The Washington times., 1919-03-03


recrbation is a good thing. The
c0mbativs elements of x and Y Free
scnitrogen belongs TO this group. It
stubbornly resists combinations with
other elements. The little bacteria
.on the roots OF certain plants sue
ceeded in doing IT long before man.
These little organisms reach out into
the air, pull in the nitrogen, lock
II up and give the plant an oppor-
tUnity 70 use It in growing beans"
Indeed" said the major, "and we
are told that one reason why the
Huns were able to remain in the war
so long was because their scientists
were able to make nitric acid from
the nitrogen and oxygen of the air,
plus a little water and a good sized
current Of electricity. Nitric acid is
one OF the absolutely necessary
agents in the manufacture Of eX-
iplosives.
They could not get saltpetre for
this purpose from South America, the
only material supply in the world,
because their ports were blockaded."
Even before President Wilson de-
clared that 8 state Of war existed be-
tween the United States and Ger
many, steps were taken by the Gov
.srnment to make nitric acid. Mil
lions OF dollars have been spent and
the chemical is still in the making.
u anyone would like to know more
about this matter, ask some Of the
peoples representatives on the Hill,
especially Congressman Longworth,
1yh6 has literally devoured everything
In sight on nitrogen-he thinks.
81 want to pass by the radioactive
ity Of X for the time being" said the
fair one "and turn to the ection Of
the heat at 240 degrees. This brings
mp the triangle going through the
furnace. Before 1t went through the
paper was blank Everything soluble
was removed during its bath in the
Potomac.
after the purifying by IRE, certain
shierogIyphfes were in evidence. They
caused much stir but meant nothing.
Mere camouhage, except the cross.
Some deemed they came from invisi-
bic ink. Too easy. Everybody knows
that trick. Some think the triangle
Is paper. Il is. The chart from which
the triangle was cut is the finest kind
OF paper made from long-fbered as
bestos, specially treated to increase
its tensile strength. Ordinary heat
win, net injUre it It almost defes
tearing, can be chewed, and even
Billy Goats digestion will not feaze
it It Is weIl-high indestructibie."
''Ths chart and triangle are impreg-
mated with certain substances which
when submitted to certain treatments
VIII give up much Of the secret.
They must frst both be submitted to
a heat OF $40 degrees then boiled
in liquid air.
sThe air we breathe, when Iiquified
at q great pressure and low tempera-
Fahrenheit below zero. There are,
unfortunately, several kinds of Their
mometers. The two commonly used
are the French or Centigrade and the
English or Fahrenheit. The former
is used By scientists and the latter
for common observations, like measur-
ing the temperature Of the weather.
Scientists often do not indicate the
kind Of degrees, because IL is under
stood TO mean centigrade. The go
degrees therefore, means centigrade
degrees, and equals AGA degrees
Fahrenheit scale.
This win bring out certain incom-
pIeted formulas and prepare the
chart, including the triangle, for sub
sequent treatments"
This is all exceedingly fascinating,
but I am more interested In your good
SELF" said the officer. Let US take a
spin through the park. 1t will rest
you before going to the doctors office.
There IS still half an hour left before
the appointment"
Il shall be delighted to 60" re-
aponded Madeline, hut before doing
so let me tell you just little about
the radio-activfty' (means the power
of giving on certain kinds Of rays),
which plays a most important part
further developed by submitting the
chart TO the action OF certain radio
active substances. OF. these there are
a number. but the most conspicuous
is the element called radiUm, discoy-
cred By Madam Curie with the assist
ance Of her husband. Let US now go
for the auto ride and call on the doc
tor on our return"
The two lovers departed. Annoy
ances and cares were soon forgotten
among the beautiful scenery along
the drive. They were alone, excepting
the chauffeur, and he was compelled
TO watch the road. Time seemed to
have wings The tiny wrist watch
showed that the time for the physi-
clans appointment was close at hand. |
Was II correct7 The pocket watch
said yes. The taxi was Immediately |
to the physicians office on |
Dupont Circle They arrived a little |
but without mishap. AS they
the office the physician arose, |
advanced. extended his hand, and said, !
Miss Madeline Copnor, of Colorado, |
! am happy to see you. How is your |
gracious, lovable father? Has he |
come with your
Madeline eyed him with search /
ing suspicious look, saying, why |
do you speak in this fashion? When /
and where did you see my father? He /
has gone to that land from whence
no traveller returns"
The doctor said: MY little girl. I re-
call the many happy visits have had 1
with your father in his home in the
where spent several years in
regaining my health and strength. You
were then q little girl, just blossom
ing into womanhood. 1 recall now the
enthusiasm with which your father
carried on his experiments, endeavor-
ing to work out the idea of transmit
ing the baser elements into the more
priced. He was a good father to you.
You were with him a large part Of
the time, and I often marveled how
apt a student you were. Love seemed
20 know no bounds"
Pardon me, doctor, You have so
completely surprised me that I have
neglected to introduce my friend. Ma
jor Archie Knowles, who has kindly
consented to come with me-" The
doctor greeted the officer, then re-
Eerted 70 Prof Connoris work. "All