Sept., 1917
T H E J O U R N A L OF INDUSThlIAL A N D ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
have had before t h e m heretofore no such conditions of vibration a n d sudden changes of temperature. I n deed t h e whole subject of rusting has never been systematically studied from t h e standpoint of these conditions. Much s t u d y is needed in t h e field of light alloys. Those with aluminum as a base disintegrate under t h e intense vibration a n d stresses in high altitudes. Why? We should know. A more thorough knowledge of magnesium alloys is desirable, both those with aluminum a n d those with other metals, while interesting possibilities might be developed through a thorough s t u d y of beryllium alloys. Are t h e properties of aluminum alloys affected by occluded gases? For such studies more refined methods are needed for t h e determination of t h e presence a n d amount of occluded gases. As t o lubricants, t h e behavior of such types as castor oil under t h e temperature conditions in question, calls for investigation. W h a t is t h e best method for testing a n d what should be t h e standard specifications for so important a factor in aeronautics? I n connection with t h e ignition system a wide field of research is open for t h e s t u d y of spark discharge f r o m t h e chemical standpoint. Better insulating material for spark plugs should be developed; at present mica a n d porcelain are used. This is considered t h e weakest feature of present-day motors. Much of t h e advance in aeronautics has been empirical. Further progress can be best assured by t h e application of t h e strictest methods of scientific research. It is through this medium t h a t such wonderful advances have been made in t h e steam turbine during t h e past decade. For t h e fullegrasp of t h e many problems here awaiting solution, chemists must become familiar with t h e principles of aviation. Success in t h e solution of these problems carries with i t t h e promise of rich reward a n d is now invested with t h e halo of patriotic service.
PERMANENT PROGRESS
It is our privilege t o write this editorial on a rocky cliff in Maine overlooking beautiful Lake Megunticook with its encircling mountains. On t h e same spot during t h e two previous summers, we wrote two series of editorials, each of which was connected by a slender thread of continuity, a n d through t h e courtesies of t h e occasion given t h e conventional term-presidential address. T h e present environment has led us t o read again those addresses. While thinking of t h e two great gatherings of chemists soon t o t a k e place, t h e Annual Meeting of t h e American Chemical Society in Boston a n d t h e Third National Exposition of Chemical Industries in Xew York City, we are disposed t o quote briefly from those addresses and t o sketch in general outline t h e developments which have taken place meanwhile-laying no claim t o a n y special gift of prophecy or t o a n y particular share in their accomplishment, b u t simply for t h e purpose of review.
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A year ago we wrote: “ T h e dynamic center of this movement is t h e American Chemical Society which now consists of 8136 members, a net growth of more t h a n 1000 during t h e year just ended. This splendid growth is not only a tribute t o t h e energetic activities of our efficient secretary, b u t is a n evidence of increased activity in chemistry a n d of a quickened realization of t h e need of t h e strongest possible national organization.” If t h e explanations of t h a t growth were correct it should prove inspiring t o t h e members of t h e Society at t h e Boston Meeting t o know t h a t during t h e past twelve months t h e growth of t h e previous year has been doubled, as shown by t h e following letter received from Secretary Parsons: “You will be glad t o know t h a t t h e mark which I have been striving for has been reached. On t h e morning of August 2, 1917, t h e membership of t h e American Chemical Society passed t h e 10,000 mark.” We will not betray t h e confidence of t h e Secretary b y disclosing t h e mark which he has set for t h e end of t h e year 1918;suffice i t t o say t h a t t h e limit of growth has not yet been approached. A year ago we wrote: “If we are t o proceed promptly a n d intelligently with t h e development of a diversified a n d comprehensive chemical industry we must know t h e detailed character a n d amounts of chemical importations.” Until recently t h e movement t o secure such knowledge was characterized by much effort and a woeful lack of results. Fortunately, however, through t h e cobperation of t h e chemical industries with t h e government t h e work is now well under way, a n d it is safe t o state t h a t we will soon enter upon a new era in t h e development of our industries insofar as such development can be guided by accurate and fully itemized statistics of imports. Two years ago, confessedly with much hesitation, we urged, for our country’s welfare, t h e accumulation of greater supplies of sodium nitrate, pending t h e construction, in case of war, of plants for t h e adequate manufacture of nitric acid from t h e air. T h e nation has skated on very thin ice as far as concerns a marked increase in supplies of sodium nitrate, b u t t h e response of t h e general public t o appeals for development of air-nitrogen fixation plants was immediate, as evidenced b y t h e $20,000,000 appropriation by Congress for t h e purposes not only of munitions b u t also of agriculture. Plans now under way for t h e expenditure of a part of this appropriation give ample assurance of protection t o this country and will constitute a lasting testimonial t o t h e resourcefulness of t h e American chemist. Again, two years ago, we wrote concerning t h e upbuilding of t h e needed dyestuff industry: “We must, as a people, meet t h e expense by giving, for a reasonable time, t h a t measure of protection which will effect a union of capital and scientific skill under no undue stress of unfair foreign interference.” Following t h e lead of t h e New York Section a reasonable protective tariff a n d a n effective anti-dumping clause were urged. Both policies are now accomplished federal legislation.
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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
T h e prompt response t o t h e need of anti-dumping legislation fully justified t h e confidence expressed two years ago: “I badly misjudge t h e temper of our people a n d their spirit of fair play, which is t h e essence of democracy, if, given opportunity t o understand this situation, they do not speedily set about t o correct, through their representatives in Congress, this serious defect in national legislation b y t h e enactment of a n effective ‘anti-dumping’ clause.” N o more conclusive proof could be given of t h e justice of t h e contention t h a t a protective tariff was necessary for t h e upbuilding of this industry t h a n t h e fact t h a t such legislation was enacted by a Congress in which t h e majority party was committed t o t h e doctrine of “Tariff for Revenue Only,” and in t h e midst of a presidential a n d congressional campaign. Fortunately, assurance has been given t h a t t h e one blotch which marred this legislation, a feature which operated solely for t h e benefit of t h e German manufacturers at t h e risk and expense of t h e American industry, will in due course of time be removed. T h e union of capital and scientific skill resulting from this legislation has effected a development which gives assurance t h a t t h e American dyestuff industry has now become a permanent national asset. Two years ago we wrote concerning t h e approaching First National Exposition of Chemical Industries: “This assemblage has in it great potentialities which, if realized, may have far-reaching influence in t h e rapid promotion of hitherto undeveloped lines of chemical industry.” To those who were present a t t h e two expositions since held, t h e first a marked success, thet second far greater t h a n t h e first, there can be n o question of t h e powerful stimulus thereby afforded. Skeptics have been changed t o enthusiasts. T h e third exposition will soon be held and its still greater scope is already assured. The successful chemical exposition can be considered purely a n American product and its growth is merely illustrative of t h e growth of t h e American chemical industries. A year ago we wrote: “An educational campaign is getting under way in the daily press a n d in periodical literature which will eventually result in t h e arousal of our people t o a full comprehension of t h e value of chemistry as a national asset.” The volumes of clippings received b y t h e chairman of t h e Press and Publicity Committee show how prompt t h e response of t h e press has been t o t h e efforts t o bring chemistry closer home t o our people. Untiring work has been done, chiefly by Chairman Allen Rogers and by Mr. Ellwood Hendrick of t h e Committee. As t h e year has advanced, t h e usefulness of this campaign has been continuously enhanced b y t h e increasing number of Local Section Press a n d Publicity Committees, which have cooperated closely with t h e National Committee. Surely any picture of chemistry as i t exists in America to-day forms a joyful contrast t o t h a t of two years ago. What of t h e coming year? There is much t o be done. Working amidst t h e surroundings of war, new conditions must be faced, new problems solved. T h e times call for broad-minded thought a n d t h e utmost effort.
Vol. 9, No. 9
T h e personal conferences a t t h e two meetings this month should point t h e way and should prove a source of inspiration for “full speed ahead.”
FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR THE NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL At t h e request of t h e President of t h e United States, t h e National Research Council has been engaged during t h e past year in mobilizing t h e research forces of t h e nation. I t has been a n enormous task, t o which many of t h e most brilliant workers of t h e country have given their undivided time. The work has gradually a n d logically centered a t Washington, a n d t h e research forces of t h e country are now quickly available t o any department of t h e government. Development has proceeded t o t h e point where this organization can be truly considered a going machine, forming a connection between t h e research workers of t h e country-at-large a n d t h e government, and serving as a valuable coordinating influence. With t h e preliminary work now accomplished, its full value will be more and more nearly attained with each succeeding day. For t h e continuance of t h e work, however, funds will be necessary. Up t o t h e present its operations have cost t h e government absolutely nothing: office rent, stationery, postage, clerical assistance, etc., have been provided by private contributions, a n d t h e t i m e of members of university staffs has been contributed by t h e respective institutions. For so important a body such a n existence is too precarious. If t h e government needs war material i t pays for i t and a willing citizenry furnishes t h e funds through taxation. Are t h e brains of our scientific men less valuable in this crisis t h a n coal or cotton? As a n American citizen we hope t h a t Congress before adjournment will supply adequate funds for t h e carrying on of t h e work of t h e National Research Council on t h e most intensive and extensive scale possible. We are unwilling t o believe t h a t t h e government of t h e United States is so pauperized t h a t i t must depend on “the passing of t h e h a t ” or t h a t i t is willing t o continue t o draw further upon t h e seriously impaired incomes of our universities in order t h a t t h e salaries of t h e men engaged in this work may be met.
PLATINUM CONSERVATION IN FRANCE T h e movement for conservation of platinum supplies for scientific a n d industrial purposes continues t o spread. Secretary Parsons has received from M. A . Valeur, General Secretary of t h e French Chemical Society, t h e following extract from t h e minutes of t h e General Assembly of t h a t Society on July 13, 1917: “La SociW chimique de France s’associe au voeu formule par la Soci6ti. chimique amkricaine, deconseillant l’emploi du platine dans la bijouterie et dans la joaillerie de fason que ce mCtal puisse &re r6servk exclusivement pour les usages scientifiques et industriels. “Cette motion est adopt6e l’unanimitit.”
