tween abstract science and industry, as colloidal substances are all-important in such industries as the manufacture of rubber, the cereal industry, leather manufacture, paper making, the manufacture of plastics and the like. Dr. R. A. Gortner, head of the division of bio-chemistry, is in charge of arrangements. Assisting are Professors J. J. Willaman, L. H. Ryerson, G. B. Frankforter and others. Two years ago Professor The Svedberg, of the University of Upsala, was the guest lecturer, while last year Dr. Leonor Mischaelis, a German scholar now teaching in Japan, was the central figure. A CHEMICAL EQUIPMENT EXPOSITION is to be held at Providence, R. I., from June 22 to 27, in connection with a meeting of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. One day has been set aside to allow the members to visit the exposition. Among its unique features will be the arrangement on the program of various exhibits according to a flow sheet arrangement showing how each of the groups of equipment represented fits into the scheme of the unit processes of chemical manufacture. A CONFERENCE of forty college teachers and executives and representatives of educational organizations met in Washington, on March 20 and 21, to discuss promotion of the research of teachers in American colleges, with a view to bringing college students, before they choose their life work, into contact with men actively engaged in research. THE value of the Nobel prizes for 1925 will be 118,165 kroner or about $31,936, each. The original value of the prizes was 150,782 kroner. THE Journal of the American Medical Association gives the following account of the award of the prizes of the French Academy of Medicine: The academy had forty-four prizes to distribute this year, the successful competitors nearly all being residents of Paris. The Audiffred prize, representing securities yielding 24,000 francs income, to be given "for a sovereign cure for tuberculosis," was not awarded, but prizes were given to Sicard and Forestier for their introduction of iodized oil into roentgenographic exploration; to Bourguignon, for his practical application of chronaxia; to Portret, for his success with galvanic electricity in treatment of exophthalmic goiter resistant to other measures, and to G. Ramon, of Garches, for his anatoxin for immunization against diphtheria. He found that diphtheria toxin loses its toxicity when incubated for several weeks, after addition of a little formaldehyde, while its antitoxin-producing power is intensified. Other prizes were given to G. Bidou, for success in helping cripples by his physiological control of artificial limbs, and to Hauduroy, for his discoveries on the behavior of the bacteriophage in typhoid. The academy offers fifty-three prizes for competition in 1925, all but six of which are open to the world. The academy has a total of eightyeight prizes to distribute, and four new ones have been recently founded. ACTION favorable to metric standardization of weights and measures was taken at the Pan-American Standardization Conference, which recently met in Lima, Peru. By resolution it was urged, "That the units of weights and measures in the various countries tend toward the decimal metric system." The United States of America, represented at the conference by an official delegation, is included in the recommendation. All the other American republics are already on the metric basis. THE New York Times reports that the Malaria Commission of the League of Nations health organization met in Geneva, on March 23, under the chairmanship of Dr. Lutrario of Italy to draw up a program of investigation in Egypt, Palestine, Syria, Turkey, Sicily, Corsica and Spain. The investigation will be under way from May to September and will be a step in the international fight on malaria undertaken by the health organization of the league. A similar investigation has been made in Italy, the Balkans and in Russia. The session also will deal with the final report on the recommendations regarding malaria in Albania. Requests from the Turkish government for the appointment of experts to help to organize an anti-malaria campaign in Turkey and one from the French government to make a special inquiry in Corsica will be considered. A delegation to the first International Malaria Congress in Rome in October will be appointed, while a proposal to appoint additional members from the United States, India and France is to be considered. The commission also will discuss extensively the cheapest and most effective drugs to be used as well as the value of quinine and cinchona alkaloids in combating malaria. There also met, under the auspices of the League Health Board, Inspectors of Labor from ten countries, including the United States, for the first interchange of matters relating to industrial hygiene. After the conference shall have been finished the delegates will go to Belgium, France, Great Britain and Holland to study the methods of hygiene applied in those countries. On March 25, the general interchange of medical health officers which opened in England was continued in Geneva, when Dr. Norman White, en route home from Singapore after a study of epidemiological diseases, submitted his report. UNIVERSITY AND EDUCATIONAL JULIUS ROSENWALD, a member of the board of trustees of the University of Chicago, has given to the university a million dollars for the campaign fund of $17,500,000 for endowment, for research and for new buildings. At a recent meeting of alumni $500,000 was pledged to the fund. THE will of the late Artemus Ward, after establishing a trust fund of a million dollars for his son and making various bequests, leaves the residue of his estate to Harvard University. By the death of Sir W. Northrup McMillan, formerly a citizen of St. Louis, Washington University will receive more than $1,000,000 for the establishment of a hospital to be known as the "McMillan Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital." Mr. McMillan's mother, who died in 1914, had provided that Washington University should receive the residue of her half interest in her husband's estate in the event that her son died without issue. THE University of Michigan receives a fund of $375,000 from the estate of Silas Wright Dunning, who died on May 29 last at the age of eighty-five years. Mr. Dunning was for many years editor and chief owner of The Railway Age. The will directed that the fund be used to purchase books and periodicals for the university library. THE Journal of the American Medical Association reports that the widow of Dr. Christian R. Holmes, for many years dean of the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, had made a gift to the university of $25,000, in addition to the $250,000 previously given to endow the Christian R. Holmes deanship. This gift completes the pledges necessary to insure $700,000 from the General Education Board, and thus completes the $2,000,000 endowment for the College of Medicine, which was pledged in 1919. DR. ALFRED H. LLOYD, professor of philosophy and dean of the graduate school of the University of Michigan, has been appointed acting president of the University of Michigan, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of President Marion E. Burton. DR. HUGO MELLA, acting head of the department of neuropathology of the Harvard Medical School, has been appointed associate professor of neuropathology and psychiatry in the University of Colorado, Denver, and associate director of the Colorado Psychopathic Hospital. J. B. BROWN, formerly research chemist with Swift and Company, Chicago, has accepted the position of assistant professor of physiological chemistry at the Ohio State University. DISCUSSION AND CORRESPONDENCE METHOD OF MEASURING DEEP SEA TIDES IN the course of a conversation with William Beebe regarding plans for work to be done on his oceanic expedition, my attention was drawn to the fact that no method had been devised up to the present time for recording the rise and fall of the tides except in comparatively shallow waters. It appeared that the Hydrographic Office was very anxious to have data regarding the tides at localities where the depth of the ocean was measured in miles. The problem looked rather hopeless at first sight, but on thinking about it, the idea occurred to me that if we could make an artificial island, reaching up from the sea floor to within a few feet of the surface, the rest would be easy. Such an island could be made by means of a submerged buoy anchored to the sea bottom by a wire. If the ocean were calm, and there were no currents, this buoy would remain in a fixed vertical position above its cement anchor at a constant distance from the ocean floor. If the buoy contained a self-recording barograph of special design operated by the pressure of the water above the buoy, the periodic rise and fall of the tide would be recorded. Other factors might, and probably would, be present which would cause a variation in the height of the water above the buoy. Ocean currents, by causing the buoy to swing out from the vertical, would depress it, and there would of course be a rapid periodic change due to waves. It seems probable, however, that if the curve drawn on the revolving drum of the barograph was subjected to analysis by passing it through such a machine as Professor Michelson's harmonic analyzer, the tide curve would come out uncontaminated by the variations contributed in other ways. The scheme could be tried out at very small cost. The first experiments could be made in comparatively shallow water (say, three or four hundred feet), and the depth gradually increased. For deep sea work the position of the submerged buoy would have to be marked by a smaller surface buoy. The action of the wind on this would introduce another disturbing factor, which would disappear, however, in the analysis of the curve. JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY R. W. WOOD OBSERVATIONS OF SHADOW BANDS ON account of the snow which covered the ground on the day of the total eclipse of the sun of January 24, 1925, observations of shadow bands were made by more people than ever before in the history of eclipses. Since the discussion of shadow bands is a meteorological problem rather than an astronomical one, the Committee on Eclipses of the American Astronomical Society has requested the cooperation of the chief of the U. S. Weather Bureau. This has been readily granted, with the result that the shadow band observations are to be discussed by Dr. W. J. Humphreys, meteorological physicist of the U. S. Weather Bureau, who is also a member of the eclipse committee. A request is hereby made that observations of shadow bands be sent to the Chief of the U. S. Weather Bureau, Washington, D. C. S. A. MITCHELL Chairman of the Committee on Eclipses of the American Astronomical Society UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA THE SEGREGATION OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY WITHIN recent years there has been a tendency to segregate physical geography from the field of geography. There is voluminous literature available which emphasizes the position of physical geography as being geologic rather than geographic. In a few cases departments of earth sciences have reorganized since the wave of geographic interest with the result that physical geography is classified as a phase of geology. Worthy reasons are undoubtedly responsible for these efforts and actions and it is not the intention of the writer to infer that they are not in part justifiable. The establishment of a department of geography separate from that of geology bears favorable comments, but the weaning of physical geography from geography, the mother of all sciences, is open to criticism. The subject-matter of physical geography permits adaptation to both geography and geology. It may be referred to as a medium which merges into geography in one direction and into geology in the other direction. It is unquestionably the primary structure of the foundation of geography. Without its support geography is set adrift, which in many cases seems to be the state of affairs. The attempt to place greater emphasis on economics, history and political sciences as a substitute for physical geography has proven unsuccessful. Every student of geography should be required to complete successfully either a separate course in physical geography or a fundamental course in geography in which emphasis is primarily placed on physical geography and climatology. These sciences serve with equal importance. If this statement is true, and it is accepted that there is no objection to climatology as a course in geography, why should there be a tendency to set physical geography aside? If it is essential to consider the cause and effect of atmospheric changes, why is it not equally important to consider the cause and effect of the changes of the earth's surface? This same lack of continuity in geography courses appears in comparing physical geography and economic geography if the former is not considered a phase of geography. There seems to be but one solution and that is not to segregate physical geography but to accept it as a distinct part of geography. OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY MICROSPORIDIA1 F. A. CARLSON IN a biological and taxonomic study of Microsporidia, I recently included three genera and a family which had previously been established by Léger and Hesse3 and which have recently been found to be invalid by Dr. T. D. A. Cockerell, of the University of Colorado, who kindly called my attention to the matter. In the present note, I propose, according to the Article 34 of the International Rules of Zoological Nomenclature, renaming these three genera and one family of the Microsporidia. Genus Coccospora nom. nov. for Cocconema Léger et Hesse (1921: 1419), not Cocconema Ehrenberg, 1829, in Polygastrica. Genus Spirospora nom. nov. for Spironema Léger et Hesse (1922: 328), not Spironema Meeks 1864, in Mollusca nor Spironema Klebs 1892, in Protozoa, nor Spironema Vuillemin 1905, in Protozoa. Genus Toxospora nom. nov. for Toxonema Léger et Hesse (1922: 328), not Toxonema Boehm 1895, in Mollusca. The change in the generic name necessitates a similar modification in the family name as follows: Family Coccosporidae nom. nov. for Cocconemidae Léger et Hesse (1922). IS OUR PLAN OF MEETINGS THE BEST POSSIBLE? DURING the recent Washington meetings of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and Affiliated Societies I tried to satisfy my appetite by partaking of the scientific menus prepared. Eagerly I went from section to section to glean all I could, while the opportunity lasted, from the tables containing food. I thought I might eat without resulting indigestion. But after it was all over and I began to take stock of the whole banquet I was frankly disappointed. I was still hungry. And why? I tried to analyze the situation and find out. After the hustle and excitement were all over and scientific tranquillity again prevailed in Washington, the following factors and resulting questions were considered as being closely related to the problem: In several of the sections the programs were made up of a great many fragmentary papers unrelated to anything either preceding or following-models of isolation in majestic aloofness of any entangling alliances with other parts of the program. While five or ten minutes had been indicated as the time required for a paper, in numerous cases the enthusiastic exponent of the fragment of truth seemed utterly oblivious of the passage of time and the fact that he had made not only a probable but a palpable error in his calculations of two hundred or three hundred per cent. The great number of papers listed, therefore, looked formidable and prevented any material discussion of them to determine the exact relationship they bore to the world into which they had been momentarily exposed. A surprisingly large number of these presentations were made by the younger generation of scientists, some of whom are just appearing on the horizon; and while the meetings were in session the older, wiser and more experienced members were often congregated in the halls enjoying the cordial contacts of friendship or exchanging views on matters of common interest. Their attitude seemed to be that they could later read the papers that are presented in the society's magazine, so why waste time in hearing them? Now while it is recognized that one of the most important advantages to be gained from the meetings of the American Association for the Advancement of Science is the personal association with one's coworkers in science, may it not be possible to make the meetings so stimulating and interesting that more will desire to be present? Would it not be well to have the symposium idea more thoroughly developed and a much greater amount of interesting discussion engaged in? If the subjects for the symposium are carefully chosen from the standpoint of importance and current interest, the foundation should be laid for meetings of great benefit to those attending. In that event the menu might be so inviting that even the older members would be attracted to it and then give a really worth while "after-dinner speech.” . It might be argued that this method would deprive many of the younger men of the opportunity of appearing on the program. But the door would still be open to them to contribute their viewpoint in the discussion or perhaps present some of the important symposium papers. Considering, however, the greatest good to the greatest number, would there not be distinct advantages to be gained by providing for fewer formal, fragmentary papers and for more time for thoroughly discussing in an informal way and from many angles some of the big aspects of research as applied to the outstanding problems with which the section for the time being is most concerned? I wonder if others may not have asked themselves the same question. WASHINGTON, D. C. M. C. MERRILL EVOLUTION IN EDUCATION IN IN view of criticisms made before the State Board of Education regarding the presentation of the subject of evolution in certain text-books used in the high schools and junior colleges of this state, and of the board's desire that a careful review of this subject be made by qualified experts, the State Board on August 5, 1924, requested the presidents of the institutions in California accredited for high school certification as follows: University of California, Stanford University, Mills College, University of Southern California, Occidental College, Pomona College, University of Redlands, College of the Pacific and Dominican College to review these text-books and report to this board whether in their judgment there is in any of these text-books a presentation of the subject of evolution in such a way as to discredit the Bible and to develop in the minds of high school students an attitude of irreverence and atheism. The president of the University of California was requested by the State Board of Education to serve as chairman of the committee of nine presidents. The list of high school text-books of science submitted to the Committee of Nine, with page references to passages relating to evolution, is as follows: 1 Report of Committee of College and University Presidents on the subject of evolution as treated in certain text-books used in high schools and junior colleges of California. Bedford, General Science, p. 310 and following. Jordan, Kellogg & Heath, Animal Studies, p. 417–448. Linville & Kelly, Text-book in General Zoology, p. 99– 115, 292, 434 to end of book. Eddy, General Physiology and Anatomy, p. 38, 218, 219. Norton, Elements of Geology, p. 291, 443 to end. In response to the opportunity afforded by the Board of Education to all parties present at the hearing conducted by the board on August 4, 1924, and to all others interested, briefs on the subject of evolution, with special reference to the teaching of that subject in state-supported schools, were presented by Rev. T. Hector Dodd, San Rafael. The members of the Committee of Nine have examined and considered those pages and sections of the twelve text-books to which their attention has been specifically directed, and likewise the five briefs. The committee respectfully submits the following report: The theory of evolution, in one or another of its phases, is referred to in these books-it could scarcely be omitted from any text-book on biology, or astronomy, or geology-and in a few of the books some of the evidence in support of the theory of evolution is presented. In our opinion, these books have treated the subject with moderation and circumspection. There appear to be no statements derogatory to the Bible, and in the few instances in which the possible bearing of evolution upon religion is discussed at all, the writers have taken special pains to assure the readers that there is no conflict between science and religion. Evolution is presented as a theory, and not as an established fact, although it is stated here and there that the theory of evolution is commonly accepted by scientific men, and that is true. On this phase of the subject the following quotations have bearing: A. Moon's Biology for Beginners, pp. 329–331: "Some Things that Evolution does Not Teach. . . . 'That man is descended from a monkey.' That God can be left out of the scheme of Creation. . . . While we can not go into the argument here, rest assured that in the minds of the greatest scientists and philosophers there is no conflict between the conclusions of Science and Religion. To ... quote Davenport, The Creator is still at work, and not only the forces of Nature, but man himself, works with God in still further improving the earth and the living things which it supports.'' B. Gager's Fundamentals of Botany, pp. 516 and 517. "The publication of Darwin's Origin of Species aroused at once a storm of opposition. Theologians opposed the theory because they thought it eliminated God. . . . The unthinking and the careless thinkers accused Darwin of teaching that man is descended from monkeys. Neither of these accusations, however, was true. Darwinism neither eliminates God, nor does it teach that monkeys are the ancestors of men. "By slow degrees, however, men began to give more careful and unprejudiced attention to the new theory, and not to pass adverse judgment upon it until they were sure they understood it. A celebrated author and divine has written to me,' says Darwin, 'that he has gradually learnt to see that it is just as noble a conception of the Deity to believe that He created a few original forms capable of self-development into other and needful forms, as to believe that He required a fresh act of creation to supply the voids caused by the action of His laws.'' The text-books before us are concerned with presenting scientific facts and theories of which every person with any pretense to an education in the subject or subjects treated should be informed. All departures of the authors from this simple policy may be said to show due respect and consideration for the fundamental principles of religion, as presented in the Bible. (Signed) W. W. CAMPBELL (Chairman) President of the University of California President of Stanford University President of Mills College KARL T. WAUGH (acting for President R. B. von KleinSmid) University of Southern California REMSEN D. BIRD President of Occidental College JAMES A. BLAISDELL President of Pomona College V. L. DUKE President of University of Redlands TULLY C. KNOLES President College of the Pacific CATHERINE O'DONNELL President of Dominican College SCIENTIFIC APPARATUS AND LABORATORY METHODS A SIMPLE MEMBRANE MANOMETER THE introduction of a cannula into the carotid arteries of small animals like the rabbit, guinea pig and rat is at least for impracticed hands a matter of |