A . A . A . S . — G i b s o n Island Conferences N E I L E. G O R D O N , Director; J O H N C. K R A N T Z , JR., Assistant Director
T
HIS is the fifth summer that special research conferences on chemistry and its allied fields have been held at Gibson Island under auspices of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. During this five-year period they have grown from two weeks in the summer of 1938 to ten weeks in 1942. Because of this growth the association has purchased a property, and the conferences are now placed on a permanent basis. These Gibson Island conferences owe their excellence and popularity to careful planning of the programs by experts, choice of the invited contributors, freedom
with which contributors make excursions along and sometimes beyond the frontiers of t h e known, opportunities for abundant discussion, limitation of participants to 60, mingling of chemists from industrial and university laboratories, and delightful surroundings. At its business meeting each conference determines t h e subject of the corresponding conference for t h e following year and nominates its chairman and vice chairman, who are formally a p pointed by the association. Conferences for this summer are scheduled for the weeks of June 15 through August 24, excluding the week of August 10.
A.
June 26
Frontiers in Petroleum Chemistry
June 15 W. J. SWEENEY. N e w Tools in Hydrocarbon Research. H E N R Y EYRING. Intramolecular Forces;
Structure of Hydrocarbon Molecules. June 16 S. S. KURTZ, J R . Relation of Physical Properties t o Chemical Constitution. F. O. RICE. Role of Free Radicals in Hydrocarbon Reactions. June 17 R. E . B U R K . Fundamental Principles of Catalysis. B. J. M A I R . Methods of Purifying Hydrocarbons. June 18 A. L. LYMAN. Oxidation of High Molecular Weight Hydrocarbons. June 19 L. C. CASE. Role of Chemistry in the Discovery and Production of Petroleum. Catalysis
June 22 W. G. FRANKENBURG.
Adsorption of
Hydrogen on Tungsten Powder and Its Meaning for t h e General Theory of Adsorption and Catalysis. June 23 OTTO
BEECK.
Contributions
in
the
Field of Adsorption as Related t o Catalysis. June 24 STEPHEN
BRUNAUER.
BLANCHARD.
C.
Heterogeneous
Relation of Structure t o Physiological A c t i o n D . L. T A B E R N ,
Adsorption-De-
sorption Processes in Catalysis. June 25 C. V. SMYTHE. Biological Oxidations, Fermentations, and Phosphorylations.
Chairman
W. H . HARTUNG, Vice Chairman June 29 H . E . CARTER. Recent Advances in the Synthesis and Physiological Chemistry of the Amino Acids. WENDELL
W. M O Y E R .
Amino
Acids
from Natural Proteins. June 30 G. O. D O A K . Chemistry of t h e Aromatic Arsine Oxides. HARRY
EAGLE.
Correlation
between
Structure and Biological Activity of the Aromatic Arsine Oxides. July 1 S . E . FORMAN AND DOROTHY KlBLER.
Synthesis of Cyclopropyl Ethers. J. C. K R A N T Z , J R . , W. E . E V A N S , A N D
C. J. CARR. Pharmacology of Cyclopropyl Ethers. M. KILBORNE. Clinical Applications of Certain Cyclopropyl Ethers in Anesthesia. M. CARMACK.
E. C. WILLIAMS, Chairman H U G H S. TAYLOR, Vice Chairman
Organic H i g h Molecular ^Xfeight Compounds S. S . KISTLER,
T h e Monocrotaline a n d
Related Alkaloids. July 2 M. HEIDELBERGER. Recent Progress in the Knowledge of Complement and Its Function in Immunity. E . W. FLOSDORF. Preparation of Blood Substitutes and Other Biological Materials b y Desiccation from t h e Frozen State. July 3 TRACY
PUTMAN
Chairman July 6 J. C. SLATER. Nature, Direction, and Magnitude of Forces between Molecules. IRVING
HIANGMUIR.
Interfacial
Force
Phenomena. July 7 G. H. Y~OUNG. Experimental Aspects of Adb.esion t o Metals. OTTO BEECK.
Structural Aspects of
Adhesion and Cohesion. July 8 H . M A R K . Structural Aspects of A d hesion, and Cohesion. Distribution of M o -
lecular Sizes in Organic Polymers. July 9 P. J. FLORY. Condensation PolymerizationJuly 10 F . K. SCHOENFELD. Theory of Vinyl Type ^Polymerization. E.
Structure and Chemistry o f Textile Fibers Mrn/roN H A R R I S , H. SPUBLIN, Vice
Chairman Chairman
July 13 HERBERT
LEADERMAN.
Crepe
Phe-
nomena in Fibers and Other High Polynoieric Substances. LYMAN
E . FOURT.
Molecular
Inter-
pretations of Some Mechanical Properties o f Fibers. July 14 W. F. BTJSSE. Fatigue of Fabrics. C. S. FULLER. Relations between Struc-feure and Properties of Linear Polyaxnides. July 15 R O Y H. KIENLE.
Observations on t h e
Mechanism of D y e i n g . July 16 DONALE>
H. P O W E R S .
Application
of
Resins and Resinous Products to Textile Fibers. H A R V E Y A. N E V I L L E .
Role of Anionic
and Cationic Agents in Textile ProcessingJuly 17 HENRY
A. RUTHERFORD.
Nature
of
the Degradation of Cellulose b y Oxidative Processes.
AND HOUSTON M E R -
RITT. Physiology of Anticonvulsant Drugs. W . G. B Y W A T E R A N D O L I V E R K A M M .
Chemistry of Anticonvulsant Drugs. F . L. KOZELKA.
Chairman
II. MARK, Vice
J. G. M C N A L L Y .
C.
Catalysis—the Basis of Life.
C. R. WAGNER, Chairman ROBERT E. B U R K , Vice Chairman
B.
K.
D.
Metabolism and E x -
cretion of Hydantoins.
F.
Vitamins
W A L T E R C. R U S S E L L ,
Chairman
R. ADAJMS DUTCHER, Vice
Chairman
July 20 NORMS
EMBREE.
Multiple N a t u r e of
Vitamin A. Physiological Role of Vitamin A . JAMES
"WADDBLL.
Present
S t a t u s of
the Vitamin D Problem. July 21 - . . . . Choline in Nutrition. Newer Members of the Vitamin B Complex.
198
CHEMICAL
A N D ENGINEERING
NEWS
Water-Soluble Vitamins in Cell Metabolism. July 22 Chemistry and Functions of Biotin. E. W. M C H E N R Y .
Fatty
Acids and
Their Relation to Members of the Vitamin B Group.
W. H. SEBRELL.
National
Program. July 23 J.
S.
ANDREWS.
Riboflavin
K. V. THIMANN.
Assay
Pathophysiology of
Vitamin Deficiencies.
L. B. YOUMANS.
Methods Used in De-
tection of Malnutrition. July 24 Therapeutic Measures in Vitamin Deficiencies. M. M. WINTROBE.
Experimental Vita-
min B Group Deficiencies in Swine.
H. W. CHALKLEY. Studies on Fission in
Amoeba.
X-Ray
a n d Electron
Diffraction
I.
FANKUCHJEN.
X-Ray
JAMES
ENGLISH,
J.
T.
NORTON.
X-Ray
Diffraction
Methods for Measuring Stresses in Metals. July 28 J.
C.
M.
BRENTANO.
X-Ray Diffraction.
Intensities in
K. LARK-HOROVITZ. Intensity Problem
in Electron Diffraction Patterns. July 29 S. B. HENDRICKS.
Types and Extent
of Isomorphous Replacements in Silicate Structures. P. DEBYE. Temperature Diffuse Scattering. July 30 L. K. PREVEL.
Chemical Analysis by
Diffraction Methods.
W. O. MILLIGAN.
X-Ray and Electron
Diffraction Examination of Inorganic Colloidal Materials. July 31 Not yet arranged. H.
Corrosion
A. D. HOLMES.
Wound Healing. August 21 DEAN BURK.
siderations. W.
Techniques
Measurement of Corrosion Rates.
W. A. WESLEY.
of
Methods of Corrosion
Testing. August 5
H. H. PODGTJRSKI.
Use of Volumetric
Methods of Evaluating Corrosion.
CARL HEUSSNER.
Testing and Evalua-
tion of Metallic Coatings. August 6
H. A. NELSON. Testing and Evaluation
of Organic Coatings. August 7 K. W. BRIGHTON.
Contamination of
Foods as a Result of Metallic Co rosion.
F. C. BLANCK.
Toxicity of Metals and
Public Health Aspects of Corrosion.
I.
Biotin in
CLAUDE.
Chemical G r o w t h Promoters E. S. COOK, Chairman DEAN BURK, Vice Chairman
August 17 C. N. F R E T . Effect of Bios on Growth and Metabolism of Yeast. V O L U M E
2 0,
NO.
Influencing Metabolism,
Endogenous
tors in Tumor Development.
Fac-
Instrumentation
JOHN J. GREBE, Chairman RICHARD RIMJBACH, Vice Chairman
August 24 M. F. BEHAR.
General Discussion—
Terminology, Symbols, Dimensional Analysis.
H. S. WINMIKI AND J. J. GREBE. Design-
ing Process Equipment to Obtain SelfRegulation, Advance Notice Devices, Time Control, and Ratio Control. August 25 BRADFORD NOTES, M. J. AND W. G. BROMBACHER.
Zucaow, Require-
ments of Measuring and Detecting Elements, Sensitivity, Instrument Lags, ana Location.
RALPH
H.
MULLER.
Detecting
and
Measuring Elements for Chemical Conditions or Composition, Sampling, and Electrode Design. August 26 CHARLES S. DRAPER AND K. J. D E JUHASZ. Indicating and Recording
Devices—Their Sensitivity, Lags, Types and Methods; Metering, Weighing, Integrating.
3»
Stability of Processes
and Instruments Using Floating and Proportional Position Responses.
J . C. PETERS.
Passivity.
BORGMANN.
Factors
Growth, and Cancer.
C. E. MASON.
J. C. WARNER. Thermodynamics! Con-
C.
of
Electronic Devices as a Class of Measuring and Control Equipment. August 27
August 3 August 4
Chemistry
C. O. FAIRCHILD AND R. W. GILBERT.
R. M. BURNS, Chairman R. B. MEARS, Vice Chairman
E. A. GTJLBRANSEN.
JR.
Wound Hor-
Plant Wound Hormones.
J.
Patterns of
Imperfect Crystals.
Injury and Production of
Growth Promoters: mones.
B. E. WARREN, Chairman A. L. PATTERSON, Vice Chairman
July 27
Amino Acids in D e -
velopmental Growth of Obelia. August 20
ALBERT G.
in
Growth Factors for
Plants. August 19
E. S. COOK.
L. SWANK.
Nicotinic Acid
Bacterial Metabolism. August 18 V. G. LILLY. Growth Factors for Fungi.
F. S. HAMMETT.
Methods.
ROY
Nutrition
F E L I X SAUNDERS.
Derivative Response. August 28
Application of Second
and Special
H. ZIEBOLZ AND R. D. W E B B .
Function Charac-
teristics of Primary Relays, Power Units, Servo Mechanisms, Control Valves, Pipes, and Pumps.
GORDON BROWN.
Mathematical Analy-
sis; Methods of Obtaining Highest Speeds and Accuracy.
Gibson Island is situated in Chesapeake Bay about 20 miles south of Baltimore. It is approximately 1,000 acres in area and is connected with the mainland by a causeway. Admission to this privately controlled island is by card only from the Gibson Island Club sent by the director at the time of registration. In addition to the club and property purchased by the association, there are about 80 private residences on the island, leaving most of it quite uninhabited and covered by forests. The island offers opportunity for golf,
. F E B R U A R Y
10,
1 9 4 2
tennis, both salt and fresh water bathing, fishing, and sailing. The conference property consists of a large residence and auxiliary buildings on a wooded 3.6-acre lot situated on the highest hill on the island. The property provides accommodations for about 50 men in addition to a conference room. Others attending the conferences, including those who are accompanied by their wives or families, live at the club or in special cottages. All meals are taken at the club. Substantial gifts by industrial companies whose laboratories have been represented at the Gibson Island conferences have enabled the association to purchase the property. Each contributing company has the right to have a representative at each conference. This is a substantial right because there have been many more applicants for admission to the conferences than can be accommodated unless the limit of 60 that has been set is exceeded. The participants have felt that to enlarge the conferences would take from them something of the informality and intimate contacts that make them most valuable. Companies that have made the purchase of this property possible are: Atlantic Coast Fisheries Co., New York The Barrett Co., New York The Bell Telephone Laboratories, New York Davison Chemical Corp., Baltimore, Md. Distillation Products, Inc., Rochester, N. Y. Ethyl Gasoline Corp., New York Gelatin Products Co., Detroit, Mich. General Electric Co., Schenectady, N. Y. B. F . Goodrich Co., Akron, Ohio Hercules Powder Co., Inc., Wilmington, Dei. Leeds & Northrup, Philadelphia, Penna. Merck & Co., Inc., Rah way, N. J. Monsanto Chemical Co., St. Louis, Mo. Norton Co., Worcester, Mass. Pittsburgh Plate Glass Co., Barberton, Ohio Research Corp., New York Standard Brands, Inc., New York Standard Oil Co. of California, San Francisco Standard Oil Development Co., Elizabeth, N. J. The Texas Co., New York Since the conferences have now been provided a permanent home, a Policy Committee has been set up so that the whole project may be guided with the maximum wisdom. This committee consists of the director of the conferences and the chairman and vice chairman of each conference representing the association and a representative appointed by each of the contributing companies. The first meeting of the Policy Committee was held September 9 at Atlantic City during the meeting of the AMERICAN CHEMICAL. SOCIETY.
The committee ex-
pressed considerable dissatisfaction of one custom in use, i. e., in having the order of the applications determine the order of selection. This procedure has resulted in having many representatives from a few institutions, and possibly not any irom other institutions. To distribute the at199
tendance among a wider number of institutions and bring about a more just representation, it was voted that the programs be published in CHEMICAL AND E N G I NEERING N E W S and Science and that
those interested in attending one or more of the conferences be instructed to send their requests for attendance to the director on or before March 10. Each applicant must state the institution with which he is connected and the type of work in which he is most interested. The director will submit the names of th.se making requests to the respective chairmen. The program committee will go over the names in an effort to distribute the requests as fairly as possible among the various institutions from which they have been made. Names selected by the committees will be returned by the chairmen to the director who will notify the selectees, and at that time each who is to attend will be requested to register by mail. On receipt of the registration fee of $3.00, made payable t o Section C, A. A. A. S., a registration card will be sent covering admission to the island and use of all guest privileges, including a room reservation. Rooms are $2.00 per day per person and board is a la carte (approximate prices— $0.50, breakfast; $0.75, lunch; $1.25, dinner). War conditions make everything uncertain, so it is ruled that all registration fees will be returned and reservations cancelled provided notice of inability to attend is received at least 10 days before the conference. Accommodations are available at the club for a limited number of women who wish t o accompany their husbands. Also, plans are being worked out by a committee for any man wishing to bring his family. All these requests should be made a t the time of the request for attendance, for these particular limited accommodations will be assigned in the order received. All requests for attendance or any additional information should be addressed on or before March 10 to the director of the conferences, Neil E . Gordon, Central College, Fayette, Mo. e^^s
Blackout Costume \ X ^ O R K E R S in factories and pedestrians in traffic can be made visible during blackouts by fluorescent-dyed clothing and ultraviolet lighting, a safety measure demonstrated recently at the Caico Chemical Division of American Cyanamid Co., Bound Brook, N . J. Clothing dyed with fluorescent colors glows in invisible ultraviolet light—permissible in blackoutb— with a subdued radiance bright enough to be seen nearby but too w^ak to be visible at a n. *ance, even in a blackout otherwise com pi »oe. Ir> ulacked-out plants equipped with ultraviolet lamps, workers wearing garments made fluorescent by dyeing are readily visible to their associates. Traffic control during blackouts can hr 200
effected by using ultraviolet lamps in traffic lights and in the headlights of vehicles. In the invisible radiance from these lamps, clothing dyed with fluorescent colors glows brightly enough to make persons wearing it visible to drivers or other pedestrians but not t o aviators at a distance.
Uses of Sintered Silver Increasing ACCORDING to information supplied b3* Handy & Harman, now directing the American Silver Producers' Research Project, the use of silver in powdered metallurgy is increasing. It is employed for making mechanical mixtures containing metals, such as nickel, which do not alloy with silver except in small proportions. Graphite, tantalum, molybdenum, and tungsten are among the materials mixed in finely powdered form with silver powder, compressed, and sintered at a temperature slightly below the melting point of silver. Some resulting products can be rolled into sheets or drawn into rods which are used, at present, chiefly for making electrical contacts and welding electrodes, though other applications are contemplated. Even wire suitable for heading operations is produced, since silver itself is ductile and helps to form ductile mixtures. It is possible to make mixtures almost as dense as might be expected if complete alloying were possible. On the other hand, if an ingredient is added which can be volatilized after pressing has been done, a uniformly porous product can be produced.
Camphor M a y Be O b t a i n e d from Kenya, Seychelles, Russia
Blackout costume with dress, shoes, and stockings treated with Fluorescent d y e .
Dyes of many shades, possessing fluorescent properties, are available for application to various textile fibers and fabrics. In ultraviolet light, they give fluorescent colors varying from violet through blues, greens, yellows, oranges, and browns to rich reds. The technique now suggested to give visibility during blackouts is successfully applied to luminous carpets to guide patrons down the aisles of darkened theaters. Fluorescent garments on players have also been used to produce weird effects in theatrical productions. In England direction markers to air raid shelters and many other things that must be seen even during blackouts are similarly treated. 3^ a .BRITISH plants engaged in recovering benzene have been instructed to maintain production cap"»,:ity at a maximum, it is reported from that country, based on a directive dated October 24, 1941. ©^-©
.[NORWAY will continue as a source of nitrogenous fertilizers, sulfur, and pyrites for Sweden during 1942, a trade agreement between the two countries indicates. C H E M I C A L
Jr ARALLEL research into possibilities of obtaining camphor at a reasonable price from ocimum plants in Kenya t h e Seychelles, and in Soviet Russia is reported in trade studies received in this country from its observers abroad. The investigation in Kenya reveals that the plant Ocimum kilimandscharicum is worth consideration. It is further indicated that the product could find a ready market in the United Kingdom, if economically produced. Work in the Soviet has revolved around the kindred Ocimum canum which grows readily in the Ukraine, Crimea, and Caucasus, and can be acclimated even further north. This plant is said to give an average camphor yield of 20 kg. per hectare. Construction of Soda A s h Plant in China D e l a y e d D E L A Y in receipt of imported machinery has held up construction of a large soda ash plant in China, official sources report, with the information that caustic soda and bleaching powder are being produced by electrolysis. Figures from American sources in the country show production by private plants in the unoccupied sections of the country amounted to 518 tons for the first half of 1940 and 954 tons in the same period of 1941. Production the second half of 1940 was 765 tons. Production of bleaching powder for 1940 was 137 tons. A N D
ENGINEERING
NEWS
