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T H E J O U R N A L OF I N D U S T R I A L A N D E N G I N E E R I N G C H E M I S T R Y
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Vol. 9, No. g
1
EDITORIALS CHEMISTS ENLISTED IN THE A R M Y AND NAVY
AVIATION AND THE CHEMIST
We cannot urge with too much emphasis the importance of the following announcement:
Like a flash this nation became convinced t h a t i t could deal an effective blow in the war against Germany by an overwhelming production of men and machines for aeronautic service on the battlefields of Europe. Reflecting this conviction Congress, with a rapidity hitherto unequalled, voted a n initial sum of $640,000,000 for this purpose. Engineers and manufacturers are codperating to bring America’s unique talent for standardized manufacture t o its very highest efficiency for unlimited aeroplane output. Haste is all-important, and therefore the best of present practice will be utilized. However, the possible prolongation of the war, whose close no one can now foretell, emphasizes the necessity of intensive research. Certainly a t the close of the war the world will face a new era in transportation. The advent of the aeroplane in every-day life will be a t hand. Here then lies a field of research in which chemists must play a great part. With this feeling a t heart, yet possessed of little technical knowledge as t o the problems involved, we interviewed recently Mr. Leon Cammen, Vice-President of the American Aeronautical Society. Without hesitation he affirmed t h a t in the future development of the aeroplane t h e research chemist will be t h e greatest factor. Without attempting t o give the full details of t h a t interview, but with the hope of being able t o impart some of t h e deep conviction which prompted his earnest call t o the chemists, some of t h e problems he discussed are here presented. I n general, the materials entering into aeroplane construction are subjected t o two unusual conditions: first, extreme vibration, a condition which will become more and more accentuated as greater possibilities of speed are realized; second, sudden and extreme changes of temperature due t o rapid ascent or descent. As t o particulars, there is needed an ideal “dope” for impregnation of the fabric, Irish linen. T o be ideal, this material should make the fabric water-proof, airproof, fire-proof, or a t least slow-burning, should give low visibility, prevent deterioration and be nonpoisonous; some now in use are poisonous and t h e drippings seriously affect the aviators. Another problem is the drying of all wood used in construction. Air-drying requires a t least nine months; kiln-drying is not successful as the wood is thus injured by the outside being drier than the inside. Vacuum drying has been attempted, but so far without much success. An ideal impregnating medium for t h e wood is needed, not t o prevent rotting but t h e disintegration resulting from rapid changes of temperature, whereby t h e juices of the wood freeze, expand and weaken t h e cells. An ideal means is needed t o prevent rusting, one which can be applied after the machine is built. Nickelplating has not proved successful; the varnish makers
All chemists enlisted in the Army and Navy (if they have not already done so) are requested to send their names, together with the military unit to which they are assigned, to the Secretary of the Society as soon as they have the information themselves. This is done in order that, so far as possible, the military establishment may be kept informed of chemists in its employ, in order that they may be assigned, so far as possible, to chemical service if it is in the country’s interest so to assign them. Such assignment can be made only by the War and Navy Departments, and it is intended to keep them informed of the men available. Members should remember that the Secretary of the Society has no power of assignment, and it is useless to write him asking when they will be so assigned. It is becoming more evident every day that chemical service will be necessary, and it is expected that the War and Navy Departments will deem it wiser to assign trained men fitted for this service to the work if information can be given them on request. Box 505 WASRINCITON. D. C.
CHAS.L. PARSONS, Secretary
CHEMISTS AND WAR SERVICE
We journeyed t o Washington recently, not with the expectation of securing official statements as t o the government attitude toward chemists, but in t h e belief t h a t a brief sojourn in near-official atmosphere might enable reasonable inferences which would be of interest t o chemists. These are here given for whatever they are worth. First-It is clear t h a t no special exemption of chemists as a class will be made. Second-Many young chemists, from both the universities and the industries, have already volunteered. Third-The draft is bringing many chemists into war service. Fourth-It is heartening t o know t h a t the true value of the services of drafted chemists seems t o be appreciated in government circles, and t h a t the fullest possible use will be made of such men as chemists. It yet remains to be seen what the official attitude will be toward drafted chemists who are absolutely essential t o certain industries contributing directly t o government needs. For example, one firm has had eight of its research chemists drafted. This firm is manufacturing large quantities of alkaloids necessary for hospital supplies. Is this line of manufacture t o be totally disrupted? We believe not. Common sense must prevail in the adjustment of such cases and there is abundant evidence t h a t wise solutions of these problems will be found, though in the momentary rush they may seem to be overlooked. Fifth-The knowledge gained by the recent census of chemists, embracing fully fifteen thousand replies, has been carefully classified and is now available t o the government in whatever form desired. This work, so prompt in its compilation and so thorough in its classifications is considered in Washington a model of its kind.
