THE INSTITUTE OF CHEMISTRY OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND FOUNDB 1877 INCORPORATED BY ROYAL CHARTER, 1885 Patron H.M. THE KING JOURNAL AND PROCEEDINGS PART IV: 1942 Issued under the supervision of the Publications Committee RICHARD 13. PILCHER, Registrar and Secretary 30, RUSSELLSQUARE, W.C.1LONDON, .4 ugiisf, 1942 Publications Committee, 1942-43 F. P. Dunn (Chairman), J. J. Fox (Preside&), A. L. Bacharach, H. Baines, F. Challenger, J. W. Cook, D. Jordan-Lloyd, J. R. Nicholls, Sir Robert Pickard and Garfield Thomas. Gas Identification The particular attention of Fellows and Associates of the Institute who are Gas Identification Officers or interested in the Gas Identification Service is directed to the article by Dr.G. W. Ferguson (see page 166). Remuneration Statistics Cards relating to Remuneration Statistics should be received at the office of the Institute not later than 30th September in order that a summary of the returns may be reported in JOURNAL AND PROCEEDINGS, Part V. Institute of Chemistry Benevolent Fund Founded in 1920 as a memorial to Fellows, Associates and Students who died in the service of their country, 1914-18. The contributions received for the Fund up to 31st August, 1942, are less by a sum of E12g than those received to the corresponding date in 1941. Fellows and Associates who have not yet forwarded their subscriptions to the Fund for the present year are invited to send them to The Ho%. Treasurer, BENEVOLENT OFFUND,INSTITUTE CHEMISTRY, 30, RUSSELLSQUARE, W.C.I.LONDON, Proceedings of the Council Council Meeting, 19th June, 1942.-The President welcomed Mr.J. Andrews (Dublin) and Dr. Armstrong. The Assistant Secretary reported on negotiations with the Board of Trade on the subject of coupons for laboratory overalls. The Council approved the action taken. (See JOURNAL AND PROCEEDINGS,Part 111, p. 132.) The Committee of the Birmingham and Midlands Section reported that it would support any measure designed to make the Institute the sole registering body for chemists, and that, in the opinion of the majority of the Committee, the creation of a new grade of membership of lower standard than the Associateship would facilitate the development of the Institute as the sole registering body for chemists.The resolutions were referred to the Policy Committee. It was reported that the Glasgow and W-est of Scotland Section had passed resolutions (JOURNAL AND PROCEEDINGS, Part 111, p. 108) to the effect that the Council, exclusive of Officers, should consist of District and Regional Members, and that Associates should be eligible for election under both categories; also that the Institute should urgently consider its position and functions with particular reference to internal affairs, external affairs and publications, with a view to collaboration with other scientific bodies. The resolutions were referred to the Special Committees on the Constitution and Method of Election of the Council and to the Policy Committee, respectively.The Council granted a petition for the formation of a Local Section centred on Tees-side, to include the postal districts of Stockton including Eaglescliffe and Norton-on-Tees, Billingham, Greatham, and the Hartle- pools, Darlington, Middlesbrough, Yarm, Redcar, Saltburn and Guis- borough. (The Honorary Secretary of the Section is Dr. F. R. Williams, A.I.C., 15, North Albert Road, Norton, Stockton-on-Tees.) The New- castle upon Tyne and North-East Coast Section and the Yorkshire Section concur. Reports were received from the Standing Committees. The Publications Committee expressed its regret that it was imperative to limit the publication of matter received from Local Sections, and particularly that it was not practicable to incorporate letters and dis- cussions, because a journal published every other month was not suitable for such contributions.The Committee was anxious to publish more adequate Summaries of Lectures and had lately referred back to Local Sections a number of contributions of that character in order that they might be amplified. The Council received a preliminary report from a meeting of repre- sentatives of the Institute with representatives of the Institute of Physics, held to consider the desirability of co-operating in matters of mutual interest affecting scientists, with regard to both present and post-war I147 3 problems and the possibility of establishing some kind of joint standing committee for that object.The formation of a Joint Committee to represent scientists collectively was regarded as desirable. If the Institutes of Chemistry and Physics decided to set up a Joint Committee, representatives of other sciences could be co-opted. The Council concurred in the recommendation and appointed as its representatives to the proposed Committee, the President, with Dr. Roche Lynch, Sir Robert Pickard and Dr. H. A. Tempany. The President reported that the Policy Committee had held two meetings to discuss whether it was desirable that the Institute should seek powers to register a third grade of membership, and that on the matter being put to the vote the Committee was evenly divided. The Report was referred back to the Committee for further considera- tion in the light of discussions by the Council and by the Conference of Honorary Secretaries of Local Sections.The Policy Committee was asked to consider especially the provision of an age limit for the third grade, if constituted, and the suggestion that the Institutes should register persons who had attained the standard indicated by the Intermediate Science and the Higher National Certificate Examinations. CouncilMeeting, 24th July,1942.-The Council received a further report on the activities of the Emergency Public Health -Laboratory Service and decided that it was advisable, jointly with the Council of the Society of Public Analysts and Other Analytical Chemists, to renew its representations to the Ministry of Health on the subject.A message was received from Professor and Mrs. Percy F. Frankland expressing their thanks for congratulations sent to them from the Institute on the occasion of their Diamond Wedding. The Council requested Dr. William Cullen to act as representative of the Institute on the Anglo-Soviet Scientific Collaboration Sub-committee, which had been formed to define means whereby British Scientific Societies could co-operate with similar societies in Russia. A letter was received from the Chemical Council expressing sympathy with the suggestion of Dr. S. Judd Lewis that “Chemistry House” should be included in the proposed London University Quarter. An inquiry was received from a Fellow as to whether it was desirable that public analysts should be compulsorily enrolled in the Home Guard, and the Council decided to refer the matter to the appropriate authority. The thanks of the Council were accorded to the Directors of Kodak, Ltd., who had kindly presented the Institute with a roller screen with stretchers for illustrating lectures given in the Council Room of the Institute, while the lecture hall is out of use.Reports were received from the Standing Committees. The Finance and House Committee reported that a Statement of Accounts for the half year ending 30th June had been received from the Auditors. The Benevolent Fund Committee reported that the amount of the contributions [ 1481 received to 20th July, 1942,was k118 9s. 7d. less than that received at the corresponding date in 1941.The Council received the Report of the Conference of Honorary Secretaries of Local Sections. With regard to (I) Vacation Employment for Lecturers, the Council felt that there was now such a shortage of chemists and laboratory assist- ants that any who were willing to help during vacations should be utilised as far as possible. With regard to (2) Publicity, Dr. Cullen suggested the employment on suitable occasions of an experienced press-man. Mr. Bacharach agreed and proposed, and the Council resolved, that the Publicity Committee should resume its meetings with a view to post- war planning. In this connexion, Dr. Cullen mentioned that the Chemical Council proposed to consider means for the encouragement of further recruitment to the membership of the Chartered Chemical Bodies, and Mr.Ayling advocated the production of a suitable leaflet for distribu- tion to students and graduates. On the suggestion of Mr. Bacharach, Dr. Cullen, with his consent, was co-opted to the Publicity Committee. With regard to (3) Coupons and Protective Clothing for Chemists, attention was directed to the statement which had appeared in JOURNAL AND PROCEEDINGS,Part 111. The question of abatement of Income Tax in respect of protective clothing appeared to be treated differently in various districts and to depend on individual circumstances. Clause (4): Classification of Chemists by the Joint Recruiting Boards,-the Report of the Conference was amended under official advice. With regard to (5) Gas Identification Service, the Council received from Dr.Armstrong a copy of the Journal of the Institute of Civil Defence containing a paper by Dr. George W. Ferguson, Fellow, dealing very fully with questions concerning the Gas Identification Service. Dr. Armstrong advised, and the Council agreed, that it would be an advantage to obtain the consent of Dr. Ferguson and of the Institute of Civil Defence to reproduce the paper in the JOURNAL AND PROCEEDINGSof the Institute, and the matter was therefore referred to the Publications Committee. Dr. Armstrong expressed the opinion that, as in the case of medical men, Gas Identifica- tion Officers were in a stronger position as advisers than they would be if granted specific rank. Their function was to report and advise.Section (6) of the Report was referred to the Policy Committee, and Section (8) to the Special Committee appointed to consider and report on the Constitution and Method of Electing the Council of the Institute, A Xeport was received from a Joint Committee of the Council of the Institute and the Board of the Institute of Physics, recommending that, for the period of the national emergency, a Joint Committee of the two Institutes be established to voice the collective opinion of their members on matters of public interest. The Council concurred in the above recommendation and appointed the following representatives to the Joint Committee :-The President, with Professor A. Findlay, Dr. G. Roche Lynch, Sir Robert Pickard, Dr.H. A. Tempany, and the Registrar or (in his absence) the Assistant Secretary. [ 149 1 Local Sections The Institute is not responsible,for the views exflressed in papers read OY in.speech.es delivered dzwiptg discussions. Birmingham and Midlands .-A Programme of Summer Lectures has been concluded. On 20th May, Dr. W. H. Hatfield, F.R.S., lectured on “Rust-, Acid- and Heat-resisting Steels.” Members of local Metallurgical and Engineering Societies attended by invitation. This lecture will be published as a separate monograph. On 24th June a lecture on “Adhesives” was given by Dr. M. G. M. Pryor, Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough. The series ended with “Structure and Pattern in Carbohydrates,” by Professor W. N.Haworth, F.R.S. This lecture was given on Wednesday, zznd July. Bristol and South-Western Counties.-A meeting of the Section was held on zznd July, jointly with the Local Section of the Society of Chemical Industry and Fellows of the Chemical Society, in the Chemical Department of Bristol University, Dr. A. C. Monkhouse, Chairman of the Local Section of the Institute, in the Chair. A lecture was given by Mr. A. H. Dodd, Chairman of the South Yorkshire Section of the Institute, on “The Present-day Tendencies in Disinfection.’ ’ Cape.-The Annual General Meeting of the Section was held in the Department of Chemistry of the liniversity of Cape Town, on 15th May,- Professor W. Pugh, in the Chair. The meeting confirmed the action of the Committee in appointing Mr.G. Leslie to act as Auditor in the place of Dr. I. Donen who had resigned on leaving Cape Town. The Honorary Secretary’s and the Honorary Treasurer’s reports for the year 1941-42 were received and adopted. The Honorary Secretary’s report showed that, in addition to the papers read before the Section, already reported in JOURNAL AND PRO-CEEDINGS, Part I, a lecture had been given by Professor W. F. Barker, on 28th November, on “The Conductimetric Analysis of Acid Mixtures.” The members of the Section have collected a group contribution to the Benevolent Fund of the Institute. The Section has been concerned with the services of chemists in connexion with the war. The following Officers and Committee were elected :-Chairman, Mr.J. E. Worsdale; Hon. Secretavy, Dr. A. H. Spong; Hun. Treaswey, Mr. R. J. Kruger; Commzittee Members, Mr. G. Leslie and Mr. W. H. Seath; Hon. Auditors, Dr. P. C. Carman and Mr. H. Green. On the conclusion of the formal business, Professor Pugh, the retiring Chairman, delivered an address on “The Critical State.” [ 1501 By invitation of the Cape Chemical and Technological Society, members of the Section attended two meetings held by that Society,- on 1st May, in the Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, when Dr. W. E. Isaac, of the Low Temperature Research Laboratory, Cape Town, read a paper on “Wartime Activities in the Field of Food Preservation”; and on 5th June, at Shell House, Cape Town, when the Shell Company of South Africa presented a programme of scientific sound films dealing with the oil and the motor industries.East Midlands.-The Seventh Annual General Meeting of the Section was held at the Welbeck Hotel, Nottingham, on 16th April. The Finan- cial statement for 1941-2 and the report of the Committee were adopted. The new committee was elected as follows: Chairman, Mr. A. F. Hall; Hon. Secretary, Mr. J. Ratcliffe; Hon. Auditor, Mr. C. W. North; Com- mittee :-Derbyshire: Messrs. R. Davidson, C. W. North, A. E. Wilson, Leicestershire (excluding Loughborough) : Messrs. S. W. Atherley, H. L. Long; Loughborough : Dr. G. Malcolm Dyson; Nottinghamshire : Dr. H. H. Barber, Messrs. E. M. Bavin, C. F. Ward; Lincolnshire: Mr.D. A. Camp bell. The meeting was followed by a lecture by Dr. H. S. Holden on “Some Applications of Science to Crime Detection.” London and South-Eastern Counties.-The Committee of the Section has endeavoured to keep its activities normal so far as war con- ditions will allow. An innovation tried during the summer was the repetition of two lectures at places on the outskirts of London,-namely, West Ham and Harrow,-in order to give younger members who cannot easily reach the Institute in the early evening the chance of hearing the lectures nearer their own places of work. The plan met with a moderate response, and it is felt that it might have been more successful if it had been possible to give it more publicity. It is proposed to continue the scheme during the winter months if conditions permit.A number of members visited the Imperial Institute Galleries. The event, which proved popular, may become an annual one. The programme of the Section to date has included the following: On 18th February, Professor F. A. Paneth, on “Artificial Radioactivity and the Completion of the Periodic System”; on 18th March, jointly with the Institute of Physics, Professor H. Levy, on “The Social Im- plications of Science in War-time”; on 15th April, Dr. Hugh Nicol, on “What the Plant does with its Materials”; on 27th May and 17th June, Dr. H. Baines, on “Recent Advances in Photographic Theory”; on 15th July and 12th August, Dr. J. Grant, on “Chemist zleysus Forger”; and on 26th August, a Visit to the Imperial Institute Galleries.A summary of Dr. Paneth’s lecture was published in the JOURNAL AND PROCEEDINGS,Part 11, page 87. A summary of Dr. Baines’ lecture was published in the same Part, pp. 85-87, and a summary of Dr. Nicol’s lecture appeared in Nature (4th July, p. 13),and is included in this Part of the JOURNAL AND PROCEEDINGS(p. 155). [ 151 1 The Committee of the Section has under consideration matters raised at the Conference of Honorary Secretaries held in June, Manchester and District. --The Annual General Meeting will be held in the autumn. Arrangements will be made to hold inont hly meetings with Fellows of the Chemical Society throughout the winter period commencing in September. Further details will be notified in due course.New Zealand.-The Fifteenth Annual General Meeting of the Section was held in the Dominion Laboratory, Wellington, on 14th April. The Section recorded with regret the death of Mr. H. W. Lawrence and expressed appreciation of his work in furthering the interests of the profession in New Zealand and in fostering the application of chemistry to industrial problems. The Annual Report and Treasurer’s Statement were received and adopted. The following Officers and Committee were elected as follows:-Chairman, Dr. R. 0. Page; Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, Mr. P. White; Hon. Auditor, Mr. W. A. Joiner; Committee,Mr. F. H. V. Fielder (Auck- land), Mr. T. H. McCombs (Christchurch), Dr. McDougall (Palmerston North), Dr. H. 0.Askew (Nelson), Dr. R. Gardner (Dunedin), Dr. G. M. Moir and Mr. M. L. H. Stewart (Wellington). Thanks were accorded to Mr. T. A. Glendinning for acting as Honorary Auditor for a number of years, and to the Honorary Secretary for his services during the past year. South Wales.-The Twenty-fourth Annual General Meeting of the Section was held on 29th May, at the Grand Hotel, Swansea, Mr. R. H. Jones, Chairman of the Section, presiding. The Section washonoured by the presence of the President, Dr. J.J. Fox. The following Officers and Members of Committee were elected for the ensuing session: Chairman, Mr. R. H. Jones; Hon. Secretary, Mr. E. E. Ayling; Committee, Prof. J. E. Coates, Dr. F. Heathcoat, Messrs. J. W. Adye, T. Hedley Barry, J. Christie, and F.G. Willson. Messrs. G. Made1 and C. R. N. Strouts were elected Honorary Auditors. The President spoke of various activities of the Institute and parti- cularly of the Benevolent Fund. He stressed the importance of building up a substantial reserve while calls for assistance were not so numerous, in order to deal adequately with the appeals for help which might arise in the future. On the question of the constitution of the Council, he referred to the diverse opinions expressed by various Sections and to the interim report presented by the Special Committee of the Council. The Committee had recorded its agreement on the following points: that the Council was too large, that its members should be elected for three years, and that they should be elected partly regionally and partly nationally.The possible eligibility of Associates for membership of the Council was an open question. [ 152 1 With reference to the future policy of the Institute, the President emphasised that the Institute is a Chartered body and that while it could act in the interests of its members within the provisions of the Charter, it could not act as a trade union; more solid achievement would result from acting quietly than by raucous publicising of every supposed benefit gained for the members. An important issue had been raised by the compulsory registration of chemists on the Central Register : of approxi-mately zo,ooo who had been registered, it was estimated that some 8,000 were not associated with any chemical organisation.A large number of those who had been registered possessed lower qualifications than those required for the Associateship of the Institute, and it had been suggested that, in the interests of the profession, a third grade of Institute membership should be established. This proposal was being considered by a Special Committee. Any change in this direction would be so funda-mental that the views of as many members as possible must be obtained, and such a change should only be made if an overwhelming majority of the members favoured it. Before such a change could be proposed a number of points must be considered : the minimum educational standard and experience required for admission to such a grade of membership, the possible demand for such a grade among the potential members of the grade, the benefits which such members would expect, and the effect of the institution of such a grade on the professional status of the present members.The President then spoke of the importance of the formation of the Chemical Council and of the introduction of the Joint Subscription Scheme, which constituted noteworthy steps in the direction of co-operation. In conclusion, the President referred to possible post-war conditions when the Institute might be concerned with the future prospects of a large number of chemists. The Institute should maintain a careful watch, and older members must regard themselves as responsible for the younger. Mr. Thornton opened the discussion.He favoured the introduction of a third grade of membership, feeling that it should be possible for the Institute to include all who had for some time made chemistry their profession. Such membership would endow the member with a definite standing. A man of 30-35, engaged in chemical practice and holding the Higher National Certificate, should be eligible for membership of the third grade. Dr. Heathcoat also favoured the acceptance of the Higher National Certificate as one of the qualifications for admission to a third grade. He urged that the Institute should give more weight to the Certificate by. accepting it as a step towards the Associateship. Dr. Cunningham expressed regret that little publicity was given to any benefits obtained by the Institute for its members.In talking to potential members it was often difficult to think of concrete examples and to explain all the advantages of membership. If members and potential members knew more of the Institute’s activities, he thought that more of the latter would be inclined to become members. He [ 1531 favoured the introduction of a third grade and the maximum possible co-operation with other chemical bodies in order to form a strong pro- fessional organisation. Mr. Barry said that one fundamental question of policy should be the maintenance of the present high standards for the Associateship and Fellowship, so that there would continue to be a supply of professional chemists with recognised high qualifications.At the same time the interests of all chemists should be carefully guarded. There was a ten-dency to employ young chemists as cheaply as possible, to get older men to train them and then to dispense with the older chemists. Older as well as younger chemists might be placed in a serious position in the future. The Institute conferred on its members a recognised status. There were already the grades of Fellowship, Associateship and Student- ship, but there were many persons who were something more than students, yet not sufficiently qualified to become Associates, for whom a new grade was desirable, which might be called the Licentiateship. The President having replied briefly to various points which had been raised during the discussion, was accorded a vote of thanks for visiting and addressing the Section, moved by Mr.Thornton, seconded by Mr. Madel, and supported by Mr. Dixon, Chairman of the Cardiff and District Local Section. Local Sections.-The approximate number of members at present attached to each Local Section is given below. Section No. of members. Aberdeen and North of Scotland ., *. .. .. 67 Belfast and District .. I. .. .. .. .. 50 Birmingham and Midlands .. Bristol and South-Western Counties .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. 327 333 Cape of Good HopeCardiff District .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 42 144 Dublin and District . . .. .. .. *. .. 50 East Anglia East Midlands .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. *... .. .. .. .. 71 301 Edinburgh and East of Scotland Glasgow and West of Scotland . . Huddersfield . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 207 447 87 India .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . %98 Leeds Area .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 305 Liverpool and North-Western Counties London and South-Eastern Counties .. .. .. .. *. . . .. ti30 2550 Malaya .. .. .. Manchester and District .. .. .. .. .. .. .. *. .. .. 35 668 Newcastle and North-East Coast . . .. .. .. 90 New Zealand ... South Wales (Swansea) South Yorkshire . . .. .. .. .. .. .. ., .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 77 177 136 Tees-Side . . .. .. .. a . a . .. .. 108 SUMMARIES OF LECTURES “What the Plant does with its Materials” By Dr.HUGHNICOL,F.I.C., Imperial Bureau of Soil Science [London and South-Eastern Counties Section, 15th April, 1942.1 Only a few elements are represented in the majority of known coni- pounds of plant origin. The halogens are apparently not essential for plant growth, and no organic halogen compound is known in the higher plants. Chlorophyll is the outstanding compound of magnesium in plants, but does not account for a large proportion of this element therein. Alkalies and alkaline earths are mainly present in ionic form; the form in which silicon is taken up is obscure, but for some plants not more than traces are necessary. Of late years several elements previously COR-sidered to be unessential or toxic have been shown to be necessary for healthy growth :these include boron, copper, and zinc.On account of the minute amounts of such elements that plants need, they are known as “trace” or “minor” elements. The discovery that they are essential for plants has been partly due to accident, but it is now recognised that when trace elements are deficient in cultivated soil they must be supplied, and a minor industry concerned with the use of salts of manganese, boron, copper, zinc, etc., as fertilisers or fertiliser adjuncts has arisen. Cobalt salts (used at the rate of about z 02. per acre) may be included among these adjuncts, though they are essential only for the animals-particu- larly sheep-grazing on cobalt-deficient land : the vegetation acts simply as a vehicle. The very recent discovery of the existence of vast tracts of seleniferous soil has brought to light some curious relationships: for some plants selenium is an essential element.There is biological evidence of seleni- ferous soil in Ireland, though no chemical confirmation has been forth- coming. Some remarks of Marco Polo about China are now known to refer to effects of selenium. The subject of “indicator plants ”-meaning plants which by their presence or mode of growth indicate soil conditions- is a large and fascinating one. Recognition of such plants can usefully supplement the chemical analysis of soils. The generalisations can be made that plants are ionic feeders and that they like their ions as simple as possible. Chemically complex materials must be broken down before their elements can be assimilated by plants.The chief role of the soil is to act as nidus to such decompositions: weathering breaks down minerals, and microbial action breaks down organic compounds resulting from previous generations of plants and animals. Very large quantities of water are streamed through plants during life. New views on the assimilation of carbon dioxide hzve indicated the abandonment of the formaldehyde polymerisation theory [ 1551 of the formation of carbohydrates. It appears that the process of C0,-uptake by plants proceeds in two stages under the influence of an enzyme-like molecule which has been partially characterised. One of the stages-the dark reduction of carbon dioxide-is common to all living cells.(J. Amer. Chem. SOC.,1940, 62, 3443.) The relations between tops and roots are interesting. It should be borne in mind that roots are not merely absorbing organs; they also provide storage of reserve nutrients. There is a quantitative relationship between roots and tops. When the top of a growing plant is cut, as by grazing or mowing, the roots are in effect trimmed, thus reducing the ability of the plant to survive adverse conditions such as severe cold or drought. When roots of a plant are differently nourished or leaves differently insolated, the top develops asymmetrically, there being little or no lateral transport of nutrients within a plant. Thus a hydrangea may naturally bear, or may artificially be induced to bear, both blue and red flowers corresponding to the conditions to which different parts of its roots are subjected.Swedes in the field have been found to develop more on their south than on their north sides. Graminaceous plants have been shown to have each many miles of root, and the net gain of root may be of the order of one mile per plant per day. The finer roots even of trees are short-lived and within a few weeks take part in the cycle of decomposition in the soil. The plant is an equilibrium system and does not merely accrete material. The most obvious form of return of nutrients to the soil is the leaf-fall of perennials, yet there is reason to believe that there are other modes of “negative migration” of ionic nutrients, back to the soil.This is instanced in legumes by the seasonal decay of the nitrogen-fixing bacterial nodules, and possibly by the direct excretion of nitrogenous compounds from the nodules or roots, which excretion may enable a nodule-bearing leguminous plant to supply combined nitrogen to another plant (say, a cereal) growing alongside. The work of Pierre with wheat in the ’sixties of last century provides the most extensive analyses of a growing crop ever made; and incidentally it takes into account what most agricultural analysts have overlooked-the fact that stems differ in composition along their length. Pierre’s analyses of the whole plant show a maximum quantity of inorganic nutrients, per hectare, a month before harvest. The only late increase was of phosphorus in the ear.It may be concluded that an appreciable part of the nutrients was returned to the soil while the wheat was growing. Although plants can absorb ions from true solution, the notion that the state of ions in the soil is similar to that of a true solution interspersed among inert mineral particles is inadequate. Both mineral and organic colloids have to be taken into account from the point of view of nutrient uptake and soil structure. The dark materials known loosely as humus are end-products of microbial activity, and may not be indispensable ; hut the maintenance of soil fertility is largely bound up with gummy products of the recent activity of microbes on plant remains. [ 1561 The suggestion made by Professor N.Comber some years ago that the plant and the soil with which it is in contact form a practical continuum has gained force from work on ionic exchange. Contact exchange of anions between roots and soil colloids has yet to be demonstrated, as has contact intake of cations, but there is suggestive evidence for the depletion of cations from a root by contact with a soil colloid. Both root and clay colloids are negatively charged; no jumping of cations could be found between roots and (positive) iron hydroxide sol. In view of “negative migration ” and of the fact that roots do not yield ions to distilled water, the position of the “soil solution ” theory is seriously challenged. Dynamic views of soil and of the relation between soil and plant must henceforth take the place of the static views that have prevailed.Tropical rain forests, from the soil of which even the silica has been leached out to leave a soil composed largely of sesquioxides, offer an excellent illustration of the cyclicity of nutrients; in such forests the stock of nutrients resides in the vegetation itself, and the nutrient cycle takes place above the ground. The ideal agricultural soil is typified by the Russian chernozem; in this the cycle is fairly shared between soil and plant :the latter typically a grass. The operations of cultivation and manuring are, at their best, intended to maintain the soil-plant cycle in full and uninterrupted operation. “The Present-day Tendencies in Disinfection” By A.H. DODD., M.A., F.I.C. [Bristol and South-Western Counties Section, zznd July, 1942.1 Mass Disinfection.-In the last two decades of the nineteenth century the theory prevailed that infectious diseases would disappear when the germs alleged to be the cause thereof were eradicated. Hence the im- portance attached to terminal disinfection and mass disinfection and the development of disinfectants therefor. The coal tar disinfectants since the ’70’sof the last century still play a predominant part in disinfection. Droplet Infection.-The failure of mass and terminal disinfection to alter the incidence of infectious diseases caused the rise of the droplet infection theory, whereby it was maintained that infection only took place by infected droplets being breathed indirectly and “catching ” depended upon the immunity of the host.Pathogenic germs had little vitality outside their hosts. DropZet Nuclei Infection.-The failure of barrier nursing and the aseptic school of disinfection, particularly their inability to check streptococcal infection, has led to a complete change of opinion during the last six years. Much infection is now said to be conveyed by droplet nuclei which rise and fall according to air currents. Droplets sneezed or breathed out become droplet nuclei on. partial desiccation and the viability of certain pathogenic organisms therein has been proved to be long. Two tendencies of disinfection have been studied by the Medical Research Council :-(a) laying and disinfection of dust and especially [ 157 1 blanket dust in hospitals; (h) use of aerosols in shelter spraying.There has been confusion between ordinary spraying of shelters and use of aerosols. Wound Uisinfection.-During the last war a great controversy raged between antiseptic and aseptic schools of surgery, because, in general, wounds were aggravated by constant dressing. The Carrel-Dakin method of irrigation with hypotonic solutions was developed. In this war the “closed-plaster” system of Trueta, which was used in the Spanish Civil War, has become an important treatment. Never-theless the controversy persists between the antiseptic and aseptic theories. The whole matter has been overshadowed by the use of the sulphonamides, and it is probable that there will be a swing back from the use of these powerful therapeutic agents.The general opinion is that wounds are best treated with as little interference as possible. The use of antiseptics should be confined to the early stages, on which point there is universal agreement, and then the mildest form of disinfection should be used for washing. This would inhibit growth of organisms and neither spread them nor prevent healing of tissues. When the effect of a change could only be determined by weighing the evidence of a long series of experiments, there is a tendency for ideas to go round in circles. This can be illustrated by reference to the evidence on disinfection. Report of the Tenth Conference of Honorary Secretaries of Local Sections.20th June, 1942, at 10 a.m. Present.-Dr. J. J. Fox, President, in the Chair; Mr. J. C. White, Honorary Treasurer, and the following:-Mr. E. E. Ayling, South Wales (Swansea); Mr. R. W. Bolland, vice Rlr. H. E. Blayden, Newcastle upon Tyne and North-East Coast ; Dr. J. W. Corran, East Anglia; Dr. J. F. J. Dippy, Cardiff and District; Mr. G. Elliot Dodds, Edinburgh and East of Scotland; Dr. E. H. Goodyear, Huddersfield; Dr. J. G. A. GrifYiths, vice Mr. E. Q. Laws, London and South-Eastern Counties; Dr. D. A. Harper, Manchester and District; Mr. F. P. Hornby, Bristol and South- Western Counties; Mr. E. M. Joiner, Birmingham and Midlands; Dr. A. G. G. Leonard, Dublin; Mr. G. Parkin, South Yorkshire; Mr. J. Ratcliffe, East Midlands; Dr.F. J. Smith, Liverpool and North-Western; Mr. W. A. Wightman, Leeds Area; The Registrar and the Assistant Secretary. Letters regretting absence were received from Mr. J. G. Duncan (Glasgow and West of Scotland), Mr. C. S. McDowell (Belfast) and Mr. W. M. Todd (Aberdeen and h’orth of Scotland). The President welcomed the Honorary Secretaries and expressed appreciation of the interest they showed in the affairs of the Institute and of the profession by attending the meeting. [ 158 1 (1)VACATION FOR LECTURERS.-A letter was read from EMPLOYMENT Mr. W. M. Todd, Honorary Secretary of the Aberdeen and North of Scotland Section, suggesting that many lecturers in universities and technical colleges wished to be more actively engaged in work of national importance, if possible, during the summer vacation.Mr. Todd suggested that the Institute might compile a list of such persons as a supplementary register and assist in placing them in temporary appointments; also that employers might be notified of the existence of such a register. The suggestion had been received by the Institute earlier in the war, but employers found it difficult to make use of the services of such personnel unless they were readily available in the district, and objection was raised on the ground that it was some time before they were of real use on the works.* Some scientific staffs in the universities and colleges were engaged on research for the war effort during vacations, but a number of teachers would like to be doing something for at least two months of their vacation.It was decided that the matter should be raised with the appropriate departments and that the Institute should offer to receive and pass on the names of lecturers and teachers who would be available for such work. (2) PuBLxcITY.--Mr. Joiner (Birmingham and Midlands) expressed his opinion that the Institute was not sufficiently known in some universities and colleges and in the works of some industrial concerns. The Institute did not sufficiently make known what it did to help the profession. On the agenda paper it was noted that the Special Committee of the Council had reported that the present time was not opportune for promoting further publicity, bkt that the Council should &mind Members and Students of the services rendered by the Institute and should emphasis0 the value of professional organisation.The Conference was reminded that in normal times the expenditure of the Institute on publicity amounted to between €400 and $500 a year, including advertisements of the examinations and the Appointments Register and the free supply of publications to Government Departments, Municipal Authorities, Public Libraries, Universities, Colleges, and other Institutions. Mr. Joiner said that, apart from the routine publicity, which he thought was satisfactory, there was the much more vital publicity which arose from the activities of a live and energetic society. The Local Sections could maintain the interests of their members and would in- evitably attract new ones by a bold and active programme.He hoped that after the war there would be greater activity in the Local Sections, more frequent meetings, professional and social. There would be less of “What do I get for my subscription?” and more of “What can I do for the Institute?” Mr. Joiner suggested that the Institute should hold a Congress triennially to discuss matters of scientific and professional interest and to promote a sense of fellowship. Hospitality could be arranged by the Local Sections.? Mr. Dodds thought the Local Sections were doing very well as it was and that chemists frequently wished to associate themselves with other people, rather than with other chemists, in their limited spare time; * This view was confirmed by the authorities concerned, who added that the time of the technical staff would be absorbed during the training period.t 1Lfr. Duncan (Glasgow and West of Scotland) wrote, after the Conference, suggesting that the Arixiual General Meeting be held at Local Section ceiitres in turn. [ 159 1 but means might be taken to tell chemists more about the Institute, and the public more about chemistry. Mr. Joiner insisted, however, that chemists welcomed opportunities of meeting one another. The President said he felt that the Institute existed for the profes- sional interests of its members, it conferred a professional hall-mark on its members, and it should actively co-operate with other chemical bodies.Dr. Harper thought that the Institute should work for closer unity though not actual union with other bodies. The President said that the American Chemical Society appeared to be able to co-ordinate the activities of the chemists, including the specialists, in the United States, but here the specialist societies were determined to be independent units. The Registrar remarked that science advanced very largely through the existence of specialised bodies, by bringing together those who were keenly interested in a particular branch. Mr. White, Honorary Treasurer, suggested that the Local Sections should make known the Institute, and that the staffs of chemical depart- ments of universities and colleges should encourage students to register and to qualify for the Associateship. Mr.Ayling said that sometimes such staffs were not members of the Institute. Dr. Corran and others suggested that undergraduates and grad- uates should be invited to Section meetings. Dr. Corran advocated that graduates should be addressed by prominent members of Local Sections and informed of the existence and work of the Institute. That might be done by inviting graduates to social meetings. Already, in some Sections, graduates were invited to joint meetings held with Local Sections of other societies. The Registrar expressed the opinion that when the war was ended and the factories closed, many chemists would be looking to the Institute to help them to obtain work. It could not be foretold whether chemists would be absorbed as they had been after the last war.At hardly any time, in the intervening period, had the number of members of the Institute out of employment reached 4 per cent. ; for most of the time the percentage of unemployment was less than 2, and at the present time, scarcely any chemists were available except a few who had retired but were willing to be useful if called upon. The matter of employment of chemists after the war might well be serious owing to the fact that very many had taken up the profession since the last war and larger numbers were employed on processes directly related to the war effort. Mr. Ayling thought that one useful means of publicity would be the production of a weekly journal,-perhaps in co-operation with the Chemical Society and the Society of Chemical Industry,-and Dr.Dippy referred to the news edition of the Journal of the American Chemical Society as a useful example. It was decided to bring the suggestion to the notice of the Council. [ 160] Dr. Griffiths, dealing with the view that had been expressed that few graduates of the older universities became members of the Institute, indicated that this was partly accounted for by the fact that relatively few members of the older universities graduated with honours in chemistry. He suggested that contact should be made by sending such graduates a leaflet setting out the objects of the Institute. He wished to approach individuals directly rather than rely entirely on advertisements and notices sent to the heads of departments. Mr.Ayling felt that something smaller than “The Profession of Chemistry,” might be produced for distribution to universities and colleges. Mr. Wightman supported the idea that the Local ‘Sections should approach the professors in their respective districts. The Honorary Treasurer said that while all Associates and Fellows should be propagandists for the Institute, this should apply particularly to District Members of Council and Honorary Secretaries of Local Sections. Mr. Parkin advocated greater activity in the Local Sections and close association with other bodies. (3)COUPONS AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING FOR CHEMISTS.-It Was mentioned that the Institute had been in close touch with the Board of Trade on the subject of coupons for protective clothing for chemists, and that a statement on the subject would shortly be published. (Such a statement had already been prepared for inclusion in JOURNAL AND PROCEEDINGS,Part 111).The Assistant Secretary described the negotiations which had passed between the Board of Trade and the Institute. The Conference held that teachers and students should be allowed concessions in the matter of coupons, and that the question of abatement of Income Tax in respect of protective clothing should be clarified. (4)CLASSIFICATION OF CHEMISTS BY THE JOINT RECRUITINGBOARDS. -Dr. Corran referred to the classification of young chemists by the University Joint Recruiting Boards.He stated that the matter had been dealt with by the Assistant Secretary in a letter explaining the various categories so far as students in chemistry are concerned. *Category A indicated that the student had obtained a University degree with chemistry as a Final subject (or an equivalent or higher scientific qualification, including the Associateship or Fellowship of the Institute of Chemistry) and that a recommendation had been made by the Board to the Ministry of Labour and National Service as to how he could best be used in the National effort. The Board’s recommendation would be considered by the Central (Technical and Scientific) Register, which would determine whether he should be allocated to the Forces or to industry. Where the chemist was placed by the Central Register in *Since the Conference was held this statement has been slightly revised and brought up to date on advice received from the Central Register Department of the Ministry of Labour and National Service.c 161 1 industry or moved by the Register to another approved post, arrange- ments would be made to defer him from military service, so long as he was employed on approved work of National importance. Category B had ceased to exist, Category C referred to a student who had applied for deferment to the Joint Recruiting Board and had been recommended by the Board for deferment to enable him to complete a course of study. Deferment would be granted, subject to satisfactory progress and review at the end of the first year and provided the student was deemed likely to qualify for a degree or equivalent qualification within the maximum period of two years and three months (Scotland two years and nine months) from the date of entrince at the University or Technical College or from the date he attained the age of 184,whichever was the later.Deferment would not be granted in any circumstances for a period longer than sufficient to enable the student to qualify for a degree within the shortest possible time. To meet the needs of war research, Boards could, however, recommend that a percentage representing the most promising students and not exceeding 15 per cent. of the yearly output of all students at any particular University, should be allowed an additional year.Part-time students for the Associateship of the Institute of Chemistry or an award equivalent to a University degree in chemistry would be recommended for deferment by the Boards, provided (a) they had started a course at a recognised Technical College or Institution for these qualifications, and (b) those who had started a course for the Associateship of the Institute of Chemistry were registered students of the Institute and could be certified by their College to be within two years of the completion of the course for the Associateship examination. Until now skilled laboratory assistants had not usually been called up for active service; but the question of continued deferment or reserva- tion was always subject to review in the light of war needs. Category D consisted of graduates recommended by the Boards as the most promising students whose capabilities were such that it was desirable to place them in work where the fullest use would be made of their qualifications.Such graduates were allocated by the Central Register and in all cases their employment, whether in industry or in war research work at a University or elsewhere, required to be approved by the Register. Category E referred to men who had not obtained the necessary qualifications; they could not obtain deferment froin military service by means of Joint Recruiting Board mechanism. The President said that the Institute had successfully dealt with many questions affecting individuals, arising in connexion with recruit merit.The Assistant Secretary emphasised that prompt action should be taken in such matters. The occupations of chemists, and particularly “Laboratory Assistants (skilled),” should be described in the exact terms employed in the Schedule of Reserved Occupations. [ 162 1 (5)GAS IDENTIFICATIONOFFICERs.-?vIr. Dodds opened a general discussion on the Gas Identification Service. Gas Identification Officers were attached to the Civil Defence: they were not military and it was desirable that there should be an understanding as to their duties in certain contingencies. There appeared to be varying ideas in different parts of the country as to their duties, and it was obvious that they were more active in some districts than others.There were varying degrees of liaison with other branches of the Civil Defence and with the forces, and it was suggested that Gas Identification Officers should press for further iniprovemen t s in their organisat ion. Some members suggested too that, in addition to the distinctive steel helmet, they should have uniforms indicating their officer rank, and that their authority should be more clearly defined, for example, in giving advice in connexion with decontamination and certifying when areas are clear of gas. Dr. Harper suggested that the experience of G.1.0~.should be collected and communicated to Headquarters. He felt that the A.R.P. authorities should make more use of chemists. (6) POLICYCOMMITTEE;A THIRDGRADEOF MEMBERSHIP.-In the afternoon, the President referred to the proceedings of the Policy Com- mittee of the Council,-especially the consideration of the desirability of instituting a third grade of membership of the Institute, on which reasons for and against were freely discussed. Some Sections appeared to be strongly in favour of a third grade, and it was suggested that Bodies other than the Institute were attracting chemists because they were largely concerned with salaries and providing social facilities.The Policy Comniittee felt that the Institute must maintain its position as a professional body. There was obviously a feeling, however, among some members that a grade between Studentship and Associateship should be provided for those who had attained a standard, represented by Inter- mediate Science or the Higher National Certificate PZzis practical experi- ence, who should be encouraged to aspire to the Associateship.The Regulations of the Institute provided for such cases, but the view had been expressed that, given some form of membership, many who had reached the standard indicated would not attempt to qualify for the Associate- ship. The Policy Committee had been evenly divided on the matter and the Council had requested the President to invite the Conference to consider the matter. The President thought that those who were eligible for such a third grade would desire some form-of professional hall- mark from the Institute. Some members said that their Sections had not yet discussed this question; some held that there was no need for a third grade, that the Institute should not register persons who were not fully qualified profes- sional chemists.If, later, some forms of registration of chemists were established the Institute might be prejudiced by the inclusion of a third grade, and many in this junior grade would make no attempt to qualify as Associates. In any case, evidence of general culture was essential, r 1631 and members of a third grade should be required to produce certificates of having passed preliminary examinations or equivalent evidence. Some favoured registering chemists who had attained a pass degree standard, but it was pointed out that such candidates were provided for in the Regulations of the Institute in cases where they had several years practical experience.Dr. Harper suggested that the strength of the Institute lay in the fact that Fellowship and Associateship represented a high qualification ; it should not be disturbed. Mr. Parkin asked what was the reason for the suggestion. The President replied that it was known that there were many people who were earning their livelihood by practising chemistry and were not attached to any organisation devoted to the science. Representations had been made to the Council and the Policy Committee had been asked to consider them. Mr. Joiner strongly supported the idea that there should be introduced another level between the Studentship and Associateship, not only of those who had attained Intermediate Standard, but those who had been engaged in specialised work, provided they were scientific people.They would strengthen the Institute as the representative body of chemists and make it more comprehensive. The Honorary Treasurer suggested that chemical personnel might be classified as follows :-(a) Associates and Fellows of the Institute ; (b) those who were qualified but did not apply for membership of the Institute ; (c) those who were not qualified but were on the way to become so; and (d) those who were not qualified and unlikely to become so. Any third grade should apply to those in clause (c) who were on the way to become qualified. Mr. Ayling favoured the introduction of a third grade for works chemists who were attending evening classes and had obtained the Higher National Certificate.He would like the Institute to cater for the rank and file of those who earned their living by chemistry. In South Wales this proposal was favoured, not only by the younger members, but also by the seniors. Dr. Dippy held that the Higher National Certificate should be con- sidered in relation to the proposed third grade. Dr. Corran was opposed to the formation of a third grade since this lower grade would tend in many cases to be the goal for many young chemists, whose sole object was to get for themselves a qualification, however slight. He suggested that instead of this third grade the Council should consider restoring an Intermediate A.I.C.examination which would be analogous to Intermediate B.Sc. Some members approved the suggestion that there should be an age limit and a limit to the period of registration, so that those who did not qualify within so many years would cease to be registered. The President expressed the opinion that few would enter a third grade from which they could be removed by a time limit. [ 164 1 Mr. Dodds said that if the Higher National Certificate were accepted as the required standard, he feared it would be found that a high propor- tion of holders of that certificate had not passed an approved preliminary examination. He objected to the proposed third grade as being contrary to the interests of qualified chemists and of the Institute.Reference was made to the terms used in other professional bodies to indicate various grades of membership, such as Members, Associate-Members, Companions, Graduates, Licentiates, Cadets. There was a desire to afford facilities for all working in chemistry to be allowed the privilege of attending meetings which were generally open to other than members of organised bodies. In a general discussion it was suggested that the Policy Committee might consider the question of introducing an Intermediate Examination to be held by the Institute as a qualification for inclusion in a Register, instead of the proposed third grade. Intermediate Science and Higher National Certificates could be accepted but, in all cases, satisfactory evidence of general education should be required. Persons thus registered should not have voting powers, but they would be subject to professional discipline.They could attend Institute meetings and receive publica- tions. (7) UNIFICATIONOF CHEMICALBODIES-Dr. Harper said that his Section was interested in unification-not union-of Chemical Bodies. There should be some sort of “umbrella” under which all Chemical Bodies could be united to take action on behalf of the profession: one that could be approached by all authorities as the body for chemistry as a whole without disturbing the individuality of existing bodies. The President emphasised that any scheme must recognise the fact that most of the existing organisations were determined to preserve their independence.(8)CONSTITUTIONOF THE CouNcIL.-The Conference heard views in favour of and against the inclusion of Associates on the Council, The points raised were-that service on the Council was the only privilege open to Fellows and not to Associates, and the latter might be deterred from applying for the Fellowship if they could attain membership of the Council without becoming Fellows; that Associates who were the most eligible to serve on the Council were in general eligible for Fellowship; that if they were elected Fellows while serving as Members of Council the question would arise whether they should continue to represent the Associates. Some maintained that if they were elected Members of the Council they should not adjudicate on the applications for Fellows!iip.On the other hand, it was contended that the Associates out-numbered the Fellows by nearly three to one; that there were rarely any Members of Council less than 40 years of age, and that the younger members had no one to speak for them. It was felt by many that the younger members should have more say in the management of the Institute. The President having said that he had some sympathy with the latter view, the discussion turned on whether, in the event of Associates [ 165 1 being elected to the Council, they should be required to possess a qualifica-tion of say five years’ Associateship, and also whether the number of Associates serving on the Council at any one time should be limited-say, to a maximum of five.The By-law might be a permissive one, so that all Fellows and Associates were free to vote for members of either grade. The view was expressed, however, that the Privy Council would not approve a By-law which allowed the possibility of an unlimited number of Associates being elected to the Council. (9) REMUNERATIONSTATISTICS.-The Assistant Secretary read the circular requesting members to make returns for the purpose of formulat- ing salary statistics and asked members of the Conference to encourage Fellows and Associates in their respective districts to make a prompt return of the cards issued with the circular. A suggestion received from two Sections, that such Conferences should not be held during war-time, did not receive general support, but will be considered in 1943.The Honorary Secretaries lunched together at the Hotel Russell and resumed their sitting in the afternoon. Mr, Parkin (South Yorkshire Section) asked to be allowed to express, on behalf of members of the Conference, their congratulations to the Registrar and Secretary on completing 50 years’ service with the Institute. The Registrar, in reply, thanked the Hon. Secretaries for the kind messages which he had received from them, and referred to the happy relations existing between the Hon. Secretaries and Headquarters. The Conference passed a cordial vote of thanks to the President for presiding. Some Aspects of the Work of the Gas Identification Service* By GEORGE W. FERGUSON,Ph.D., F.I.C., Assistant Senior Gas Adviser, Londofi Regiox I much appreciate the honour of having been invited by the Council to discuss with you this evening some aspects of the work of the Gas Identi-fication Service, not so much from the purely technical aspect of the latter’s main function, but rather to review its work as an integral and necessary civil defence service, and to make some observations which may contribute to its optimum tactical employment when the occasion arises.In view of the remarks of both Mr. Mabane and Admiral Sir Edward Evans when discwsing the possible use of gas at our last meeting, the present survey may be not inappropriate. However, as an introduction, * Reprinted by kind p3rmission of the Author and of the Couiicil of the Insti-tute of Civil Defence from the Institute of Civil Defence JournaZ, Volume 4,No.5, June, 1942. [ 166 1 I would like, first of all, to put forward for your consideration some postulates in regard to gas warfare, and in particular to aerial gas attack, which bear repetition. (I) The element of surprise is a potent weapon, and to be at all effective must be accompanied by great weight of attack. It can therefore be anticipated that when gas is first used it will be employed on the heaviest scale of which the enemy is capable, consistent with the efficiency of the total power of attack (i.e. the ratio of H.E., incendiary and gas bombs in the total bomb load). It may also be the forerunner of, or accompanied by, military operations of a major character.(2) As a corollary to the above, attacks on pre-selected target areas of fairly limited extent are to be expected, in order to produce the maximum amount of destruction and dislocation in those areas. (3) Whilst the probability of heavy gas raiding at night is most feasible, surprise daytime attacks with the object of producing confusion and panic in densely populated areas cannot altogether be excluded as beyond the bounds of possibility. (4) More than one type of gas is likely to be employed during the same raid, in order to obtain the maximum casualty production in regard to both persons and property. (5) The nature of the gas or gases and the manner in which they are employed will depend on the strategic objectives to be attained; i.e.it will be logical to anticipate the use of a preponderating amount of persistent harassing gas bombs in factory, warehouse and communications areas, and conversely in suburban residential areas an increased proportion of non- persistent lethal gas bombs, probably accompanied by H.E. bombs is to be expected. Spray and cloud attacks may also take place in localities of certain types and under certain conditions. Arising from the foregoing statements, it will be realised that the problems confronting the authorities during and after a raid in any “target area’’ are likely to be many and varied, and the question of deploying all available resources to the best advantage arises. The care with which this point has been studied has received emphasis in all recent civil defence measures, and applies in a particular degree to the intel- ligent tactical use of the Gas Identification Service in order to obtain the utmost value from the limited number of specially trained officers available.The initial detection of the presence of gas during the course of a raid will fall upon the shoulders of the wardens and police, who have received full training in the subjective tests to be employed and their implications. Whilst it is well to bear in mind that a certain amount of caution must be exercised in accepting the evidence of subjective tests alone, it is only reasonable to expect that Control will be receiving corroborative evidence from several sources more or less simultaneously, and is therefore enabled to draw fairly sound conclusions as to the type of gas employed and the immediate measures to be taken by the civil defence services.The note of caution sounded in the preceding sentence can best be summarised in the [ 167 1 words, “Always suspect the worst until the contrary be proved.’, It will therefore be apparent that if the initial reports, for example, indicate the employment of a non-persistent gas of the arsenical nose-irritant type, then a lung irritant may be suspected to accompany it, and likewise even if reports of the definite presence of a persistent tear gas, such as BBC, are received, the presence of a vesicant covered by the lachrymator should also be suspected.Bearing in mind the earlier remarks in regard to the probable nature of aerial gas attack, it will be obvious that a large amount of evidence of this type from the field, first-aid posts, etc., will be arriving at Control, and will require rapid and expert sifting. It must also be borne in mind that, although the saving of life has first claim over that of other services, economy of labour and materials must be rigidly observed, in view of the heavy work inevitably and quickly following in the wake of the raid, and that at an early stage during its course evidence of indubit- able authenticity must be obtained by the discriminate employment of the Gas Identification Officers in the field. A suggestion which I would like to put forward at this stage, and one resulting from experience gained in many exercises, is that an experienced G.I.O.should be stationed at Control when raids of this type materialise. He would assist in correlating the mass of subjective evidence from in- coming reports and thus advise the Controller of any contradictions and anomalies, which, it may be emphasised, are only too certain to arise, particularly whilst experience is gained in the field. This procedure was instituted by the City Corporation, under whom I was then privileged to serve, in the early days of 1940, and has since been widely adopted elsewhere. Let 11s now consider the types of incident which require particular attention from the G.I.O. and, for convenience, divide these into two categories, namely : (I) Those requiring immediate investigation during the raid, and (11) post-raid problems arising from contamination of materials, referring to the latter in the widest sense.Incidents in category I will include : (a)The FIRST Report of the Suseected Presence of Gas. This may be of so definite a character as to admit of no ambiguity. On the other hand, some abnormal feature may have been noted and the services in the field require guidance. It is of the greatest importance that the G.I.O. should at once visit the incident and ascertain either that no danger exists, or that some dangerous or obnoxious material is present, due to local circumstances (e.g. incidents occurring at or near premises where chemical processes are employed, or where certain classes of goods may be in transit by road or rail, etc.).Control and the services can take any appropriate action and the matter be thus handled with discretion. On the other hand, if positive indications of the use of gas by the enemy should be obtained, then a sample (the larger the better) must be taken, for it is obvious that it is of the utmost national importance that [ 1681 the FIRST gas sample and. all relevant details should be subjected to the most detailed examination by the Ministry's Officers at the earliest possible moment. It is unnecessary to dwell upon the ensuing consc- quences when incontrovertible evidence has been obtained of the use of gas by the enemy. Furthermore, from what has been stated previously, rapid corroboration will undoubtedly be obtained from adjacent areas.(b) Incidents afecting the working of Vital Defence Services, both Civil ad Military. These require no further comment. (c) New Gases and Modijcations of Kno.w'nGases. Incidents involving suspected novelties of this type must receive immediate attention from the G.I.O. and the procedure laid down in Sections 16 (f)and 17 (a) of the G.1.0'~. Handbook, together with any official modifications, meticulously followed. The important points to note are: (I) Accurate and progressive reports on the part of all services, and particularly on the part of the G.I.O., are essential; (2) a sample must be obtained at any cost ; (3)contact with the Senior Gas Adviser must be made at the earliest moment; and (4) speed, combined with certainty at every stage, is the precursor of successful counter-measures in regard to the treatment of casualties, decontamination and related topics, on the promptness and effectiveness of which many lives may depend.Novel devices for the release of gas, and the results accomplished by their use may also be included in this section, although it must be borne in mind that accurate delineation of areas contaminated by persistent gas is not feasible under the conditions normally obtaining at night, and this may really be considered a post-raid problem to be investigated in col- laboration with the military authorities. (d) Unexploded Gas Bombs. From the principles involved in the design, construction and use of gas bombs, it is improbable that many unexploded bombs are likely to be encountered, but the possibility does exist, nevertheless, and must be taken into account in order that details of such bombs, when necessary, can be fully investigated at the Central Laboratories as soon as possible.The Bomb Disposal Officer and G.I.O. will collaborate in the immediate investigation (i.e. the opening of the case and sampling and testing the contents) and decide the course to be taken. (e) Incidents involving H.E. Damage to Property, complicated by the Presence of hlustard Gas Vapour. Situations may arise where (i) trapped persons have to be rescued, (ii) the question of evacuation of a shelter requires consideration and (iii)work of an essential nature must proceed in the damaged premises.In these cases the G.I.O. can give-and, in fact, is the only person capable of giving-information of a precise nature in regard to the question of vapour danger. Whilst the absolute determination of this factor is r 1691 impossible under night conditions, a relative estimate can however be made, and the safety conditions for work, etc., in such contaminated atmospheres reported to Control and the services on the spot. The nose, per se, is notoriously unreliable under these conditions as it tends to become fatigued and in general appears to become less sensitive in the dark. At daybreak further visits to these incidents must be paid unless all necessary work has been completed.(f)The “Normal” Raid. Apart from the above-mentioned special cases, even if all the subjective evidence suggests that mustard gas, phosgene and their co-contaminators are behaving in the manner in which we have been trained to expect, Control should dispatch G.1.0~. to selected incidents, chosen on account of their importance, e.g. road and rail communications, contaminated craters involving damage to utility mains, incidents at or near important food stores, etc., in order to support the evidence from the field, for it is essential to have the complete programme of work for the following day planned to commence at daybreak. The Decontamination Squads, Food Treatment Squads (acting under the Gas Contamination Officers) and other services can then proceed to their allotted tasks with the minimum of delay as soon as sufficient light is available.The absence of complete knowledge as to the probable extent of contamination and uncertainty as to its nature in regard to any one incident leads to delay in planning the programme for daybreak, with serious consequences. For instance, the whole programme of work for Food Treatment Squads which should be at work at an important warehouse may be disrupted, to say nothing of the “unnecessary ” casualties which may be caused. II. Post-raid Problems. The preceding section has dealt with incidents requiring urgent action on the part of the G.I.O., and has anticipated that such work will have to be carried out under dangerous and difficult conditions.Let us now examine some of the problems likely to confront any Local Authority and its G.1.0~. in the early hours of the morning following a heavy raid in which gas has been used, and at the same time let us assume for convenience, that this type of raid has become more or less common- place, presenting no features differing in any appreciable degree from those of its forerunners. Control will have obtained a general picture of the disposition and type of all incidents during the hours of darkness and will have completed the allocation of the Civil Defence Services to specific incidents in the order of their importance. As soon after daybreak as possible G.1.0~.will be required to investigate a number of incidents in considerable detail, such as those enumerated under (b) and (e) in the preceding category, together with others involving contamination of materials generally, dealt with in Section (f).The necessity for this procedure will be appreciated by consideration of the following facts : [ 1701 (I) Mustard Gas Imideizts. (i) The Official test, although precise, requires daylight for its employ- rnent in the estimation of low concentrations of mustard gas \Tapour-- artificial light is not satisfactory. (ii) Using this test, information can at once be given as to the con- ditions under which work can safely be carried out before minor physiologi- cal effects become manifest ; for example, men wearing respirators may have to decontaminate important plant, or work calling for vigorous physical effort which would be almost impossible to carry out whilst wearing a respirator may have to be undertaken.In each instance the C.I.O. can specify the time available for such work to be carried out by each squad. It may be remarked that until recently the general tendency has been to over-emphasise the vapour danger, owing to the difficulty of obtaining an accurate method of assessment of this factor, thus leading to a potential loss of man-hours of work and avoidable fatigue. (iii) The concentration of mustard gas vapour in different paris of a large workshop, for instance,is likely to vary, due to conditions of tem- perature, air currents, height above ground at which tests are carried out and other factors; the assessnient of the average concentration will there- fore demand a series of tests, and these may take a relatively considerable time to perform. (2) Incidents involving Other Gases.Persistent gases other than mustard gas, and “pockets” of non-persistent gas, may be encountered, and it is essential that (a)the Medical Officer, (b)decontamination squads and (c) the Gas Contamination Officer (and, at a later stage, the Public Analyst) receive accurate information as to their identity, in order that the appropriate measures may be put in hand. The conclusions to be drawn from this brief operational survey are : (I) If any doubt exists, the G.1.0~. must investigate. (2) The calls on the G.I.Os.are likely to be heavy even after con- siderable experience has been gained and the extensive use of mutual support will have to be developed. (3) Every facility in the way of (a) information, (b) communications. (c) transport and (d) cleansing facilities must be placed at their disposal. THE GAS IDENTIFICATION SERVICEAND LIAISONWITH OTHER CIVIL DEFENCE SERVICES The application of successful counter-measures when gas has been used depends primarily on the efficiency of the various services involved, considered not only individually, but also acting in close collaboration with one another. It will therefore be convenient, at this stage, to consider briefly the organisation of the Gas Identification Service itself, following this with a survey of its relationships with other civil defence services.[ 171 1 Relatiomhips between the Gas Ideiatijication Service and Other Civil Defence Services. MlNISTRY OF HOME SECURI'iY SVISER -----___---________-REGIONAL H .Q . 1+1.: WARDENSl\GROWl . ....T{ POLICE, 1.0's )_._.-..... ..._.-7.DC DEFTNCE SmVICES Y ... ._.-..._... GAS IDENTIFEATION OFFICER 4 . . ..__ _... ._... ... ......-LOCAL AUTHORITY, CONTROL ?..--. *. .. --.._ / I .._._ / (WPORT 'CENTRE: -' INFORMATION COMMUNICATIONS,~ /' TRANSPORT, AND CLEANSING) M.0 H _:' <.:..\ CASUALTY SERVICES % 4.. --A ~ .._.._.__-...--PUBLIC ANALYSTcco 4_.__._..-_....... Executive Powers (operational orders) > Advisory functions of scientific nature --.-----.-+ ILiaison -------------The organisation of the service is vested in the Ministry of Home Security, whose executive powers are exercised through Regional Head- quarters, Group Headquarters and finally by the Controller of the Local Authority, the latter being responsible for its detailed administration and operation. All matters of an operational character proceed by this route to the Gas Identification Officers. On the other hand, the Ministry exercises its advisory functions in regard to the provision of information of a scientific nature by direct communication with the G.I.O., through the medium of the Senior Gas Adviser appointed by the Ministry to each Region. Neither the Senior Gas Adviser nor the G.I.O.possess any executive powers, their duties being purely advisory, but in this respect it should be borne in mind that the Senior Gas Adviser is an officer appointed by the Ministry on account of his outstanding chemical experience, and that any recommendation he may put forward receives very careful attention, and, in so far as the G.1.0~. are concerned, it is tantamount to a command. The Gas Identification Officers are the backbone of the Service, and on their experience and their initiative in the field much may depend. Drawn very largely from the ranks of the professional chemists and thus familiar with many aspects of their calling, they may perhaps best be regarded as scientific assistants to the Controller of the Local Authority.In addition to their duties in the field outlined in the preceding part of this survey, their services are willingly placed at the disposal of the general public by providing information to the Local Authority in regard to many 1: 1721 problems encountered by other branches of the Civil Defence Services. Their services are, of course, quite voluntary, and no amount of time and effort-and, in most cases, money-is spared by them in their efforts to provide really effective assistance and service. This spirit has been recognised and encouraged by many far-sighted Local Authorities in this Region who have provided accommodation (i.e. room, water, gas and light, etc.) on the scale authorised by the Ministry. This has been con- verted into a laboratory by the G.I.Os., who have supplied the requisite chemicals and apparatus out of their own pockets (to the extent of LSo to LIOO in some instances).The functions of these so-called Sub-Regional Laboratories are to provide facilities where work of the type outlined in Chapter V of the Handbook may be carried out on authentic war gases in order to augment the G.1.0’~. familiarity with these compounds generally, and where supplementary and confirmatory evidence can be obtained under active service conditions. They also serve as meeting places where personal contact between the G.I.Os. of neighbouring authorities can be established, and as centres for the organisation of large-scale gas exercises. Let us now consider how the services which the G.I.O.is capable of rendering to the Local Authority may be utilised to greatest advantage. With this object in view, the accompanying diagram has been drawn in order to illustrate the general liaison existing between the G.I.S. and other Services, as experience derived from a study of gas exercises has shown that in many cases the requisite degree of co-operation between the Services has fallen far short of that capable of attainment. The reason for this deficiency is due mainly to the fact that, although the members of each Service know how to perform their own particular duties, they are not generally informed as to the extent of the assistance they are expected to give, or should receive, from other Services. These remarks apply with considerable force to collaboration with the G.I.S., and I will now endeavour to indicate briefly the more important points involved in furthering this co-operation.(I) G.I.O. and Control. The G.I.Os., or at least the senior G.I.O., should be in close contact with the other Heads of Services, in order to exchange information as to progress of operational and technical aspects of gas problems. The Heads of Services concerned are the Chief Warden, Decontamination Officer and Medical Officer of Health. Contact with the Medical Officer of Health is of especial importance, in view of the fact that he supervises both Casualty and Food Contamination Services. The Gas Contamination Officer and, if possible, the Public Analyst, should also exchange views with the G.I.O.from time to time, as his field work is of fundamental importance to their investigation of contaminated foodstuffs. Liaison should also be estab- lished] via Control, with the officers (P.A.D.) attached to local Service establishments and the appropriate Home Guard Officer chiefly concerned with gas problems. [ 1731 (2) G.I.O. and Control’s Associated Services. When a G.I.O. is called to an incident, every facility in the way of information and communications, transport and cleansing facilities must be placed at his disposal, for he must know exactly where to go, and must get there as soon as possible. If proceeding to an incident outside the area of his own Local Authority when answering a call for Mutual Support, the exact position of the rendezvous point must be given to him, and his arrival signalled back via Group to the “Donor” Report Centre.He then becomes temporarily merged into the “Receiver” Authority’s service and is at their disposal, acting under their orders until his task is completed. In Mutual Support schemes of this type it is essential for the “Receiver” Authority to provide a guide to conduct the G.I.O. to the incidents requir- ing investigation, in order that no time be wasted by losing the way in a strange area, especially during the night. Control must acknowledge his report and issue further instructions, and, furthermore, should any undue delay in the receipt of his report be apparent, then enquiries should be made from Control to the Post. handling the incident, and the reason ascertained.All communications Services, either at Report Centres or Wardens’ posts must appreciate the urgency of the G.1.0’~. report to Control, as instances have been encountered where, for example, the telephonist at the Warden’s post thought that such a report was of merely immediate local interest, and did not consider it necessary to communicate with Control. It is hardly necessary for me to deal with the question of provision of transport for G.I.Os., in view of recent Ministerial pronouncements, but it may be remarked that She position in the past has been extremely unsatisfactory in certain areas, and I can recall a full-scale exercise in which all Services were involved and the G.I.O.concerned arrived by bus, in full equipment, an hour after all Services engaged had completed their work and returned to their stations, owing to gross carelessness on the part of the Report Centre. In actual practice, such conduct might have very serious consequences. The suggestion previously advanced, advocat- ing the presence of a G.I.O. at Control, would eliminate any deficiencies of this type. The necessity of providing precise information in regard to cleansing facilities for G.1.0~.on active service, should it be required, is obvious, for although they are skilled officers, trained to take every reasonable precaution, it must be borne in mind that much of their work will have to be carried out at night, and consequently the likelihood of chance contamination by contact is thereby increased.Furthermore, by virtue of the very nature of their duties they must enter grossly contaminated areas on occasions in order to conduct an adequate investigation, and, notwithstanding the fact that Official test provides positive evidence by virtue of its sensitivity to the vapours of certain types of war gases and thus obviates close approach to the contaminated area on all occasions, it would be extremely foolish to delude ourselves into thinking that no complications are likely to be encountered from time to time. [ 174 1 (3) G.I.O. and Services in the Field (Wardem, Incident Oficers and Police, Decontamination Squads). Whilst the general training of these field Services in anti-gas measures is outside the scope of this paper, it is of the utmost importance that they fully understand the functions of the G.I.O.and the nature of the informa- tion.which he will require on the one hand, and be able to impart on the other. In accordance with the views expressed earlier in this discourse, it is likely that only major incidents will be visited by the G.I.O., and these on a priority basis, and in consequence the Services enumerated above will probably be in at tendance. (a) Wardens. The recent classification of duties at an incident, involving the in- troduction of “D” Wardens to make a special gas reconnaissance, is of extreme value. The “D” Warden, by virtue of his anti-gas training, which is of a somewhat higher order than that given to Wardens generally, and his local knowledge, will be able to give the G.I.O.all requisite in- formation relating to the immediate effects of the bomb, i.e. probable type, initial casualty symptoms, etc., and will act in liaison with the Incident Officer to see that the G.1.0’~. report is promptly and accurately communicated to Control, and that any samples are despatched in the prescribed manner. In this respect, and in addition to his other duties, he acts as a special assistant to the G.I.O. at any one particular incident. As he is familiar with all details of the G.1.0’~. report he is able to assist the Incident Officer in seeing that any advice thus given is put into practice in an effective manner following the G.1.0’~.departure. It is of interest to record that in one group this subject has received really adequate treatment. Visits have been paid to each constituent Local Authority, in the course of which the Group Anti-gas Officer and Group G.I.O. have fully explained the principles to be adopted in the conduct of gas incidents. These lectures have been so muchappreciated by the Wardens that an audience of 300 to 400 is common, with an overflow outside which will not disperse and can only be satisfied by an immediate repetition of the lecture as soon as the first “performance” has concluded. (b) Incident O$cers and Police. By virtue of their training, these officers are fully conversant with the nature of the G.1.0’~. duties.The Incident Officer is in charge of opera- tions, and must, of course, be contacted by the G.I.O. on arrival in order to facilitate the latter’s investigation in all its aspects, as described in the preceding section. When this is concluded, he will discuss the report and its consequences and will undoubtedly act in accordance with any re- commendations the G.I.O. may put forward. Owing to the fact that the precursor of the Gas Identification Service -namely, the Gas Detection Service-was in some areas under the con- trol of the Police, the latter have always displayed the utmost interest in the work of the G.I.S., resulting in a degree of co-operation such as can scarcely be improved. [ 1751 (c) Decontamination Squads.The closest co-operation between the G.I.S. and the Decontamination Service has always existed, and needs but little comment. The DC squads will naturally be used with discrimination by Control and will commence work on their own initiative after reporting to the incident officer at the incident to which they have been allocated. It is probable that the incidents to which their exertions are first directed will be those of major importance and will have received a visit from the G.I.O. during the preceding hours of darkness. The nature of the contamination being thus established, the foreman can delineate the area and proceed with decontamination in the normal manner. A suggestion has been made, and widely adopted, that if any undue complication is apparent in regard to the nature of the contaminant, and in the absence of the G.I.O.or of any information from the latter, he should first put aside a sample of con-taminated soil or other material before commencing any decontamina- tion operations so that, should the G.I.O. arrive later, he will not be confused by the presence of any materials used for decontamination or side-products to which they might give rise. One or two jam-jars containing pieces of rag, and carried on the DC lorry, are very suitable for the purpose. (4) G.I.O. and Services under the Control of the Medical Oficer of fiealth. The Medical Officer of Health has a twofold interest in gas problems, for not only does he co-ordinate the work of the Casualty Services, but also that of the Services concerned with contaminated foodstuffs-namely the Gas Contamination Officer and his squads, and the Public Analyst.He will therefore require full and accurate information as to the nature of the gases employed in every incident likely to involve the Services under his control. In reciprocation, the G.I.O. will require full information from the Medical Officer of Health in regard to the interpretation of the physiological evidence provided by casualties. The contamination of foodstuffs by gas raises many problems which are beyond the scope of this discussion, and we shall only consider the basic relationships between the G.I.O., G.C.O. and Public Analyst. The Gas Contamination Officer is in charge of all work in the field relating to the contamination of foodstuffs and the investigation of growing crops which may have become contaminated.He will require urgent and precise information as to the nature of the gases employed, in order that the appropriate treatment and disposal of the contaminated material can be put in hand at the earliest opportunity. Information referring only to the type of gas employed is inadequate, and if he were informed, for example, that certain goods had become contaminated by a non-persistent lung irritant, he would require to know if any evidence of the presence of an arsenical of the alkyl dichloroarsine type had been obtained. The duties of the G.T.O., when investigating an incident in which foodstuffs have become contaminated, are strictly confined to (a) ascertaining the nature of the gas present, and (b)indicating the extent of the contaminated II 1761 area (which will include an assessment of the vapour danger, should mustard gas be encountered).These findings are communicated to the G.C.O. This officer is responsible for all other matters relating to the detailed examination, and subsequent treatment on the site, of the individual foodstuffs in question, and will take all necessary samples of the con- taminated foodstuffs for submission to the local Public Analyst, or a member of the panel of analysts duly authorised by the latter to conduct such analyses on his behalf. The Public Analyst then determines whether the contamination present is within certain limits, and his work will be greatly facilitated by a knowledge of the complete “history” of the sample in question, derived from the G.1.0’~.report.Past Accomplishments of the Gas Identi$cntion Service. Having discussed the probable nature of the duties to be performed by the Gas Identification Service in the event of gas being employed, this review would be incomplete were all mention of past accomplishments omitted. In the preceding “stand-by”-but not, I venture to suggest, “standstill ”-period, many materials of a chemical nature, such as portions of unexploded charges from H.E. bombs, the contents of in- cendiary bombs, and many powders of varied origin such as those resulting from. spent parachute flares or produced by the pyrogenic action of incendiary bombs on earth and other materials, have all received immediate investigation from the G.I.O.and, if necessary, the Senior Gas Adviser. Many incidents involving the suspected use of gas have received attention from the G.I.Os., and by reason of the latter’s prompt and thorough investigation, the propagation of any rumours has been pre- vented. One incident of this type, occurring during a heavy raid one misty night, is worth recounting by way of example. The Wardens on patrol in a riverside borough encountered a patch of very dense mist which caused them to cough violently and repeatedly. This was reported to Control and a G.I.O. called out and despatched to the incident within a few minutes. He immediately recognised the presence of sulphur dioxide in fairly considerable quantity, and reported accordingly, at the same time noting that the meteorological conditions were exceedingly favour- able for the propagation of a gas cloud which, he concluded, had probably been generated by some mishap occurring at a large gasworks on the opposite side of the river.Telephonic enquiry soon established that such was indeed the case. Many points have, of necessity, remained undiscussed in the present discourse, but throughout I have endeavoured to stress the fundamental importance of co-operation, for it is by this means alone that the dangers associated with gas warfare will be successfully mitigated. This co-operation involves not only the ability to perform the work required in one’s own particular branch of the Civil Defence Service, but also to realise the precise manner in which assistance may be given and received from other branches of the Service and from the general public.This object can only be attained by means of exercises devised to foster a [ 1771 co-operative spirit, and carried out at frequent intervals, in order to show up any weak points which can then be rectified in subsequent practice. It is also evident that speed, combined with certainty at every stage, is the criterion of success in dealing with gas incidents, and that should either of these primary requisites be lacking then confusion and delay will inevitably result, with all their consequences. It is obvious, too, that the Gas Identification Officer will have to play a predominant part, as we have seen from this survey of some aspects of his work.Notes Science in Parliament.-The Parliamentary and Scientific Com- mittee has continued to press the Government to make more effective use of men of science and still further to develop and apply scientific methods in the war effort. It will be recalled that on and April, 1941,Lord Hankey, in,answer to questions put in the House of Lords by Viscount Samuel, dealt with the functions of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, the Medical Research Council, the Agricultural Research Council and the Scientific Advisory Committee of the War Cabinet, but, although Viscount Samuel pressed for the more efficient utilisation of chemists and physicists, especially those with industrial experience, the Government then con-sidered that the provisions already made in the directions indicated were adequate, and proceeded to appoint an Engineering Advisory Committee.(JOURNAL AND PROCEEDINGS,Part 11, 1941,p. 113.) On 16th July, Mr. R. A. Butler, Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Committee, received a deputation from the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee at the offices of the Privy Council. Members of the deputation representing professional institutions expressed their earnest desire to render every possible assistance to the Government and advanced many reasons in support of the proposal of Professor A. V. Hill, Secretary of the Royal Society, a member both of the Scientific Advisory Committee and of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee, that the Government should establish a Board similar to that existing in the United States, consisting of five or six representatives of the main branches of science, to devote its whole time to war problems on which science may have a bearing.It was suggested by members of the deputation that any department faced with difficulty should be required to disclose it to the proposed Board. . If the Board did not contain among its members any one with knowledge of the problem it should consult the appropriate professional institutions, disclosing in general terms the nature of the problem, to ask for the names of persons with the necessary experience.Such ;i Board should have power and the funds necessary to initiate investiga- tions, and when it made a report to any department which had sulmitted [ 1781 a problern, it should be an instruction to the department to report whether or not the advice given by the Board had been followed. Moreover, should the department concerned not report that the advice had been adopted, the Board should have authority to call for an explanation and to report direct to the War Cabinet. Members of Parliament who were interested in the movement subse- quently tabled a resolution which will come before the House of Commons in the near future. The Anglo-Soviet Scientific Collaboration Committee, on which the Institute is represented by Dr.William Cullen, Member of Council, was formed, in April last, under the Chairmanship of Sir John Russell, F.R.S. to discuss the development of co-operation between British and Russian scientific workers. The Committee has arranged that scientific communications addressed by individual British scientists to individual Russian scientists or com- munications from British scientific and technical organisations to similar Russian organisations can be sent either to Sir John Russell, F.R.S., Ministry of Information, Malet Street, London, W.C.1, or to Mr. J. G. Crowther, Vice-chairman of the Committee, at the office of The British Council, 3, Hanover Street, London, W.I. In collaboration with the University of London School of Slavonic Studies, the Committee has arranged for special classes in the Russian language for scientific workers, at a moderate fee.The Committee has also recommended that a survey be undertaken of the present location of Russian scientific and technical periodicals in this country, with details of accessibility. The cost will be borne by the British Council, and the survey will be organised by the Asso- ciation of Special Libraries and Information Bureaux. Librarians of scientific institutions are asked to co-operate in this work, and when the survey is completed, the Committee will endeavour to obtain from Russia the periodicals,published in the Soviet Union which have ceased to reach this country. The Committee is making a collection of existing glossaries of Russian scientific and technical terms to be placed in The Science Library, South Kensington.If at a later stage it be thought possible to compile a new Russian-English technical dictionary, these glossaries will form a valuable basis for such a publication. A location list of Russian technical dictionaries is also being compiled, and scientists are asked to send to the Secretary of the Committee particulars of any such dictionaries in their possession. The Committee is also prepared to receive the names of reliable trans- lators of Russian. Cominunications should be addressed to Miss B. M. Tripp, Secretary, Anglo-Soviet Collaboration Committee, c/o The British Council, 5, Fiar;ovc.r Slrect, T,ondon, LV.1.Mr. Cyril A. Masterman, Fellow, has been appointed to the Directorate of Gas Supply, to co-ordinate the work of the Directorate in connexion with the use of town gas for war purposes. Mr. James Kewley, Fellow, has been awarded the Silver Medal of the Royal Society of Arts for his paper on Evolution in the Petroleum Industry read before the Society in January last. Mr. Bernard Collitt, Fellow, has been elected a Director of Messrs. Jenkins Bros., Ltd., Montreal, Canada. The year 1942marks the centenary of the births of CorneliusO’Sullivan, Benjamin E. R. Newlands, Edmund J. Mills, Sir James Dewar and Sir William Tilden. Obituary JOHNKAYEdied at Craigie, Perth, on 24th August, in his 61st year. Educated at Perth Academy, he matriculated at Glasgow University in 1899, gaining an entrance bursary, and graduated M.A., B.Sc.in 1907. In 1906-1907 he was en- gaged on research with Dr. T. s. Patterson, with whom he was joint author of two papers on “Optical Superposition,” published in the Transactions of the Chemical Society. He held the Donaldson Scholarship and was demonstrator in the senior laboratory of the University before he joined the staff of Messrs. John Moncrieff, Ltd., Glassworks, Perth, as research chemist. He devoted much attention to the correlation of chemical constitution with physical properties, with a view to improving the quality of gauge glasses, and, during the war of 1914-1918, was active in adding chemical glassware to the Company’s manufactures. He cont’inueci with the Company and was for many years General Manager and later Managing Director.He was R member of the Society of Glass Technology. He was elected a Fellow of the Institute in 1918. JOHNLILBURNEdied at Wallasey, Cheshire, on 22nd April, in his 82nd year. In 1883 he became assistant to F. Perkins, Public Analyst for Exeter, and in 1885 passed the entrance examination for admission to the Inland Revenue Labora- tory and became a student at the Royal School of Mines under T. E.-later Sir Edward-Thorpe and F. R. Japp. He was appointed an Assistant Analyst in the Inland Revenue Laboratory -later the Department of the Government Chemist,- and for many years was second in charge of the Customs and Excise Laboratory at Liverpool, from which position he retired in 1923.He was elected an Associate of the Institute in 1883 arid a Fellow in 1897. ALBERTNASHdied at Wath-on-Dearne on 3rd August, in his 58th year. Edu-cated at Doncaster Grammar School, he proceeded to University College, Sheffield, where he studied chemistry under W. Carleton Williams and metallurgy under J. 0. Arnold from 1902-1905. He was for seven years engaged with Messrs. Steel, Peech and Tozer, Ltd., Sheffield, and for four years with Simon Carves, Ltd., on whose recommendation, in 1914, he became manager of a batteiy of by-product ovens with the Wornbwell Main Collieries, Ltd., near Barnsley. In 1918 he was engaged on experiments in coal csrbonising with the Smokeless Fuel Syndicate, Ltd., at Thorncliffe, near Sheffield, and in July of the same year was appointed chief chemist to the Rother Vale Collieries, Ltd.Later, he reconstructed and enlarged a wood distillation works for Messrs. Tyson and Bradley, Ltd., Chesterfield. He was elected an Associate of the Iristutute in 1910. <JOSEPH DONALD died at Walkden, near Manehester, on 1 lth .July, PENNINGTON in his 87th year. Educated at Parnworth C:raniinar School, he became an a tories of 1.C.T. Dyestuffs in 1933, but in the following year entered on a full-time r 1801 course at the University of Rlanchester, and in 1936 graduated l3.9~.with honours in chemistry. Thereafter he continued at the University on research under Professor Heilhon, and proceeded to M.Sc. He was elwted an Associate of the lnst,itute in 1938.CHARLESSMARTROY died at Cuffley, Herts, 011 24th July, in his 58th year. Froin 1898 to 1903 he studied at the East London College under Professor J. T. Hewitt. He was then for 33 years assistant to the Superintendent in the Chemical Research Department, Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, and nearly 2 years chief assistant to Dr. 0 Silberrad. In 1908 he proceeded to the TTniversity of Jena, where he .gained the degreo of Ph.D. magna cum Zaude, and after further experience with Dr. Silberrad, with whom he published several original researches, and with Messrs. Southall Brothers and Barclay, he joined the staff of Messrs. T. Morson & Sons, Ltd., with whom, in 1915, he became works managing director, and continued until his death.He devised and designed many new methods and plant for the manufacture of fine chemicals, and was associated with patents for improved methods and means for bringing about chemical reactions between gases and/or vapours by means of eatalysts. In 1919 he was a member of the Board of Trade Mission to Chemical Factorirs in the occupied area in Germany. He was elected an Associate in 1918 and a Fellow in 1922. ERIC ARTHUR REAVELL died at Midhurst on 15th July, 1942, in his 42nd year. The son of Mr. J. Arthur Reavell, of 5, Grosvenor Gardens, Westminster, he kas born at Catford and educated at Bishop’s Stortford College. He studied at the City and Guilds Engineering College of London University during 1917 and sub- sequently at the Royal College of Science, London, but his training was interrupted by service with the Royal Naval Air Force and later with the Royal Air Force in 1918-1919. He returned to the Royal College of Science and obtained the diploma of A.R.C.S. in 1922, later graduating B.Sc.(Lond.), and was elected a Member of the Institution of Chemical Engineers. During his training he had experience in bauxite and other chemical works in France and in chemical works in Spain. Later he joined the Kestner Evaporator and Engineering Company, Limited, of which he became a Director. He was also a Director of the Lennox Foundry Company, Limited. He was elected an Associate of the Institute in 1922. THOMAS who died at West Norwood, on 24th July, in his JOHNUNDERHILL, 80th year, studied under Professor Vivian B.Lewes, at the Royal Naval College, Greenwich, and under Professor Meldola and F. W. Streatfeild, at Finsbury Technical College. In 1887 he became attached to the Admiralty Victualling Service, where in 1918 he was appointed senior technical examiner of food and clothing for the Navy, in which position he remained until his retirement in 1923. His duties involved the responsibility of examining a great variety of stores and necessitated his tr.avelling in many parts of the world. He visited packers of preserved corned beef in Chicago, tobacco plantations of Virginia and Kentucky, and food factories in Australia, Norway, Switzerland and Denmark. In January, 1920, he was appointed an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.He was elected a Fellow of the Institute in 1918. ARTHUR WARNESROBERT died at Hampstead, after an operation, on 25th August, iii his 65th year. He studied at Hull Technical College, and at Borough Polytechnic and Birkbeck College, London. From 1897-1899 he was assistant chemist to the Vinolia Co., Ltd., and, after spending 9 months in the laboratory of Dr. F. Mollwo Perkin, joined the staff of Messrs. Major & Co., Tar Distillers, Hull, with whom he remained until 1908. From 1908-1911, he was works manager of Messrs. Hardman, Lttl., Tar Distillers. He then went into private practice until 1914, when he served as a quartermaster a.rid dispenser at a military and naval hospital. From 1918-1924, he was research chemist and consultant with Messrs.Raines and Porter, Ltd., manufacturers of paint’s and printing inks, and, in 1925, resumed practice as a con- sulting chemical and structural engineer. He was consulted on the restoration of Cantorbury Cathedral and the Bank of England. He was the author of numerous works contributed to the Oil and Colour Trades Joumal, the Building World, Chemical News, and many technical journals, and the author of books on “Coal Tar Distilla- tion,” “Coal Tar,” “Building Stones,” and of a booklet of “Notes Relative to Reparation Works” dealing with restoration of ancient buildings. Since the out -break of war, he had experienced misfortune froni enemy action both in TJondon and Hull. He was elected a Fellow of tho Institute ill 1018. .At, his funeral the Jnstitute was represented by Mr.Thomas McLachlan. WILLIAMSHERBERTJAMES died at Swansea on 3rd July, in his 68th year. Hr was educated at the Higher Grade School, Swansea, and in 1891 became a pupil under Suchsland with Messrs. Vivian & Sons, Ltd., copper and spelter manufacturers, Hafod. He studied chemistry and allied sciences at the Technical College, Swansea, where, in 1898, he was appointed a lecturer in charge of a section of the evening classes in inorganic chemistry, an appointment he held for upwards of 40 years. In due course he succeeded Suchsland as chief chemist and director of the laboratory of Vivian’s, with whom he remained until 1925. He was then for a few years in business as a metal broker, and, in 1029, obtained an appointment as metallurgistat the Grovesend Steel works.He was an active member of the Swansea Naturalists’ Society and Past President of the Swansea Metallurgical Society. He was elected a Fellow of the Institute in 1919. Books and their Contents Spectroscopy and Combustion Theory. A. G. Gaydon. Foreword by A. C. Egerton, F.R.S. Pp. x + 192. (London: Chapman & Hall, Ltd.). 17s. 6d. net. Introduction to molecular spectra ; conditions governing the appearance of emission spectra ; the hydrogen flame ; hydrocarbon flames ; cool flames and atomic flames ; carbon monoxide flame; explosion spectra : the internal com-bustion engine ; other emission spectra ; inorganic flames ; absorption spectra ; infra-red region; the lifetimes of activated molecules ; after-burning of carbon monoxide;flame temperatures, measured and calculated ; dissociation energies ; kinetic spectroscopy; description of plates.Appendix. Explosives. John Read, F.R.S. Pp. 160. (Harmondsworth, Middle- sex, and New York: Penguin Books, Ltd.). gd. A first analysis; what is chemistry ? ; what are explosives ? how explosives get their energy; more about explosives; the eldest explosive; the coming of modern explosives; from fats to dynamites ; explosives mads from cotton ; explosivesmade from coal; explosives that excite others; final fragments. Bibliography. Index. Illustrations in test ; plates ; abbreviations, weights and measures. Producer Gas Plant for Industrial Purposes: Its operation and maintenance.Pp. viii $-88. (Issued by the National Federation of Gas Coke Associations, the British Hard Coke Association, and the South Wales Anthracite and Dry Coal Committee.) 5s. Gas production ; gas generator; washer-coolers and filters ; fans ; boosters ancl gas pressure control; plant control instruments and the analysis of gas; sulphur removal; utilisation of producer gas ; typical producer gas plants. -4ppendix; index ; list of illustrations. [ 1821 The British Standards Institution has recently issued :-No. 187-1942. Sand Lime Calcium-Silicate Bricks. 987-1942. Camouflage Paints. 1013-1942. Sanitary or Disinfectant Powders. 1014-1942. Pigments for Colouring Magnesium Osychloride and Concrete.1033-1542. War Emergency British Standard : Priming Paint (Lead Base) for the Protection of Steel Sheet. 1045-1942. Manganese Steel Gas Cylinders for Atmospheric Gases. 1056-1942. Painting of Buildings in War-time. 2s. net, post free 2s. 3d. each. The United States Department of Commerce, Washington, has pub- lished a brochure on “Protection of Radium During Air Raids,” obtainable from the Superintendent of Documents, Washington, D.C., price 10cents. The Register At the meetings of Council held on 15th June and 24th July, 1942, 14 Associates were elected to the Fellowship, 45 new Associates were elected, I Associate was reelected, and 21 StudeRts were admitted. The Council regrets to record the deaths of six Fellows and three Associates.Associates elected to the Fellowship Belcher, Ronald, 85, Baiinerdale Road, Sheffield 7. Bray, Geoff rey Trelawney, Stonecroft, Cuckficld, Sussex. Bunbury, Hugh Mills, B.Sc. (Lond.), P,I.Sc. (Bris.), Dudley Lodge, Bury New Road, Prostwich, Manchester. Doss, Hadarundalige Sitraramadoss Gururaj, D.Sc. (Madras), A.Inst.P., Department of Chemistry, Central College, Bangalore, India. Fenner, George Price, 23, Kowstoke Road, Stoke Bishop, Bristol 9. Gidvani, Bhawan Showkirizm, B.Sc. (Bombay), Ph.D. (Lond.), D.I.C., Lac Research Laboratory, School of Mines, Grassinarkst, Edinburgh. Hewett, Colin Leslie, D.Su., Ph.D. (Lond.), Stanley Cottage, Roby, Nr. Liverpool. Joiner, Eric Millward, B.Sc. (Birm.), A.C.I.S., 15, Halbon Road, Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire.Narasinihamurty, Gudipaty, B.A. (Andhra), M.Sc. (Benares), Public Health Labora- tory, Borough Municipality, Surat, India. Rees, Henry George, B.Sc., Ph.D. (Lond.), A.R.C.S., D.I.C., Ladram, Royston Park Avenue, Hatch End, Middx. Sebba, Felix, M.Sc., Ph.D. (Cap), D.I.C., Bute, Ottery Road, Wynberg, Cape Town, S. Africa. Steward, Cyril Oswald Main, A.R.C.S., 25, Altar Drive, Heaton, Bradford. Strouts, Charles Richard Noel, B.A., B.Sc (Oxon.) Wilson, George Edward, AH.-W.C., 19, Middleton Avenue, Littleover, Derby. New Associates Acharya, Bindiganavalo Garud, B.Sc. (Mysore), BI.Sc. (Bombay), Chief Chemist, Khatau AIills, Ltd., Byculla, Bombay. Acharya, Bindiganavale Narasimhamurthy, 3f.S~., Ph.D. (Bombay), Nutrition Chemist, Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Afadical College, Parel, Bombay, India.Airey, Leslie, B.Sc. (Lond.), 47, Winckley Road, Preston, Lanes. Baillie, Miss BIargery Bryson, BLSc. (Liv.), 6, Sandringham Road, Birlrdale, Southport. Bain, Thomas, B.Sc. (Edin.), 87, Chesser Crescent, Edinburgh 11. Benzie, Robert John, A.H.-W.C., 7, Ulster Gardens, Edinburgh 8. [ 183 1 Birdsall, Donald, B.Sc. (Wales), 1, Orchard Close, Holmer, Hereford. Costain, Winston, B.Sc., Ph.D.(Birm.), Main Road, Colby, Isle of Man. Daniel, Francis William, B.Sc. (Lond.), 205, Gunnersbury Lane, London, W.3. Daroga, Rustoni Pirojshaw, M.Sc. (Bombay), 92a, Park Street, Slough, Bucks. Davis, Robert Ronald, M.Sc. (Lond.), 10, Ashfield Road, Birkby, Huddersfield.Duggan, Creighton Shane Malet, B.Sc. (Lond.), A.R.C.S., 83, South Croxted Road, London, S.E.21. Forbes, Donald Hayworth Stacey, 18, Brisbane Grove, Hartburn, Stockton-on-Tees. Grove- White, Charles William, B.A. (T.C.D.), Chemical Laboratory, Trinity College, Dublin. Hartley, Edward Arthur, 15, Leopold Avenue, Handsworth Wood, Birmingham 20. Haworth, James, B.Sc. (Mane.), Long Ridge, Eccles Road, Chapel-en-le-Frith, Stockport . Heathcote, John Godfrey, B.Sc. (Manc.), Institute of Agriculture, Moulton, Northants. Hincklieff, Henry Russell, A.H.-W.C., 9, Spring Gardens, Sowerby Bridge, Yorks. Holland, Anthony, B.Sc. (N.U.I.), Dunluce House, Commons Road, Cork, Eire. Johnson, William Charles, 17, Manor Way, North Harrow, Middx. Jones, Harry Robert, B.Sc. (Birm.), 58, Oxhill Road, Handsworth, Birmingham 21.Kasbekar, Gajanan Shantaram, M.Sc. (Bombay), P1i.D.. (Mane.), Assistant Works Manager, High Explosives Factory, Kirkee, Pooria No. 3, India. Lamchen, Max, M.Sc. (Pretoria), Ph.D. (Lond.), D.I.C., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, S. Africa. Langford, Frank, B.A., B.Sc. (Oxon.), 15, The Valley Green, Welwyn Garden City. Marvell, Miss Doris Marguerite, M.Sc. (Lond.), 70, Abbots Gardens, London, N.2. McIntosh, Stuart Donald, l3.S~. (Glas.), 831, Bilsland Drive, Glasgow, N.W. McNaughtan, Finlay, B.Sc. (Edin.), c/o Government Chemist's Department, P.O. Box 821, Nairobi, Kenya Colony. Munday, Charles Walter, B.Sc. (Lond.), 119, Swingate Lane, London, S.E.18.Murdock, Eric Thomas, B.A., B.Sc. (T.C.D.), 23, High Street, Lurgan, Co. Armagh, Northern Ireland. Noakes, Francis Donald Lewis, B.Sc. (Lond.), A.R.S.M., Port Tennant, Swansea. Ormston, John, M.Sc. (Dunelm), 9, Burnley Street, Blaydon-on-Tyne, Co. Durham, Ottwav, Denis Silvester, 60, Stanham Road, Dartford, Kent. Pearm'an, Roy William, B.Sc. (Lond.). A.R.C.S., 149, Herbert Road, London, S.E.18. Redman, Stewart Ernest, l3.S~.(Lond.), 9, Cherry Drive, Canterbury, Kent. Rendall, John Howard, B.Sc. (Lond.), A.R.S.M., 5, Grange Road, Egham, Surrey. Shearing, Leonard Albert, B.Sc. (Lond.), 12, Durdans Road, Southall, Middx. Shuttlaworth, Ronald Gordon, M.Sc., Ph.D. (Cape Town), c/o Chemistry Department, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape, S.Africa. Sreenivasan Rangachar, Honganour Venkata Rangachar, B.Sc. (Mysore). Shift Superintendent, The Mysore Chemicals and Fertilisers, Ltd., Belagula, Mysore, India. Styles, Ronald Arthur, M.A. (Cantab.), 61, Bank Street, Irvine, Ayrshire. Taylor, Harold, 66, Gravel Hill, Bexley Heath, Kent. Thorburn, Samuel, B.Sc. (Glas.), 115, Glaisnock Street, Cumnock, Ayrshire. Unstead-Joss, Leslie Gordon Lovett, 63, Elsham Road, London, W. 14. Waite, Deryck Woodrow Henry, B.Sc. (Lond.), 18, Hambro Gardens, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. Wilkinson, Norman Thomas, 47, MOSSRoad South, Winnington, Northwich. Yathiraja, Arcot Ranganatham, B.Sc. (Madras), A.R.T.C., Junior Scientific Officor, Ordnance Laboratories, Cawnporo, India. Re-elected Associate Harris, Jacob, B.Sc.(Lond.), 32, Mitchell Street, Newtown, Wigan. New Students Bentley, Alan Bertram, 24, Beechwood Road, Great Barr, Birmingham 22. Bernstein, Jeffrey, 10, Constance Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham 5. Bradford, Eric Andrew, 157, Knockhall R,oad, Greenhithe, Kent. Bridges, John Edward, 26, Cricklade Road, Bishopston, Bristol 7. Cook, Edwin Ralph, 44,Glenburn Road, Kingswood, Bristol. Drysdale, Mrs. Anne Beryl, 54, Parkview Court, London, S.W.6. Escritt, Ronald, 17, Topham Street, Wortley, Leeds 12. Glascock, Raymond Frederick, 14, St. James Avenue, Sutton, Surrey. c 1841 Haynes, Leonard John, 66, High Street, Chatham, Kent. Hodgkinson, Roy William, 2, St. Luke’s Road, Brighton 7. Jackson, Harold, 3, Wash Lane, Latchford, Warrington, Lancs.Justice, Alexander, 42, Mansfield Avenue, Sauchie, By Alloa, Scotland. Ketley, David Henry George, 41, The Avenue, Hatch End, Middx. Michaeliones, Miss Cenin Pedra, 24, Sandmay Road, Croes Eneurys Estate, Wrexham. Owen, Ronald, 184, Peelhouse Lane, Widnes. Scarffe, Dudley Rhoden, Breezy Heights, Hamm Court, Weybridge, Surrey. Searle, Charles Edmund, Mascal, Ascot, Berks. Smith, Ernest Noel, 1, Church Street, Llangollen, N. Wales. Stringer, John Thomas, 20, St. Osburg’s Road, Stoke, Coventry. Whitley, Elfed, 7, Bennion Road, Wrerham, Denbighshire. Wilde, Alan Richard Delaney, 4, The Mount Square, London, N.W.3. DEATHS Fellows John Kaye, MA., B.Sc. (Glas.). John Lilburne. Charles Smart Roy, P1i.D. (Jena). Thomas John Underhill, O.B.E.Arthur Robert Warnes. Herbert James Williams. Associates Albert Nash. Joseph Donald Pennington, M.Sc. (Manc.). Eric Arthur Reavell, B.Sc. (Lond.), A.R.C.S. Coming Events Sept.16 THEINSTITUTE(London and South-Eastern Counties Section). “Concerning Biscuits.” Mr. D. M. Freeland, at the Institute at 4.0 p.m. 17 THE INSTITUTE(Liverpool and hTorth-Western Section), jointly with the Local Sections of the B.A.C. and SOC. Chem. Ind., and Fellows of the Chemical Society. “The Chemistry of the Petroleum Industry.” Dr. A. E. Duristan, at the Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool, at 6.30 p.m. SOCIETY:Optical Group. “Some Applications of the Optical 18 THEPHYSICAL See-saw Diagram” and “The Evolution of a Reflecting Microscope Ob- jective.” Dr.C. R. Burch, in the Physics Department of the Imperial College of Science and Technology, S.W.7. 24 THE INSTITUTE(Liverpool and North- Western Section). Discussion on “The Future Policy of the Institute,” at Reece’s Restaurant, Parker Street, Liverpool, at 6.30 p.m. 25 THE INSTITUTE(Glasgow and West of Scotland Section) jointly with the Chemical Society and the Society of Chemical Industry. “Some Experi- ments in Infra-Red.” Dr. J. J. Fox, C.B., President. 29 INSTITUTEOF CHEMISTRY(Huddersfield Section). “Some Aspects of Nutri- tion in War-time.” Mr. A. L. Bacharach, at Field’s CafB, at 6.30 p.m. Oct. 2 THE INSTITUTE(Glasgow and West of Scotland Section) jointly with the Chemical Society and the Society of Chemical Industry.“Whither Plastics ?” Mr. Cecil Chapman, 21 THE INSTITUTE (London and South-Eastern counties Section). “Moulds and their Industrial Application.” Mr. George Smith, at the Institute, at 4.0 p.m. 30 THE INSTITUTE(Glasgow and West of Scotland Section). Annual General Meeting. Nov. I THE INSTITUTE(South Yorkshire Section). “Hazards in the Chemical Industry.” Dr. M. W. Goldblatt. 18 THE INSTITUTE(London and South-Eastern Counties Section). Annual General Meeting. Address by Dr. J.R. Nicholls, at the Institute, at 4.0p.m. [ 185 1 General Notices Examinations.-It is hoped to arrange an Examination for the Associateship to be held in January, and Examinations for the Associate- ship and Fellowship in April, 1943. The dates and places at which they will be held will be notified to intending candidates, who are asked to complete and return forms of application for admission to the Examina- tions as early as possible,-if they wish to present themselves in January, 1943,not later than Monday, 9th November, 1942.Candidates whose applications have been accepted will be notified at the earliest moment and may then forward their entry forms and fees. Associates who desire to present themselves for Examination for the Fellowship in April, 1943, should forward their applications for con-sideration by the Council and not wait for a notification of the exact arrangements for the Examinat ions. Active Service.-Fellows, Associates, and Registered Students who are on active service with the Navy, Army and Air Force are requested to notify the Registrar of the Institute, giving such particulars as may be permissible, as to their rank, unit, etc.The Meldola Medal (the gift of the Society of Maccabaeans) is normally awarded annually to the chemist whose published chemical work shows the most promise and is brought to the notice of the ad- ministrators during the year ending 31st December prior to the award. The recipient must be a British subject not more than 30 years of age at the time of the completion of the work. The Medal may not be awarded more than once to the same person. The next award will be decided in January, 1943. The Council will be glad to have attention directed, before 31st December, 1942,to work of the character indicated.Sir Edward Frankland Medal and Prize for Registered Students.-A medal and prize (EIO 10s.) for the best essay, not exceeding 3000 words, may be awarded in January, 1943, and presented at the next Annual General Meeting, or at a meeting of the Local Section to which the successful competitor is attached. Entries are limited to registered students who art: less than 22 years of age at the time of forwarding the essays. The object of the essay is to induce Registered Students to develop a sense of professional public spirit and to devote thought to questions of professional interest and to the position of chemists in the life of the community-the essay to be on a subject of professional rather than technical or purely chemical importance.Having due regard to the objects stated above, Registered Students are informed that the Council is prepared to consider an essay on any subject which has a bearing on chemistry or chemical work, provided that it does not deal with any purely chemical, technical, or historical subject. [I 186 3 Each essay must be sent to the Honorary Secretary of the Local Section of the district in which the competitor resides (see list of Local Sections at the end of the JOURNAL) on or before the 31st December, 1942, and must be accompanied by a signed declaration that it is the independent work of the competitor. Essays will be valued partly for literary style and technique, but mainly for the thoughts and ideas contained therein.The Committee of each Local Section will be asked to select, from those received, not more than three essays considered to be worthy of the award. The essays selected by the Local Sections will be referred to assessors appointed by the Council. On the report of the assessors the Council will decide whether, and to whom, an award shall be made. The award will not be made more than once to any individual competitor. Notices to Associates.-The Council desires to encourage all Asso- ciates to qualify for the Fellowship. Copies of the regulations and forms of application can be obtained from the Registrar. Appointments Register.-A Register of Fellows and Associates who are available for appointments, or are desirous of extending their opportunities, is kept at the offices of the Institute.For full information, inquiries should be addressed to the Registrar. For Library Notices of the Institute, The Chemical Society, The Science Library, Boots' and Lewis's, see JOURNAL AND PROCEEDINGS,Part IV, August, 1941, pp. 25o-zg1. (The Library of the Chemical Society is now open from 10 a.m. to I p.m. on Saturdays). Lantern Slides for Lecturers.-Enquiries should be addressed to the Registrar. As the slides are frequently in demand, members are requested to notify their requirements at least 14 days before the date on which the slides are to be used. Changes of Address.-Fellows, Associates and Registered Students who wish to notify changes of address are requested to give, so far as possible, their permam& addresses for registration.All requests for changes in the Register should be addressed to the Registrar, and not to the Honorary Secretaries of Local Sections. APPOINTMENTS REGISTER Fellows and Associates are reminded to notify the Institute of suitable vacancies for qualified chemists. Correspondence should normally be addressed to 30, Russell Square , London, W.C.1; but should Members, Registered Students or other correspondents find difficulty in communicating with the Institute, urgent enquiries may be addressed to the Registrar, at 9, Westbury Road, Woodside Park, Finchley, London, N.12. Telephone number :Hillside 1859. [ 187 1 4 WAR SAVINGS CAMPAIGN4 4 4 1 15/= becomes 2016 1 1 Hm so? 1 A IS/-National Savings Certificate grows in1 value until at the end of 10years it is worth 20/6. 1 Do I pay any Income Tax on this increase? 1 No. It is entirely free of Income Tax. 1 Where do I buy Savings Certijicates?i1 From any Post Office, Bank, or Trustee Savings Bank; through a Savings Group or from shops acting as Honorary Official Agents. How do I buy Savings CertzjCicates? You can buy them outright at 151-each. You can also purchase them by instalments bybuying 6d. or 216 National Savings Stamps. Is there any limit to the number I may hold? No individual may hold more than 500 Certificates. Can I get my money back if I need it ? Yes. You can cash Savings Certificates at anytime by giving a few days’ notice. You will get your money back with the increase which your Certificates have earned up to that date. NATIONAL SAVINGS CERTIFICATES4. 1-m Issued by The National Savings Committee, London