and brought up to date.

"The Chemistry of Farm Practice," by T. E. Keitt, which is included in the Wiley Technical Series, has for its purpose the imparting of a "knowledge of the fundamental

chemistry required for intelligent agriculture" and its applications to the art and to the problems of the agriculturist. The story is told in non-technical language. In the same field there has appeared a "Laboratory Manual of Agricultural Chemistry" by Hedges and Boyant which is apparently a useful little book for agricultural institutions, although open to some criticism as to the accuracy of some of its methods for the standardization of volumetric solutions.

A distinct contribution to contemporary literature is to be found in Dr. F. J. Moore's "History of Chemistry" (McGraw-Hill Book Co.). a volume which holds the interest alike of the layman and the scientist, and deals with its subject in a scholarly fashion.

In line with the current effort to supplant German reference works by English equivalents, "The Chemist's Year Book" for 19181919, edited by F. W. Atack (Sherratt & Hughes, London), is worthy of note. The present is the fourth edition of this work and is the result of a thorough revision of the last edition. It seems to deserve a place in all laboratories and libraries.

Finally, and again in line with the trend of the times, is a volume entitled "Chemical French" by Dr. Maurice L. Dolt (Chemical Publishing Co.). The author seeks to enable students who have little or no previous knowledge of French to read chemical literature in that language through the medium of this volume and, accordingly, includes instruction in grammar in the earlier portions. The latter portion is devoted to selections from standard and current journal literature. The book contains 398 pages, a length which seems to be somewhat out of proportion in an auxiliary work of this sort; otherwise it is likely to render real service.

H. P. TALBOT MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY,

ORGANIZATION OF THE AMERICAN SECTION OF THE INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL UNION. II

The first general meeting, for preliminary organization, of the American Section of the