Analog Computation for the Quantized Simple Harmonic Oscillator
To the Editor: Recent advances in solid state electronic technology have made possible the construction of an analog computer canable of solvine a laree number of one-dimensional quanknn mechanica'i probl&s for a small fraction of the cost which one usually associates with such computers. We recently constructed a computer for the quantized simple harmonic oscillator which has performed quite satisfactorily using inexpensive integrated circuit components. Should anyone be interested in this work, we would be happy to forward the pertinent information. R. Wayne Ohline New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology Soeorro, New Mexico 87801 A Novel Teaching Device
To the Editor: Being increasingly worried about the cost and scheduling problems associated with modern chemical education, I was delighted to see the suggestion of White and Steed [J. Chem. Educ., 50, 554 (1973)l for making audiotutorial programs cheaper and portable by replacing the conventional slides with photos mounted in a three-ring binder. I believe we can do even better. Let us have the audio tapes transcribed, cut up the typed version, and mount the appropriate words along with the photos in the binder; this will be even more portable and with the appropriate advances in technology, perhaps even cheap enough for each student to have his own. I think it would be useful for such a device to have a name. I propose that it be called a Bound Oganization Of Knowledge (BOOK). The potential is terrific; freed from the scheduling restraints of cassettes and projectors, students will be able to use their BOOKs for truly self-paced learning; BOOKs can be used anywhere, even dormitory rooms; and BOOKs may be kept for future reference. I would appreciate corresponding with any others who share my enthusiasm for BOOKs and their possible advantages. Jerry Bell Simmons College Boston, Massachusetts 02115
Glass Pendulum
To the Editor: The "pendulum" demonstration recently described by D. R. Davis (J. CHEM. EDUC., 50, 180 (1973)) was particularly interesting to us, and we immediately constructed the pendulum support by soldering two piano wires in parallel, as suggested. The job is difficult, however, and the resulting support was not as uniform and straight as could be desired. However, a very satisfactory pendulum support was prepared by pulling out a piece of softened and flattened glass to yield a support of rectangular cross-section (approx. 1 X 3 mm). The upper rod and lower bob consisted of the ends of the original piece of glass which was pulled. The glass pendulum was suggested and constructed by Mr. J. B. Murray of this Department.
L. Glasser Rhodes University Grahamstown. South Africa 144
/ Journal of Chemical Education
