The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-12-27
AIRSHIP'S VALUE
. is RECOG N IzE D
Scientists See Need of an
Aerodynamic Labora- {
tory.
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION
Matter Will Receive Attention
OF American Association
This Week.
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION

washington, December 2s.-One of
tho most important results expected
from the meeting here this week of the
American Association for the Advance.
ment of Science is tho probable es-
Enlistment In the United States of
an aerodynnmic 10 boratory to further
the development of human flight In
The air. This especial interest is in the
hands of the division of mechanical
science and engineering. There will
pe a whole day devoted to aviation,
with number of interesting papers
to be read. Tho chief interest, how
ever. centreR in the establishment OF
the research laboratory mentioned
and the prospect that 1t will be in
Washington.
The particular paper before the sec
ton that Will deal with the need of
laboratory Is by DR.. Albert Il. Zahm,
secretary of tho Washington Aero
Club. According to present arrange
Inents this Will be followed by a reso-
luton addressed TO the Aero Club
Of America, pointing out the advan-
tages OF such a laboratory and asking
the support and co-operation OF tho
club In the movement. This resolution
will be presented by Professor Law
renee Rotch, OF the Blue Hill Ohser-
Vatory; Professor Wills Moore. chief
OF the Weather Bureau, and CAPTAIN
w. I. Chambers. of the navy or some
other scientist interested in the sub
ject.
Opinion of Avtators.
There are two or three possible To-
cations for the laboratory. but the
general opinion among aviators is that
1t Will be located under the direction
of the Smithsonian Institution. The
United States Is tho only first-class
power still without such laboratory.
Numerous arguments have been adj
Vanced by those interested for having
tho work undertaken directly by tho
government. 1t has been pointed out
that the bureau OF standards is we'll
situated to handle such work. Ono
objection that has been raised, how
ever, is that the bureau has mover
made any move toward instItutlnc re-
search on this line. and In case II did
undertake the work 1t would be neces-
sary to nave 1t wholly supported by
government funds. as tn bureau could
not be the custodian. of a private en-
dowment.
On the other hand, while the Smith
Sonian Institution Ia practically n
national concern and handles the bulk
OF tho scientific work OF the govern
ment. 1t can and does handle private
FUNDS, and has the whole organiza-
ton for such a laboratory ALREADY AT
hand. 1t has the international pres-
tige of being the scene of Professor
Langley's pioneer work In mechanical
light 1t has the administrative ma
chinery all ready. good shops, IN aero
nautlcai library and some scientists
already familiar with the subject
These nre things that a now ,nst,tu-
ton would have to accumulate, and
that represent q large initial invest
ment OF capital
Endowment Fund Available.
In addition. tho Smithsonian already
has largo amount of money In the
form of the HodEkins fund that could
be drawn on at need. This endowment,
while not made specifically to aid
aeronautical research, was LETT for
the general investigation, of the at
mosphere. without hny narrow re-
striction. 1t has been used hereto
Tore for all sorts of atmospheric in
vestisations from researches as to the
FORM of Insects wings to the ventila-
amon of homes for consumptives. 1t
Is therefore considered that the en-,
dowment could be legitimately used
at any time in aiding aeronautical re-
search.
All OF the big aerodynamic 10 borato
les abroad are under the direction OF
men of international reputation in
scientific work, and all of them are
operated either under the direction o,
the government or in connection with
some OF the big universities.
Other Countries Well Eauippcd
The laboratory In France is connect
ed with the University of Paris. NJ.
! Bash Zaharon originally gave s14o,-
| 600 to found chair of aeronautics
| there. He was followed by Henri
| Deutsch, the millionaire sportsman.
who gave the university the equipped
laboratory Of aerodynamic research at
! saint, Cyr. This laboratory was
rounded at cost of 100000. and was
! endowed with an income OF $4,000.
/ The director Of this institute is NJ.
! Maurain. He is doctor OF science and
! formerly member OF the scientific
! faculty at Caen. He has associated
! with him in the aerodynamic worl,
| some of the best scientists of France
! and representatives of the Aero Club
OF France. so that the work is ma
! hohai in character. though the man
agement is IN private hands.
/ In Germany there IL a similarly es.
| tabltshed laboratory at the University
OF Gottingen with an income of $1,000
| a year. which Is equal to about twice
tho amount IN this country
There Is well equipped ana ade.
| qnatcly endowed laboratory at Krut.
chino. near Moscow. 1t has an annual
income OF $4,000. and Is intimately co.
ordinatcd with tho University or Mos.
COW.
In England there is a similar labo
ratory under the direction of the Ma
tionai Physical Laboratory of Grea
Britain.
Arguments Of the Promoters.
Ihose interested in the development
or aviation in this country nre anx
ious to have the United States cquall,
wei! represented in acronautic re
search work. They argue that tn,
time Is opportunc, The cream hu:
been skinned from the exhibition
business by the few men who wer,
'irst In the air. and the work Is nov
settling down 10 IL busInessi basis
81