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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 ENGINEERIiVG C H E M I S T R Y
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Jan.,
I913
EDITORIALS MORRIS LOEB’S WILL
Morris Loeb, whose death was reported in the November, 1912, issue of THISJ O U R N A L , was known t o be a man of great wealth only by his intimate friends. Few realized the diversity of his interests, and his philanthropic work was not known t o many of his colleagues till after his death. His unassuming manner and genuine modesty were his best known characteristics. The chemical profession was always a matter of deep concern to Morris Loeb. During his lifetime he was a n active worker in the support of the chemical societies, the Chemists’ Club, the education of chemists, and in fact all of the interests of chemistry, in addition to a multitude of philanthropic and social interests. Hiswill, which has just been made public, accentuates his true interest in the sciences. He has provided with directness, with simplicity, with modesty, but with magnificence. The bulk of his estate is t o be transferred to his distinguished wife, Eda Kuhn Loeb. Harvard University, his Alma Mater, will receive, subject t o the life interest of Mrs. Loeb, five hundred thousand dollars for the advancement of chemistry and physics in other ways than b y payment of fellowships, scholarships and other direct emoluments t o students. The American Chemical Society is t o receive twentyfive thousand dollars t o be held by i t as a special fund, the income of which alone shall be used for the establishment or maintenance of a chemical typemuseum either in connection with the Chemists’ Club of New York or the National Museum in Washington, or the American Museum of Natural History in New York-preference t o be given in the order named. The chief object of this museum shall be the preservation of all new substances described a s the result of chemical research, either b y obtaining the same b y gift or purchase from the discoverer, or b y causing the same to be prepared in sufficient quantity according t o the discoverer’s published directions: all for the purpose of facilitating comparison b y subsequent observers. The Chemists’ Building Company of New York is to receive Dr. Loeb’s Chemists’ Building Company stock which is valued a t seventy-five thousand dollars. His magnificent privste technical library, valued at fifty thousand dollars, his portraits and memorabilia of scientists, and scientific apparatus have all been given t o the Chemists’ Club. The Hebrew Technical Institute, of New York City, receives twenty-five thousand dollars absolutely and twenty-five thousand dollars as a special fund, the income of which is to pay pensions of superannuated employees and of the families of employees who died in active service. The Jewish Publication Society of America gets ten thousand dollars. One thousand dollars each goes to the Young Women’s Hebrew
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Association, the Young Men’s Hebrew Association, the Hebrew Educational Society of Brooklyn, the Hampton Industrial Institute, and the United Jewish Charities, and two thousand five hundred dollars t o the National Academy of Sciences. I n addition t o these specific bequests, Professor Loeb provided that to each charitable institution t o which he contributed, a sum equal to the amount of his last contribution to such societies should be given for a period of two years after his death. To his servants he gave $100 for each year that they had been in his service. The residuary estate, subject t o Mrs. Loeb’s life interest, is t o be equally divided among the Smithsonian Institution a t Washington and the following New York institutions: The American Museum of Natural History, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Cooper Union, the Hebrew Technical Institute, the New York Foundation, the Jewish Protectory and Aid Society, the Hebrew Charities Building, and the Educational Alliance. The Smithsonian Institution receives its bequest t o further the exact sciences. The American Museum of Natural History is t o collect a n exhibit for the illustration of the industrial use of natural products in ancient and modern times. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is t o purchase and exhibit objects illustrating the development of artistic handicraft in Europe and America. Cooper Union is t o endow a professorship. The Hebrew Technical Institute is t o establish technical courses for mechanics. The Jewish Protectory and Aid Society bequest is for the relief of employees. The Hebrew Charities Building is t o establish a library and t o reduce the rent for the charitable societies occupying the building. The Educational Alliance is t o devote its gift t o work among women and children. These bequests will be of inestimable value t o the American chemists, and the undertakings in which the donor was so keenly interested during his lifetime will be firmly established and their success assured. The technical press throughout the world deplored the loss of our distinguished colleague and paid tributes to his scientific attainments, his pleasing personality, his indefatigable energy in the interests of his fellow chemists, and his liberal support of plans for professional advancement. Our debt of gratitude has been perpetuated b y his wise provisions, and the benefits of his bequests will have a lasting influence on the future of the chemical profession in America. THE CODE OF ETHICS OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERS
The Code of Ethics adopted b y the Institute at its fifth annual meeting in Detroit is a work of unusual importance, and will have a far-reaching and beneficial influence on the chemical profession. I n reading this code, which follows, i t becomes apparent t h a t
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Jan.,
1913
T H E J O U R A ' 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
self-evident statements are made. We naturally think that every one is in agreement on these apparently self-evident statements, but, unfortunately, this is not always the case. Independent of the desirability, however, of formulating even these self-evident truths, there is a purpose back of the code which may be considered its key and which, if once seen, will explain the code and make its desirability apparent to every one. This purpose is to solidify, t o draw together chemists in the recognition of a community of interests which, so far as the code goes, compliments and reenforces all individual interests. The indirect benefits which all chemists will derive by the promulgation and general observance by chemists of this code are of incalculable value. The code involves no limitation of this individuality, but adds to i t something t h a t will tend t o make this same individuality more profitable and beneficial. The promulgation and adoption of this code is b u t a part of the broad movement which is receiving considerable emphasis in the business world in which it is recognized that ordinary competition should be supplemented by cooperation in order to be most effective and beneficial. Without discussing in detail the various provisions of the code, we would point out that in line with the purpose back of the code i t calls for a spirit of helpfulness, the upholding of the profession, the discouragement of sensationalism in estimates and public statements and the studious endeavor to give credit to others for their work. I n other words, the code simply recognizes that the chemical profession depends for its success on the principle that the chemist does not live for himself alone. This principle of dependence applies to the relations between chemists and their relations with the public. We all know how dependent chemists are upon each other. If one wants evidence, let him refer to the tremendous amount of work published in our Abstract Journals from which we all draw benefits. The dependence of the chemist upon the public should be equally evident. The chemist should not do anything t o weaken this dependence but rather should strengthen it. Everything that tends, as this code does, to strengthen the bonds of dependence between the public and the chemist will help the profession. I t is not to be expected that this code will revolutionize the chemical profession. It is, so t o speak, a seed planted by the wayside which is sure to grow into something very much bigger-ultimately and inevitably bearing good fruit. The committee, composed of G. W. Thompson, C. F. hIcKenna, A. C. Langmuir and A . D. Little, performed the delicate task entrusted to them with care and success. The final form as adopted by the Institute is as follows: ARTICLE I.-PURPOSEO F T H E C O D E : To define the rules of professional conduct and ethics for the members of the Institute. ARTICLE II.-THE ISSTITUTE E X P E C T S O F ITS MEMBERS:
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I . That in all their relations, they shall be guided by the highest principles of honor. 2 . The upholding before the public at all times of the dignity of the chemical profession generally and the reputation of the Institute, protecting its members from misrepresentation. 3. Personal helpfulness and fraternity between its members and toward the profession generally. 4. The avoidance and discouragement of sensationalism, exaggeration and unwarranted statements, I n making the first publication concerning inventions or other chemical advances, they should be made through chemical societies and technical publications. 5 . The refusal to undertake for compensation work which they believe will be unprofitable to clients without first advising said clients as to the improbability of successful results. 6. The upholding of the principle that unreasonably low charges for professional work tend toward inferior and unreliable work, especially if such charges are set a t a low figure for advertising purposes. 7 . The refusal to lend their names to any questionable enterprise. 8. Conservatism in all estimates, reports, testimony, etc., especially in connection with the promotion of business enterprises. 9. That they shall not engage in any occupation which is obviously contrary to law or public welfare. I O . When a chemical engineer undertakes for others work in connection with which he may make improvements, inventions, plans, designs or other records, he shall preferably enter into a written agreement regarding their ownership. I n a case where a n agreement is not made or does not cover a point a t issue, the following rules shall apply: a-If a chemical engineer uses information which is not common knowledge or public property, but which he obtains from a client or employer, any results in the form of plans, designs or other records shall not be regarded as his property, but the property of his client or employer. b-If a chemical engineer uses only his own knowledge or information or data, which by prior publication or otherwise are public property, and obtains no chemical engineering data from a client or employer except performance specifications or routine information, then the results in the form of inventions, plans, designs or other records should be regarded a s the property of the engineer, and the client or employer should be entitled to their use only in the case for which the engineer was retained. c-All work and results accomplished by the chemical engineer in the form of inventions, plans, designs or other records, or outside of the field for which a client or employer has retained him, should be regarded as the chemical engineer's property. d-When a chemical engineer participates in the building of apparatus from designs supplied him by a client, the designs remain the property of the client and should not be duplicated by the
T H E J O U R - Y A L OF I-YD G S T R I AL -4,YD E-YGISEERI-\-G
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engineer nor any one representing him for others without express permission. e-Chemical engineering data or ,information which a chemical engineer obtains from his client or employer or which he creates as a result of such information must be considered confidential by the engineer; and while he is justified in using such data or information in his own practice as forming part of his professional experience, its publication without express permission is improper. j-Designs, data, records and notes made by a n employee and referring t o his employer's work, should be regarded as his employer's property. g-A client does not acquire any exclusive right t o plans or apparatus made or constructed b y a consulting chemical engineer except for the specific case for which they were made. 1 1 . A chemical engineer cannot honorably accept compensation, financial or otherwise, from more t h a n one interested p a r t y , without the consent of all parties; and whether consulting, designing, installing or operating, must not accept compensation directly or indirectly from parties dealing with his client or employer. When called upon to decide on the use of inventions, apparatus, processes, etc., in which he has a financial interest, he should make his status in the matter clearly understood before engagement. 12. The chemical engineer should endeavor a t all times t o give credit for work t o those who, so far as his knowledge goes, are the real authors of such work. 13. Undignified, sensational or misleading advertising is not permitted. 14. Contracts made b y chemical engineers should be subject t o the Code of Ethics unless otherwise agreed. ARTICLE 111.-For the administration of this Code of Ethics, a Committee on Ethics shall be appointed b y the president holding office a t the time of the adoption of this Code with the approval of the Council, to consist of five members: one appointed for five years, another for four years, another for three years, another for two years, another for one year, and thereafter, the president then holding office shall appoint one member annually t o serve for five years and also fill such vacancies as may occur for a n unexpired term. All of these members shall be over forty years of age. The Committee shall elect its own chairman. The Committee on Ethics shall investigate all complaints submitted t o them bearing upon t h e professional conduct of any member, and after a fair opportunity t o be heard has been given to the member involved, shall report its findings t o the Council, whose action shall be final. ARTICLE ~V.-AMENDMEP\TTS : Additions t o or modifications of this Code may be made according t o Article VI11 of the Constitution. ELECTRICAL
ENGINEERS' RESOLUTIONS REGARDING PATENT LEGISLATION
The American
Institute of
Electrical Engineers
has formally adopted] resolutions bearing on im-
CHEXISTRY
J a n . , 1913
pending patent legislation and it is exceedingly gratifying to note t h a t this organization has endorsed t h e policy so often recommended in THISJ O U R N A L . The investigation of technical matters b y a competent commission for the purpose of forming intelligent legislation might yield improved results on most a n y great problem, but i t is particularly important t h a t American patent law and practice be handled with care, skill and judgment and t h a t its provisions be based upon scientific and economic considerations rather t h a n upon political foundations. The resolutions adopted b y the Board of Directors of the Institute of Electrical Engineers are a s follows: W H E R E A Sthere , are pending before the Congress numerous bills affecting and greatly tmodifying t h e Patent System in the United States, and W H E R E A Sthe , Patent System has been, and is, a tremendous factor in building u p the present industrial prosperity of this country, thereby greatly contributing t o t h e prosperity of the country a s a whole, and W H E R E A Sany , untoward change in the patent situation might disastrously affect this condition of industrial and general prosperity, and the conditions contributing t o their continual augmentation, and W H E R E A Sin , view of the intimate relation of the Patent System t o t h e general welfare, no action looking toward a n y radical change in t h e Patent System should be taken without most careful consideration, and W H E R E A Sin , our opinion, proper consideration of such important changes as are proposed can be had only b y a n unbiased, non-partisan commission, made up of men from various walks of life and not from a n y one vocation, or interest, BE I T REsoLvED.-That the American Institute of Electrical Engineers, acting through its officers and Board of Directors, respectfully urge the Congress of t h e United States t h a t they provide for a Commission, made up of unbiased, independent, non-partisan men of such national standing as will command t h e respect of the whole country; and chosen from different walks of life; and not more t h a n one from any one calling or interest; and serving without pay. Such Commission to hold public hearings, and otherwise, as may appear t o them best, to make a thorough and careful study of the American Patent situation, and t o prepare and submit a comprehensive report and recommendations to Congress for such changes, if any, as may, as t h e result of their study, appear to them expedient, whether in the Patent Office, in t h e method of Court procedure, or in the organic Patent Law, and recommendations as t o the Legislation they would propose for effecting said changes. And t h a t we further respectfully urge t h a t the Congress make ample provision for the expenses of said Commission, and BE IT REsoI.vED.-That we respectfully urge the Congress of the United States to hold in abeyance all proposed Legislation affecting the Patent System in whatsoever way until such time as the said Commission shall have had ample opportunity to hold t h e said hearings, and make t h e said study and report, and
