Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-04-16
gushed Hemspheres Meet Capital This Wee

an authority on petrology and mineral
ogy.
Since the society's inception, the men,
bers have done much to advance alb
stract science and quicken its devel-
opment in little known branches. The
academy has examined and experimental
upon many subjects on which the gov
eminent desired information Its work
in this connection is unique. for only on
exceptional occasions and difficult prob
lens is it called into conference.
y x
Many scientific bureaus have sprung
into existence since 1863 in the various
departments of the government service.
each carrying specialized investiga-
tions in widely diverse lines. The acad-
envy has been consulted on subjects which
reach beyond the scope of any single de-
partment Its work does not interfere
with the different bureaus in any way.
In fact, it is always disposed to look
upon the problems that are set before
il with a desire to furnish constructive
recommendations rather than destructive
criticisms of the work of any estab-
lished office.
The most recent instance of the CO.
operation of the academy with the gov
eminent in the solution of its scientific
problems was the appointment of spe
cial commission of members to investi-
gate the cause of the frequency of land
slides at the Panama canal. and Prof.
Charles r. Van Hire, president of the
University of Wisconsin. distinguish ed
geologist and chairman of the commits
sion, will report on this subject at this
meeting of the academy.
In 1914 the academy was called upon
by President Wilson to designate
member to serve on a special commits
sion to study the condition of the fur
seal herds at the Pribilof Islands. The
academy was also asked in 1913 by
President Wilson TO advise concerning
the selection of new head for the
United States weather bureau
In case of war between the United
States and any foreign power the Ma
tional Academy would be the first
ganZation to be consulted by the gov
eminent. Its suggestions would range
over all matters connected with war
fare. especially those essentials which
are so often lost sight of. questions -"
sanitation. handling of epidemics. t',A
prompt adaptation of physical, mecha
ical and chemical discoveries to
itary use.
Many endowments and donations rar
the promotion of science have been "a.
cepted by the academy. and these a.
the principal source of its moderate in
come. Conspicuous among these are
the William Ellery Hale lectures. This
series. five in all. is to cover the gem
eral subject of evolution. giving a com.
prehenSiVe outline or the broad fea.
lures of inorganic and organic deveI-
opment in the light of modern research.
the whole to be finally published to.
gether.
Effort has been made in the lectures
that have already been given to choose
lecturers who have been leaders in
the development of some phase of this
general subject, and in pursuit of this
plan the first course was devoted to
the general subject of the evolution
Of matter Sir Ernest Rutherford of
Manchester. England, whose studies of
radium have done much to create a
new epoch in the modern knowledge of
matter. fnaugurated the course by
series OF lectures. He paved the way
Continued on Seventh Page.l