Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1924-10-19
MERICA looks forward to strik-
ing advances through research
with the aid of those whose for
\ tunes have been built upon en-

~ ing advances through research
"A with the aid of those whose for
a tunes have been built upon en-
gineering. it is asserted in re-
port Of the Engineering Foundation pre-
pared by Director Alfred ID. Finn. Mr..
Finn tells how in 10 years the founda-
ton. stimulated by the needs of the war
and provided with gifts by Ambrose
Swasey aggregating 100000, has set in
motion numerous currents Of activity
which are increasing world knowledge
in engineering, in science and in indus
try.
Cooperation with the National Re-
search Council, and with large indus
trial enterprises, is being carried out,
and important Investigations have been
stimulated in this and other countries.
War on the Shipworm.
Among the achievements of the foun-
dalton are the organization of the move
ment to drive the shipworm from the
coasts of the United States where dam
age by borers to the extent of many mil
lions has been inflicted The report dis
closes that a group OF Americans have
provided 100000 to further personnel
research i'll industry for the next five
years.
The report reveals how the founda-
ton, practically at it's birth, met a war
emergency with the assistance of two
$1,000 contributions from individuals.
Nearly zoo engineers in all parts of the
country, it is stated, are promoting the
efforts of the foundation, which is the
research instrumeDtality of the four
great societies of civil, miAing, mocha nj
cal and electrical engineers, and the
funds of which are placed at the dis
posal of worthy endeavor in this field.
The report shows how, largely as a
result of the experience of the World
War, American engineers in a decade
have broadened their horizon and are
now reaching out in a way undreamed
of in pre-war days to explore new chan
nels in the interests both of industrial
development and national defense
Founded in 1914, the first gift for en-
downent 100000, was delivered to
the United Engineering Society as trus-
tee on February ~, 1915 says the re-
port Only the income could be ex-
pended. Members of the foundation
board were elected March %, 1915. and
met for organizing April II. With no
expendable funds yet accumulated and
less than $40, 900 year in prospect. and
project could be undertaken immedi-
ately.
Research Council Formed.
The great was was on. Within the
year from the founda tons first meeting
indications multiplied that the United
States could not keep out Scientific as
sociations and engineering societies per-
celved the urgency for comprehensive
organization. In June 1915, under
leadership of the National Academy of
Sciences and the Founder Societies, the
National Research Council was created.
No funds were in hand
Engineering Foundation met the
emergency by proffering its income. 1t
provided offices and enga ged DR.. Cary T.
Hutchinson as secretary. Its founder.
Ambrose Swasey. and Vice Chairman
Edward Dean Adams each contributed
$4,000 TO supplement the income.
With this aid the research council
was established and soon had funds
from other sources. In 1919. when funds
for endowment and a building were of
fered conditionally to the academy and
the research council, these two mem
berS of the foundation were among the
contributors who made possible the pur-
| chase of the site near the Lincoln Memo
rial i'll Washington.
From this beginning the Engineer
ing Foundation has co-operated continu-
ously with National Research Council.
especially its division of engineering and
industrial research. This division occu-
Building. New York. as guest of the
foundation. and the foundation has been
assigned room in the new building of
the academy and the council in Wash
ington.
During the war fatigue failures of
airplane parts led to study of this old
problem Of fatigue of metals. Funds for
experimentation were not then forth
coming. In 1919 the Engineering Foun-
dation appropriated $4,000 for a two
year program prepared by the National
Research Council to be carried out in
co-opera ton with the University of IL
ljnois. Industries became interested; the
Investigation is still in progress.
Needed Cash Provided.
General Electric CO., Allis-Chalmers
Manufacturing Co. Western Electric
Co. and the Copper and Brass Research
Association have contributed in cash
$4,000. besides services and materials
Several other companies have supplied
materials and services. a 5 have also nu-
merous engineers and scientists.
Contributions of services. facilities
and publications by the university for
the past five years could not have been
purchased for less than $50 900 Ealua-