February, 1923
INDUSTRIAL A N D ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
The Syracuse Section H E Syracuse Section is to be congratulated upon one of the pieces of work recently completed. This is a collection of the titles of papers and names of authors representing all contributions to chemical literature made by members of the Syracuse Section during the past twenty years. The list may not be complete, but it gives some indication of the productivity of the members of the section. It is arranged alphabetically by subjects, under some of which are many entries. The breadth of interest is surprising. The number, of subjects indexed is sixty and the total number of titles is one hundred twenty-one. We have previously commented upon the desirability of writing chemical history, both in local sections and in the chemical departments of our universities and colleges. The Syracuse Section has made a good beginning. It would be interesting to learn how other sections compare on a pro rata basis in their contributions to the advancement of chemistry.
Wanted-An American Federation of Chemical Industries E HAVE always believed in the principle of deciding upon a few definite objectives and then working consistently and persistently to attain them. Once an objective has been chosen, it is surprising how many small things can be made to contribute to its attainment. The most wonderful demonstration of forgetting differences in the successful accomplishment of a task was that gettogether movement called “winning the war.” Americans seem to work together best when there is an emergency and when there is a definite objective. An emergency still confronts the chemical industry. It is not firmly established. It is not sufficiently integrated and cohesive. Any observer will note that as a whole it, proceeds apparently without a well-defined purpose, and that the various organizations, not to mention their component parts, too often use the word “we,’ editorially and not in the true cooperative sense. “Cooperation” when correctly spelled requires only the two letters “w” and “e.” Suspicion and selfishness cloud the goal toward which all should work. There is much independent effort but little coordination. There is but little agreement as to ways and means, much duplication of effort, and apparently no apportionment of the work on a well-thought-out plan. If the chemical industry is the key industry we claim it to be, and basic to success in peace and safety in war, then we must insist on that broadmindedness which makes an individual or a corporation a little less selfish and a little more willing to work over the rough places for the sake of the ultimate reward. Each member of a successful team of stars plays with reference to his fellows; otherwise they could easily be defeated by any well-trained team of determined though mediocre men. The experience through which our industry has been passing should serve as training to produce the team work that insures success. Several worthy organizations, representing special groups of interests in the industry, are already at work. There may be some duplication of membership, but there is little duplication of effort. Their paths seem too divergent for that. The next step is the formation of an American federation of chemical industries in which all interests should be adequately represented, and from which should issue plans to be followed uniformly by all participants. I n our school readers
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there was the story of the man who called his several sons together, gave them a bundle of sticks, and bade them break it. All failed, but when the bundle was separated, the individual sticks could be snapped with ease. The component parts of the chemical industry must be bound together with a unity of purpose and a will to work for it. Inspired with a comprehensive vision of what real research means, we shall have the strength to resist all efforts to destroy this industry which has cost so much in the building.
The Importance of a Name ERHAPS one of the most important contributions of P the AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETYt o the nomenclature has been the word “methanol,” coined, we believe, by one of our committees to which the late Dr. Baskerville devoted much of his thought and effort, The term has been accepted by many of the large manufacturers, by the Forest Products Laboratory, the Tariff Commission, and scientists generally. The National Wood Chemical Association has just adopted this term, and the following paragraph is quoted from its announcement : Our Association has given the matter due consideration and at a recent meeting of the Board of Governors adopted a resolution recommending that the term “wood alcohol” be discontinued and the term “crude methanol” or “refined methanol” used hereafter as the case might be. Railroad companies will be requested to make such changes in their classifications and tariffs as they may consider necessary to apply the same rates on shipments of “methanol” as are now published on shipments of wood alcohol, and your cooperation in effecting this change will do much towards accomplishing the desired result.
There is much work to be done in the revision of the nomenclature of any science, and a great part of it has to do with simplification and exactitude. It is, therefore, highly gratifying when we are able to contribute a word, the importance of which can actually be measured in terms of the saving of human life.
New Relationships N SOME quarters there is impatience because of what is Irules thought to be unnecessary delay in the formulation of and regulations to govern importations under the new tariff act, and in the assessment of duties. The problem is a very complex one which cannot be solved with quite the rapidity that has been possible in previous instances after the passage of tariff acts. Heretofore, tariff has been considered a matter between the Government and the importers. Other interests were scarcely recognized and rarely consulted. For the first time in the history of tariff matters, not only is serious consideration being given to the interests of other groups, but their assistance and counsel are being sought. We refer to such committees as have been appointed to aid the United States customs-appraising officers in New York in formulating suitable rules and regulations for the assessment of duty on imported dyes under the provisions of the Tariff Act of 1922. These committees, on which are represented the importers, American manufacturers, consumers, and those importers who also manufacture in America, are preparing lists of noncompetitive dyes, and it requires no imagination to foresee the potential importance of their service. We believe this new policy is commendable and, if followed out to its logical conclusion, should guarantee justice to the interests of the various groups concerned, including the ultimate consumer.
