Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-01-26
NEEDS OF SCIENTISTS
SUGGESTIONS FROM BOARDS OF
CARNEGIE INSTITUTION.
Prof. Langley's Novel Views-Those
of DR.. Jordan, DIR. Gilbert
and Others

The New York Tribune today prints the
following dispatch from Washington:
AS indicative of those lines along which
some of the most eminent American scien-
lists believe their chosen sciences could best
be developed. the recommendations of the
advisory boards of the Carnegie institution
are of exceptional interest.
Professor s. p. Langley Of the Smith
eonian Institution presents some views
probably novel 20 the average reader. He
relates the wide discrepancy of results OBJ
tained in an effort to determine what Is
termed the solar constant the unit or neat
exerted by the suns rays on a gwen sur
face in q given time. AS probable causes
of the divergence he cites the absorptive
qualities of different layers of atmosphere.
which absorb both heat from the suns rays
and cold from the radiatfons OF the earth.
He also hints at possible variation in the
power Of the sun. which. 1T has been said.
occurs with certain periodicity.
In view of the important effect of the heat
Impaired by the suns rays on all life. Pro-
lessor Langley advocates the establishment
of two laboratories, preferably close TO the
Aouator at the greatest possible differences
of altitude and yet within sight OF eacn
other where, under like atmospheric ana
other conditions, simultaneous observatlohs
could be taken and the variation produced
by difference Of altitude accurately re-
corded.
To Study Technology.
Or. David Starr Jordan of Leland STAN
ford. Jr, University urges an expedition to
study the technology of the Pacific ocean,
especially in the vicinity of Peru, Chile,
Patagonia, Australia. China and the Okotsk
sea and some of the islands of the East In
dies and Polynesia. Such an expedition
would make marine biological survey
similar to that now being conducted by the
United States fish commission in American
waters similar expedition, but confined
to the tropical Pacific, is recommended by
DR.. Louis AgasSiz.
prof G. X Gilbert Of Washington pro-
poses a deep boring in plutonic rock, with
view to ascertaining the temperature gra-
dients in the earths crust.
Prof Gilbert points out that observations
in this direction have heretofore been made
only In mines. wells etc, where the rock
Is of sedimentary or deposited character,
in which variations not to be found In plu-
tonic rock are to be expected. These vari-
ations. due to heterogeneousness OF mate
rial and different strata possessing variable
heat diffusivity, would not be encountered
in plutonic rock typical of the earth'S crust
as whole
Prof. Gilbert recommends that q mass of
great age be selected, one which has not
for many geologic periods been subjected to
changes, and that a boring be made there
in with some instrument similar to a dia-
1nond drill. so that the core produced could
be made the subject of special investiga-
ton. With such a bore completed to n
great depth temperature observations could
be taken at numerous levels, which would
contribute largely to geologic knowledge
and might prove OF inestimable value in the
study of seismic disturbances, etc.
DR.. Ladd's Recommendations
DIR. George Trumbull Ladd, professor of
philosophy at Yale University. presents
some interesting recommendations in the
realm of psychology. First. and Of para
mount Importance, he places bureau of
Information. sort of psychological clear
ing house for the interchange of not only
definite results, but Of attempted investisa-
tions, partial results, etc, with view to
keeping all scientists devoting themselves
to this particular branch posted to what
has and is being done. of preventing dupli-
cation of work, and incidentally for an ex-
change of views as to methods and direc-
ton of Investigations. Carrying this idea
further. DR.. Ladd believes a workshop
which would serve as headquarters should
be established. and suggests in addition
thereto the preparation of rooms which
could be used as laboratories for investiga-
tors along various lines 1t is interesting
to note that DR.. Hugo Munsterberg, pro-
lessor of psychology at Harvard University
characterlzeS as valuable, but very dan
gerous for the development of the educa-
tional life of the whole country" aid rem
dered to Individual scholars who are ac-
knowledged to be specialists of merit.
A Biological Farm.
A biological farm is the somewhat unique
Secomn endation of DR.. C. o. Whitman
professor Of zoology In the University Of
Chicago, as a means to the study Of heredi-
ty. variation and evolution; and Professor
Roswell H. Johnson Of the University of
Wisconsin urges the establishment Of a
biological experiment station for the study
OF evolution, citing in support of his project
the opinion of DR.. David Starr Jordan Of
Leland Stanford University Dr. Charles
B. Davenport of the University Of Chicago
also commends the project, and suggests
Cold Spring Harbor as the most adyan-
tageouS site.
1t is regarded as characteristic of the
chemists that Of all the advisory boards
they alone submitted majority and a mi
nority report. the first urging that a num-
Der Of Carnegie research DISTINGUISHING
be established. and that compensation and
assistance be furnished to the appointees:
the second urging the establishment of
carnegie research professorships by
WMch professors now engaged in university
work should be relieved of a portion of
hair