Evening star., 1921-07-17

mfration, place where they take a
Photographic plate and do things
with it that would cause the old-time
photographer to turn over in his
grave ii he could but hear of it. You
view many forms of electron tubes,
magnetos OF many makes, an ap-
paratus that determines whether a
Sample possesses the requisite bright
ness to make it self-luminous dial;
you see samples of films for the
movies, films that mean a great ad-
vance in the strides of the silent
drama; tires and tubes, gasoline hose,
and also. very important matter to
theG motorist. the devices used fo-
measuring gasoline. You turn an
other corner and you behold a small
experimental. rubber mill. You are
shown radiograph of repaired
shoe. The picture shows how diff
ferent sOliQg machines clinch the
nails. A large emery precision ma
chine is used to test the strength of
steel wheels and other articles. A
portion of the building Ts devoted to
the study of timepieces. SO on for
hours one might view the many
things that are being handled by this
important branch of the government;
you might spend weeks and months,
and every hour see something new
something interesting. something that
Is being made better through the ef-
forts of the men who serve at small
salaries.
The question naturally arises as to
who some of these men are who have
been doing such work-who are these
miracle men who take an idea. an
imperfect machine. a rough drawing,
a suggestion of an idea. and stay with
IT until they have given to the coun-
try a finished product? 1t is not an
easy matter to select three or four
men from a group of experts and try
and find out in just what field they
have won distinction.
On the fourth floor of the admin
istration building is a club lunchroom.
The table is odd in shape. the center
being round. with oblong extensions.
On one side of the round part sits DR..
Stratton: opposite is DIR. Brown. his
assistant: others group themselves by
choice, either by relative branches or
personal friendship. There is no for
mality. there is n lack of "upstage-
ness" sometimes found where scien-
lists gather.
, Fortunately, the occupation of the
writer was unknown to them-that
is fortunately for the writer. because
IT was but a few minutes before they
were earnestly discussing some new
problem. and probably the look of
lack of understanding caused them to
be merciful and ask no questions as
to what the poor scribe thought of
the matter under discussion. II thceo
VINO Imagine tndt tney are all wise
desire to have their viewpoint
changed they should spend the
lunch hour at the bureau of stand
ards.
4 brief sketch of a few of the
noted scientists in the bureau will
serve to enlighten the general public
as to who these men are and the
character Of work they have been
performing.
Maj., Eouis A Fischer, chief of the
dtY1Rtnn of weights and measures.
was nprn in the nations capital in
1864, and is an alumnus of the George
Washington University. 1908. Prior
TO his graduation he was connected
with the United States Office of
weights and measures of the coast
and Eeodetic survey from 1890 to
1901. He has been chief of the di-
vision of weights and measures of the
bureau since the establishment in
1901. While the bureau has no regu-
latory power, he has assisted in many
educational campaigns which have
taught the public to appreciate the
value of correct weights and meas
ures. The testing and standardizing
of railroad tracks. scales. mine scales
and work of great Importance to the
people of the country has been car
ried on by Maj. Fischer and his as
sociates. He has also occupied@a very
pl ointment position in the advocacy of
manufacturing plants of the country.
The fundamental standards are
kept at the bureau and there is no