Evening star., 1942-07-26
{. u. Faculty Member
Tackles CYptograph
Credited 10 Bacon
Scientific Tract in Cipher
Has Puzzled TrunsIutors
For Three Centuries

A scientific tract In cipher, sup
posedly the work Of Roger Bacon,
which has been a puzzle to cryptog-
raphers for three centuries, has
been partially translated" by the
Rev. DR.. Hugh O'Neill, head of the
department of botany of Catholic
University, who believes the per-
picking document was not actually
the work OF the British philosopher
and scientist.
The mysterious manuscript in it's
original form passed through the
hands Of number of people until
early in the present century, when
1t was acquired by an American
dealer In rare volumes. He dis
tributed photostatic copies to va
rious PHOTOGRAPHERS for deci-
phering.
One copy came into the possession
Of the Rev. Theodore C. Petersen
OF the university's department of
Semitic and Egyptian languages
and literatures, who, noting that the
work included number of draw
ings of plants, referred the COPY to
DR. ONeill. After some study.
Father ONeill noticed a clearly
recognizable drawing of the COM
mon sunfower, as we'll as drawing
Of the red pepper.
Drawings Raise Question.
The significance of this discovery
lies in the fact that the sunflower
was originally brought to Europe
by Columbus on his return from
his second American voyage in
1893. The red pepper was introduced
into Europe still later. Father
ONeill thus raised the question,
how could Roger Bacon in the year
1850 draw plants which did not
appear in Europe until 23O years
later? It Is Father O'Neills con-
clusion, IN agreement with a num-
Der Of other photographers, that the
manuscript should be dated at least
a century later that Roger Bacon's
time. Father O'Neill's findings on
the subject will soon appear in
speculum. published at Harvard
University.
Summer session students at Cath
olic University will hear two special
lectures on widely different subjects
at programs to be given in Mcmahon
Hall auditorium this afternoon and
tonight. DR.. Oscar Halecki
graduate of the University of Cra-
COW. whose doctors degree was
conferred by the University of
Lyons. will speak at pm. on "The
Medieval and Renaissance Culture
Of Poland" The Rev. DR.. Wilfred
Parsons, s. j.. will lecture at 7:30
pm. on "The Crisis Of Democracy"
DR.. Halecki is visiting professor
Of history at Vassar College. Father
Parsons Is professor of sociology
and politics of Catholic University.
The Rev. DR.. John F. Cronin,
s. S., professor of economics of
st. Mary's Seminary of Baltimore
and director of the Institute of
Catholic Studies Of Catholic Univer-
sity, will close the special lecture
series which has been in progress
during the summer session when he
speaks on Security in a World at
Peace" at 7:30 pm. next Sunday
In Mcmahon Hall.
Art Collection on View.
A collection Of II paintings Of
John Gernand, . young Washing
ton artist, Is on view at the art
department Of the university. The
exhibit discloses that Mr.. Gernand,
who is employed at the Phillips Art
Gallery, possesses an unusual tech
nique for composition, according to
Sister M. Jeannette, head Of the art
department. Among the paintings
is one entitled Harvest" which
has been purchased by the Phillips
Gallery.
Tap day for upper classmen at
the univer,ity will be Observed on
the campus Wednesday. Sopho-
mores will be tapped for the resi-
cent social clubs and the off,
campus student organizations.
Students of the school of nursing
education of the university have
formed glee club which will give
q special program on q moonlight
cruise down the Potomac Friday
night.