Evening star., 1901-03-11

their apparatus, and the value of such Ger
tificates is so well recognized that we find
our own manufacturers quoting prices Of
their apparatus which have been verified in
the institutions of foreign governments
The value of the bureau to this interest
alone Is sufficient to warrant the eXpendt-
ture of more than the entire cost of its
creation and maintenance. This fact has
been conclusively demonstrated in Germany
by the Imperial Physico Technical Institu-
tion, established in 1887, which has been
most literally supported, and which has
shown remarkable results. 1t has fteen
frequently stated that this institution is of
far greater value to the scientific and COM
mercial interests of this country than the
provisions made by our, own government.
Accurate Standards Essential.
Every scientific laboratory in the coun-
try whether it be that of a school, college
or university, a sugar refinery, manufac-
turing chemist, railroad, steel works or
any other manufacturing concern in which
modern methods are employed requires
constantly the use of the most accurate
measures of weight length and capacity.
1t is of the utmost importance that these
measures should CORRESPOND with the
standards adopted by the government.
The testing and comparison of these meas
ures can only be performed by the expert
trained in these lines, with suitable facili-
ties at hand. In many cases the testing Of
the measuring instruments used in these
laboratories consumes d great amount Of
valuable time, which could be saved by a
proper standardizing Institution.
These include standards of electrical re-
slstance, electrical pressure, electrical cur
rent, capacity and self-induction, amne-
ters, volunteers and wattmeters and other
electrical. measuring apparatus for both
direct and alternating current systems,
Enormous sums are annually involved
in electric light and power contracts, and
yet there are no authoritative electrical
standards in this country and no facilities
providing for. the testing of the meters
measurements.
The electrical and magnetic properties
or iron, steel, copper and other materials
used in electrical apparatus and on trans
mission lines are factors of the utmost i'm
portance which determine the magnitude
OF the various losses in the generation and
distribution of electrical energy. Provision
struments for determining such properties
II found no difficulty in enlisting the aid
OF our national legislators as soon as the
Importance of the subject was explained to
them. Every senator and representative
who paid any attention to the proposition
became an earnest advocate in behalf of
the plan. Chairman Southard of the
house committee on coinage, weights and
measures and Senators Mcmillan and Tur-
ner deserve the largest measure of credit
Tor securing the enactment Of the neces-
sary lgislation."
The New Laboratory.
Prof Strattons first work will be to
build the laboratory. for which provision
Is made In the law, as stated. A site will
be chosen outside the city, free from dis
turblng influences, mechanical or electrical
and yet near enough to be within easy
communication. The preparation of the
plans for the laboratory will require con-
SIDERABLE labor and take time, but there
VIII VIII pe no unnecessary delay in bringing
the work to completion