the EDITOR'S column L.T. Hallett, Editor
is imperative to the ultimate progress of man kind. But unfortunately, like everything else, the cost of basic research is continually increasing. More and more, the tools needed for arriving at a hypothesis are of far greater complexity than a piece of paper and a pencil; and, having arrived at a hypothesis, putting it to the test is almost certain to be far more complicated than climb ing a tower and dropping some weights. Thus, it was with a great deal of interest that we read the report entitled "A Program for Basic Research in the Physical Sci ences," issued recently by the Al fred P. Sloan Foundation. B A S I C RESEARCH
Three major points constitute the operating philosophy under which the Alfred P. Sloan Fellowships are granted. First, the program sup ports people, as opposed to projects or institutions. Support is given to people who work in educational in stitutions "where the general cli mate favored research." Second, it gives special consideration to younger scientists of marked promise. Third, grants are made for definite areas of research under specific individuals as opposed to broad departmental use. In support of these objectives, an initial sum of about $200,000 was allotted for the first year of opera tion. This was increased $200,000 each year to the current maximum level of $1 million. Since its incep tion in 1955, the program has sup ported research carried out by 182 fellows associated with some 55 uni versities and colleges. This concept of supporting people rather than projects is not new, as the report points out. But, aside from the medical and biological sciences, it had not been applied ex tensively in supporting research.
A Complete Glass Cutting Unit Welch HOT-WIRE GLASS-TUBING CUTTER Produces Clean, Straight Breaks Cuts Hard or Soft Glass with equal facility Glass tubing, bottles, or jars up to 3 inches in diameter can be cut neatly and quickly with this cutter. Soft glass, Pyrex-Brand Glass, or other hard-glass tubes can be cut with equal ease. The article is first encircled with a scratch made by a cutter wheel conveniently mounted on the side of the transformer, the scratch is heated by contact with the hot wire, and then cooled quickly by applying water or by blowing on it. Ko other equipment is required. The cutting wire is supported on two insulated posts and is heated by current from a 12-volt trans former serving as the base. No. 24 (B & S gauge) nichrome wire is used and is easily replaced. Three extra wires are included. By means of an adjust ment on the transformer, the current can be con trolled to give the optimum heat for whatever type of glass may be used. An instruction plate is mounted near this control. The unit operates on 115 volts, 50 or 60 cycle A.C. Over-all dimensions are 6 χ 4'Α χ 9 inches high.
Each, $42.50
No.
5210
THE WELCH SCIENTIFIC COMPANY ESTABLISHED 1880 1515 Sedgwick Street, Dept. A - 1 , Chicago 10, Illinois, U. S. A . Manufacturers
of Scientific
Instruments
and Laboratory
Apparatus
Quiet, Economical, Reliable V A C U U M P U M P FOR ORGANIC DISTILLATIONS Maximize Operating Time Contaminants can be purged from the oil by running on free air during idle periods or by changing oil in seconds during operation. When wear does occur, a n external adjustment can be made in minutes to compen sate for vane wear without disas sembling the pump.
Assures High Efficiency For Pennies T h e Langdon pump requires only 50 cc of ordinary S A E 30 motor oil which m a y be changed in seconds while pump is running. Y o u need never sacrifice pump efficiency due to costly oil changes.
LANGDON VACUUM PUMP
Easy to Maintain
35 liters per minute (free air) 50 microns ultimate vacuum
HEVI-DUTY
Β Ρ
A DIVISION OF HEVI-DUTY
T h e Langdon pump requires neither special tools nor training to clean or perform minor repairs. It can be disassembled and reassembled in 20 minutes. Write for free illustrated brochure and user list.
C
ELECTRIC
Industrial Furnaces and Ovens, Electric and Fuel
·
BASIC COMPANY,
Laboratory Furnaces
·
PRODUCTS
CORPORATION
MILWAUKEE Dry Type Transtormers
1, W I S C O N S I N ·
Constant Current Regulators
Circle No. 43 on Readers' Service Card VOL. 33, NO. 2, FEBRUARY 1901
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111 A
