River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1889-03-21

A recent inspection of the Scientific
Department of the State University of
Madison, including the work of Me-
chanical Engineering, revealed much
of the means of modern schools that
if suitably represented to the youth of
the state would draw greatly increased
numbers to study at The University;
and, it is believed, would revolutionize
the methods of teaching science in
many high schools of the state.
Recent reconstruction of the science
building enabled the authorities to
employ architectural designs that Sc
cure at once perfect light, ample space
and thorough adaptation to the wants
of people who are devoted to study
and Investigation. The buildings are
literally fire proof, divided so as to ac-
commodate the work of individuals
in study or experiment, or classes in
lectures. The apparatus is modern
and of delicacy that is marvellous, so
that the inquirer sees, handles and
finally operates the mechanism that
gives the fundamental note of each
branch of natural science. For in
stance, the apparatus, occupying a
space 6X8xl4 inches, consisting of
simple combinations of a wire coil
and an indicator, enables the operator
to locate a defect anywhere in con-
ductor as long as the Atlantic cable,
with precision and dispatch. The de-
partment of electricity is justifably
very full. The apparatus for deter.
mining the elements of sound,-of
vibration in general,-and that for
manipulation in embryology of plants
and animals, is elaborate and sug-
gestive of immense possibilities. The
natural specimens of minerals, of
plants, and of animals-whales, skins,
skeletons, shells-together with per-
feet casts of extinct animals and
plants, enables the University to &C.
cupy the student with profitable study
of types of life. The reader can APP
preciate the value of a bug one foot
long, made of suitable material to
represent to the naked eye the circu-
latory, alimentary, nervous and other
tissues. A snail, fish, bird and a
snake are likewise constructed and
dissectable, showing typical structures
of animals whose microscopic size, or
whose position of vantage in develop
ment give them special scientific
economic Importance.
The work of structural botany, of
qualitative and cumulative chemis-
try, and of dynamic and structural
geology, is filled with interest by con-
tact with strong teachers and typical
pictorial illustrations and samples of
things, earths, and relations.
The departments of iron and wood
working and their preliminaries,
drawing and Photographic representa-
ton, make an important line of study
whereby young men come to the
mastery of practical questions. An
interesting line of inquiry is presented
in tests of resistance of cemeuts to
various Influences to which structures
are subject, --resulting in series of
reliable statistics that will be invalua-
BILE to builders.
The hour spent under guidance of
President Chamberlin revealed a great
school of natural science at the Uni
versity, not all of which is mentioned
here, and left belief that the State
University needs but to be represented
to the world to draw to its halls num-
bers of students equal to those at older
institutions, and to put the University
into belief of intelligent citizens
that we have means worthy of all pat
rOnage for any student desiring in
struction in any branch. We shall
see other departments of the Univer-
sity work later and shall have soule-
thing to say of their quality.
Resolutions passed by the Inter-County
Medical Society at Hudson, March 18th,
1889:
WHEREAS, Death has entered the house
hold of our brother, Dr. Chas. NJ. Gould,
and removed to the other shore his be-
loved wife, therefore in this hour of his
severe trial we wish to express to him
our sympathy in his great bereavement.
ResOired, That we extend to DIR. Gould
in the dark hour of affiiction the sincere
regret of Fraternal Brotherhood.
Res0LUed, That a copy of these resolu-
tons be sent to our afflicted Brother and
the same be published in the RIVER
FALLS JOURNAL, signed by the committee
and Pres. and Sec'y of the society.
T.. 5. HAYES, Pres.
L. w. EPLEY, Sec.
Committee: f. L. Boothby, c. f. King,
+. Ballard.