~~ a& CHEMICAL EDUCATION AmeticanwS-
Communication from the Chairman It was two hundred years ago that Joseph Priestley published his "Experiments and Observations on Different Kinds of Air," in which he described his classic discovery of oxygen, whieh began the overthrow of the phlogiston theory and is considered by many as the event which ushered in modern chemistry. Many pioneering advances fallowed in the succeeding century, associated with such names as Lavosier, Berzelius, Dalton, Faraday, Mendelejeff, Wohler, Pasteur and KekulC, among others. In 1874, one hundred years later, as J. H. Van't Hoff reported his classic studies on the tetrahedral nature of the carbon atom, a group of chemists, commemorating the 100th anniversary of Priestley's discovery, began discussions which led to the foundingaf our parent, the American Chemical Society. During the century which followed, and which isending this year, many scientific advances, well known to you, have been made. On August 1, 1974, the Division of Chemical Education, in cooperation with the Chemistry Department of the Pennsylvania State University, celebrated the Second Centennial of Chemistry as a part of the Third Biennial Conference on Chemical Education. In addition to the granting of the Second Centennial of Chemistry Award to Sir Derek Barton, the Division heard a n address by Dr.Franklin A.Long of Carnell University onUThePriestley Heritage-Prospects for Chemistry in the Third 100 Years." His challenges, along with other addresses and remarks of the Conference will appear in the Januarv. 1975 Journal. The basic question faced by us is-What advances can we make in the Third Century of Chemistry? The Third Century of Chemistry offers many challenges and opportunities. Far us in Chemical Education, these challenges are presented in three major directions. First, we must continue programs, which have proved so essential, and whieh have served as landmarks. These include: our examinations programs; our conference and institute programs; our relationships with other segments of the educational structure, particularly community colleges and secondary schools; our curriculum studies; our efforts in improving the teaching of chemistry; our visiting scientists and consultant programs; among others. Second, we must offer incentives and opportunities for innovations in chemical education. To paraphrase the late President Kennedy-we must never fear to change, but we must not change because of fear. Some thoughts whieh arise include: Can we make better use of the newer technical tools, especially the computer? Can we increaie the public understanding of chemistry? Can we make chemistry more meaningful to the very large percentageof our students who will not be chemists? Can we use advances in chemistry to improve human relations? Can we encourage more students ta consider chemistry as a career? Third, we must strengthen our lines of communications and publications. I wish to call special attention to our Journal. It is and has been one of the most important scientific journals. Our Division is unique in that the Journal is ours. It has, in addition to the publication opportunities, provided us with much needed and useful financial resources. But our Journol is now in financial trouble. Reduced advertising income, and inflationary rises in the costs of publication have put us in a difficult position. Regrettably, we shall have to announce a price increase. We call on all members of the Division and friends of chemical education to support our Journal. Some suggested ways include: (a) subscribing to the Journal;(b) encouraging others to subscribe; ( c ) continuing to submit articles which will permit the Journal to retain its lofty academic and journalistic heights; and (d) reminding our advertisers that we appreciate their support. As you place an order, or request information, tell the advertisers that you saw their ad in the Journal of Chemical Education. The Third Century of Chemistry will see big challenges, but we have "men and women to match our mountains." We invite all members to inform the Chairman and/or Chairman-Elect of their willingness and desire to serve the Division on one of its Committees. If we work together, we cannot fail, and the Third Century of Chemistry will see us reach even greater heights of chemical knowledge and public service. Samuel P. Massie, Chairman Divisionof Chemical Education United States Naval Academy Annapolis, Maryland 21402
632
/
Journal of Chernicai Education
