Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-12-26
Scientists See Need of Aero
dynamic Laboratory.
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION
Matter to Be Brought Before Ameri.
can Association.
DEVELOPMENT OF AVIATION
Hope of the Promoters Is to Have
the Work Done in
Washington.

One of the most important results ex-
pected from the meeting here this week
OF the American Associa ton for the Ad-
vancement of Science is the probable es-
Enlistment in the United States of an
aerodynamic laboratory to further the
development of human flight in the air.
This especial interest is in the hands Of
the division of mechanical science and en-
gineering. There will be a whole day de-
voted to aviation, with a number of in
teresting papers to be read. The chief in
terest. however. centers in the establish
ment of the research laboratory men,
toned and the prospect that it will be in
Washington.
The particular paper before the section
that will deal with the need Of a Iabora-
tory is by DR.. Albert F. Zahm, secretary
of the Washington Aero Club. According
to present arrangements this will be fol.
lowed by resolution addressed to the
Aero Club of America, pointing out the
advantages of such laboratory and ask
ing the support and cooperation OF the
club in the movement. This resolution will
be presented by Prof Lawrence Rotch Of
the Blue Hill observatory, Prof. Willis
Moore. chief of the weather bureau, and
Capt. w. /. Chambers of the navy, or
some other scientist interested i'm the SUBJ
ject.
Opinion of Aviators.
There are two or three possible loca-
tions for the laboratory. but the general
opinion among aviators is that it will be
located under the direction of the Smith
sonian Institution. The United States is
the only first-class power still without
such laboratory.
Numerous arguments have been ad-
vanced by those interested for having the
work undertaken directly by the govern
ment 1t has been pointed out that the
bureau of standards is we'll situated to
handle such work. One objection that
has been raised. however, is that the bu-
reau has never made any move toward
instituting research on this line, and i'm
case It did undertake the work 1t would
be necessary to have it wholly supported
by government funds. as the bureau could
not be the custodian Of a private endow-
ment.
On the other hand, while the Smith
sonian Institution Is practically a ma
tiOnal concern and handles the bulk of
the scientific work of the government, 1t
has the whole organization for such a
laboratory already at hand. 1t has the
International prestige of being the scene
of Prof. Langley's pioneer work in me-
chanical flight 1t has the administra-
tive machinery all ready. good shops. an
aeronautical library and some scientists
already familiar with the subject. These
are things that new institution would
have to accumulate, and that represent
large initial investment of capital.
Endowment Fund Available.
In addition, the Smithsonian already
has a large amount Of money i'm the
form Of the Hodgkins fund that could
be drawn on at need. This endowment,
while not made specifically to aid aero
nautical research. was left for the gen.
eral investigation of the atmosphere,
without any narrow restriction. 1t has
been used heretofore for all sorts of at
mospheric investigations. from researches
as to the form of insects wings to the
ventilation Of homes for consumptives.
1t is therefore considered that the en-
dowment could be legitimately used at
any time in aiding aeronauticai research.
All Of the big aerodynamic laboratories
abroad are under the direction of men
of International reputation in scientific
under the direction Of the government or
in connection with some of the big uni
versities.
Other Countries Well Equipped.
The laboratory in France 10 connected
with the University of Paris. NJ. Basil
Zaharon originally gave $4,000 to found
a chair Of aeronautics there. He was
followed by Henri Deutsch. the million
aire sportsman. who gave the university
the equipped laboratory of aerodynamic
research at Saint-Cyr This laboratory
was founded at cost of 100000. and
was endowed with an income Of 5000.
The director of this institute is NJ
Maurain. He is a doctor of science and
formerly member Of the scientific fac
uity at Caen. He has associated with
the best scientists of France and repre-
sentatives of the Aero Club of France,
so that the work is national in charac-
ter, though the management is in pri-
vate hands.
In Germany there is a similarly es-
tablished laboratory at the University
Of Gottingen with an income of $1,000
year, which is equal to about twice
the amount in this country.
There Is well equipped and ade-
quately endowed laboratory at Krut-
chino, near Moscow. 1t has an annual
income OF $4,000 and is intimately CO.
ordinated with the University of Mos
COW.
In England there is similar lao
ratory under the direction Of the Ma
tional Physical Laboratory of Great
Britain.
Arguments of the Promoters.
Those interested in the development
of aviation in this country are anxious
to have the United States equally well
represented in aeronautic research
work. They argue that the time is OPP
perfume. The cream has been skinned
from the exhibition business by the
few men who were first in the air,
and the work Is now settling down to
a business basis where there is need
for all the aeronautical information
that can be accumulated
1t is not known whether such a fund
as is contemplated will be given in
the shape of an individual donation or
whether IL will have to be raised by
popular subscription. but those inter-
ested in the work in connection with
the Association for the Advancement
of Science have decided that they will
start something" and get the value of
such an institution impressed on the