New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-09-11
THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION.

When the full history Of this years meeting OF
the British Association for the Advancement OF
Science, which opened In Southport on Wednes-
day evening, is written, ii will doubtless show
that In variety and Importance the proceedings
Of 1908 were fully up to the average of past
years. Sir Norman Lockyer, in his presidential
address at the first session, ignored his own
specially in science, astronomical spectroscopy.
He devoted himself mainly to pointing out the
benefits which a nation derives from hand
somely endowing fits universities. In one re-
spect his argument will resemble the discus
sions Of fiscal policy and advances i'm electric
traction in two OF the sections Of the assoca-
ton. If it does not attract much attention out
side of Great Britain, it is certain to exert a
wholesome influence at home. Sir Norman's
mental maturity and wide observation should
enable him to make out a strong case.
Without doubt. the topic of the most universal
interest in the scientific world to-day is radum.
From that strange element there seem to be at
least three kinds of invisible radiation. exhibit
ing dissmilar electrical characteristics. In adj
dition to these there is a luminous. or fuores-
cent. popularity TO be explained. and mySteri-
Gus output of heat. which. according to Profess
sor Dewar, is steadily maintained when the
metal is exposed to the most intense cold that
the chemist produce. Sir William Ramsay
and Mr.. Soddy have shown that radium and
thoriUm have the property of absorbing various
inert gases notably helium. Finally, Sir Will
lam CrOokes has made the behavior OF radum
a pretext for raising the old but startling ques-
ton whether any difference exists between force
and matter. Much that has thus far been writ
ten this subject is only speculative, and even
the findings OF fact must be regarded as imper-
feet and provisional Still. an intensely fascinat-
ing. II not highly practical line Of investigation
has been opened up. 4 discussion Of IL before
the physics section OF the British association
has been promised. The public will await the
outcome eagerly, therefore. in the hope that
some of the puzzling phenomena already OBJ
served may be made more ineligible
The British association adheres to its old Gus
tom of beginning its annual meeting I'm the mid
die Of one week and extending its sessions well
into the next. though reserving Saturday and
Sunday for other purposes. The American As
ISOLATION for the Advancement OF Science once
followed the same practice. but now opens its
meetings on Monday and finishes before satur-
day. Inasmuch as most OF the members who
attend al all have hotel bills to pay the innova-
ton has its advantages. The original plan.
though, allows a larger opportunity for excur-
siOns 10 places Of special interest in the vicinity
and for receptions and garden parties, which
are great popular attraction and promote n
good attendance. Concerning the expediency OF
what seem 20 he purely social features of these
conventions. there has been much difference of
opinion. Obviously. they do not help science
directly hut it is possible that they may indi-
rectly. A positive conviction 10 that effect
rather than q slavish conservatism. probably
accounts for the retention of the usage on the
other side OF the Atlantic