old text-book routine institution into touch with research has all the effect of connecting a stagnant pool with running water. There are still some pools that would be the better for a little more flow.

The research workers just referred to organised scientific societies. At the meetings of these societies, papers, containing the results of their researches, were read and discussed. Journals were founded for the publication of these papers. The scientific status of the United States and the universities within its borders rose in the eyes of Europe.

The American universities a generation ago were practically all high schools with the exception of the John Hopkins University. They are now a combination of university and high school, and in certain of them the research side has been considerably emphasised. The John Hopkins was a pioneer in research. It was founded primarily as a research institution. An important feature in its policy was the appointment of big men to its professorships. Big men, however, were not always available. Furthermore, it was staitened financially. It did its best under the circumstances, and that meant much. Brick and mortar held a small place in its programme, and its buildings were less pretentious than those of the larger American universities in general. It estab lished scientific journals, and within a few years of its foundation, its prestige in Europe eclipsed that of all other universities on this side of the Atlantic. Other universities supplied with more ample funds have followed the example of the John Hopkins, and have made research a conspicuous feature of their work. Most universities on this continent might take a lesson from the John Hopkins University in regard to the relative emphasis to be laid on men and buildings

The improvement in the scientific and academic status of American universities during recent years I have attributed primarily to a number of individuals who studied in Europe and brought back with them to America the inspiration of research. To these are to be added scientific gradu ates of the John Hopkins University distributed among the educational institutions of the continent who had their share in leavening the academic sentiment and spreading the research idea. Those who now have charge of research work in American universities and those who are engaged in industrial research on this side of the Atlantic are, for the most part, pupils of the pioneers in research of whom we have just been speaking.

The research men on the staffs of American universities have done all that is humanly possible for them to do to give efficient instruction in science and to improve research conditions in their institutions. It is up to the university administrators to do their share. Salaries must be increased especially in the junior grades, and research men must not be overloaded with teaching. I could mention one of the largest universities on the continent whose policy it has been to pay its professors the minimum for which it could get them. A few years ago the head of a department in this university told me that the professors' salaries there ranged from $2,000 to $5,000 a year. The President was housed palatially. I could point you to another famous institution,

known by name to everyone in this audience, which has on its list professors who are in receipt of a yearly salary of $2,500 or $3,000. Before the war this institution paid its instructors the princely sum of $900 a year. A few weeks ago I learned that it was now anxious to pay $1,800 for a newly-fledged B.A, as instructor in mathematics where it formerly expected to secure a man of Ph.D. grade for half that sum. This is one of the effects of the war. I could name a wellknown university where they paid instructors $1,000 a year before the war. Promotion is none too rapid at this institution. Some years ago, so I was told, the head of one of the departments requested the President to increase the salary of one of his instructors to $1,500. The instructor in question was the strongest research man in his department. The President refused the request on the ground that he was not impressive looking. Fortunately, he did not have to wait long for a call elsewhere. He is now professor in another university, where he receives a salary better proportioned to his attainments. An eminent scientist, who was formerly head of a department in an important State university, told me that his two assistant professors, who happened to be married men, were so poorly paid that they had themselves to do their family washing.

That the university administration in America does not always appreciate the efforts of the research man is illustrated in the case of a certain State university which had several men on its staff who were interested in research These men had published a number of papers in foreign scientific journals. This came to the ears of the Board of Regents. As it happened the Governor of the State was a member of the Board, and he lost no time in communicating with the offending professors and informing them that they were hired to teach and not to write. This story I have from a former professor of the university in question,

The administration of a university may not usually express itself in the same way as the State Governor just referred to, but its policy is frequently just as effective in discouraging research. The business administration of an American university when it comes to engaging instructors is apt to apply the law of supply and demand ruthlessly. It takes no account of the motives or ideals of those who are seeking positions on the teaching staff. Among the candidates may be one whose dearest desire in life is to find the opportunity to do research. This privilege he would not forego for anything which fortune or favour could offer him. He has already made his first contributions to knowledge, and there is every reason to believe that Nature has endowed him with gifts of the highest order. The findings of research appear to him to be the most permanent contribution to our civilisation. The great pathfinders in science he regards as the highest product of the race. By identifying himself with science through research it seems to him that he associates himself more closely with the eternal than he can do in any other way. The only opportunity to do research would appear to lie in a university career. The administration offers him a beggarly pittance barely sufficient to hold soul and body together. This he accepts in the expectation that he will find the time for research. Vain delusion!

He is loaded down wth lectures and tutorial work on the general business principle that the more hours his employers squeeze out of him, the more they are getting for their money. This is the kind of policy which kills the goose that lays the

golden egg. The years pass. Possibly our re

search man gets married. He has no margin to come and go on. Promotion comes solwly. Financial worries multiply. He finds himself at last compelled to abandon his long-cherished plans for research. He broods over the futility of his sacrifices, and eats his very heart out.

Some there are who are more fortunate, who find it possible to reserve a little time for research and who manage to produce, though under handicap. A few, too, there are who, after years of struggle, arrive in a position where they are masters of the major part of their time, and can devote themselves to research, if in the intervening years their productive ardour has not abated. If, then, scientific productivity in the American univesities to-day is greater than it was a quarterof-a-century ago, the credit therefore is due not to the university administrations, but, as we have already stated, to members of the academic staffs, which members are also responsible for the increased efficiency of scientific instruction in the universities. For the more advanced instruction these men often receive no remuneration. They are permitted as a privilege to undertake this work in addition to their regular work. There is no eight-hour day for the research worker. For overtime he does not receive time-and-a-half pay. He gives the extra time gratis. The layman may think that the scientist is paid for the articles he publishes in the technical journals. This, howeever, is not the case. He does this work gratis also. The editorial work on the scientific journnals is, in general, done without remuneration I may add, furthermore, that there is no money in the publication of a scientific treatise or a more advanced text-book.

The man on the street will say anyone who does so much work gratis is not practical. There is this side of it, however, that when a man has toiled a lifetime to make a fortune, the very best that he can do with it is to endow research. His benefaction to the race is then of the same effect as that of the research worker. The man of wealth contributes indirectly to the welfare of mankind. He first acquires his wealth and then uses it to subsidise the research worker. latter makes his contribution directly. should we say he is less practical than the business man who has accumulated wealth? It may

The

Why

be that, under stress of circumstances, he consents to accept less than a decent living salary. The business administration of the university which is willing to take advantage of his position, however, can hardly be called practical for its policy is, in the long run, detrimental to the university, to science, and to the best interests of the nation.

In European universities the position of research is less incidental than in the general run of American Universities. In Germany the university is essentially a research institution, and every member of the teaching staff, as we have already indicated, is appointed on a basis of research qualifications. Practically the same result is secured in France in another way. The professoriate there is recruited from the most select of the select material which is admitted

to

the schools for genius, to which I have already made reference. In certain of the English universities the professorial standard is safeguarded by a system of so-called electors. For those who are not familiar with the system I may say that when a chair becomes vacant, a number of men are named whose duty it is to select a man to fill the place. These are known as electors. They are usually men of technical knowledge. Certain of them are from the institution concerned The others are outsiders. The principal evil the system is intended to guard against is appointment by local pull The voice of the outsiders, I am told, is usually the determining factor in making the selection. I have in mind a case where there were five electors, of whom three were from outside the institution The two local electors felt under obligation to support a colleague who was a candidate for the position. The outside electors, however, said that they must have a stronger research man, and it was decided in this sense.

(To be continued).

NOTICES OF BOOKS.

A Text Book of Inorganic Chemistry for University Students. By J. R. PARTINGTON, D.Sc., M.B.E. Pp. xiii 1062. 1921. London: Macmillan & Co., Ltd. Price 25s. net. This text-book is primarily intended for students who have completed an introductory course of matriculation standard, although the more elementary parts of the subject are included so as to make the book complete in itself. It is not written for any particular examination, but should meet the requirements in inorganic chemistry of students preparing for the examinations of the Intermediate and Pass B.Sc. of British universities. Brief accounts of technical processes and the elements of physical chemistry are included, with worked examples on the latter. Amongst the section on Physical Chemistry, the Atomic Theory and the Periodic Law are given special prominence.

Summaries of chapters have been added where this addition has seemed likely to be useful in affording assistance in revision, and examples on all chapters are provided, the answers being collected together at the back of the book.

The book is interspersed with 439 illustrations, thus greatly hepling the student to form mental pictures of the subject being discussed. Chemical Technology and Analysis of Oils, Fats,

and Waxes. Vol. I. Sixth Edition. By Dr. J. LEWKOWITSCH, M.A., F.I.C. Edited by by GEORGE H. WARBURTON. Pp. xviii. +682. 1921. London: Messrs. Macmillan & Co., Ltd. Price 36s. net.

This work is published in three volumes. The first is divided into twelve chapters; Chapter I, entitled "The Classification of Oils, Fats, and Waxes-Physical and Chemical Properties of Oils, Fats, and Waxes," deals with the chemical constitution of fats and the preparation and properties of pure glycerides. Chapter II., on the "Saponification of Fats and Waxes," gives an account of the different methods of saponification employed. The "Chemical and Physical Properties of the Constituents of Fats and Waxes" are discussed in the next chapter.

Methods for the examination of oils, fats, and waxes, both physical and chemical, qualitative and quantitative, are next given, this part running into nine chapters.

No index is given at the end of this volume; this is reserved for the end of Vol. III., which will contain a complete index for the whole work. A Dictionary of Applied Chemistry. Vol. I. (ACalcium). By SIR EDWARD THORPE, C.B., LL.D., F.R.S. 1921. Pp. x. +752. London: Longmans, Green & Co. Price 60s, net. The previous edition has been thoroughly revised, and many new articles have been added, for instance, on the Natural Organic Colouring Matters, and on the Relation of Colour to Chemi

cal Constitution.

Extensive additions have been made to subjects of technical importance, such as sulphuric acid, nitric acid, chlorine, the metallurgy of the com mercially important metals, oils, fats, &c.

A list of the contributors, with the titles of their articles, is prefixed to the several volumes, also .a list of the abbreviations used in the Dictionary of the titles of Journals and Books which have been used as an authority for a statement appear ing, has been inserted.

Treatise on General and Industrial Inorganic Chemistry. By Dr.ETTORE MOLINARI. Second Edition. Translated by THOMAS H. POPE, B.Sc., F.I.C., A.C.G.I. Pp. xix. +876. 1920. London J. & A. Churchill. Price

42s. net.

:

This second edition is a translation of the fourth Italian edition. The translation of the original text has been adhered to as faithfully as possible, prices of chemicals, &c., have been converted into English currency per kilogrm. in the case of fine chemicals, and per ton in other instances.

The author is Professor of Chemistry at the Milan Polytechnic, and this book arose out of the author's attempts to devise a general course of inorganic chemistry for the students of this college, which would enable them to grapple with the problems of industrial chemistry in a better way than had been possible formerly.

For instance, wherever possible, the author has replaced laboratory sketches for sketches of industrial apparatus collected by him from the best works on chemical technology, from patents, or directly from practice in works which he has visited.

The first sections of the work are devoted to a short historical sketch of the progress of chemistry from the earliest times, and to a general discussion of physical laws. Part II. deals with the non-metals and their compounds, also with some of the rarer metals which act like non-metals in some of their reactions.

The third portion, which deals with the metals and their compounds, is preceded by a section on the fundamental laws of electrochemistry, and by an amplification of the electrolytic theory of solutions.

The book closes with a short summary of the periodic system of the elements.

To indicate the importance of each substance as it is dealt with in its position in the book, the author has summarised its present and past importance by means of statistics, including its commercial price; in this way one can obtain a

good idea of the uses to which the substance unde: discussion is put to.

The book contains 328 illustrations, together with two phototype plates, and also a good index which runs into 17 pages.

Vitamines, Essential Food Factors. By BENJAMIN HARROW, Ph.D. London: George Routledge & Sons.

In this interesting book the subject of vitamines, one of the latest advances in the science of nutrition, is treated in a popular manner. It is astonishing to learn that a subject of such vast last ten years. The "vitamines," that subtle someimportance has only been recognized within the thing in food-stuff whose presence or absence that the very terms used in connection with it are means life or death, is so very little understood unfamiliar to the vast majority of living people. The object of the author is to make known in a more general sense, the laborious researches that have been carried on during the last few years on this important subject.

The first part of the book is devoted to a survey of the principles of nutrition prior to the time when vitamines were recognised; the knowledge involved in such subjects as calories, carbohydrates, amino-acids, soap, and glycerine, is discussed in a way and in language that presents no difficulty to the layman. Six chapters are devoted to the subject of vitamines proper, their effect upon plant growth, disease, and life, are fully discussed, and the concluding chapter treats with "Practical Applications," which is certainly the most important section of the book, and is one that should be studied by everyone.

The perusal of the book, which in itself is of very great interest, brings to the reader the conviction that the further unfolding and diffusion of this important science will help greatly in the struggle that has engaged the human race from its origin in the distant past with ever-increasing intensity up to the present day-the grim fight between life and death, health and disease, happiness and misery. The author in his endeavour to bring vitamines to the attention of the general reader has done well.

A very complete bibliography is included which will be of great value to those who wish to pursue the subject further, and a complete index makes reference easy.

The Paper-Makers Directory for All Nations. 1921. London Dean & Son, Ltd. Price 21S. In the editorial preface, the disastrous effect of the recent addition to the postage rates is referred to, and the serious influence upon the present trade depression is pointed out. It is also announced that it is now possible to revise and publish the Austrian and German Mill sections, which is done very completely; one cannot help noticing that the announcements of manufacturers in England and Wales occupy 57 pages, while those of Germany and Austria fill 94. The book consists of three main sections, arranged alphabetically, and records full details regarding the paper, pulp, and board mills of the world. The first part deals with mills in the United Kingdom (with many useful lists of allied trades); the second with those in the Colonies and abroad; and the third gives a comprehensive register of mill pro

ductions under some 400 trade designations, classified according to class of goods manufactured, country of origin, and name of firm. Attention is drawn to the index of names of advertisers that is given at the end of the book with its obvious advantages.

The Directory is very well got up, and does credit to its publishers; it is, of course, a necessity to all purchasers of paper in quantity.

CORRESPONDENCE.

[In our issue of May 27, we published a letter from Sir Robert Robertson, who drew attention to a statement that was made by Prof. Wilsmore in his Address.* We have just received the following explanation from Prof. Wilsmore.-EDITOR.]

CHEMISTS AT £2 os. 6d. PER WEEK.

In any

To the Editor of the Chemical News. SIR,-Sir Robert Robertson has called my attention to a regrettable error in my Presidential Address to the Chemical Section of the Australa- | sian Association for the Advancement of Science (CHEMICAL NEWs, May 6, 1921, cxxii., 209), whereby it is made to appear that the chemists who were advertised for early in 1915 at £2 os. 6d. per week were required for work in the Research Department at Woolwich. In reality it was the Inspection Department at the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, which was responsible for the advertisement offering this "wage" to fully-trained chemists. The advertisement in question is quoted in full in a letter from Sir William Tilden to the CHEMICAL NEWS of February 25, 1915, cxi., 108, from which it will be seen that, with the exception of the above-mentioned error, my paraphrase was substantially correct. case, however, it was far from my intention to impute responsibility for this advertisement to any member of the scientific staff of the Research Department at Woolwich, least of all to Sir Robert Robertson, who has done probably more than any other man to raise the status of chemists in British Government Departments; and I regret that my words should have conveyed a contrary impression. In this connection I wish to lay stress on the value of the work which was carried out during the war in the Research Department at Woolwich by Sir Robert Robertson and his staff. Although some of that work has since been released for publication, only those who were behind the scenes can appreciate fully its importance to the nation in the critical times through which we have passed. In fact, much of the success of the late Department of Explosives Supply was undoubtedly due to the guidance and advice which at all times were placed ungrudgingly at its disposal by Sir Robert Robertson and his former colleagues in the Research Department.-I am, &c., N. J. M. WILSMORE.

University of Western Australia, Perth, June 20.

*The present position of Chemistry and Chemists by Prof. N. W. Wilsmore, CHEMICAL NEWs, May 6, 1921.