APPENDIX Problems Awaiting Solution There is a famous saying, "Hitch your wagon to a star," and in conformity with the ambitious character and dignity of this wellknown quotation, we will list first in our appendix some of the famous problems of the greater light, and of the first order of economic magnitude. If we concede that physics and chemistry are the great underlying sciences which now interest us most, we will limit the list of problems awaiting solution to one or the other of these great fields of endeavor and reward. Before actually listing the selected problems let me place before the reader the following question, which is in itself a problem, and let him try to decide which would be the greatest triumph of man, the one in physics in the unlocking of atomic energy, or the one in chemistry in the synthesis of food. Let us take the great possibility in the domain of physics first, and I will quote from a letter from Professor Bergen Davis of Columbia University in reply to the author's request for great problems in physics awaiting solution. "In the domain of pure physics, aside from any special problems, I think the whole matter might be summed up or summarized under one or two heads. The great problem in physics which includes all the lesser problems, since its solution would solve most of the lesser problems, is the constitution of matter, the construction of the atom which includes the nature of all radiation, or radiant energy and the nature of the medium in which these atoms are immersed and in which the radiation is propagated. "As you know, progress is being made in experiments bearing on energy and the constitution of the atom and the nature of radiation. Many investigations are now being carried on tending to throw light on the Bohr model of the atom and the energy quantum which is found to control all processes of energy radiation now investigated." Professor Davis has very concisely stated the problem and in a very comprehensive manner, and we may do well to try to appreciate just what the solution of this problem would mean. "The new studies in radio-activity have taught us that every molecule of matter locks up among its whirling atoms and corpuscles a store of energy compared with which the energy of heat is but a bagatelle. It is estimated that a little pea-sized fragment of radium has energy enough in store, could we but learn to use it, to drive the largest steamship across the ocean, taking the place of hundreds of tons of coal as now employed. The mechanics of the future must learn how to unlock this treasure of the molecule; how to get at these atomic and corpuscular forces, the very existence of which was unknown to science until yesterday. The generation that has learned that secret will look back upon the fuel problems of our day somewhat as we regard the flint and steel and the open fire of the barbarian." The boldness of this proposition may shock the ordinary reader, yet may we not ask if its solution would be one whit more wonderful than our accomplished mechanical flight, the wonders of X-Rays, or the wireless telegraph and telephone? Let the reader try to fully appreciate what the solution of this problem of releasing atomic energy would mean to mankind from the economic point of view with all of its ramifications, and then let him try to fully appreciate what the solution of the following problem in chemistry would mean. Here is the problem just as majestic and just as alluring, a fit companion from every angle to the superb one in physics. 66 The new synthetic chemistry sets no bounds to its ambitions. It has succeeded in manufacturing madder, indigo, and a multitude of minor compounds. It hopes some day to manufacture rubber, starch, sugar- even albumen itself, the very basis of life. 66 Rubber is a relatively simple compound of hydrogen and carbon; starch and sugar are compounds of hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen; albumen has the same constituents, plus nitrogen. The raw materials for building up these substances are everywhere about us in abundance. 66 A lump of coal, a glass of water, and a whiff of atmosphere contain all the nutritive elements, could we properly mix them, of a loaf of bread or of a beefsteak. "" And science will never rest content until it has learned how to make the combination. It is a long road to travel, even from the relatively advanced standpoint of today; but sooner or later science will surely travel it. 66 And then who can imagine, who dare predict, the social and economic revolution that must follow?" Which of these two problems is the most majestic? The keys to the solution of them both are lying everywhere about us, yet concealed from view. Who will scratch below the surface and see the glitter revealed of the golden key for the unlocking of either of these great secrets? Among other possible triumphs in the problems in the domain of physics and chemistry are the following: Electricity Direct from Carbon The Fixation of Nitrogen Wireless Transmission of Power The Perfect Storage Battery Use of Wave Power of the Restless Sea Use of the Sun's Radiant Energy The Artificial Production of Rain A New Fuel for Internal Combustion Engines The Rotary Gas Engine A New and Enduring Road Material. Some of these problems appear to be purely physical and others appear to be purely chemical, while quite a number reach out into both fields, and the worker who hopes for success must possess a knowledge of the great underlying principles of both physics and chemistry. The literature of the above listed subjects is fascinating and instructive, and the reader is advised to spend as much time as he can afford in reading the literature of these arts. The following selected list of minor problems involves also, to a surprising degree, both physics and chemistry, and they are given here as of great promise to the research worker. The author has been in correspondence with the foremost and ablest technologists in quest of problems, and here are some of the suggestions received for research. Chemical and Physical Data In my opinion, we are not lacking so much in ideas as to what needs solution as we are in data |