time or energy t o follow all its many ramifications. How, then, can one hope that the teachers of general chemistry, organic, or physiological chemistry will he able or willing t o take time and energy t o adequately present the physical chemistry needed by their students? If physical chemistry were required of all premedical students in America, i t would mean more than a doubling of the present enrolment in this subject. The premedical student would simply be substituting the 2 or 3 hours of physical chemistry for some of his present electives. Each of us knows of some of these electives, typified by certain foreign students who elect t o continue the study of their mother tongue not hecause they learn anything new but because they need the hours. Perhaps some of us may now or in the future have the opportunity t o help revamp the requirements of the American Association of Medical Colleges. If so, is it too much t o hope that physical chemistry may be given a place among the definite requirements of premedical students? I n the meantime each one can, in his own college, direct attention t o the fact t h a t there is a branch of chemistry known as physical chemistry and that its study will be profitable t o anyone who expects t o become a physician.
UNITED STATES CIVIL-SERVICE EXAMINATION
The United States Civil-Swice Commission announces an open competitive examination for Junior Patent Examiner, at an entrance salary of $2000 per year. The examination is to fill vacancies in the Patent Office, Washington, D. C. Applications must be on file with the Civil-Service Commission at Wwhington, D. C., not later than March 5th. The duties are to perform elementary scientificor technical work in the examination of applications for patents; to see what the alleged inventor thinks he has produced that is new; and to see that the disclosure is complete: and to investigate the prior art as represented by patents already granted in the United States and various foreign countries and by the descriptions in technical literature. Competitors will be rated on physics, technics, mechanical drawings, and the optional subject or subjects chosen. The optionals are (1) mechanical engineering, (2) physical and organic chemistry, (3) chemical engineering, (4) civil engineering, (5) electrical en&eeriw. French or Getman, or both, may also he included if desired. Qualifying i n the language test increaxs the prohlhility of appointment. I:ull idomntion may be obtained from the 1:nitrd States Civil-Service Commission. Washington, D. C., or from the secretary of the United States Civil-Service Board of Examiners at the post o5ce or customhouse in any city.
Heavy Aluminum Kettles No Better than Thii. Heavy aluminum cooking utensils are shown to be no more efficientthan less expensive lighter weight kettles, as the result of careful experiments by Catherine Landreth of Dunedin, New Zealand, research specialist in home emnomics now working at the University of Washington.-Science Service
